Hourly salary: £35 per hour for up to 18 hours professional time
Slough Children First is seeking experienced independent professionals to support the statutory children's social care complaints process. These roles provide impartial, evidence-based oversight of complaints and may involve undertaking Stage 2 investigations, acting as an Independent Person, and/or chairing or participating in Stage 3 Review Panels.
At Stage 2, you will independently investigate complaints relating to children's social care services. This involves reviewing case records and relevant documentation, gathering evidence through interviews and discussions, and working alongside an Independent Person to ensure investigations are fair, transparent and robust. You will analyse information objectively, assess whether services have acted in line with statutory requirements and good practice, and produce clear reports that set out findings, conclusions and recommendations. Your work will help identify learning opportunities and support improvements for children, young people and families.
At Stage 3, you will review the adequacy of Stage 2 investigations and the organisation's response to complaints. You will consider whether investigations have been conducted fairly, thoroughly and in accordance with statutory guidance, and whether proposed remedies are appropriate. Working as part of a Review Panel, you will examine evidence, consider representations from complainants and professionals, contribute to balanced discussions and help reach evidence-based conclusions. You will then provide clear written recommendations that support learning, accountability and continuous service improvement.
About You
You will have substantial experience within children's social care, safeguarding, complaints investigation, quality assurance, inspection or a related field. You will be a confident communicator with strong analytical skills and the ability to assess complex information objectively. Excellent report writing skills, sound judgement and a commitment to fairness, independence and professionalism are essential. You must also be able to manage sensitive matters discreetly and work within statutory timescales.
Eligibility
To maintain the independence required for this role, applicants must not be current employees of Slough Children First, recent former employees of Slough Children First or Slough Borough Council, or elected members of Slough Borough Council.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the voices of children, young people and families are heard. Through independent scrutiny and constructive challenge, you will help strengthen accountability, improve services and contribute to better outcomes for those who rely on children's social care support.
Our Values and Commitment
We are driven by our vision to ensure Happy, Safe & Loved, Thriving children and young people. Our work is guided by strong values — being child focused, honest and respectful, improving constantly, looking ahead, and delivering together.
We are looking for people who share these values and are passionate about making a positive difference. In return, we offer a supportive, inclusive environment where collaboration, learning and care truly matter.
If this reflects who you are, we would love to hear from you!
