Lead Best Interest Assessor

Westmorland and Furness Council; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Barrow-in-Furness seeks a Lead Best Interests Assessor. The candidate will complete assessments, provide case supervision, and enhance support for vulnerable individuals according to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Successful applicants will have a BIA qualification and relevant experience. The role emphasizes collaboration with professionals and community outreach to uphold individual rights and well-being, offering competitive benefits and a visionary approach to adult social care.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Various perks and discounts schemes

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and relevant codes of practice.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Experience working within multi-agency environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as Lead Practitioner completing Best Interests Assessments in accordance with legislation.
• Provide training and support to health and social care professionals.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to improve awareness and practice.

Skills

BIA qualification

Knowledge of Mental Capacity Act 2005

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Experience in safeguarding environments

Education

BIA qualification (with at least two years’ post registration experience)

Job description

About this opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Westmorland and Furness Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality Best Interests Assessments and reviews in line with the DoLS framework.

As our Lead Best Interests Assessor (BIA), you will act as Lead Practitioner completing Best Interests Assessments in accordance with legislation, regulations, the DoLS code of practice and current case law, along with providing case supervision within the wider team.

Supporting the DoLS team manager and Westmorland and Furness Council in the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), within agreed objectives, and quality and performance standards.

Working effectively with internal and external partners, you will provide training, advice and support to health and social care professionals, as well as Managing Authorities (care homes and hospitals), customers and their families, to improve awareness, practice and processes.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for an experienced Best Interests Assessor who is committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals, looking to progress and develop in their career.

You will have:

• BIA qualification (with at least two years’ post registration experience)

• Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and related Code of Practice as well as the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and related Code of Practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience of working within safeguarding and multi-agency environments.

Adult Social Care vision is “People living in a place they call home with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them.”

We are looking for the right people, with the right values and behaviours to join our teams across Adult Social Care. We’d like to hear more about you, your motivations, interests and values on your application, including what attracted you to this role and how you feel your values relate to the role of Advanced Practitioner - Best Interest Assessor.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Jackie Baldwin, DoLs Team Manager on [e-mail] or 07795 287460.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 22nd January 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed with candidates successful at shortlisting.

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with an Adults Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.