Safeguarding and Independent Reviewing Officer

6 months contract with a local authority Umbrella Pay Rate: £40.98 per hour umbrella Summary The Safeguarding and Independent Reviewing Officer is a vital position within the Local Authority, dedicated to safeguarding children and ensuring positive outcomes for young people. This role involves acting as an independent chair for Child Protection Conferences and Statutory Looked After Children Reviews, ensuring adherence to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019, and related legislation.

The officer is responsible for providing thorough scrutiny, quality assurance, and oversight of safeguarding practices, care planning, and service delivery, ensuring that children's voices are prioritised in all decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

Chair statutory reviews for Looked After Children in line with relevant legislation and guidelines. Lead Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences and other safeguarding meetings. Facilitate complex multi-agency meetings to ensure effective participation and high-quality decision-making. Ensure that decisions made in conferences and reviews are child-focused and in the best interests of the child.

Oversee children's care journeys and advocate for positive outcomes. Scrutinize and challenge the quality and effectiveness of Care and Support Plans, Child Protection Plans, and Looked After Children Care Plans. Escalate concerns when plans do not adequately safeguard or promote children's welfare. Conduct practice audits and quality assurance activities.

Analyse safeguarding performance data to identify trends, risks, strengths, and areas for improvement. Prepare performance reports and recommendations for senior management.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience within statutory Children’s Services. Extensive experience working with children, young people, and families in safeguarding settings. Experience with Looked After Children and Child Protection processes. Degree, Diploma, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent recognized Social Work qualification.

Registration with Social Care Wales. Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Enhanced DBS required. Social Care Wales Registration required. Additional Information Working hours: 37 hours per week. Location: Churton Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 3ND, United Kingdom. Work pattern: To be discussed during the interview.

Bi-weekly payment schedule. The role closes on 30th October 2026, apply ASAP.