At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection conferences and ensure children's voices are heard in safeguarding plans.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives and safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive induction, training opportunities, and paid membership renewals.
- Other info: Join a committed team focused on quality assurance and safeguarding practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping the future of safeguarding services.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and significant experience in children's social care required.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath and North East Somerset Council is looking for an experienced and dedicated Independent Chair. The role of Independent Chair sits within the Children’s Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Service and is part of the Education and Safeguarding Directorate.
The Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service is responsible for:
- The delivery of Child Protection Conferences and the oversight and review of children and young people subject to a child protection plan.
- The appointment of an Independent Reviewing Officer to all children placed in the care of the Local Authority.
- Managing allegations against a person in a position of trust, with the Local Authority Designated Officer providing oversight, advice and guidance to organisations working with children.
- Monitoring the quality of practice and providing feedback and challenge in order to promote the safety and welfare of children and their families.
The primary role of an Independent Chair is to ensure that the child remains central to the plans that are being made, that the wishes and feelings of children are taken into consideration and their rights recognised and respected. An Independent Chair is responsible for ensuring the plans in place for children promote their safety, meet their needs, and secure emotional, physical, and legal permanence.
Under the leadership of the Head of Service for Children’s Quality Assurance and Safeguarding, the Independent Chair will:
- Ensure that the wishes and feelings of children are heard and contribute towards the plans in place for the child and their family.
- Ensure multiagency work helps protect children and focuses upon the child’s lived experience.
- Ensure that plans for children and their families are progressing in a timely way and reaching the desired outcomes.
- Ensure that where children are unsafe there is timely intervention taken to safeguard them.
- Ensure there is no drift and delay in planning for children.
- Lead and facilitate children protection conferences and child in care reviews.
- Respond to allegations against a person in a position of trust, providing advice and guidance to agencies to ensure that allegations are dealt with in accordance with local and statutory guidance.
- Quality Assure social work practice and multiagency work to ensure the plans for children are leading towards desired outcomes which include stability and permanence.
As an Independent Chair, you will have a caseload reflective of your skills and expertise and will be supported to ensure that you have sufficient capacity to develop good relationships with children, their families, carers, and the professional networks surrounding them.
About you: Candidates must be able to demonstrate significant experience working in children’s social care with supervisory and/or relevant management experience. The role of Independent Chair requires a thorough understanding of the legal framework relating to children in care and care leavers, as well as the legal processes surrounding child protection.
Requirements of the independent chair:
- Degree or equivalent in social work
- Current registration with Social Work England
- Significant post qualifying experience in childcare social work
You can expect:
- A comprehensive induction
- A managed caseload (designated days/times for each Independent Chair when child protection conferences will be held)
- Monthly one-to-one supervision
- Opportunity to attend peer supervision
- Access to training and regional learning events
- Paid Social Work England membership renewals
- Attendance and participation at regional and national events
- Laptop and iPhone to promote flexible working
- Relocation payments where appropriate
- A stable and committed team, with significant experience
- Flexibility around working arrangements with opportunity to work from home and be office based
This role sits within a service that will be supporting what the future of support for children and families through the Families First Programme entails. As part of this transformation, the post is currently under review to ensure it aligns with our future service model. This offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to and be part of this development, while continuing to play a key role in delivering high-quality safeguarding and quality assurance practice.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. We are a Disability Confident Employer. The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Independent Chair Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Bath employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Bath & North East Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving lives through its commitment to safeguarding and quality assurance for children and families. With a supportive work culture that values flexibility, professional development, and a strong emphasis on collaboration, employees can expect comprehensive training, regular supervision, and opportunities to influence the future of child welfare services. The council's inclusive approach and focus on employee well-being make it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a difference in their community.
Contact Details:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Chair Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Bath
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Chair Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
