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Independent Scrutiny

The Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership (GSCP) is seeking an Independent Scrutineer to provide expert, impartial oversight of our multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. This is a unique opportunity to influence safeguarding practice at a strategic level and help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people across Gloucestershire.

Role Overview

  • Position: Independent Scrutineer
  • Location: Gloucestershire
  • Contract: Fixed-term (initial 2-year term, with potential for renewal)
  • Time Commitment: Up to 30 days per year
  • Remuneration: £600–£650 per day (depending on experience)

About the Role

As an Independent Scrutineer, you will act as a constructive critical friend, providing challenge and support to safeguarding partners at both strategic and operational levels. Your role will promote transparency, learning, and assurance that safeguarding arrangements are effective for children, families, and practitioners, in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver independent scrutiny of GSCP’s multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
  • Offer objective challenge to safeguarding partners (Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary, NHS Gloucestershire ICB).
  • Evaluate the impact of safeguarding practice, including audits, reviews, and performance data.
  • Ensure the voice of children and families informs policy and practice.
  • Review and contribute to the GSCP Annual Report, assessing progress and impact.
  • Support dispute resolution between agencies when required.
  • Promote reflection and continuous improvement across the partnership.

Essential Criteria

  • Significant senior leadership experience in a safeguarding-related field (e.g., social care, health, education, criminal justice).
  • In-depth understanding of statutory safeguarding frameworks, including Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
  • Proven ability to analyse complex data and make evidence-based recommendations.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to act independently and objectively, outside single-agency hierarchies.
  • Commitment to trauma-informed and restorative approaches.

Desirable Attributes

  • Experience chairing multi-agency meetings or panels.
  • Familiarity with Gloucestershire’s local safeguarding context and priorities.

Why Join GSCP?

GSCP is committed to safeguarding children through robust multi-agency collaboration. As Independent Scrutineer, you will play a vital role in ensuring our arrangements are compliant with national guidance and responsive to local needs.

Application Process

  • Deadline: Monday, 8 December 2025
  • Submit: CV and covering letter outlining your interest and suitability
  • Email: Dave.jones@Gloucestershire.gov.uk 
  • Interviews: Face-to-face at Police Headquarters, Waterwells, between 19–21 January 2026

Your application should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the role requirements and your motivation for supporting safeguarding improvement in Gloucestershire.