Investigator

Social Work England; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for social work in England is seeking 3 investigators to handle fitness to practise investigations. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and communication skills to ensure thorough investigations. Responsibilities include managing a complex caseload, drafting reports, and maintaining accurate records. The role offers a salary of £34,085, rising after 6 months, and includes benefits such as 25 days annual leave and hybrid working arrangements. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to inclusion and support for vulnerable individuals.

Benefits

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee recognition scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate sensitively and professionally with vulnerable people.
• Experience of working under pressure and managing competing deadlines.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records using a case management system.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of investigations.
• Deliver quality investigations through effective planning and case management.
• Draft high quality written reports in line with departmental guidance.

Skills

Customer service skills

Analytical skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Prioritisation and organisational skills

Experience of multi‑agency working

Job description

The Role

At Social Work England, we are the specialist regulator for social work in England, committed to enabling positive change in the profession and improving lives across the country. Every day, social workers make a real difference, supporting millions of people to enhance their opportunities and wellbeing. We share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, foster collaboration, and drive positive outcomes.

As an investigator you will use your analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills to conduct robust, high‑quality investigations with the purpose of supporting Social Work England’s overall objectives to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety, and wellbeing of the public.

Please note there are 3 permanent positions available.

What you will do

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of fitness to practise investigations, progressing cases in accordance with procedures and deadlines.
• Ensure timely investigations by prioritising work independently, managing your own workload and using initiative and problem‑solving skills to manage competing demands.
• Deliver quality investigations through effective investigation planning, case management and risk assessment, in accordance with departmental guidance and procedures.
• Analyse and assess information, applying a high level of attention to detail and an awareness of the relevant legal frameworks.
• Draft high quality written reports in line with departmental guidance and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders by providing consistent and quality customer service.
• Manage large quantities of sensitive information in accordance with data protection legislation and our data management policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and case information using the case management system.
• Be a change champion, assisting with implementing change within a team.

Your Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Customer service skills, with the ability to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships and communicate sensitively and professionally with a range of vulnerable people.
• The ability to identify key issues, summarising in a clear concise manner and make evidence‑based recommendations, utilising a risk‑based approach.
• Experience of working under pressure in a busy, demanding, environment using prioritisation and organisational skills when managing competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records, case information and other records using a case management system.
• Analytical skills and an ability to explore investigative options with an attention to detail.
• The ability to creatively troubleshoot and resolve problems and to champion and implement continuous improvement.
• Experience of working flexibly and collaboratively.
• Experience of multi‑agency working and of sharing sensitive information, managing risk and maintaining confidentiality with stakeholders.
• A track record of respectful, open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Details

• Job type: Permanent (3x positions available)
• Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need.
• Salary: £34,085 per year, rising to £36,520 per year after successful completion of a 6‑month probationary period.
• Location: Sheffield/Hybrid

Benefits

• Hybrid working, expectation of attending the Sheffield offices 20‑40% of the working week (1‑2 days)
• 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
• The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
• A TIDE award winning inclusive culture, made up of staff networks, social events and forums.
• A pension scheme, life insurance, an employee recognition scheme and cycle to work scheme.

Application

During the application process, you’ll be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. These answers will be what your application is scored on, please answer in as much detail as possible using examples where necessary.

To apply, complete the application form by the closing date.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful at interview, we will carry out a series of routine pre‑employment checks. These include verifying your references, confirming your right to work in the UK, and completing a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. These checks are conducted in partnership with our third‑party provider, Amiqus, who will guide you through the process. Please note that all offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of these checks. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our recruitment team via [e-mail] and our team will be happy to help.

Contact

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, or would like to discuss the role, please contact [e-mail].