Independent Scrutineer – Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP)

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership is seeking an Independent Scrutineer to provide oversight of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. This role influences the lives of children and young people in Dorset by ensuring high-quality, effective services. The ideal candidate will have significant safeguarding experience and a commitment to children’s wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.
• Deep knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.
• Proven ability to lead, influence, and challenge across multi-agency settings.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and the lived experiences of children and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide critical challenge and assurance on the effectiveness of local safeguarding arrangements.
• Act as a constructive, independent voice to promote reflection and continuous improvement.
• Scrutinise strategic priorities, multi-agency audits, and serious case reviews.
• Ensure the voice of the child is central to all safeguarding work.
• Mediate and support resolution of disputes between safeguarding partners.
• Report annually on the impact and leadership of the safeguarding partnership.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Critical Thinking

Report Writing

Education

Recognised professional qualification in social care, health, policing, or equivalent

Job description

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for safeguarding children and driving systemic improvement? Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP) is seeking an Independent Scrutineer to provide objective, expert oversight of our multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

This is a unique opportunity to influence and enhance the lives of children and young people across Dorset by ensuring that safeguarding partners are delivering high-quality, effective, and collaborative services.

About The Role

As Independent Scrutineer, you will:

• Provide critical challenge and assurance on the effectiveness of local safeguarding arrangements.
• Act as a constructive, independent voice to promote reflection and continuous improvement.
• Scrutinise strategic priorities, multi-agency audits, and serious case reviews.
• Ensure the voice of the child is central to all safeguarding work.
• Mediate and support resolution of disputes between safeguarding partners.
• Report annually on the impact and leadership of the safeguarding partnership.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a dynamic, values-driven individual with:

• A recognised professional qualification in social care, health, policing, or equivalent.
• Significant senior-level experience in safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.
• Deep knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.
• Proven ability to lead, influence, and challenge across multi-agency settings.
• Experienced report writer including experience in completing reviews for safeguarding partnerships.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and the lived experiences of children and families.
  
  

Why Join Us?

Dorset Safeguarding Childrens Partnership is committed to making Dorset the best place to be a child. We are building a culture of mature systems leadership, where learning, collaboration, and accountability are at the heart of everything we do. As our Independent Scrutineer, you will play a vital role in shaping a safer, more supportive future for children and young people across Dorset.