At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for children, chair reviews, and ensure their needs are prioritised.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to safeguarding and empowering communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in children's lives while working collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with five years' experience in children's social work.
The predicted salary is between 53051 - 54143 £ per year.
As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you'll be a strong advocate for children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs remain at the centre of planning and decision-making. Working across Children's Services and partner agencies, you'll provide independent oversight, chair statutory Cared For Reviews and Child Protection Conferences, in addition to offering constructive challenge in order to help achieve the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children.
This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced social work professional who is passionate about safeguarding, high-quality practice and making a lasting difference to children's lives.
In line with the Independent Reviewing Officer Handbook, applicants must be a qualified social worker with a minimum of five years' post-qualifying experience in children's social work. This role is available on a permanent basis.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Mark Casey by email at mark.casey@cumberland.gov.uk.
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is: Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 24th November 2026
Interview date: 3rd December 2026
If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk. Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Independent Reviewing Officer - CMB2789i employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values public service and community engagement. Employees benefit from a permanent position with competitive pay, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to work-life balance in the vibrant town of Workington. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer - CMB2789i
✨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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Reviewing Officer - CMB2789i
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 Cumberland Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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.
