JOB NEWS: Durham County Council Is Seeking A Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership Independent Scrutineer In Spennymoor On A Temporary Basis.

Organisation: Durham County Council – Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP)
Location: Green Lane, Spennymoor DL16 6JQ
Rate: £500 Per Day
Appointment: Three-Year Tenure
Expected Commitment: Approximately 15–20 Days Of Scrutiny Activity Per Year
Additional Requirement: Enhanced DBS Check

About The Role

Durham County Council is seeking an experienced Independent Scrutineer to help strengthen the work of the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership and improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

The successful candidate will provide independent scrutiny and challenge, support partnership working and promote continuous learning. The role focuses on prevention, early intervention, coordinated responses to safeguarding concerns and ensuring the voices and lived experiences of children and families inform policy and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse complex information and provide robust scrutiny, challenge and recommendations for improvement.
• Assess how effectively partner agencies work together to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
• Support continuous learning and improvements in safeguarding practice.
• Apply an understanding of safeguarding systems, including the responsibilities outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and the Families First Partnership Guide 2026.
• Provide strategic vision and transformational leadership.
• Use strong negotiation, influencing and challenge skills.
• Build and maintain productive partnerships across agencies.
• Ensure children’s and families’ voices and lived experiences inform scrutiny, policy and practice.
• Produce reports and present findings and recommendations.

Requirements

Applicants must have a relevant academic or professional qualification, or equivalent senior-level experience in children’s safeguarding.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Proven experience in scrutiny, constructive challenge, report writing and presentations.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make robust recommendations.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and systems.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience developing effective partnerships.
• A commitment to ensuring children and families are heard and their experiences inform decisions.

Appointment Details

The Independent Scrutineer is accountable to the Safeguarding Partners, representing Durham County Council’s Children and Young People’s Service, Durham Constabulary and the Integrated Care Board.

The appointment is for three years and is subject to IR35 arrangements. An Enhanced DBS check is required.

Further Information

For an informal discussion, contact Paula Mather, Business Manager, at paula.mather2@durham.gov.uk.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the North East Jobs portal. CVs are not accepted. Applicants should use the Person Specification section of the application form to demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria.

To Apply: To apply, click here

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