Your New Organisation

Children Services – OFSTED RATING 2024 – GOOD

“Many workers have chosen to both live and work in Southend.  They have seen positive cultural changes in the organisation and describe Southend as not just being a good place to live but now also a good place to work.”

“Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support”

CPD

“The training and development offered in Southend is comprehensive and equips staff effectively to deliver their work with children and families.

LEADERS INPUT

“Leaders understand their local communities and have used this knowledge strategically and effectively to meet children’s needs”

Our vision is A Southend Where All Children Achieve Success. By joining Southend City Council as a Team Manager you will be key in making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that: 

• All paths lead back to the child.
• We spend time getting to know each child and their story.
• We do what we say we’re going to do.
• We work with the whole family.
• No matter what, we aim to make things better. 

Your new role

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full time, permanent Independent Reviewing Officer.

The successful candidates will be joining a service committed to ensuring plans for children in our care are progressed without delay and lead to improved outcomes for children. 

As the newly appointed IRO, you will be required to chair child protection conferences in line with SET Child Protection Procedures and Working Together to Safeguard Children. You will review the cases of children who are looked after and take all necessary decisions to confirm the child’s care plan and raise any concerns about the progression of plans for children with the relevant social worker and manager and if needed, use formal escalation processes. Ensure that the post-18 planning is in place.

The IRO will support the council in meeting Ofsted requirements and may also cover ICPCs due to the increased volume experienced in 2026.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available, the hybrid days will depend on the needs of the team.

You must be a driver with access to a car.

What you’ll need to succeed

To be successful in this position you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with the Social Work England.

You are required to have statutory local authority children’s services experience along with experience of improving outcomes for children who are being harmed, including children who experience domestic abuse and chronic neglect.

You will need to have the ability to engage in a restorative manner with parents, carers and children in order for them to know they are central to all aspects of planning. As well as having the ability to share expertise in the field of child protection with social workers, social work managers and partner agencies.

You will have strong communication skills, both verbally and written, and have the ability to organise and manage a varied workload.

What you’ll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply online’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

If you are wanting further information that isn’t in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.