Herefordshire is an ambitious County where we put children’s safety and wellbeing at the heart of all that we do. Our November 2025 ILACS inspection judgement outcome was Good overall with Outstanding Leadership noting mature and effective partnerships.
We are passionate about keeping children safe, supporting those in need, and making sure that all children have the best possible start in life.
The Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) is seeking a highly committed, experienced and child-focused Independent Scrutineer, someone that shares our values and is equally ambitious for our children. We are looking for an exceptional person to build on our strong foundations and continue to provide robust and positive challenge across the Partnership. This is a high-profile, influential role requiring insight, credibility, relationship-building, and a deep commitment to promoting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children.
As Independent Scrutineer you will fulfil the responsibilities as set out in Working Together 2023, supporting the Partnership to meet its statutory responsibilities and providing independent and objective scrutiny of the multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. You will act as a constructive critical friend to the Partnership and encourage reflection, to help strengthen a learning culture and promote continuous improvement.
This is a three year contract, with the option to extend for an additional year subject to satisfactory appraisal. The Independent Scrutineer will be required from 1 April 2026.
About You
You will bring:
- extensive experience in child safeguarding and working with Child Safeguarding Partnerships,
- an excellent knowledge and understanding of the operational and strategic safeguarding agenda including key legislation,
- experience in the effective use of quality assurance systems and processes,
- an ability to promote the welfare of children, and keep the needs and perspective of children and young people as priority,
- an effective leader with the ability to inspire trust and confidence of children, young people, families and professionals,
- you will be professionally qualified, with significant operational and management experience in a professional specialism,
- you will hold a relevant qualification in Health, Social Care, Education, Criminal Justice or Legal services.
The role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and references will be sought prior to interview for short-listed candidates.
The successful candidate will provide services as detailed in the job description and person specification document.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Angela Wilson, Safeguarding Partnerships Business Manager [email protected].
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the requirements of the role by 2 February 2026.
Closing date for applications is: 2 February 2026
Interviews will be held on: 16 February 2026
Start date: 1 April 2026, or as soon as possible after this date