Lead For Inspection, Professional Standards & Audit

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council in Essex is seeking a Lead for Inspection, Professional Standards & Audit to oversee inspection activities and quality assurance for children's social care. This permanent, full-time role requires strong communication and project management skills, as well as operational knowledge of inspection frameworks. The successful candidate will engage with senior stakeholders and contribute to the improvement of services through effective oversight and collaboration.

Benefits

Flexible working

Support for unpaid carers

Qualifications

• Experience with inspection frameworks in children's services.
• Operational knowledge of children and families' services.

Responsibilities

• Lead management and oversight of inspection activities.
• Build relationships with partners and Ofsted inspectors.
• Coordinate and deliver the Inspection portfolio.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Negotiation

IT Proficiency

Resilience

Education

RQF Level 3

Tools

Excel

Job description

Lead For Inspection, Professional Standards & Audit

Lead For Inspection, Professional Standards & Audit

Type: Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £45,467 to £53,490 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Fixed-base worker

Closing Date: 1st May 2025

The Opportunity

Children and Families is a service that promotes social work development within a culture of collaboration, integrity, and compassion. The role involves leading management and oversight of inspection activities such as Ofsted, Multi-Agency Joint Targeted Area inspections, and SEND Inspections, providing quality assurance for inspection preparation. The post requires building credible relationships with senior leaders and representing the service externally.

Accountabilities

• Provide expertise and guidance on statutory inspection frameworks for Children's Social Care.
• Develop plans to prepare the service for inspection activities, minimizing risks, and maintaining 'Ofsted readiness'.
• Engage and prepare staff for inspections, managing their anxieties and expectations.
• Build relationships with partners and Ofsted inspectors, ensuring quality and accuracy of disclosures.
• Coordinate and deliver the Inspection portfolio for Essex Children and Families.
• Analyze inspection outcomes and lead reporting to drive improvements, including developing presentations and workshops.
• Support audit activities within the Professional Standards & Audit Service and related projects.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to RQF level 3 or equivalent experience, with project delivery or support experience.
• Operational knowledge of children and families' services and familiarity with inspection frameworks.
• Strong communication skills, able to influence and negotiate with stakeholders.
• Use of initiative, judgment, and decision-making in quality assurance.
• Ability to work flexibly, proactively, and adapt to change.
• Resilience, ability to work under pressure, and IT proficiency, especially with Excel and report writing.

The Successful Candidate Will Be

• A proactive self-starter with confidence in working independently.
• A resourceful problem solver and highly organized.
• Experienced in managing complex projects and engaging with senior stakeholders.
• An excellent communicator, capable of drafting guidance and engaging diverse audiences.
• Interested in national social work policy and inspection processes.

Why Essex?

Essex offers a dynamic environment with flexible working options, committed to innovation and community contribution. The county is part of the Government's devolution agenda, working towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and values integrity and ethical standards. Benefits include support for unpaid carers, flexible working, and safeguarding commitments.

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