Partnership and Improvement AssistantCouncil

Location: Kendal, Barrow and Penrith
Contract Type: Fixed term - Maternity Cover to 24/12/27

About this opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership as a Partnership and Improvement Assistant on a fixed-term basis to provide maternity cover until October 2027. The role sits within Children's Services, in the Quality, Resources and Transformation Service, and plays a key part in supporting the delivery of the statutory Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements for Westmorland and Furness.

Working closely with the Partnership and Improvement Manager and a range of internal and multi-agency partners, you will support the development and maintenance of key business systems, quality assurance processes, performance and improvement activity, inspection preparation, service planning, and partnership governance arrangements.

The role provides essential support to strategic and operational safeguarding activity, helping to coordinate meetings, maintain business systems and evidence trackers, support audit and review processes, and contribute to the delivery of partnership priorities that improve outcomes for children and young people.

This is a full-time post (37 hours per week) and offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements across Westmorland and Furness Council locations.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual who can provide high-quality business and improvement support within a busy and dynamic environment. You will have excellent organisational and time management skills, be able to prioritise competing demands, and produce clear, concise written reports and briefings.

You should have:

• NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience of working within a local authority environment, preferably Children's Services.
• Experience of supporting change, transformation or improvement activity.
• Experience of quality assurance processes and supporting working or project groups.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex information clearly.
• An understanding of the role and purpose of Children's Services and safeguarding partnerships.

Most importantly, you will be committed to improving outcomes for children and young people and enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues and partners across multiple agencies.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Hayley Clarke
Children's Safeguarding Partnership Manager
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07353 105489

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 25/11/26

Interview date: 04/12/26

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected].

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.

Position type: Full Time