Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer

Brackenberry; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority support agency is seeking a Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer in Swindon for a 4-month contract. The role focuses on safeguarding children and involves approving care plans, organizing high-level meetings, and providing expert support. Candidates must hold a Diploma in Social Work, have 5 years of experience, and be registered with Social Work England. Immediate availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• Registration with Social Work England (SWE) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience.
• Full UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Organise and chair statutory meetings, including Child Protection Conferences.
• Lead the Local Authority Allegations Management process.
• Approve care plans for children prior to judicial agreement.
• Ensure senior leaders understand the quality of practice through reporting.
• Support children and families in decision-making.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice.
• Manage multiple deadlines effectively.

Skills

Expert knowledge of childcare legislation

Analysis and reporting

Leadership and management

Safeguarding advice

Education

Diploma in Social Work (DiPSW), CQSW, CSS, or equivalent

Job description

We are working closely alongside with a local authority in Swindon to assist with the appointment of a Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer on a 4-months contract, highly likely to be extended at client’s discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Rate of Pay

£34.30- £46.53 per hour

Hours per week

21

Summary

As an experienced and highly skilled Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer (QARO), you will be pivotal in driving high-quality, strengths-based practice and culture across Swindon's Children's Services. This role requires a specialism as an Independent Fostering Reviewing Officer. You will provide independent, professional oversight and rigorous challenge to ensure statutory and regulatory safeguarding requirements are not only met (Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, Care Planning Regulations), but exceeded, resulting in improved outcomes for children, young people, and their families. The QARO is accountable for ensuring that children and young people are central to decision-making, that their voice is heard, and that their right to family life is championed throughout all assessment and planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Organise, facilitate, and chair a range of high-level statutory meetings, including Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need (CIN) Conferences, and Care Plan Reviews (Children in Care).
• Lead the Local Authority Allegations Management process via the provision of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) role, ensuring appropriate investigations of allegations against professionals working with children.
• Approve a child's care plan, including whether they should be adopted, prior to the plan being agreed by a Court.
• Ensure senior leaders and others fully understand the quality of practice across the directorate through confident analysis and reporting, influencing the practice system for continuous improvement.
• Ensure children, young people, and families are supported and enabled to fully express their views and take ownership of their plans.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and support to other professionals as needed.
• Manage multiple, competing deadlines and work effectively within frequently changing circumstances and conflicting priorities.

Essentials

• Diploma in Social Work (DiPSW), CQSW, CSS, or equivalent.
• Registration with Social Work England (SWE) is mandatory.
• Qualification in Leadership/Management.
• Minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience.
• Previous and recent management experience of supervising staff in a Children’s Social Care setting.
• Expert knowledge of current and relevant child care legislation, guidance, and procedures, particularly the Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, and Care Planning Regulations.
• Extensive experience managing complex Child Protection and Care for Children work, including cases where children may be removed from their parents' care.
• A full UK driving license.

Please note

• You should be available to work immediately or at short notice.
• You should have right to work in U.K.
• This role requires an Enhanced DBS.

Disclaimer

Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and are an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though opening assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.

Important

We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. In case the role requires an enhanced DBS, your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service.

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