Marlika Anderson
Bedford
Summary
An accomplished and dedicated social work professional with extensive experience operating at senior and management level within statutory safeguarding services. Brings strong professional leadership, sound judgement, and accountability to complex and high-risk practice environments. Highly skilled in analytical report writing, policy development, and the presentation of evidence to senior leaders, courts, and multi-agency partners. Recognised for providing authoritative guidance, quality assurance, and reflective supervision that strengthens practice standards and practitioner confidence. Leads teams effectively through challenge and change, promoting collaboration, innovation, and efficient service delivery. Deeply committed to the values of social work, maintaining a consistently child-centred approach underpinned by emotional intelligence, professional curiosity, and ethical decision-making.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Social Worker/Senior Practitioner
Central Bedfordshire Council
Bedfordshire
2021.01 - 2026.02
- Operated at Team Manager level, routinely deputising in the absence of permanent managers and assuming full operational accountability for safeguarding decision-making, workforce oversight, and service continuity.
- Exercised senior professional judgement, providing decisive oversight and authorisation of complex assessments, plans, and court reports to ensure safe, defensible practice.
- Led and chaired high-risk multi-agency forums and represented th service in court, confidently articulating risk, thresholds, and professional rationale.
- Provided visible, authoritative leadership to social workers, setting clear expectations around performance, quality, and accountability while promoting reflective and ethical practice.
- Held responsibility for strategic case allocation and workload management, aligning practitioner capability and capacity to risk and service demand to prevent drift and manage pressure points.
- Delivered effective supervision, coaching, and performance management, including oversight of newly qualified and experienced practitioners, addressing risk, challenge, and development needs.
- Managed and quality-assured student social work placements, acting as practice educator/placement verifier and ensuring robust assessment of competence against professional standards.
- Directed coordinated multi-agency safeguarding responses, maintaining strong governance, escalation, and challenge across partner agencies.
- Drove efficient use of internal resources and services, exercising budget awareness and reducing reliance on external provision without compromising safeguarding outcomes.
- Embedded a strong child-centred and strengths-based culture, ensuring children's lived experiences, voice, and impact remained central to all strategic and operational decisions.
Prevention Support Manager
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Bedfordshire
2011.02 - 2014.12
- Collected statistical data from Community Fire Stations to evaluate performance against indicators.
- Developed reports to assess findings and manage performance effectively.
- Created and introduced a comprehensive Evaluation Toolkit for Community Safety initiatives.
- Implemented Community Safety Strategy to align resources with identified risks in the Fire Service.
- Provided leadership and direction to Home Safety Advisors, enhancing team motivation.
- Conducted annual appraisals and reviewed objectives to ensure service delivery efficiency.
- Oversaw management of Community Safety Budget to optimise resource allocation.
- Formulated and executed strategies tailored to the needs of the Community Safety Team.
Education
Stage 1 & 2 in Practice Education - Social Sciences
University of Bedfordshire
Luton 2023.09 - 2025.07
Master's in Social Work - Social Sciences
University of Bedfordshire
Luton 2018.09 - 2020.07
ILM Level 5 Diploma - Leadership and Management
Bedfordshire Fire And Rescue Service
Bedford 2016.09 - 2017.07
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Education and Training
University of Bedfordshire
Luton 2014.09 - 2016.07
Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management - Leadership and Management
Bedfordshire Fire And Rescue Service
Bedford 2013.09 - 2014.07
BA Hons Upper Second Class Degree - Child and Adolescence Studies
University of Bedfordshire
Luton 2007.09 - 2010.07
Level 3 in Education and Training - Education and Training
University of Bedfordshire
Luton 2014.09 - 2015.07
Skills
- Report and policy writing
- Presentation skills
- IT proficiency
- Written communication
- Leadership and management
- Administrative support
- Initiative and innovation
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Active listening
- Self-awareness
- Confidence building
- Motivation techniques
- Emotional intelligence
- Pressure management
Training - 2017-2024
- Child Exploitation
- ABE Training
- Systemic Practice
- Budget Management
- Effective Coaching Skills
- Effective Mentoring Skills
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Performance and Conduct
- Sickness and Attendance Management
- First Aid at Work
- Safeguarding
Timeline
Stage 1 & 2 in Practice Education - Social Sciences
University of Bedfordshire
2023.09 - 2025.07
Social Worker/Senior Practitioner
Central Bedfordshire Council
2021.01 - 2026.02
Master's in Social Work - Social Sciences
University of Bedfordshire
2018.09 - 2020.07
ILM Level 5 Diploma - Leadership and Management
Bedfordshire Fire And Rescue Service
2016.09 - 2017.07
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Education and Training
University of Bedfordshire
2014.09 - 2016.07
Level 3 in Education and Training - Education and Training
University of Bedfordshire
2014.09 - 2015.07
Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management - Leadership and Management
Bedfordshire Fire And Rescue Service
2013.09 - 2014.07
Prevention Support Manager
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
2011.02 - 2014.12
BA Hons Upper Second Class Degree - Child and Adolescence Studies
University of Bedfordshire
2007.09 - 2010.07