At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct independent assessments and ensure care arrangements protect service users' rights.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with social clubs and employee support programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must hold a DoLS Best Interests Assessor qualification and have relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 36400 - 43300 £ per year.
Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
We have a great opportunity for a Best Interest Assessor on a full time, permanent basis at Bracknell Forest Council.
At Bracknell Forest Council we pride ourselves on being a stable and well-managed council where employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We offer flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.
About You
We are looking for someone who can independently assess under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and ensure care arrangements follow the law. You will have strong communication and relationship-building skills, and the ability to work with individuals, their families/advocates, and partner agencies. You should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of The Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, Mental Health Act and the Data Protection Act.
You must hold a current DoLS Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification, have at least 2 years of experience in the Best Interest Assessor role (including recent assessments within the last year), and have undertaken annual DoLS/BIA legal update training within the last twelve months. A driving licence is essential for this role.
About The Team
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards team in Bracknell. We are a supportive team committed to continuous improvement, working with safeguarding professionals across the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards team and the Strategic Adult Safeguarding team.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Review restrictive care arrangements to ensure they follow the law and protect service users’ rights.
- Promote understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS among health and social care professionals, service users and carers.
- Treat everyone fairly and with respect, using a strength-based approach.
- Build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and partner agencies and encourage teamwork.
Our Benefits
- £43,463 - £48,873 per annum (inclusive of London Weighting and Essential Car User Allowance).
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with options to buy/sell up to 15 days.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Reimbursement of one annual professional subscription/registration.
- Recognition of continuous NHS/UKHSA service when calculating some benefits (terms apply).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.
Additional Information
Values: Bracknell Forest Council values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning, guiding how we work with residents and communities.
Reasonable adjustments: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require adjustments during the application or interview process, please email recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Interview date: 28 October 2025. Interviews will be in person.
We reserve the right to close the advert early if a suitable candidate is identified. Apply as soon as possible. AI is prohibited during the interview; any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided and include a personal statement with your CV explaining why you are applying for this vacancy. For more information, contact Dols.Application@Bracknell-Forest.gov.uk.
Requirements: Candidates must provide evidence of relevant professional qualification(s) and current registration, plus a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification inline with DoLS. UK residency is required. Sponsorship availability is limited and assessed case by case. No agencies.
Location: Time Square, Bracknell
Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Full Time | Hours: 37 per week | DBS: Enhanced
Closing Date: 19/10/2025 at 23:59 | Reference: People/25/323727
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Find out more about the vacancy: Candidate Pack and JD & Person Specification.
Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, allowing employees to thrive while maintaining a healthy work-life balance through flexible working options. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous leave policies, and a focus on wellbeing, the council provides a rewarding career path for Best Interest Assessors looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Bracknell
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bracknell Forest Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bracknell Forest Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
