Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

• Lead various meetings, including:
  
  
  
  • Child Protection Conferences
    
    
  
  
  • Review Child Protection Conferences
    
    
  
  
  • Looked After Children Reviews
    
    
  
  
  • Part 4 Meetings
    
    
  
  
  • Strategy Meetings
    
    
  
  
  • Professional Position of Trust Meetings
    
    
  
  
  • Disruption Meetings as needed
    
    
  
  


• Serve as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) for Looked After Children.
  
  


• Assess and oversee the quality and efficacy of safeguarding and care plans.
  
  


• Address and escalate issues when children's needs are unmet.
  
  


• Ensure compliance with statutory timelines.
  
  


• Advocate for the child's perspective in care planning and reviews.
  
  


• Facilitate effective multi-agency safeguarding responses.
  
  


• Offer expert safeguarding advice to:
  
  
  
  • Social Workers
    
    
  
  
  • Team Managers
    
    
  
  
  • Partner Agencies
    
    
  
  
  • Senior Leaders
    
    
  
  


• Ensure adherence to:
  
  
  
  • Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014
    
    
  
  
  • Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019
    
    
  
  
  • Adoption and Children Act 2002
    
    
  
  
  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
    
    
  
  
  • Relevant Welsh Government guidance
    
    
  
  


• Generate management reports and quality assurance data.
  
  


• Analyze practice trends and identify areas for improvement.
  
  


• Participate in audits and quality assurance initiatives.
  
  


• Support the development and innovation of safeguarding services.
  
  


• Contribute to training, mentoring, and workforce development programs.
  
  


• Address complaints related to children and young people.
  
  


• Collaborate with regional safeguarding boards and partner organizations.
  
  

Essential

• Qualified and Registered Social Worker.
  
  


• Registration with Social Care Wales.
  
  


• Degree or Postgraduate Qualification in Social Work or a related field.
  
  


• Extensive experience in:
  
  
  
  • Child Protection
    
    
  
  
  • Safeguarding
    
    
  
  
  • Looked After Children Services
    
    
  
  
  • Quality Assurance
    
    
  
  
  • Independent Reviewing Officer Services
    
    
  
  


• In-depth knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
    
    
  
  
  • Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014
    
    
  
  
  • Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019
    
    
  
  
  • Adoption and Children Act 2002
    
    
  
  
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
    
    
  
  


• Proven experience in leading complex multi-agency meetings.
  
  


• Ability to challenge practices and escalate concerns effectively.
  
  


• Strong skills in safeguarding and risk assessment.
  
  


• Experience in conducting quality assurance and audit activities.
  
  


• Proficient in report writing and communication.
  
  


• Capability to represent the Council confidently in multi-agency meetings.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in team management or senior management roles.
  
  


• Practice Teacher Award (PTA) or equivalent.
  
  


• Post-qualifying award in Child Care or Child Protection.
  
  


• Experience in supervising staff.
  
  


• Proficiency in the Welsh language.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• Competitive hourly rate of £51.02 (Umbrella)
  
  


• 3 Month Contract
  
  


• Hybrid working model
  
  


• Enhanced DBS Required
  
  


• Bi-weekly pay
  
  


• Opportunity to work within a highly regarded safeguarding and quality assurance service
  
  


• Influence on safeguarding practices and outcomes for children and young people
  
  


• Engagement in strategic safeguarding, quality assurance, and service improvement activities