Independent Safeguarding And Reviewing Officer - Children'S Social Care

Are you passionate about delivering excellent services to Children and Young People and want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation?

We have an exciting opportunity for a 9-month Internal Secondment/Fixed-Term position in the Independent Safeguarding and Review Service
, as one of our team has been seconded to another part of the service.

As an Independent Safeguarding and Reviewing Officer
, you will be chairing Child Protection Conferences, leading those meetings restoratively to arrive at the best plan for families, as well as working collaboratively with social work teams to ensure that plans are progressing.

During the period of this secondment, we will bring in Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams in the Families First reforms. You will be part of developing those teams and the role of the Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Devon, and in the last part of your secondment you will be undertaking the LCPP role yourself.

About the Role

You will be a recognised practice expert, leading and guiding multi-agency decision-making to ensure children are protected from harm and receive the support they need to thrive. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, families and partners to promote restorative approaches, deliver high-quality safeguarding interventions and strengthen outcomes for children and young people across Devon.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Chairing Child Protection Conferences (and as Lead Child Protection Practitioner, chairing Strategy Discussions).
• Providing expert oversight of Child Protection Plans (and as Lead Child Protection Practitioner, oversight of Section 47 enquiries).
• Supporting children, families and professionals through restorative approaches to safeguarding.
• Acting as a source of specialist advice, guidance, coaching and mentoring for practitioners and managers.
• Leading quality assurance activity and contributing to service improvement and practice development.
• Working strategically with partners to identify emerging themes, address barriers and improve outcomes for children.

About You

We're looking for a highly skilled and knowledgeable social work professional who is passionate about safeguarding children and improving practice.

You will bring:

• Significant frontline child protection experience within Children's Social Care.
• In-depth knowledge of statutory safeguarding legislation and child protection practice.
• Experience of chairing complex multi-agency safeguarding meetings.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and analytical skills.
• Experience of working collaboratively across agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
• The confidence and credibility to provide professional challenge, influence decision-making and support practice excellence.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.

Why Apply?

This role offers a unique opportunity to:

• Shape and influence child protection practice across Devon.
• Lead innovative, restorative approaches to safeguarding.
• Support the development of social work practice and professional standards.
• Work alongside a wide range of multi-agency partners.
• Make a lasting difference to the safety, wellbeing and outcomes of children and young people.

Closing Date: 27/7/2026

Interview Date: 31/7/2026

Independent Safeguarding and Reviewing Officer - Children's Social Care
• Exeter, UK