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- Tasks: Provide independent oversight of safeguarding arrangements and ensure continuous improvement.
- Company: South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership, dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a critical friend, shaping policies that impact children and families directly.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding, strategic leadership, and understanding of statutory frameworks.
- Other info: Engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to meaningful change in the community.
The predicted salary is between 10000 - 15000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term (3 years) | Remuneration: £500 per full day / £250 per half day (all expenses included) | Time Commitment: Approx. 20 days per financial year | Location: Hybrid, with in-person attendance required for partnership meetings and events in South Tyneside.
About the Role
South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership is seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to serve as our Independent Scrutineer. This pivotal role provides independent, rigorous, and reflective oversight of our multi‐agency safeguarding arrangements, ensuring they are effective, transparent, and continuously improving in line with statutory requirements (Section 16E of the Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023).
As Independent Scrutineer, you will act as a critical friend to the Partnership and Executive Board, providing support and challenge, testing the impact of safeguarding arrangements, and ensuring the voices of children and families are central to all we do.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a structured scrutiny programme aligned with strategic priorities and the Business Plan
- Produce high‐quality analytical reports, including quarterly findings and an annual review
- Engage directly with children, young people, families, and practitioners to ensure lived experiences shape policy and practice
- Offer constructive challenge and critical reflection to senior leaders across agencies
- Facilitate learning and review processes, including child safeguarding practice reviews and thematic audits
- Mediating and advising on inter‐agency disagreements, supporting resolution and shared accountability
- Contribute to inspection readiness and alignment with wider accountability frameworks (Ofsted, ILACS, CQC, JTAI, HMICFRS)
About You
You are an experienced safeguarding professional with strategic insight and a deep understanding of effective practice for children, young people, and families. You bring first‐hand experience of risk assessment, intervention, and decision‐making in multi‐agency contexts, and have the confidence to challenge and support senior leaders. Your independence of mind and commitment to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement are essential.
Essential Criteria
- Academic or professional qualification in social/health care, education, criminal justice, or legal discipline
- Strategic leadership experience within services working directly with children, young people, and families
- In‐depth understanding of statutory and policy frameworks underpinning safeguarding arrangements
- Proven experience of evaluating, auditing, and improving multi‐agency child safeguarding practice
Independent Scrutineer – South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership in London employer: South Tyneside Council
Contact Detail:
South Tyneside Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Scrutineer – South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the safeguarding field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your critical reflection skills! Think about past experiences where you've challenged practices or improved processes. Be ready to share these examples during interviews to demonstrate your ability to provide constructive feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Scrutineer – South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Independent Scrutineer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your hands-on experience in safeguarding. Share specific examples where you've made a difference, especially in multi-agency settings.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This helps us see your strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Tyneside Council
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest statutory requirements and frameworks related to safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the Children Act 2004 and the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 guidelines. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully challenged or supported senior leaders in safeguarding contexts. Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged with children and families to shape policies. This will demonstrate your practical experience and strategic insight.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves producing high-quality analytical reports, be prepared to discuss your approach to evaluating and improving multi-agency practices. Bring examples of reports or audits you've conducted, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Engage in Reflective Practice
Highlight your commitment to continuous improvement and learning. Discuss how you’ve facilitated learning processes or reviews in the past. This will illustrate your independence of mind and your ability to contribute positively to the partnership.
