Independent Officer
| Posting date: | 24 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £30.54 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 July 2026 |
| Location: | Cardiff, Cardiff County |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Wax Recruitment Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Job title: Independent Officer
Job Category: Social Care - Unqualified
Location: County Hall, Cardiff Council
Hours per week: 37
Salary: £30.54
Independent Officer (Freelance) – Children’s Services Complaints
Location: Cardiff (work undertaken across Cardiff; flexible/hybrid)
Contract Type: Freelance / Sessional
Fees:
• £40 per hour (professional time)
• £12.50 per hour (travel time)
About the Role
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
• An enhanced DBS check will be required
Job Category: Social Care - Unqualified
Location: County Hall, Cardiff Council
Hours per week: 37
Salary: £30.54
Independent Officer (Freelance) – Children’s Services Complaints
Location: Cardiff (work undertaken across Cardiff; flexible/hybrid)
Contract Type: Freelance / Sessional
Fees:
• £40 per hour (professional time)
• £12.50 per hour (travel time)
About the Role
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
• An enhanced DBS check will be required