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Youth Justice Inspection and Improvement Lead, SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
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Suffolk County Council
Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, Hybrid working
Salary: £60,135 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
Contract: Fixed Term/Secondment - to support preparation for HMIP Inspection, ending once the work is complete (estimated 1 year)
We are committed to making a meaningful difference to people and communities across Suffolk by championing high standards in Children and Young People Services (CYP).
We do this by listening to our practitioners, learning from lived experiences, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, where everyone plays a part in achieving the best possible outcomes.
We are seeking an experienced and driven professional to take on the role of Youth Justice Inspection and Improvement Lead within our Children’s and Young Peoples Service (CYP). As the Youth Justice Inspection and Improvement Lead, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring Suffolk Youth Justice Service is inspection-ready, evidence-informed and able to demonstrate high-quality, Child First practice, effective partnership governance and continuous improvement.
If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children in the youth justice system, understand the importance of victims’ voices and restorative practice, and hold strong knowledge of youth justice inspection frameworks, quality assurance and partnership improvement, we would love to hear from you.
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Your Role And Responsibilities
You will coordinate youth justice inspection readiness activity, support the preparation and collation of evidence, and ensure the service can clearly demonstrate impact, quality of practice and compliance with relevant standards. You will act as a key source of expertise on HMIP youth justice inspection expectations, Youth Justice Board standards and associated statutory duties, working closely with senior leaders, operational managers, practitioners and partners.
You will be highly organised, confident in working autonomously, and proactive in supporting activity that maintains an inspection-ready Youth Justice Service. You will work closely with Directors, Senior Managers, partnership board members, operational staff and stakeholders to ensure documentation, data, audit activity, learning and preparatory work are in place and aligned to improvement priorities.
This role sits within the Quality Assurance Service and will have a strong interface with Suffolk Youth Justice Service, supporting audit, thematic review, performance analysis and improvement activity that informs inspection readiness and strengthens practice.
You will:
- lead and coordinate youth justice inspection readiness activity, ensuring the service can clearly evidence impact, quality of practice and compliance with HMIP expectations, Youth Justice Board standards and statutory duties
- act as the subject matter expert on youth justice inspection frameworks, providing up-to-date guidance, insight and national learning to senior leaders, managers, practitioners and partners
- plan and facilitate inspection readiness meetings, maintaining oversight of actions, risks and progress, and ensuring clear reporting to senior leadership and the Youth Justice Partnership Board
- work collaboratively with Directors, senior managers and operational teams to identify strengths, address areas for development and ensure evidence is robust, current and accessible
- prepare and support staff at all levels, including frontline practitioners, managers, senior leaders, elected members and partners, for inspection activity.
- coordinate and manage the collation of inspection evidence, including data, audits, casework, partnership information and service documentation
- maintain a comprehensive inspection evidence library, demonstrating key areas such as Child First practice, assessment and planning, management oversight, safeguarding, risk management, victim engagement, education outcomes and partnership impact
- track and drive progress against actions arising from inspection, audit, peer review and quality assurance activity, ensuring timely delivery and clear evidence of impact
- work in partnership with police, probation, health, education, social care and victims’ services to support shared accountability for youth justice outcomes.
- act as a central point of coordination for HMIP inspection activity and related communications
- lead the ongoing delivery of the youth justice inspection and improvement portfolio, ensuring alignment with wider service improvement priorities
- analyse and triangulate findings from local, regional and national activity, producing clear reports, briefings, workshops and learning to strengthen practice and inform improvement
- contribute to wider Quality Assurance Service activity, supporting audits, reviews, performance analysis and corporate improvement projects across Children and Young People’s Services.
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You will need:
- a relevant postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience within youth justice, children’s services, quality assurance, inspection readiness or partnership improvement
- experience of delivering projects, supporting programmes or driving service improvement in a complex public sector or multi-agency environment
- strong analytical skills, with the ability to coordinate and interpret large volumes of data, audit findings and evidence to support inspection readiness and continuous improvement
- excellent organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment
- experience working within large organisations or partnership settings, with an understanding of governance, accountability and collaborative working
- knowledge of inspection, audit or regulatory activity (such as HMIP or Ofsted), or the ability to quickly build expertise in this area
- strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credible relationships at all levels, including senior leaders, partners and external stakeholders
- confidence preparing individuals and teams for inspection or assurance activity, providing constructive challenge and support where needed
- the ability to work independently, using sound judgement and initiative, while also contributing effectively as part of a wider team
- experience of leading or supporting complex workstreams or projects involving multiple partners and priorities
- proficiency in using data tools, spreadsheets or dashboards to support performance monitoring, reporting and assurance.
- a resilient and adaptable approach, able to respond positively to pressure, changing priorities and tight inspection timelines
- strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, briefings and presentations for a range of audiences
- a proactive, solution-focused mindset, with the ability to anticipate issues, strengthen systems and support practical service improvements
- an understanding of, or interest in, national youth justice policy, Child First practice, victims’ services and the role of inspection and quality assurance in improving outcomes
- a commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, families, victims and communities.
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Empowering Everyone
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, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Rachel Cogman (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact her by calling 01473 264704 or emailing: rachel.cogman@suffolk.gov.uk
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How To Apply
To apply and find out more information, please visit our site via the 'Apply on website' button.
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