Court Consultant

Court Consultant (Bradford)

• Position: Court Consultant

• Partner Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

• Client: Bradford Children and Families Trust

• Salary: Competitive (National Living Wage employer) + Annual retention payment (paid monthly)

• Hours: Permanent, Full-time

• Location: Bradford (A vibrant, culturally diverse city)

• Closing Date: 2nd August 2026

• Interviews: TBC

Introduction

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we excel at placing skilled social work professionals into roles where they can drive systemic, positive change. We are incredibly proud to partner with Bradford Children and Families Trust to recruit a dedicated and highly skilled Court Consultant.

This is a unique, highly rewarding role. You will not be the allocated worker for the child; instead, you will work alongside parents undergoing care proceedings, helping them engage with critical services (such as mental health, domestic abuse, and substance misuse) to keep families together. When reunification isn't possible, your expertise ensures swift, permanent plans are made so children can thrive.

About the Role

As a Court Consultant, you will act as a vital bridge between social work practice, families, and the legal system. You will oversee and track the progression of legal processes within the Children in Care team—including discharging care orders, progressing Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs), and reviewing placement-with-parent arrangements.

You will also serve as a key advisor and quality assurer for your social work colleagues, elevating the standard of court-directed work across the Trust.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Case Management: Track and progress legal processes against agreed timescales, ensuring lawyers, social work teams, IROs, and Children’s Guardians are aligned.

• Practice Consultation: Provide direct guidance, mentorship, and consultation to Social Workers, Practice Supervisors, and Team Managers handling pre-proceedings and public/private law cases.

• Quality Assurance: Review and quality-assure court statements and care plans, while directly supporting and preparing Social Workers to give evidence in court.

• System Improvement: Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement new court-directed standards, applying relevant legislation creatively to improve local practice.

• Parental Assessment: Deliver clear assessments of parents' capacity and willingness to engage in therapeutic work, prioritizing child safety at all times.

What You Will Need to Succeed

We are looking for an experienced, passionate qualified social worker with a deep understanding of family court proceedings and excellent analytical skills.

• Qualifications: DipSW or equivalent qualification with an active registration with Social Work England.

• Experience: Substantial post-qualification social work experience, including a minimum of 12 months practicing as an experienced Level 3 Social Worker.

• Court Expertise: A proven track record of writing high-quality assessments, care plans, and giving confident evidence in court.

• Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, care planning regulations, and current research regarding court work and permanence.

• Skills: Strong leadership, consultative, and communication skills, with the ability to offer constructive challenge to team managers to maintain high practice standards.

What’s in it for You?

Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to creating an environment where staff are supported, developed, and valued. Benefits include:

• Financial Rewards: Annual retention payment paid in 12 monthly instalments (non-contractual, reviewed annually).

• Generous Leave: 31 days of annual leave, rising to 34 days with service (plus bank holidays).

• Pension & Stability: Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Work-Life Balance: Family-friendly policies, enhanced parental leave, and flexible working opportunities.

• Health & Wellbeing: Full access to Occupational Health and confidential counseling services.

• Professional Growth: Dedicated training, continuous professional development, and career progression pathways.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All preferred candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (including the Children’s barred list) and will be required to disclose relevant criminal history prior to interview.