Independent Chair, Safeguarding Quality Assurance

Job description

Job responsibilities

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

Are you a highly experienced social work professional with a passion for safeguarding and quality assurance? Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking a dedicated Independent Chair to lead adult safeguarding processes and drive service improvement through robust quality assurance.

About the Role

As an Independent Chair, you will play a key role in coordinating safeguarding enquiries, chairing complex multi-agency meetings, and ensuring that adults at risk are protected through effective, person-centred plans. You will provide expert advice across services and contribute to strategic safeguarding reviews and audits.

This role is central to ensuring that safeguarding processes are transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of adults, their families, and carers.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair and coordinate Adult Safeguarding meetings under Care Act s42.
• Provide independent safeguarding advice to internal teams and external partners.
• Oversee investigations involving individuals in positions of trust or organisations.
• Lead quality assurance activities including audits and thematic reviews.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners including MAPPA, MARAC, MASH, and BCSSP.
• Ensure accurate data collection and analysis to inform service improvements.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Social Worker (Degree/MA, CSS, CQSW, DipSW) with at least 3 years post-qualifying experience.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Extensive knowledge of adult safeguarding legislation, mental health services, and transitional care.
• Proven experience chairing complex multi-agency meetings.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across organisations.

Additional Information:

• This post is not politically restricted.
• No requirement to work outside normal hours.
• Travel across service user homes, council offices, and partner agencies may be required.

Our Values

We are Bold, Empowered, Supportive, and Transparent. These values guide everything we do and shape the way we work with our communities and each other.

Join us in making a real difference in the lives of adults across Bath & North East Somerset. Apply now to be part of a forward-thinking team committed to safeguarding and improving lives.

Why Bath & North-East Somerset?

Based in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, our location offers the perfect blend of city life and countryside charm. With excellent transport links to Bristol and beyond, staff parking, pool cars, electric charge points, and secure bike facilities, commuting is easy and flexible.

If you are interested in this post and require more details after reading the job description or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Christine Ireland, Strategic Safeguarding and AMHP Lead on 07929 837134 or chris_ireland@bathnes.gov.uk

Please ensure you provide a supporting statement/covering letter alongside your CV as part of the Application. Applications received without this statement will not be considered.

Interview date: TBC

No Agencies Please.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced/Basic DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Please see council advert and role profile for more info.

Desirable

• Please see council advert and role profile for more info.

Experience

Essential

• Please see council advert and role profile for more info.

Desirable

• Please see council advert and role profile for more info.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Bath & North East Somerset Council

Address

The Hollies

Midsomer Norton

Bath and North East Somerset

BA3 2DT

Employer's website

https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)