independent Officer - Cardiff Council

Independent Officer (freelance) - Children's Services Complaints

 

Pay rate - £40 an hour (£12.50 for travel hours)

 

City of Cardiff Council 

 

Cardiff Council is seeking experienced and independent professionals to undertake the role of Independent Officer within Children’s Services complaints. Working on a freelance basis, you will investigate complaints made under the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales) at Stage 2. This is a vital role in ensuring complaints are handled fairly, transparently, and in line with statutory guidance, supporting accountability and continuous improvement across services for children and families.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

• Carry out independent investigations into Stage 2 complaints relating to Children’s Services

• Work alongside an Independent Person (where required) to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance

• Gather and analyse evidence, including case records, policies, and interviews with relevant parties

• Engage sensitively with complainants, families, advocates, and professionals

• Produce clear, balanced, and evidence-based investigation reports with findings and recommendations

• Ensure investigations comply with the Social Services Complaints Procedure (Wales) Regulations • Identify learning opportunities to support service improvement About You We are looking for individuals who have:

• Substantial experience in children’s social care, safeguarding, or complaint investigation work

• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and frameworks, including: o Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 o Children Act 1989 & 2004 o Welsh statutory complaints procedures

• Ability to conduct fair, thorough, and impartial investigations

• Excellent report-writing skills with the ability to present complex information clearly

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience managing sensitive situations

• The ability to work independently and manage assignments effectively A relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, legal, or investigative background) is desirable. ________________________________________

 

Additional Information

• This is a freelance, sessional role with work allocated on an as-needed basis

• You must be able to demonstrate independence from Cardiff Council’s Children’s Services

• The role involves dealing with sensitive and potentially distressing information, requiring professionalism and resilience

 

Benefits of working for Hoop:

• 20 years’ experience of the Social Work market
• Your local agency based in Cardiff
• Welsh-speaking consultant available should you wish to converse in Welsh throughout your job search 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
• PAYE and Umbrella payroll options available – you choose!
• Dedicated point of contact (support team to cover whilst on leave)
• Twice weekly payroll
• Actively supplying every Local Authority in South/West Wales and South West England
• Refer a friend scheme available
• Birthday gifts 🎂* (after 1 year in service)
• Wellbeing sessions

To apply for this role, you will need to hold -

• A relevant Social Work Qualification
• Registration with Social Care Wales
• Enhanced DBS registered on the update service or be happy to apply for a DBS
• 3 Years of referencing
• Driving license with access to a car

Given the nature of the role, only applications from individuals with a social work qualification and registration with either professional body - Social Care Wales / Social Work England can be considered. Please only apply if you meet this criteria.

 

Please contact Kate Bowen at Hoop Recruitment on 02922 400519 if you want to find out more.