Service Manager Independent Reviewing Team

Service Manager for the Independent Reviewing Team
Grade 11- Grade 11- £66378- £73602pa

The post holder will be the operational lead for the delivery of statutory Independent Reviewing Officer Service ensuring they undertake their responsibility to monitor and improve the quality of social work practice in line with current legislation, guidance and good practice.

The post holder will be the operational lead for the delivery of statutory Independent Reviewing Officer Service ensuring they undertake their responsibility to monitor and improve the quality of social work practice in line with current legislation, guidance and good practice.

• Ensure compliance with the statutory duties for the delivery of child protection, Child in Need, and Child in Care reviews.
• Provides strategic oversight, support and advice to operational services within the Starting Well Department Children’s social care in line with national guidance.
• Leads a robust child-focused service that contributes to keeping children in Havering safe and achieves improved outcomes by promoting high standards of practice in planning and reviewing arrangements for the protection and care of children. Implements, delivers and monitors practice under the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) providing challenge and embedding practice improvements to ensure positive outcomes. This will include undertaking audits as necessary.
• Ensures compliance with relevant management information requirements for all national and local performance indicators and to establish plans to improve performance where required. This will include tracking team performance, weekly performance data and analysis and producing assurance reports for the Senior Management Team as delegated by the Head of Service for Practice or other senior leaders as required.

About You

The successful candidate will be a confident and compassionate leader who demonstrates integrity, professionalism and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. You will be highly skilled in building respectful relationships, working systemically and influencing practice across a range of services and agencies, ensuring that the voice of the child remains central to all decision-making.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Extensive post-qualification experience within statutory children’s services, including evidence of continuous professional development.
• Proven experience of working strategically and operationally at management level, with a track record of driving practice improvement and delivering positive outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex change within large organisations and influencing service provision across partner agencies.
• Experience of chairing complex meetings and maintaining independence in escalating practice concerns, including liaison with CAFCASS in line with statutory guidance.

Key Qualities and Attributes

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and support a team of qualified and experienced social workers.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to produce high-quality reports for a range of audiences including senior leaders.
• Ability to provide constructive challenge and professional advice to improve practice standards.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring these principles are embedded in all aspects of service delivery.
• Resilience and adaptability to work effectively in a changing environment, embracing innovation and continuous improvement.

Non-Negotiable Qualities

• Child-centred approach with a relentless focus on safeguarding and improving outcomes.
• Professional integrity and independence in decision-making.
• Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining accountability for statutory responsibilities.

Commitment to the Council’s iCare values and behaviours in all aspects of work.

Please view Job Profilehere

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Charmaine.malcolm@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 23.01.2026 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

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