Context and Background The Inspection Unit are part of the Chief Executive Office and play a vital role in the NSPCC's purpose to end cruelty to children and ensure the implementation of the NSPCC strategy. They ensure that the NSPCC has effective control to managed risk including financial and safeguarding controls. In addition, the role of Inspection is twofold; to help Trustees and Senior Managers know how well the NSPCC is managing risk; and to provide an impartial view of the quality of services and activities. This is delivered through an annual inspection plan (which sets out themed inspections) as well as a programme of shorter Service Quality Assurance (SQA) inspections. Inspection also undertakes unplanned internal enquiries and reviews including IMRs for Child safeguarding Practice Reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews. Job purpose: To provide an independent inspection service to the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees. To contribute to the design and delivery of the annual inspection plan. To inspect any aspects of the NSPCC’s aims, purposes, policies, practices and procedures. To contribute towards ensuring that the outcomes of the NSPCC’s activities reflect value for money. Key relationships - Internal: Inspectors report to the Head of Inspection. Staff across the NSPCC at all levels. Key relationships - External: Statutory agencies. Statutory inspectorates. Other voluntary inspection teams. Main duties and responsibilities 1. Design and methodology of themed inspections: As a lead inspector, to formulate the purpose and scope of inspections and decide on the appropriate methodology to be used. To establish and make known the standards and the criteria to be tested during an inspection, through liaison with relevant departments and managers. To identify the sources of information to be used and the methods of information collection, collation and analysis. To develop new methodological processes and instruments; piloting and evaluating different inspection approaches. To ensure that inspection activity is evaluated and continuously improved. 2. Undertake a rolling programme of short, safeguarding quality assurance inspections and assessments: Liaise with teams; seek and review relevant management information; agree a case sample for inspection. Inspect the quality of work against practice standards with a focus on safeguarding and child centred practice, ensuring the welfare of children is paramount. Discuss inspection findings with practitioners and managers. Seek the views of children or adults and partner agencies who have been involved in the case. Provide a short inspection report. 3. Collation and analysis of information: To collate and analyse qualitative and quantitative information to support judgements in relation to risks, priorities, objectives, compliance with policies, safety of users, quality of service and cost effectiveness. To review records and contextual information, policies, procedures, monitoring systems, legislation, and professional and government guidelines. To undertake inspection visits to teams, projects and departments and interview staff, service users and managers from partnership agencies. To address potentially difficult situations/findings that may place a child at risk or adversely affect the NSPCC and require urgent action, and decide on appropriate next steps, including bringing specific concerns to the attention of the Head of Inspection. 4. Consultancy: To assist operational staff in implementing standards. To develop business relationships with key staff to assist with continuous improvement. To liaise with and contribute to other groups in the NSPCC with responsibility for improving quality and developing policy and practice. To present findings and analysis to staff groups within the NSPCC, being aware of the audience and the possible response to the inspection findings. To make recommendations with regard to the management and delivery of services, which flow from the conclusions in reports and which link directly with the objectives and purpose of the inspection. 5. Management and use of Associate Inspectors: To induct and supervise Associate Inspectors and consultants to the Unit. To evaluate the contribution of Associate Inspectors. To report to line managers any issues of concern with regard to the performance and conduct of Associate Inspectors. 6. Production of reports: To prepare inspection reports containing judgements supported by evidence and recommendations. To write clear and balanced reports within specified timescales. To liaise with teams, projects and departments after inspection visits to ensure fairness and accuracy of reports. 7. Working as a team member: To contribute to the annual inspection plan. To manage and develop Associate Inspectors. To work co-operatively with other members of the team. To establish professional relationships with colleagues in statutory and voluntary organisations. To take responsibility for own professional development. 8. Special Enquiries: At the discretion of the Head of Inspection to undertake or assist with any additional inspections or confidential enquiries requested by Senior Managers. As part of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review and Domestic Homicide Review processes, to undertake Individual Management Reviews on behalf of the NSPCC. To undertake internal management reviews as requested. Responsibilities for all Staff within the Chief Executive Office There is a set of responsibilities for all staff within each directorate. To actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the NSPCC’s activities. To maintain an awareness of own and others’ Health and Safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures. To take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to end cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developments and general NSPCC news. To behave at all times in a manner consistent with the NSPCC’s Values and Behaviours. The duties outlined above are not intended to be exhaustive and may change as the needs of the department alter in line with current agendas. This job description will be subject to periodic review and amendment in accordance with the needs of the Society. A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Person specification: Detailed knowledge, understanding and experience of safeguarding and child protection practice in a Children’s Social Care setting or community environment. This includes a good understanding of relevant legislation. Experience of managing and developing staff in a safeguarding setting. Experience of successfully managing complex projects to agreed deadlines with minimal supervision. Able to exercise a substantial degree of discretion whilst remaining impartial and objective. With the ability to harness personal and professional resilience in a complex environment. Highly developed problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to rapidly and accurately assimilate new information whilst working in unfamiliar environments, evaluate and draw objective conclusions and make informed judgements from a range of diverse and complex information. Proven ability to influence senior staff and secure implementation of recommendations / improvements in practice and positively influence organisational policy and practice. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels. Able to produce clear and impactful reports and deliver presentations in a confident and positive manner to a range of audiences. Confident with use of Internet and Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, Outlook) to gather, analyse and report inspection data; experience of using case recording systems either in Children’s Social Care or similar environment. Able to undertake considerable travel across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands with frequent overnight stays away from home.