Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer – 3 Month Contract

Location: 31 Chester Street, Wrexham, LL13 8BG
Rate: £51.02 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 Days Office Based / 3 Days Remote (including visits)
DBS: Enhanced DBS Required
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Wrexham County Borough Council is in search of a seasoned Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer (ISRO) to become a part of the Safeguarding People Team. This pivotal statutory position is crucial for ensuring that children under Child Protection Plans and Looked After Children arrangements receive comprehensive safeguarding, care planning, and review processes in accordance with legislative requirements, Welsh Government directives, and safeguarding protocols. The role demands an independent approach to evaluating practices, challenging inadequate decision-making, leading complex multi-agency meetings, and prioritizing the child's perspective in all planning and decision-making processes.

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

Requirements

Requirements:

• 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
  

This role is ideal for individuals with experience as an Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer, Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), Child Protection Chair, Safeguarding Manager, Quality Assurance Officer, Child Protection Coordinator, Senior Social Worker, Practice Improvement Officer, or Team Manager within Children's Services.