Job Title

About the roleWe are recruiting a Senior Best Interest Assessor to provide expert leadership in the application of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). You will ensure that decisions made for individuals who lack capacity are lawful, proportionate, and person-centred. This role is central to maintaining statutory compliance and driving best practice across the service.Key ResponsibilitiesUndertake statutory DoLS Best Interests Assessments in collaboration with the relevant person, their family, and other professionals. Make clear, defensible recommendations to the Supervisory Body regarding authorisations and any necessary conditions. Act as a senior source of advice, guidance, and specialist MCA/DoLS expertise to practitioners and partner agencies. Support the development of professional practice within the team and mentor Best Interest Assessor students, planning and monitoring their learning experience. Ensure assessments comply with legislation, case law, national standards, and good practice requirements. Contribute to policy development, service improvement initiatives, and the strengthening of internal processes.Stakeholder EngagementBuild and maintain effective relationships with case management teams, health colleagues, care providers, and external agencies. Promote collaborative working to support positive outcomes for individuals subject to DoLS.About YouEssential RequirementsQualified Best Interest Assessor with current approval under the MCA 2005. Strong working knowledge of MCA, DoLS, and relevant case law. Significant experience of complex assessments and multi-agency working. Ability to provide professional supervision, guidance, and mentoring. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.DesirableExperience in service development or policy implementation. Leadership or management qualification.Values & BehavioursCommitment to safeguarding and upholding human rights. Person-centred practice that respects dignity and autonomy. Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice. About YouAbout usWe value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.Equity, Diversity and Inclusion StatementAt the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.Recruitment InformationHillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:Enhanced DBS CheckQualifications CheckProfessional Registration Check5 years of ReferencingPlease note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.