Quality Assurance Regulation 44 Lead in Ipswich

We are focused on making a meaningful difference to children and families across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Quality Assurance and Regulation 44 Lead in the Quality Assurance Team, you will be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.

Your role and responsibilities

• Engaging with children, young people, families, and professionals to ensure their experiences inform and shape quality assurance activities.
• Conducting vital Regulation 44 visits, evaluating the quality of care in our children's homes, assessing whether our children are safeguarded and their wellbeing is effectively promoted.
• Preparing and presenting analytical reports highlighting strengths and recommending improvements, monitoring actions and reviewing progress.
• Providing expert guidance, support, and constructive challenge to colleagues and partners, enabling them to deliver improved outcomes.
• Leading and participating in quality assurance reviews, gathering and analysing feedback, and identifying areas for development.
• Designing and facilitating workshops, reflective sessions, and coaching opportunities to support continuous professional growth.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners to share best practice and foster effective multi-agency working.
• Monitoring legislative and policy developments to ensure that practice remains current and compliant.
• Supporting safeguarding and risk management, with a focus on promoting the welfare of children and young people.

You will be expected to manage your own workload with autonomy, respond flexibly to emerging priorities, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of services. The opportunity to make a tangible difference, both to service quality and to the lives of children and families, is at the heart of this role.

You will need to have:

• a suitable professional qualification at post graduate level and equivalent experience in a relevant area of work
• experience in quality assurance work in Children and Young People’s Services, and/or Children’s Homes (Regulation 44 work) and/or other sector work which demonstrates transferable skills
• management and leadership experience and/or qualification (desirable)
• an analytical/forensic approach to your work
• excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• strong ability to work both on your own and as part of a team
• to be able to work at pace within agreed timescales
• effective ICT skills, use of internet and other digital methods of communication
• to be aware of local and national research and frameworks

The Quality Assurance Team is a multidisciplinary group of professionals within the Children and Young People’s Services directorate. The team’s purpose is to support and enhance quality assurance processes across all services, ensuring that every intervention is meaningful and every child’s voice is heard. The team members are motivated by the positive impact they make, supporting colleagues, celebrating excellence, and driving continuous improvement. The team culture is collaborative, supportive, and committed to learning and professional development. Open communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose underpin all that we do.

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

For more information, please read the Job and Person Profile. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 3 February 2026

Interview date: 12 February 2026 at Endeavour House, Ipswich

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.