Introducing Darren Downs: Our Independent Scrutineer
BSCP are delighted to announce that Darren Downs has been appointed as our Independent Scrutineer for a three-year term, beginning 1st November 2025.
Working Together 2023 outlines the purpose of independent scrutiny as supporting and challenging partnerships’ drive for continuous improvement and providing assurance that multi-agency safeguarding arrangements are working effectively for children, families, and practitioners.
The Independent Scrutineer will act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Lead Safeguarding Partners and Delegated Safeguarding Partners responsible for the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements in Birmingham. Once in post, Darren will oversee delivery of a two-year Independent Scrutiny plan, which covers the period from April 2025 to March 2027.
With over 20 years of leadership experience, Darren has a proven track record of implementing improvements in safeguarding, policing, and community safety. He is currently the Independent Scrutineer for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Independent Chair and Scrutineer for Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Prior to these roles, Darren served as Assistant Chief Constable for Humberside Police, where his focus on performance and scrutiny helped the force achieve national recognition. His commitment to a culture of high challenge and high support was instrumental in Humberside’s transformation into the top-performing police force in the country.
On his appointment, Darren commented,
“I am really looking forward to working with both Safeguarding Partners and Local Communities across Birmingham, to ensure that safeguarding is the best it can be, and that children and their families feel safe, have a voice, and can reach their full potential.”
James Thomas and Helen Kelly, Co-Chairs of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements, said,
“We are delighted that Darren has agreed to become our Independent Scrutineer. His background and experience, combined with his clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, is exactly what we were looking for to help us in the next phase of our improvement journey.”