Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend
Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family

Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend

Bridgend Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead statutory reviews and safeguard children’s welfare through collaborative planning.
  • Company: Join Bridgend, a progressive authority committed to transforming social care services.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, full training, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with at least three years' experience in Children's Services.
  • Other info: Welsh language skills are essential; DBS check required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

This is an exciting stage to join Bridgend which is recognised as an improved authority continuing to embed and sustain change. We are proud of the changes we have made and that people want to come and work with us. You will join a group of committed and enthusiastic professionals, who are working hard to transform our services.

You will actively contribute to the ongoing improvement of practice standards and development of skills across the Directorate. Bridgend Children's Social Care is embedding Signs of Safety Practice Model and your role as an IRO will be fundamental to supporting the continuation of this Social Work model both in Safeguarding work with families and in work with children who are Care Experienced. You will receive full training in how to use this model of working.

The team perform an essential role in the quality assurance process to ensure best outcomes for children. The Role requires Chairing Statutory Review meetings for all Care Experienced Children and Child Protection (safeguarding) conferences in person. You will work collaboratively with children, young people and their families to ensure plans are reviewed with robust oversight and coproduced in a meaningful way.

You will work closely with Partner agencies, to facilitate sound, defensible decision making and effective planning. You will be fully aware of quality assurance frameworks and the need for continuous development of practice and the IRO role in supporting the Directorate in this matter.

As a registered Social Worker, you will need to have an embedded understanding of the Children Act 1989, the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 and a knowledge and understanding of the role of the Independent Reviewing officer, as required by the Adoption and Children Act 2002, and the IRO Standards, associated legislation and guidance, as well as at least three years' experience of working in Children's Services.

The ability to greet customers through the medium of Welsh is a requirement for this post. Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all council employees. An Enhanced with Children's Barred list criminal records check by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) is a requirement for this post. The council's Hybrid Working Policy applies to this post. This provides a framework for establishing how you will undertake working hours between your home and the office.

Closing Date: 13 May 2026

Shortlisting Date: 21 May 2026

Interview Date: 03 June 2026

Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend employer: BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Bridgend is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Independent Reviewing Officers dedicated to transforming children's services. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training in the Signs of Safety Practice Model and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The council's hybrid working policy further enhances work-life balance, making Bridgend an attractive place for passionate professionals seeking rewarding careers in social care.
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Contact Detail:

BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. We want you to show how your skills align with their mission, especially in areas like safeguarding and quality assurance. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing improvements!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. We suggest focusing on common questions related to child protection and your experience in Children’s Services to really shine during the real deal.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference in children’s lives, just like you!

We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend

Understanding of the Children Act 1989
Knowledge of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014
Familiarity with the Adoption and Children Act 2002
Knowledge of IRO Standards and associated legislation
Experience in Children's Services
Chairing Statutory Review meetings
Collaboration with children, young people, and families
Quality assurance frameworks
Effective planning and decision making
Communication Skills
Commitment to safeguarding
Ability to work within a team
Adaptability to change
Training in Signs of Safety Practice Model

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at Bridgend.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in Children’s Services. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve applied your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and the IRO Standards in your previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

✨Know Your Legislation

Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014. Understanding these laws will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Signs of Safety

Since this role involves using the Signs of Safety Practice Model, it’s crucial to understand its principles. Think about how you can apply this model in real-life scenarios and be ready to discuss your thoughts during the interview.

✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions

As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you'll be working closely with families and partner agencies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, focusing on communication and decision-making skills.

✨Showcase Your Quality Assurance Knowledge

Be ready to talk about your experience with quality assurance frameworks. Highlight any specific instances where you contributed to improving practice standards, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for continuous development.

Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Location: Bridgend

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