IRO / CP Advisor

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Advisor

Initial 3-month interim contract to start late July 2025
North London Local Authority
£40 – £45 per hour
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working


CVs are being reviewed immediately with the expectation to start 21st July.


Baltimore Consulting are currently partnered with a North London Local Authority who are seeking an experienced and driven Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Advisor to join their Safeguarding Partnership and Quality Assurance service. This is a dual-role post with responsibility for both chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Children Reviews, with a focus on improving outcomes, maintaining compliance, and embedding a strong quality assurance culture.
The successful candidate will be a confident, child-focused practitioner who can constructively challenge practice, influence change, and ensure statutory responsibilities are met across safeguarding and care planning.

Your Role as IRO & Child Protection Advisor:

• Chair Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews in line with statutory duties and the IRO Handbook.
• Provide independent oversight of safeguarding and care planning, ensuring a robust challenge where practice falls short.
• Promote the voice and rights of the child in all planning and decision-making.
• Support continuous service improvement and contribute to the Quality Assurance Framework.
• Guide and mediate with social workers and multi-agency professionals to promote high standards of safeguarding practice.
• Maintain accurate records and produce high-quality reports that reflect clear analysis and decision-making.
• Identify and escalate areas of drift, delay, or risk in care plans and child protection processes.
• Contribute to transformation and service development initiatives across Children’s Social Care.

Your Previous Experience as an IRO & CPA:

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
• Significant experience in child protection, safeguarding, and care planning within a local authority setting.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities (Children Act 1989, Care Planning Regs, IRO Handbook)
• Proven ability to chair complex multi-agency meetings and support professionals with reflective practice.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills, with a commitment to child-centred practice.
• Familiarity with case management systems and confident in maintaining detailed, evidence-based records.
• Enhanced DBS and ability to work in a hybrid capacity.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, please contact Lucy Connick on 0117 3137110 or apply today.
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact.)
Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.