Andrew Sibanda
Norwich,Norfolk
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in threshold decision-making and risk assessment, adept at safeguarding children through evidence-based interventions. Demonstrates strong leadership and team support skills, effectively guiding social workers and fostering professional development. Proficient in multi-agency collaboration, ensuring coordinated responses with police, health, and education sectors. Skilled in managing high-pressure environments with timely decision-making and maintaining positive relationships through effective communication. Extensive knowledge of the Children Act 1989, complemented by experience in court work and statutory processes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Social worker
Cambridgeshire County Council
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
2024.04 - Current
- Manage complex Child Protection and CIN caseloads, ensuring compliance with statutory duties
- Lead safeguarding interventions and contribute to strategy discussions and planning
- Complete court reports and legal documentation to a high standard
- Provide ongoing informal supervision and support to newly appointed social workers
- Act as a key point of guidance within the team for decision-making and case direction
- Promote consistent and high-quality practice across the team
Social worker
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council – Child Protec
Oldham, North West
2023.10 - 2024.04
- Managed complex cases involving mental health and substance misuse issues, resulting in improved living conditions for service users.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client socio-economic status which helped tailor more effective aid interventions.
- Improved service user well-being by providing emotional support and practical advice.
- Increased client independence with the development of personalised coping strategies.
- Managed complex safeguarding cases and supported Child Protection processes
- Supervised newly qualified social workers and students
- Supported new staff in developing confidence in decision-making and safeguarding practice
- Promoted reflective practice and consistency across the team
- Contributed to improved team performance through guidance and support
Social worker
Cambridgeshire County Council
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
2023.02 - 2023.09
- Improved service user well-being by providing emotional support and practical advice.
- Assessed client needs for appropriate referral to specialist services.
- Developed strategic partnerships within the local community, enhancing service provision opportunities for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention during high-stress situations, ensuring immediate support was delivered.
- Managed Child Protection and CIN cases
- Undertook safeguarding investigations and multi-agency work
- Contributed to strategy discussions and statutory planning
Senior social worker
Wiltshire Council
Trowbridge, Wiltshire
2019.02 - 2023.01
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals, resulting in improved patient care.
- Prepared detailed case reports that positively influenced decision-making processes in court hearings.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge about welfare legislation changes, ensuring compliance in practice.
- Facilitated counselling sessions to alleviate emotional distress amongst service users.
- Worked within the Assessment Team, managing referrals and undertaking Child and Family Assessments
- Operated across multiple teams within the Local Authority, providing flexible support and leadership where needed
- Undertook Section 47 enquiries and contributed to threshold decisions
- Supervised a student social worker and supported colleagues across the service
- Provided guidance on assessment quality, thresholds and care planning
- Played a key role in ensuring consistency in decision-making across teams
Social worker
Norfolk County Council
Norwich, Norfolk
2017.09 - 2019.01
- Developed strategic partnerships within the local community, enhancing service provision opportunities for families.
- Completed Assessments and direct work
- Maintained up-to-date case records for accurate documentation of progress or concerns.
- Ensured child safety by conducting regular home visits and risk assessments.
- Assessed client needs for appropriate referral to specialist services.
- Managed Child Protection and CIN cases
- Undertook safeguarding investigations and multi-agency work
- Contributed to strategy discussions and statutory planning
Education
Master of Science - Children and Young People
Anglia Ruskin University
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 2020.09 - 2022.09
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Anglia Ruskin University
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 2012.09 - 2016.09
Skills
1 Threshold Decision-Making
Ability to make clear, evidence-based decisions on whether cases meet Section 17 or Section 47 thresholds, ensuring proportionate and timely intervention
2 Risk Assessment and AnalysisSkilled in identifying, analysing and managing risk, balancing protective factors against concerns to safeguard children effectively
3 Leadership and Team SupportProven ability to support, guide and influence social workers, including newly qualified staff, promoting confidence and good practice
4 Supervision and Staff DevelopmentExperience in supervising students and supporting colleagues through reflective practice, case direction and professional development
5 Multi-Agency WorkingStrong ability to work collaboratively with police, health, education and other professionals to ensure coordinated safeguarding responses
6 Decision-Making Under PressureConfident in managing high volumes of referrals and competing demands, making timely and defensible decisions in fast-paced environments
7 Communication and Relationship BuildingEffective communicator with the ability to build positive relationships with families, professionals and colleagues, even in challenging situations
8 Court Work and Statutory KnowledgeIn-depth knowledge of legislation including the Children Act 1989, with experience in court work, report writing and legal processes
Affiliations
- Enjoy going to the gym and watching football
Languages
English
Fluent
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Social worker
Cambridgeshire County Council
2024.04 - Current
Social worker
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council – Child Protec
2023.10 - 2024.04
Social worker
Cambridgeshire County Council
2023.02 - 2023.09
Master of Science - Children and Young People
Anglia Ruskin University
2020.09 - 2022.09
Senior social worker
Wiltshire Council
2019.02 - 2023.01
Social worker
Norfolk County Council
2017.09 - 2019.01
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Anglia Ruskin University
2012.09 - 2016.09