Independent Safeguarding Reviewing Officer

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

Do you want to join a Local Authority who continually strives to improve services for children, young people and their families within North Somerset?  Our vision is to make North Somerset a truly great place for children and young people to thrive, where all have the best possible life and opportunities, including those who are vulnerable and/or have special educational or additional needs.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Social Worker or Social Work Manager to come and join our Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Team as an Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer (ISRO). This is a varied role reflecting the size of the organisation. Our ISRO’s have responsibility for quality assuring the care planning and statutory review process for children and young people in the care of the Local Authority, chairing regular child in care reviews and monitoring progress of care planning. You will also chair Child Protection Conferences in line with current North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures, as well as having quality assurance oversight for the duration of those plans. You will also have a key role in contributing towards the development of quality assurance activity across Children’s Services along with other colleagues ensuring service standards and impact upon children are adhered to.

North Somerset is embedding the Signs of Safety model into practice. CP conferences and children in care reviews reflect this and the ISRO/CP chairs need to be familiar with using this model to work with families and ensure children are supported by the best plans. You will need to have a sound knowledge of childcare legislation, safeguarding, inter-agency policies and procedures and current developments in children’s services.  You will require substantial experience of working with children in care and children who are subject to child protection plans, including complex legal proceedings. 

This role requires flexible working and an ability to prioritise and manage your own workload, as well as having good IT and report writing skills.  In return we offer a supportive team environment; we are committed to continuous professional development and offer regular supervision and annual appraisal.

In this role, you will have the following key responsibilities; 

• Responsible for chairing Statutory Reviews for Children in Care, Child Protection Case Conferences and managing allegations against staff and volunteers (LADO)
• Ensuring statutory childcare duties are met, national minimum standards and regulations are complied with, high standards of recognised professional practice are delivered. Work effectively with partners from other agencies to support individual children and families and improve their life chances
• To promote full and active participation of children and their families in meetings, including meeting children on their own and seeking their views to inform care planning and wishes and feelings
• To chair statutory multi-disciplinary, multi- agency meetings in order to minimise risk of harm to children subject to Child Protection Plans and Children in Care. To promote stability and permanency. 
• The role will support the LADO function]

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Social Work Qualification (DipSW/CQSW/CSS) Registered with Social Work, England
• At least 5 years post qualification experience of statutory childcare work including child protection and children in care
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure certificate (relevant applications and checks will be carried out before any job offer is confirmed)
• Demonstrate ability to
  • Show initiative and self-reliance
  • demonstrate good communication skills - oral and written.
  • be adaptable and able to respond to requests or requirements at short notice.
  • be able to work effectively with families, young people and other agencies.
  • be able to provide direction to others.
  • be able to assess risks and work positively with families to develop a protection plan.
  • be able to prioritise work and deliver to deadlines

Desirable Criteria:

• Management qualification 

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Susan Gambier, Team Leader on 07385 039416

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: To be advised.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated.  We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.