Safeguarding & Review Manager
Job Description
About the Role
Join us on our Restorative Journey of Improvement to deliver the best outcomes for children and families in Herefordshire.
We are seeking a committed and experienced Safeguarding & Review Manager to join our Safeguarding and Review Service. In this pivotal role, you will work directly with children in care, chairing review meetings and ensuring that all care plans are child-focused, outcome-driven, and compliant with statutory guidance.
You will lead on quality assurance, challenge underperformance, and influence practice across the wider system. As a key leader, you’ll advocate for children and be instrumental in driving continuous improvement, safeguarding standards, and aspirational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
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Chair statutory review meetings for children in care, ensuring plans are SMART and focused on long-term outcomes.
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Provide leadership and oversight to improve practice quality and ensure safeguarding standards are met.
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Hold professionals accountable for progress and outcomes, and constructively challenge poor practice.
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Maintain comprehensive knowledge of statutory guidance, including The IRO Handbook and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
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Work in partnership with families, carers, and agencies to promote child-centred planning and decision-making.
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Support the development of specialist areas of practice and drive system-wide improvements.
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Provide cover within the Child Protection Conference Service where required.
Essential Skills & Experience
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Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
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Significant experience in a relevant role such as Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), Child Protection Chair, or Team Manager.
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Strong understanding of child development, attachment, loss, and the impact of trauma.
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In-depth knowledge of child safeguarding legislation and multi-agency working.
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Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information with clarity and professionalism.
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Skilled in developing, reviewing, and scrutinizing care plans to ensure they are effective and outcome-driven.
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Confident in using authority appropriately, while maintaining respectful and inclusive relationships with children and families.
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Excellent organizational and time-management abilities in a high-pressure environment.
Desirable Experience
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Previous leadership experience in a children’s social care setting.
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Knowledge of Human Rights and Equal Opportunities legislative frameworks.
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Ability to write high-quality, analytical reports.
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Proven ability to lead practice improvement and influence cross-agency collaboration.
What We Offer
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Salary: £51,356 – £55,915 per annum
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Market Rate Supplement: Additional £5,000 per annum
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Welcome Payment: One-off £10,000 for experienced social workers (conditions apply)
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Relocation Support: Up to £10,000
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Annual Leave: 31 days (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days
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Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
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Flexible Working: Including part-time, job-share, and some remote options
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Professional Development: Dedicated budget and protected time for learning
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Other Benefits:
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Employee Assistance Program
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Payment of professional registration fees
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Access to retail and leisure discounts through our benefits portal
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Why Join Herefordshire Council?
Herefordshire is a beautiful and welcoming rural county, with a strong community spirit and a commitment to supporting families. We are investing in our workforce and practice improvement in partnership with Leeds City Council, focusing on relational, restorative practice.
You’ll be joining a passionate and committed team with a clear focus on improving the lives of vulnerable children and families. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for progression, and a culture that values your professional input and wellbeing.
We are committed to safeguarding children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks.
How to Apply
Submit your CV and complete the supporting statement within the online application form, clearly addressing how you meet the requirements in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Please Note:
This role does not offer visa sponsorship. Only candidates with an existing right to work in the UK will be considered.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
We guarantee interviews for candidates who meet the essential criteria and are:
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Disabled (under the Disability Confident scheme)
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Armed Forces veterans or family members
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Care leavers from Herefordshire
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