Job Description

Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership Independent Scrutineer

Payment

: 550 per day

Working Hours:

Approximately 22 days spread over the year, with a degree of flexibility.

Contract

: Permanent

Closing Date:

5th January 2026

Interview Date:

16th January 2026 face to face in Salford

About Us

Salford Safeguarding Children's Partnership (SSCP)

is seeking an

Independent Scrutineer

to provide

objective oversight

,

constructive challenge

, and

supportive guidance

across multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Do you have the expertise, independence, and commitment to make a real difference in safeguarding children and young people?

This critical role ensures that statutory safeguarding arrangements are

effective

,

transparent

, and

continuously improving

, enabling the best possible outcomes for children, young people, and families in Salford .

Salford is a good authority with robust and engaged multi-agency partnership working. Ofsted focussed visit October 2025 found "partnership working to be strong and effective".

You will be working with a mature and experienced Safeguarding Business Unit at a time of exciting change and opportunity as MASA arrangements are considered in line with Families First Partnership.

About the Role

As the Independent Scrutineer, you will:

Provide assurance

by evaluating the effectiveness of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Act as a critical friend

to safeguarding partners, including Salford City Council Children's Services, Greater Manchester Police, NHS GM Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership and Education.

Facilitate engagement

with children, young people, and families to ensure their voices shape local safeguarding policies and practices.

Challenge and support

safeguarding partners to address gaps, drive improvements, and promote accountability.

Demonstrate impact

by evaluating how safeguarding arrangements lead to better outcomes for children and families.
You will work collaboratively with safeguarding professionals, statutory partners, and community representatives, reporting directly to the statutory

Delegated Safeguarding Partners (DSP)

.

About You

We are looking for a highly experienced professional with a strong background in safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration. You will bring:


Significant senior leadership experience in safeguarding of children and families (from a range of professional disciplines). Experience of assertive and focussed scrutiny, confidently challenging multi agency partners to effect change. In-depth knowledge of

statutory safeguarding frameworks

, including Children Act (2004), Children and Social Work Act (2017), and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).

How to Apply

Application:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via Greater.Jobs outlining your suitability against the role profile.


For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Clare Duff (Head of Business and Impact Lead- Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership) by email- clare.duff@salford.gov.uk.


Salford City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


IR35 rules apply to this appointment of Independent Scrutineer. Payments will be made through payroll. Tax and NI deductions will be made at source via PAYE in line with current HMRC guidelines.


The successful applicant will need to ensure they have Professional Indemnity Insurance in place.



Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently 49.50. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months' salary payments at a rate of 12.38 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of 49.50.


If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants

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