Founded in 2012, Sheldon Phillips is a niche Social Work recruitment agency supplying both locum and permanent staff into the Qualified Social Work sector.
With nearly 15 years experience in the Social Care sector, we focus our time on you. Your job search is personal and everyone is different, so our consultants are trained to ensure your job search is as unique as you are.

Our team are highly trained to deal with any questions you have, even if you just want some advice on where your career can go. From first year students, to experienced Heads of Service, we are here to answer any questions you might have.

APSCo Members since 2016, we go out of our way to show that we are 100% compliant as an agency. As one of the most respected recruitment bodies, APSCo embrace the Social Work and Social Care sectors whole heartedly and ensure all members are working hard to uphold their reputation.

At Sheldon Phillips, we pride ourselves on our personal service for both candidates and clients. We work differently to other agencies be getting to know you. Listening is our best skill because we want to hear what you have to say!

Founder and Managing Director, Jamie Trick entered the Social Care sector for the first time, building a successful locum recruitment desk. Working hard to build his reputation within the sector, Jamie made sure to adhere to his 5 core and key values - Honest, Excellence, Transparency, Caring and Integrity.

Sheldon Phillips was created with the goal of providing a less corporate, more personal style of recruitment into the sector. Starting from a small base in West Berkshire, the company started to grow and rapidly become a key supplier to a number of Local Authorities in London and the South East.

Mid 2022 saw Managing Director Jamie Trick become APSCo Chair for Social Work across the United Kingdom. Leading meetings with Social Work members and helping to shape delivery of content from APSCo for their members, Jamie has thrown himself into the role, bringing with him our key company viaues.

Brand new modern offices in Newbury coupled with a fantastic re brand for the business signalled the sign of a new dawn for Sheldon Phillips. With ambitious growth plans that are ramping up into 2024 and beyond, now really is the time to join us on our journey

We are proud to partner with a large number of clients across London and the South East of England. We have recently expanded our operations into the Midlands and here we have a small selection of our happy clients.

We provide you with Permanent and Temporary jobs across the UK and have access to the best jobs in Social Care. Recruitment isn&rsquo;t about finding a person for a job, it&rsquo;s about finding the right person for the right job; which is why we invest time to fully understand the needs of our candidates, ensuring our service is perfectly tailored to your requirements.

At Sheldon Phillips we work hard to find the best jobs for the best Social Workers! If you know any friends or colleagues that are Qualified Social Workers, we offer up to &pound;500 as a referral bonus if we place them into work. Speak to our team for the full T's &amp; C's

Hundreds of happy candidates achieve their success in Social Work.

After sending your CV to us, you will receive a call from one of our experienced consultants to discuss your job search in detail.

Let's Talk!

Now it's our turn to put in some hard work and start collecting your previous references. We will also set up a meeting so we can follow Home Office rules and see your original documentation. The coffee is on us!

Compliance Checks

Now it's your chance to shine in front of our clients. We will offer you full and in-depth interview prep to ensure you are happy days in advance of interviews too. We will give you all of our advice and knowledge to make sure you have the tools to succeed

Interviews

We are proud to partner with a large number of clients across the whole of the UK. The majority of our operation is focussed on the South and South West of England, however we now have a commanding presence in the Midlands and North of England. Here we have a small selection of our happy clients! If you are looking for good quality, experienced Qualified Social Workers, click the link below to submit your vacancy to our fantastic team!

Locum or Permanent staffing, we have a solution that is as unique as your team!
Qualified Social Work is seeing a shortage of available staff across the sector. Whether you need locum or permanent staff, those experienced, hard working social workers are hard to find! That's why, at Sheldon Phillips we work pro actively to build relationships not just with available candidates, but we forge long term relationships with those that are not even looking!
We have been working in the sector since 2009 and over that time, we have built fantastic relationships with candidates who sometimes go on to become our clients too. By delivering a 1st class service, we know that when our candidates have friends or colleagues looking for work, they will happily tell them all about our team.

Are you a hiring manager working for a Local Authority, Charity, IFA, or other private organisation? Do you need fully compliant locum staff or even a permanent member of your team?

We take the time to listen to every candidate we speak to. This is a really key part of our service - this is not our job search, so we need to listen, understand and empathise. Only then can we provide the best recruitment experience.

Comprehensive Qualification

Before we even think about sending a CV to a client, we make sure that we have our compliance in order. Your children and families deserve to have fully vetted and safeguarded staff working on their cases, so we work hard to ensure this is done immediately. This saves you time and inconvenience before the interview process even begins!

Compliance

Then it's down to our candidate to wow you at interview! You just need to decide if you want them on board or not. As you can see, we do 90% of the work before you even receive a CV so you can trust that our candidates are right for you.

Completed Placement

A commutable distance from Reading, Basingstoke and Newbury, our office is in a fantastic location with free parking. Also, just a short walk from Newbury Racecourse Rail Station.

Our offices are based in Newbury

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Founded in 2012, Sheldon Phillips is a niche Social Work recruitment agency supplying both locum and permanent staff into the Qualified Social Work sector.
With nearly 18 years experience in the Social Care sector, we focus our time on you. Your job search is personal and everyone is different, so our consultants are trained to ensure your job search is as unique as you are.
Not looking for a job right now? Our team are highly trained to deal with any questions you have, even if you just want some advice on where your career can go. From first year students, to experienced Heads of Service, we are here to answer any questions you might have.
Want to know more? Connect with our consultants

Approved by hundreds of candidates and clients for our personal service.

<h3>Becoming a Qualified Social Worker can be one of the most rewarding things you can do.</h3>
&nbsp;
As a job and sector it comes with highly stressful and emotive situations, but you have the chance to affect real change for a family or vulnerable person. As business we work with Social Workers from a main grade level, Senior Social Worker/Practitioners, Assistant and Team Managers, all of the way up to Assistant Director and Director level. We are proud to offer a huge range of opportunities which range from locum and permanent jobs within Local Authorities, Charities, Independent Fostering Agencies and private businesses across the whole of the United Kingdom.

As an agency, we provide roles across the entire Social Work sector. So, whether you want to work within Children and Families, Adults services, Fostering, Family Courts, EDT or MASH; Sheldon Phillips can help you find your dream role!
Becoming a Qualified Social Worker can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. As a job and sector it comes with highly stressful and emotive situations, but you have the chance to affect real change for a family or vulnerable person. As business we work with Social Workers from a main grade level, Senior Social Worker/Practitioners, Assistant and Team Managers, all of the way up to Assistant Director and Director level. We are proud to offer a huge range of opportunities which range from locum and permanent jobs within Local Authorities, Charities, Independent Fostering Agencies and private businesses across the whole of the South East of England.

Recruitment is a hard industry to work in. You have to be tenacious, work hard and really focus on your end goal to be successful. At Sheldon Phillips we reward our staff as a whole team, with great incentives - but we also reward you personally. Each consultant has their own, personalised incentive plan to ensure you are rewarded for each milestone from day 1 at the business! Read more below to discover why Sheldon Phillips should be the only Social Work agency you consider when looking for a new role!

Fine dining experiences, Directors' table lunches, all expenses paid nights out and annual trips are just some of the fantastic incentives on offer at Sheldon Phillips. As well as company incentives, consultants receive their own personal development plans to ensure there are small/medium wins for every step of their career plans. Scroll down to see some of our team photos!

What good is a market leading incentive scheme if you can't get career progression, right? We pride ourselves on promoting within, creating tomorrow's business leaders. With APSCo accredited training for new consultants, all the way up to Senior Management, we ensure you have the tools to succeed

<h3 data-end="146" data-start="85">Qualified Children's Team Manager &ndash; Duty and Assessment</h3>

Role: Qualified Children's Team Manager &ndash; Duty and Assessment 
Location: Manchester 
Team: Duty and Assessment Service 
Pay: Up to &pound;46ph 
Contract: Locum 
Ofsted:&nbsp;Good

Manchester City Council is looking for a dedicated and experienced Qualified Children's Team Manager to join their Duty and Assessment Service. This is a fast-paced frontline role where you'll lead and support a team of social workers handling incoming referrals and undertaking assessments to safeguard and support children and families.

You&rsquo;ll be responsible for managing performance, overseeing high-quality assessments, and ensuring statutory requirements are met. You&rsquo;ll also be expected to chair strategy discussions, support newly qualified staff, and work closely with multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes for children.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives under pressure and is confident in leading an assessment team in a large, diverse local authority.

<h3 data-end="1184" data-start="1161">What You&rsquo;ll Need:</h3>

<ul data-end="1487" data-start="1185">
	<li data-end="1221" data-start="1185">
	Social Work England Registration
	</li>
	<li data-end="1251" data-start="1222">
	Social Work Qualification
	</li>
	<li data-end="1307" data-start="1252">
	At least 5 years&rsquo; experience in children's services
	</li>
	<li data-end="1374" data-start="1308">
	Experience in duty, assessment, and managing social work teams
	</li>
	<li data-end="1439" data-start="1375">
	Strong decision-making, risk analysis, and leadership skills
	</li>
	<li data-end="1487" data-start="1440">
	Flexibility to travel locally when required
	</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1516" data-start="1489">Why Sheldon Phillips?</h3>

Because we actually listen to what you need. We&rsquo;re not just here to fill roles&mdash;we&rsquo;re here to find you the right fit in a supportive and rewarding team. That&rsquo;s why social workers trust us to help them take the next step in their careers.

If you want to know more about this Qualified Children's Team Manager &ndash; Duty and Assessment role in Manchester, give Ellis Russell a call on&nbsp;<a href="glocom://01635226350" title="Click to dial with CallSwitch">01635 226350</a>&nbsp;&ndash; let&rsquo;s have a chat!

And don&rsquo;t forget &ndash; if you refer a friend and we place them, you&rsquo;ll get &pound;300 as a thank you! (Terms and conditions apply).

Qualified Children's Team Manager – Duty and Assessment

London Borough of Croydon | Permanent | Up to &pound;50,574 per annum 
&pound;5,000 Welcome Bonus | &pound;2,500 Retention | &pound;8,000 Relocation Package | Sponsorship Available

The London Borough of Croydon is recruiting experienced and motivated Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join their Family Assessment Service (FAS). This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking authority that puts children and families at the heart of everything they do.

This is a full-time, permanent role based on a hybrid working model &ndash; with just three days per week required in the office. The council also offers parking permits for social work staff across the borough, easing travel logistics for those on the go.

<h3 data-end="1007" data-start="982">Key Responsibilities:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1074" data-start="1011">Carry out Child and Family Assessments and S47 investigations</li>
	<li data-end="1157" data-start="1077">Work with children and families to understand risk and develop effective plans</li>
	<li data-end="1239" data-start="1160">Manage cases through initial assessment, planning, and pre-proceedings stages</li>
	<li data-end="1326" data-start="1242">Engage with multi-agency partners to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding</li>
	<li data-end="1416" data-start="1329">Maintain accurate case records, reports and assessments in line with statutory duties</li>
	<li data-end="1497" data-start="1419">Attend court where necessary and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1518" data-start="1499">Practice Model:</h3>

Croydon uses a relationship-based practice model, underpinned by systemic and trauma-informed approaches. FAS is a dynamic and supportive team, working at the front door of services and focused on effective early assessment, timely interventions, and ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.

<h3 data-end="1866" data-start="1839">Essential Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1931" data-start="1870">Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England</li>
	<li data-end="1995" data-start="1934">Post-qualifying experience in children's frontline services</li>
	<li data-end="2049" data-start="1998">Experience in assessments, CIN, CP and court work</li>
	<li data-end="2106" data-start="2052">Commitment to strength-based, child-focused practice</li>
	<li data-end="2165" data-start="2109">Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced team</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2180" data-start="2167">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2239" data-start="2184">Up to &pound;50,574 per annum (depending on experience)</li>
	<li data-end="2301" data-start="2242">&pound;5,000 welcome bonus and &pound;2,500 retention payment</li>
	<li data-end="2369" data-start="2304">&pound;8,000 relocation package available for eligible applicants</li>
	<li data-end="2448" data-start="2372">Sponsorship available for candidates with UK post-qualified experience</li>
	<li data-end="2503" data-start="2451">Hybrid working &ndash; 3 days per week in the office</li>
	<li data-end="2550" data-start="2506">Parking permit for borough-wide travel</li>
	<li data-end="2598" data-start="2553">Strong team culture and supportive management</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="2603" data-start="2600">
Interested? 
Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips for a confidential chat:

Phone: <a href="glocom://01635226350" title="Click to dial with CallSwitch">01635 226350</a> 
Email: <a data-end="2754" data-start="2725" rel="noopener">jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

We also offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Permanent Social Worker - London

London Borough of Croydon | Permanent | Up to &pound;50,574 per annum 
&pound;5,000 Welcome Bonus | &pound;2,500 Retention | &pound;8,000 Relocation Package | Sponsorship Available

The London Borough of Croydon is looking for experienced and passionate Social Workers to join their dedicated 16+ Young People&rsquo;s Service. This team supports care-experienced young people transitioning into adulthood &mdash; helping them achieve stability, independence and a positive future.

With a strong emphasis on relationship-based, trauma-informed work, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a long-term impact in the lives of young people navigating complex transitions.

The role is permanent, full-time, and based on a hybrid model, with just three days per week in the office. The council also provides a borough-wide parking permit to support flexible travel.

<h3 data-end="1146" data-start="1121">Key Responsibilities:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1220" data-start="1150">Build trusting, long-term relationships with young people aged 16&ndash;25</li>
	<li data-end="1296" data-start="1223">Support transition from care into independence through Pathway Planning</li>
	<li data-end="1373" data-start="1299">Complete holistic needs assessments and implement tailored support plans</li>
	<li data-end="1462" data-start="1376">Work with housing, health, education and other services to ensure wraparound support</li>
	<li data-end="1547" data-start="1465">Safeguard vulnerable young people through risk management and early intervention</li>
	<li data-end="1641" data-start="1550">Promote participation and ensure young people are central to planning and decision-making</li>
	<li data-end="1742" data-start="1644">Support with access to benefits, immigration support (where relevant), and life skills development</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1763" data-start="1744">Practice Model:</h3>

Croydon&rsquo;s 16+ Service is underpinned by relationship-based and restorative practice, focusing on building meaningful engagement and empowering young people. The team works closely with partner agencies and internal services to provide a joined-up approach, recognising the challenges that care leavers face and aiming to minimise disruption through consistent, trauma-informed support.

<h3 data-end="2187" data-start="2160">Essential Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2252" data-start="2191">Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England</li>
	<li data-end="2330" data-start="2255">Experience working with adolescents or care leavers in statutory settings</li>
	<li data-end="2426" data-start="2333">Strong knowledge of Pathway Planning, Care Leavers&rsquo; legislation &&nbsp;safeguarding practices</li>
	<li data-end="2496" data-start="2429">Ability to work creatively with young people and build resilience</li>
	<li data-end="2558" data-start="2499">Commitment to anti-discriminatory, strengths-based practice</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2573" data-start="2560">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2613" data-start="2577">Salary up to &pound;50,574 per annum</li>
	<li data-end="2675" data-start="2616">&pound;5,000 welcome bonus and &pound;2,500 retention payment</li>
	<li data-end="2719" data-start="2678">&pound;8,000 relocation package available</li>
	<li data-end="2798" data-start="2722">Sponsorship available for applicants with UK post-qualified experience</li>
	<li data-end="2853" data-start="2801">Hybrid working &ndash; 3 days per week in the office</li>
	<li data-end="2895" data-start="2856">Parking permit across the borough</li>
	<li data-end="2950" data-start="2898">Supportive, stable team and high-quality supervision</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="2955" data-start="2952">
Interested? 
Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips:

Phone:

<div id="click_to_dial_wrapper" style="display: inline-block;"><a href="glocom://01635226350" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; pointer-events: auto;" title="Click to dial with CallSwitch">01635 226350</a>

<div style="background-image: url("chrome-extension://eebmbhmhoemlagcefiogcdipocebgalg/glocom_icon.jpg"); background-size: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; width: 12px; height: 12px; margin-left: 5px; display: inline-block;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

 
Email: <a data-end="3082" data-start="3053" rel="noopener">jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

We offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Permanent Social Worker – Leaving care

London Borough of Waltham Forest | Permanent | Up to &pound;46,000 per annum 
Hybrid &ndash; 3 Days per Week in the Office | Outstanding Ofsted Borough

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is seeking a committed and experienced Senior Practitioner to join their Assessment Team on a permanent basis. This is an exciting time to join an authority recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, known for its stable workforce, clear practice framework, and excellent leadership.

This is a full-time position based on a hybrid model, with just three days per week required in the office. The team benefits from manageable caseloads, a supportive culture, and high standards of practice.

<h3 data-end="928" data-start="903">Key Responsibilities:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="978" data-start="932">Lead on complex Child and Family Assessments</li>
	<li data-end="1048" data-start="981">Provide mentoring and guidance to less experienced social workers</li>
	<li data-end="1123" data-start="1051">Chair strategy discussions and support effective safeguarding planning</li>
	<li data-end="1185" data-start="1126">Ensure timely and quality interventions under s17 and s47</li>
	<li data-end="1260" data-start="1188">Liaise closely with early help, health, education, and police partners</li>
	<li data-end="1326" data-start="1263">Support decision-making in legal planning and pre-proceedings</li>
	<li data-end="1406" data-start="1329">Contribute to reflective group supervision and continuous service development</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1427" data-start="1408">Practice Model:</h3>

Waltham Forest works under the &ldquo;Safe, Confident, and Secure&rdquo; framework, promoting high-quality, consistent social work practice across all teams. The borough uses a relational and systemic approach, ensuring children&rsquo;s voices are central to assessments and planning. Teams are small, well-supported, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes.

<h3 data-end="1818" data-start="1791">Essential Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1856" data-start="1822">Social Work England registration</li>
	<li data-end="1942" data-start="1859">Strong experience in frontline children&rsquo;s services, ideally in assessment or MASH</li>
	<li data-end="2016" data-start="1945">Confidence in handling complex cases and leading practice discussions</li>
	<li data-end="2077" data-start="2019">Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance</li>
	<li data-end="2124" data-start="2080">Strong communication and assessment skills</li>
	<li data-end="2200" data-start="2127">Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, multi-agency environment</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2215" data-start="2202">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2255" data-start="2219">Salary up to &pound;46,000 per annum</li>
	<li data-end="2310" data-start="2258">Hybrid working &ndash; 3 days per week in the office</li>
	<li data-end="2364" data-start="2313">Stable management and clear progression structure</li>
	<li data-end="2401" data-start="2367">Outstanding Ofsted-rated service</li>
	<li data-end="2448" data-start="2404">Manageable caseloads and strong team culture</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="2453" data-start="2450">
Interested? 
Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips:

Phone: <a href="glocom://01635226350" title="Click to dial with CallSwitch">01635 226350</a> 
Email: <a data-end="2580" data-start="2551" rel="noopener">jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

We offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Permanent Senior Practitioner – Assessment Team

London Borough of Waltham Forest | Permanent | Up to &pound;46,000 per annum 
Hybrid &ndash; 3 Days per Week in the Office | Outstanding Ofsted Borough

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is recruiting a Senior Practitioner to join their Family Safeguarding Team on a permanent basis. With a recent Outstanding Ofsted rating, Waltham Forest is recognised for its innovative practice, strong leadership, and commitment to workforce wellbeing.

This is a hybrid role with three days per week in the office, offering stability, manageable caseloads, and a supportive environment where your skills will be recognised and developed.

<h3 data-end="902" data-start="877">Key Responsibilities:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="957" data-start="906">Hold complex child protection, CIN, and PLO cases</li>
	<li data-end="1034" data-start="960">Support families through evidence-based, strengths-focused interventions</li>
	<li data-end="1106" data-start="1037">Provide reflective support and practice leadership within your team</li>
	<li data-end="1160" data-start="1109">Lead on multi-agency meetings and decision-making</li>
	<li data-end="1223" data-start="1163">Ensure risk is effectively assessed, managed, and reviewed</li>
	<li data-end="1300" data-start="1226">Maintain high standards of recording, planning, and statutory compliance</li>
	<li data-end="1378" data-start="1303">Promote the use of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1399" data-start="1380">Practice Model:</h3>

Waltham Forest&rsquo;s Family Safeguarding model integrates social work with adult specialists in domestic abuse, mental health, and substance misuse, providing joined-up support for families. The borough&rsquo;s commitment to systemic, strengths-based practice ensures that practitioners can build meaningful relationships with families while maintaining clear focus on safety and outcomes.

<h3 data-end="1817" data-start="1790">Essential Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1855" data-start="1821">Social Work England registration</li>
	<li data-end="1923" data-start="1858">Extensive experience in safeguarding, CP, CIN and/or court work</li>
	<li data-end="1996" data-start="1926">Familiarity with the Family Safeguarding model or similar approaches</li>
	<li data-end="2056" data-start="1999">Ability to support junior staff and model good practice</li>
	<li data-end="2114" data-start="2059">Strong risk analysis, planning and communication skills</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2129" data-start="2116">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2169" data-start="2133">Salary up to &pound;46,000 per annum</li>
	<li data-end="2224" data-start="2172">Hybrid working &ndash; 3 days per week in the office</li>
	<li data-end="2283" data-start="2227">Stable, well-structured teams and excellent leadership</li>
	<li data-end="2344" data-start="2286">Access to regular supervision, training, and progression</li>
	<li data-end="2381" data-start="2347">Outstanding Ofsted-rated borough</li>
	<li data-end="2427" data-start="2384">Balanced and supportive working environment</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="2432" data-start="2429">
Interested? 
Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips:

Phone: <a href="glocom://01635226350" title="Click to dial with CallSwitch">01635 226350</a> 
Email: <a data-end="2559" data-start="2530" rel="noopener">jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

We offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Permanent Senior Practitioner – Family Safeguarding Team

Social Worker &ndash; Family Safeguarding 
London Borough of Haringey | Permanent | Up to &pound;47,000 per annum + Retention Bonus 
Hybrid Working &ndash; 3 Days per Week in the Office

The London Borough of Haringey is looking for a passionate and committed Qualified Social Worker to join their Family Safeguarding Team on a permanent basis.

This is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week in the office. The team benefits from stable leadership, regular supervision, and a strong multi-agency ethos.

<h3 data-end="652" data-start="633">About the Role:</h3>

As a Social Worker in the Family Safeguarding Team, you will:

<ul>
	<li data-end="834" data-start="719">Hold a manageable caseload of children subject to child protection plans, child in need plans, and pre-proceedings. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="949" data-start="837">Undertake robust assessments and direct work with families to understand risk and improve outcomes for children. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="1031" data-start="952">Develop and deliver multi-agency safeguarding plans with families and partners. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="1115" data-start="1034">Engage in regular reflective supervision and contribute to a strong team culture. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="1211" data-start="1118">Record interventions accurately and in line with statutory requirements and local procedures. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="1337" data-start="1214">Present cases confidently in child protection conferences, legal planning meetings, and where necessary, court proceedings.</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1358" data-start="1339">Practice Model:</h3>

Haringey adopts the Family Safeguarding Model, a strengths-based, multi-disciplinary approach focusing on keeping children safely with their families wherever possible. The model brings together adult and children&rsquo;s practitioners into one team, addressing parental needs such as domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health directly alongside child protection planning.

<h3 data-end="1758" data-start="1741">Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1830" data-start="1762">Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="1905" data-start="1833">Previous statutory experience in safeguarding or child protection teams. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="1992" data-start="1908">A good understanding of the Family Safeguarding model and evidence-based approaches. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2076" data-start="1995">Commitment to strengths-based practice and working collaboratively with families. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2147" data-start="2079">The ability to produce high-quality written assessments and reports. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2224" data-start="2150">Strong multi-agency working skills and a focus on achieving best outcomes.</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2239" data-start="2226">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2273" data-start="2243">Salary up to &pound;47,000 per annum 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2328" data-start="2276">Retention bonus (details to be confirmed upon offer) 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2373" data-start="2331">Stable and supportive management structure 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2419" data-start="2376">Hybrid working model &ndash; 3 days in the office 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-end="2468" data-start="2422">Regular supervision and training opportunities</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="2473" data-start="2470">
Interested? 
Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips for a confidential chat: 
Phone Number - 01635 2262350 
<a data-end="2624" data-start="2592" rel="noopener">Email - mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

Know someone who might be a good fit? We offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Senior Social Worker &ndash; Family Safeguarding 
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) | Locum | Up to &pound;48 per hour 
Hybrid &ndash; 3 Days in the Office | Weekly Accommodation Allowance Available

BCP Council is looking for a skilled Senior Social Worker to join their Family Safeguarding Team on a locum basis. With a generous rate and weekly accommodation allowance, this is a great opportunity for experienced practitioners looking for a well-supported team and meaningful work.

<h3 data-end="674" data-start="655">About the Role:</h3>

You will work within a multi-disciplinary team, supporting families to achieve better outcomes and reduce risk to children.

Key responsibilities:

<ul>
	<li data-end="889" data-start="830">Manage complex caseloads and support team decision-making</li>
	<li data-end="961" data-start="892">Complete assessments, child protection enquiries, and care planning</li>
	<li data-end="1020" data-start="964">Lead on conferences, legal planning, and court reports</li>
	<li data-end="1078" data-start="1023">Offer guidance to less experienced staff where needed</li>
	<li data-end="1120" data-start="1081">Apply Signs of Safety in all casework</li>
	<li data-end="1176" data-start="1123">Build strong relationships with children and families</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1197" data-start="1178">Practice Model:</h3>

BCP uses the Signs of Safety approach &mdash; a strength-based, collaborative model that puts families at the heart of safeguarding and promotes long-term change through meaningful engagement.

<h3 data-end="1408" data-start="1391">Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1446" data-start="1412">Social Work England registration</li>
	<li data-end="1497" data-start="1449">Experience in safeguarding or child protection</li>
	<li data-end="1549" data-start="1500">Skilled in risk assessment and legal frameworks</li>
	<li data-end="1601" data-start="1552">Confident in managing complex cases and reports</li>
	<li data-end="1656" data-start="1604">Commitment to evidence-based, child-centred practice</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1671" data-start="1658">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1695" data-start="1675">Up to &pound;48 per hour</li>
	<li data-end="1730" data-start="1698">Weekly accommodation allowance</li>
	<li data-end="1764" data-start="1733">3 days per week in the office</li>
	<li data-end="1793" data-start="1767">6-month rolling contract</li>
	<li data-end="1827" data-start="1796">Supportive and experienced team</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="1832" data-start="1829">
Interested? 
Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips: 
Phone: 01635 2262350 
Email: <a data-end="1967" data-start="1935" rel="noopener">mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

We offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Senior Social Worker - £48 Per Hour

Senior Social Worker &ndash; Family Safeguarding 
London Borough of Newham | Locum | Up to &pound;39.04 per hour 
Hybrid Working &ndash; 2 Days per Week in the Office

The London Borough of Newham is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join their Family Safeguarding Team on a locum basis. This is a great opportunity to work in a forward-thinking borough committed to systemic practice, restorative relationships, and inclusive services for children and families.

<h3 data-end="638" data-start="619">About the Role:</h3>

You will play a key role in supporting children at risk by working closely with families, professionals, and your team to deliver strong, strengths-based interventions.

Key responsibilities:

<ul>
	<li data-end="909" data-start="839">Hold a manageable caseload of complex child protection and CIN cases</li>
	<li data-end="985" data-start="912">Complete assessments, safeguarding plans, and direct work with families</li>
	<li data-end="1046" data-start="988">Lead on conferences, legal planning, and pre-proceedings</li>
	<li data-end="1104" data-start="1049">Support and mentor less experienced staff when needed</li>
	<li data-end="1158" data-start="1107">Maintain timely, high-quality records and reports</li>
	<li data-end="1245" data-start="1161">Work collaboratively with adult specialists as part of the Family Safeguarding model</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="1266" data-start="1247">Practice Model:</h3>

Newham delivers services through a restorative, relational approach, underpinned by the Family Safeguarding model. The approach brings adult-focused practitioners (mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse) into children&rsquo;s social work teams to deliver truly joined-up support. The model aims to reduce repeat intervention and build long-term resilience in families.

<h3 data-end="1666" data-start="1649">Requirements:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="1734" data-start="1670">Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration</li>
	<li data-end="1799" data-start="1737">Strong experience in safeguarding or family support settings</li>
	<li data-end="1868" data-start="1802">Knowledge of the Family Safeguarding model and systemic practice</li>
	<li data-end="1930" data-start="1871">Skilled in court work, care planning, and risk management</li>
	<li data-end="2000" data-start="1933">Passion for working collaboratively with families and professionals</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2015" data-start="2002">Benefits:</h3>

<ul>
	<li data-end="2042" data-start="2019">Up to &pound;39.04 per hour</li>
	<li data-end="2091" data-start="2045">Hybrid model &ndash; 2 days per week in the office</li>
	<li data-end="2144" data-start="2094">Supportive leadership and reflective supervision</li>
	<li data-end="2171" data-start="2147">6-month initial contract</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="2176" data-start="2173">
Interested? 
Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips: 
Phone: 01635 2262350 
Email: <a data-end="2311" data-start="2279" rel="noopener">mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com</a>

We offer up to &pound;500 for successful referrals.

Senior Social Worker - London

<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-20" dir="auto">
Role: Experienced Social Worker 
Location: Medway 
Team: Children and Young People Disability Team 
Salary: Up to &pound;45,829 per annum 
Additional Benefits: &pound;5,500 market premia + &pound;3,000 annual retention payment after 1 year&rsquo;s service 
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Medway Council is recruiting an Experienced Social Worker to join their Children and Young People Disability Team. This is a vital role within a specialist service supporting children and young people with disabilities and complex needs.

As part of this team, you&rsquo;ll work directly with children and families to assess needs, implement care and support plans, and coordinate multi-agency responses. The focus is on improving outcomes and ensuring that children are safeguarded while also supporting their development and independence.

You&rsquo;ll hold a varied caseload, including Child in Need, Child Protection, and Children Looked After work, while working in a supportive environment that values reflective supervision and professional growth.

Medway offers a competitive salary package, plus a &pound;5,500 market premia and a &pound;3,000 annual retention payment after one year of service&mdash;demonstrating a real commitment to retaining high-quality social work professionals.

To be considered, you must have:

<ul data-end="1595" data-start="1429">
	<li data-end="1465" data-start="1429">
	Social Work England registration
	</li>
	<li data-end="1508" data-start="1466">
	A recognised Social Work qualification
	</li>
	<li data-end="1563" data-start="1509">
	Proven experience in statutory Children&rsquo;s Services
	</li>
	<li data-end="1595" data-start="1564">
	The Right to Work in the UK
	</li>
</ul>

Why Sheldon Phillips? 
We work with you to find roles that match your experience, goals, and values&mdash;not just what's available. We listen, we support, and we deliver.

Interested? 
Contact Josh Dhumisani on&nbsp;<a href="glocom://01635226350" title="Click to dial with CallSwitch">01635 226350</a>&nbsp;to discuss this opportunity in more detail.

Refer a friend and receive &pound;300 if we place them (terms and conditions apply).
</article>

Qualified social worker

<h2>This is a wonderful poem written by Charmaine Malcolm, a fellow of Frontline:</h2>
 Dear social worker, Waking up over the past few weeks to reports in the media that social workers are child killers, baby snatchers and evil people. Well, it simply is not true. There have been many children whose lives have been ended prematurely, by people they expected to protect them and not one of them died at the hands of their social worker, not one. Social worker, whilst you are a valuable resource to the nation you are not yet as respected as other professionals, your profession has had significant fiscal deficits and this has affected recruitment, retention, resources, caseloads and of course morale. Social worker I know you work compassionately and meaningfully with children, because you know how important it is to secure better outcomes for the children you see. Social worker, each day you wake up with a passion to help the most vulnerable members of our society, during the pandemic you have been instrumental in keeping children safe. You continued to visit children, you went the extra mile, you responded to increased complexity without additional resources, you worked whilst experiencing your own trauma and personal problems. You supported the sickness and significant bereavements without community and within your personal lives. You navigated new government systems to help our families where poverty became their new normal and food banks became their life supply. You supported families when their universal credit was reduced, you have seen mental health complexity increase amongst parents, children and amongst work colleagues. You have been exhausted, you have worked during your annual leave, you continue to come into work when you are unwell, you are anxious about your workload piling up and do not want to be a burden to colleagues. Social worker, you are always thinking, ever thoughtful, loving and kind. You visit families where at times the risks are unknown, no baton, no shield, no panic alarm yet you boldly go.&nbsp; I can imagine there have been times when your knees were knocking, armpits sweating and your thoughts were &ldquo;oh no&rdquo;, but you stayed, because your heart is full of gold and you go with the motto &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll leave no stone unturned, hell no.&rdquo; Social worker did you know that you not only keep children safe, but you also save lives. Just take a moment to&hellip;wait&hellip;what&rsquo;s the word&hellip;be reflective, stop, think and say &ldquo;ohhh.&rdquo; I helped a child live in a safer environment outside of their family home, I helped a child tell their story to the police when they were sexually abused, it was clear that the shouting and violence between the parents were too much for the child and you said &ldquo;oh no, this cannot go on any longer.&rdquo; You used your research to make an evidenced based decision and you social worker helped those parents create a safer home. Social worker, I valued so much when that mum, do you remember her she said she felt a bit low, you helped her understand her baby blues and again you said let&rsquo;s go. Off to the GP you go, mum receives the help she needs, but still you could not let it go. Organising a family group conference, helping the family develop a plan, your words &ldquo;it must be meaningful&rdquo; and you were intentional to help the family create a &lsquo;meaningful plan.&rsquo; Social worker do you remember your words &ldquo;mum can have time to JustBe&rsquo; and how wonderful it was to see the babies care supported by the wider family.&nbsp; Social worker that was you, you took the time to think and see what was needed for the mum and baby. I mean, I could go on at telling you how fabulous you are. So, you twisted my arm, close your eyes and listen to these words: you are amazing, spectacular, tremendous, energetic, wonderful, insightful, curious, exceptional, child centred, thoughtful, compassionate, kind, empathetic, research minded, reflective, awesome, skilled, professional and the reality is I could tell you how valuable and fabulous you are for hours. Each day commit to taking 5 minutes to stop and reflect on you and what you bring to the profession. Social worker think about all the miracles you make happen. Social worker you are warm, kind, strong, compassionate and full of strength. I see you, I hear you and grateful you&rsquo;re still here. Social worker the media are still learning how to respect your profession and right now you are going to rise up and not succumb to their oppression. Be courageous, be strong, be vocal and be bold because you dearest social worker are one of the mightiest and most cherished people we have in our nation overall.

'Dear Social Worker....'

<h5>We want to help change the public perception of Social Work and focus on what makes our sector such a good place to be! Yes there will always be issues as in any line of work, but being a Social Worker can bring so much satisfaction and positivity, especially when positively affecting change in the life of a person in need. Here is the first in a series of good news stories from real Social Workers, sharing their real stories. We hope you enjoy.</h5>
I was in my local Aldi queuing up with my shopping where a man stood behind me with a 11 ish year old boy. The 11 year old was huffing that there was a queue and that they should open more tills, I chuckled to myself and turned round and said &lsquo;You&rsquo;re not wrong there!&rsquo; The young boy look familiar and so did the older male he was with. It instantly clicked, he was a child that I had removed from his parents during the pandemic due to long standing neglect and his parents alcohol and drug use. The wider family were desperately sad that they couldn&rsquo;t have him long term but he was destined for great things. It was a case I was covering on behalf of my colleague whilst she was off sick- I had only met him maybe 5/6 times before I had to issue proceedings, there was always something so loveable about him. A care order was granted and it was agreed for him to go into long term foster care, his parents didn&rsquo;t contest the care plan and have never turned up to contact. I immediately said &lsquo;are you (Childs name)?&rsquo; He said yes! I introduced myself to him and said do you remember me? He took a second, I think because I was out of work clothes, in his local Aldi and didn&rsquo;t look my usual professional self. He said YES! He instantly hugged me and said &lsquo;thank you, I love my foster family.&rsquo;
I was gobsmacked at his response- he told me how he was moving up to senior school, he sees his wider family once a month for the weekend and loves his foster brother. The foster carer also put two and two together and recognised me and told me how well he was doing and how proud they were.
Whilst still waiting in the queue the foster carer quickly ran to grab something he forgot- I had a brief moment with him alone when I said &lsquo;are you sure you&rsquo;re happy?&rsquo; The young boy said his views with conviction and that he truly was happy. And I believe him.
We paid for our shopping and continue to have a catch up chat, he asked how my dog was and whether I still had the &lsquo;nice car&rsquo; that I drove him from his parents to placement in. He was so brave that day.
I wished him well and told him that if he ever saw me to come and say hello, he promised he would and we had a farewell hug, instigated by him. I packed my shopping in my car and sat there full with emotion, but happy emotions that he was doing more than just ok.
Social worker is ever demanding, ever stressful and ever scrutinised. Yet moments like that, that really do catch you off guard with real success stories are the reason we do our job. I will forever remember the bravery of him and the power of loving foster carers.
<h5>Have you got a story you would like to share with us? Contact our team on 01635 226 350 or send over your experiences via email to hello@sheldon-phillips.com</h5>

Good News Story #1

<h3>Explanation of the new IR35 Legislation, our thoughts and what Sheldon Phillips are doing to help you with the new changes.</h3>
 Following a lengthy consultation period in August of 2016, HMRC have confirmed that their planned legislation change to IR35 will go ahead, taking effect on 6th April 2017. Sheldon Phillips have been heavily involved with the consultation meetings with HMRC and our industry body, the REC. As well as a written letter to HMRC, we also took the opportunity to directly write to the Chancellor of The Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education and Child Protection. You may have seen our letter on our website and also on Linkedin. In short, anyone falling &ldquo;inside IR35 legislation&rdquo; will be subject to deemed employment dedications which will be made by the entity that pays the worker using their own Ltd Company (PSC) which in most cases will be the Recruitment Agency, i.e. Sheldon Phillips. Off Payroll Explained Off payroll describes anyone who is paid out side of normal PAYE processes; so anyone using their own Limited Company (PSC) would be categorized under this term.
<h4>Current Process</h4>
Under the current legislation, the liability to pay all deemed employment taxes falls on the Ltd Company &ndash; Income Tax, National Insurance and Employers NI contributions. If you fall outside of IR35, you would traditionally take a lower salary via payroll and then take dividends from the company, therefore paying less tax. Falling inside IR35 means that your income is deemed as employed income, therefore income tax, etc should be paid to HMRC in the normal way. HMRC estimate there are more than 200,000 Limited Company&rsquo;s in the UK and by their own admission, cannot allocate enough resource to investigate whether each company is operating in the correct way.
​
<h4>Moving Forward</h4>
From April 6th 2017 when the new legislation is introduced, HMRC will move the liability to make deemed employment payments for workers operating their own Ltd Company to the entity who pays the invoice; Sheldon Phillips. There are a number of criteria that would place a worker within IR35 legislation but the main parameters for this would be if the worker is providing a personal service, if they are subject to supervision, direction and control and also the right to provide a substitute. Due to the Professional code of practice and criteria from both BASW and the HCPC it is our belief that all social workers will be subject to the new changes within IR35 legislation. Receiving supervision or working in a controlled way is something all social workers are subject to and as a contractor, you cannot simply send a substitute worker to carry on with your allocated cases should you not be able to attend work in your assignment. That person would be subject to an interview process, compliance checks and it would not provide continuity or stability to the service users of the authority, therefore it would not be accepted.
Local Authorities and MSP&rsquo;s In the coming weeks, once official communication has been received by HMRC, Local Authorities and MSP&rsquo;s (Matrix, REED, De Poel) will need to decide on their own action regarding these changes and in some cases, may mean that using a PSC (Ltd Company) will simply not be allowed. Other options available will be to use a compliant Umbrella Company and for your agency to put you through their own PAYE processes. In practice, going through agency PAYE will dramatically reduce your hourly rate and so it is our understanding that you will be better off using a compliant Umbrella Company, through which you will be eligible for employment rights like holiday pay, sick pay, etc. Our Commitment To You To ensure that these changes are handled correctly and to avoid any disruption to your assignments, we at Sheldon Phillips are here to help guide you through every step of the way. We will be arranging an event in London for all of our Social Workers to attend, along with any colleagues who would be interested to talk about the legislation face to face and provide you with viable options for compliant Umbrella Companies. There will be a dedicated Q&amp;A section to try and put any concerns you have to rest, so you can concentrate on your busy working lives. This will be communicated shortly via email, our website and on Linkedin.

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'Dear Social Worker....'

Good News Story #1

IR35 - The Facts

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