Senior Independent Reviewing Officer Manager x2 in Bristol

We are seeking two experienced and motivated Senior Reviewing Managers to lead our Children in Care Reviewing Service. One on a permanent basis and one on a fixed term basis until March 2027. This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring that children and young people in care receive high-quality, consistent support. You will lead a team of Independent Reviewing Officers, providing oversight, support and direction to ensure that statutory responsibilities are met and that care planning remains effective, timely and centred on children's needs. Alongside day-to-day service leadership, you will play a central role in quality assurance and service improvement. This includes reviewing the effectiveness of care plans, analysing performance information and working with colleagues across Children's Services and partner agencies to drive improvements in outcomes.

What you’ll be doing

• You will lead and manage the Children in Care Reviewing Service, ensuring that it operates effectively within the legislative framework and reflects best practice.
• This includes overseeing the work of Independent Reviewing Officers and supporting them to carry out their roles with appropriate challenge, independence and professional confidence.
• A key part of the role is maintaining oversight of the quality and impact of care planning and review processes.
• You will monitor performance, identify themes and areas for improvement, and provide clear reporting and analysis to senior leaders to support service development.
• You will also represent the service in a range of settings, including chairing multi‑agency meetings such as Child Protection Conferences where required.
• Working closely with partners, you will help ensure that plans are well‑coordinated and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
• In addition, you will contribute to strategic planning, policy development and continuous improvement activity across the service, helping to ensure practice remains aligned with statutory requirements and evolving national guidance.

About you

• A recognised Social Work qualification and relevant registration.
• Significant post‑qualifying experience in children’s social care, including safeguarding and children in care.
• Experience of leading or managing staff, services or projects.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
• You will be confident in analysing complex information, making balanced decisions and communicating effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Just as importantly, you will be able to build positive working relationships and promote inclusive, anti‑discriminatory practice within your team and across partner agencies.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working. Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

We’re a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We’ll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For permanent Bristol City Council employees, this post will be a secondment. For employees who are currently on a fixed term contract with Bristol City Council, the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed term period to ensure there is a substantive post to return to. If you are currently a casual worker or a member of an employment agency (currently working with Bristol City Council) this post will be a fixed term contract.

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.

The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.