Post Ref: CC968
Please note: Internal applicants applying for a secondment opportunity must have approval from their line manager before submitting an application.
Calderdale’s statutory role as the Supervisory Body for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) is undertaken by the MCA and DoLS team. The team is committed to promoting the voice, rights and wellbeing of people who lack the mental capacity to decide where they live and what support they receive. We are a small but dynamic team who strive to make the safeguards as available and meaningful to as many people as possible without compromising the integrity and purpose of them. The team is currently in exciting times - it recently started a service review that has been made all the more interesting by the new landmark Supreme Court “AGNI” Judgement in June 26! The role of the Best Interests Assessor has never been more important or interesting as it has just become since this judgement!
At present the team consists of three full time BIAs, a portion of commissioned out assessments to Independent BIAs, 2 Practice Leads and a Team Manager, with a significant and ongoing level of support from a number of Business Support Officers. We are looking to expand the number of BIAs in the team, starting with this fixed term post for now.
You will be joining an established and supportive team of professionals who are Best Interests Assessors, to provide and undertake all aspects of DoLS work , BIA assessments, reviews, screening, and mentoring to name just a few. Due to the nature and expectations of the post, the ability to work flexibly is a key feature, and in return you will get the opportunity to experience all aspects of what being a Supervisory Body for DoLS entails, and you will be assessing people from many different areas and specialities. The team utilises hybrid working, with some regular time available in the office base at Princess Buildings, and regular in person team meetings.
If you are a Best Interests Assessor who is passionate about the role and benefit that the safeguards can bring to the people in care homes and hospitals who don’t have the ability to validly consent to being there. If you would like the opportunity to practice as a BIA within a dedicated team and help to shape the future of Calderdale as a Supervisory Body. If you are someone who puts the person in person centered, then this post could be just what you are looking for!
We will welcome applications from any registered professionals who are Best Interests Assessors, if you would like to have an informal discussion about the post then please contact Annette Wilby by email or Teams message first please,
[email protected].
( NB – Annette will not be available from 5th Aug – 12th Aug due to her A/L).
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS (formerly CRB) from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Closing Date: Weds 2nd Sept 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 14th Sept 2026
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year (unless exceptions apply) and meet the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Calderdale will reimburse the post holders required professional membership, annually.
We may utilise digital interview methods.
As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.
All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
As part of our fair recruitment process, we ask that all applications are written by the candidate and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is limited, unless assistance is required as a reasonable adjustment for a disability. Content should be truthful, accurate, evidence based and not embellished – see guidance
