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- 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.
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Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the council's values before your interview. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with individuals, families, and partner agencies, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Consider role-playing common scenarios with a friend.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS. Being able to discuss these topics confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the Bracknell Forest Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace Best Interest Assessor - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure your personal statement is tailored to the Best Interest Assessor role. Highlight your experience with DoLS and relevant legislation, and show us how your skills align with our values at Bracknell Forest Council.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with individuals, families, and partner agencies in the past. We want to see your relationship-building skills shine!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and personal statement clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for relevant experience and qualifications, so make those stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we offer at Bracknell Forest Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Capacity Act, and other relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working with individuals, families, and partner agencies, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
Think of specific instances where you’ve built strong relationships in your previous roles. Be ready to share how you foster teamwork and collaboration, as this is key for the Best Interest Assessor position.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, and how the council supports its staff. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.