Job Introduction
Independent Person - Complaints
Salary: £25 per hour DOE, Casual, Full Remote Working (Homebased)
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.
We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Bank of Independent Persons’ who can champion fairness, transparency, and the rights of children and families. In this key role, you’ll provide impartial oversight of Stage 2 statutory complaint investigations and help shape the integrity of Stage 3 Review Panels. Your expertise ensures that every complaint is handled with professionalism, that the voices of children and families are central to the process, and that our work remains compliant, accountable, and continually improving.
Our strategic vision and values https://www.bradfordcft.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-values/ are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.
Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.
You’ll also:
- Ensure Stage 2 complaint investigations are fair, proportionate, child‑centred, and fully aligned with statutory guidance and Trust policy.
- Work alongside an Investigating Officer to:
- Review case files and documentation
- Test and evaluate evidence
- Provide constructive, independent challenge
- Keep the investigation focused on the issues raised at Stage 1
- Participate in Stage 3 Review Panels, offering objective insight into the adequacy and fairness of the Stage 2 investigation.
- Support transparent, well‑informed panel deliberations that uphold trust and accountability.
- Take on assignments on an ad‑hoc, flexible basis, working within statutory timescales:
- Stage 2 investigations typically completed within 25–65 working days
- Stage 3 panels held within 30 days of request
To be successful in this role you will need:
- Experience of complaints handling or investigations in children’s services, social care, or related public sector domains.
- Understanding of statutory complaints frameworks, including the Children Act procedures and Ombudsman principles.
- Strong analytical skills, balanced judgment, and excellent written communication.
- Ability to engage empathetically and professionally with children, families, and staff.
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and the importance of hearing and representing the child’s voice.
- Ability to explain findings to complainants and professionals in accessible, appropriate language.
- Ability to meet statutory timescales and avoid delays.
- Ability to evaluate investigation reports and assess compliance with procedures.
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, what we are offering:
- Competitive fee rates per assignment
- Flexible, ad‑hoc working arrangements
- Full induction and mandatory safeguarding training
- Support from the Customer Care Team throughout each investigation
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion across all roles within the Trust
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Samantha Charlston (Head of Governance & Risk) on samantha.charlston@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date: 26th April 2026
Interviews: TBC
