Job vacancy: Independent Scrutineer (Children and Young People)
Job title: Independent Scrutineer (Children and Young People)
Organisation: Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP)
Contract type: Up to 40 days per annum of Independent Scrutiny. Expectation of 3 days each month, except in August, with the remaining days to be used flexibly. The role is subject to a three-year tenure, subject thereafter to an annual review for a maximum of a further two years.
Job location: Birmingham Children’s Trust, One Avenue Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4DU
Remuneration: Competitive daily rate available, subject of negotiation.
Closing date: Thursday 31st July (We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications)
Information
Be part of Birmingham’s ambition to strengthen and improve how we protect children.
The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP) is seeking an experienced, insightful and highly credible safeguarding professional to take on the role of Independent Scrutineer.
This is a pivotal role, introduced in 2023 as part of refreshed governance arrangements, and central to our ongoing improvement journey.
The Role
This is not a traditional Chairing role – instead, it’s a hands-on, insight-led position, requiring deep engagement with practice on the ground. You will act as a critical friend to Lead and Delegated Safeguarding c partners including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, and Birmingham Children’s Trust.
You will be responsible for delivering a robust, structured scrutiny programme aligned to the four strategic priorities in our Business Improvement Plan (2025–2027). This will include:
- Leading a quarterly scrutiny programme and presenting the findings to the Executive Board.
- Observing practice, facilitating practitioner focus groups, and engaging directly with children and families.
- Producing high-quality written analysis that captures what is working, where there are gaps, and how the system can improve.
- Supporting the partnership to understand the lived experience of children and shaping how that learning informs service development and decision-making.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a safeguarding professional with significant leadership and operational experience ideally at Head of Service or Assistant Director level or equivalent role with a strong understanding of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and the practical application of Working Together 2023, especially in relation to independent scrutiny.
You will also bring:
- Experience of inspection, audit, or reflective practice activities.
- A strong grasp of what effective partnership working looks like in children’s safeguarding.
- Credibility and confidence to engage with senior leaders, frontline staff, and children and families.
This role is ideal for someone who combines professional curiosity, a deep understanding of frontline practice, and a strong moral compass to ensure safeguarding arrangements are making a real difference for children.
Why This Role Matters
This is a chance to shape the future of children’s safeguarding in one of the UK’s most complex and diverse urban areas. Your work will directly support our city-wide efforts to improve partnership working, deliver better outcomes, and keep children safe.
If you believe you have the insight, independence and safeguarding experience for this critical role, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply
To apply, please visit https://execroles.penna.com/?type=1
To find out more
For further information and to download a candidate pack please visit
https://execroles.penna.com/?type=1
For an informal discussion please contact our consultant at Penna: Amin Aziz on 07709 514 141