- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX – Hybrid
- Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Workflow Lead in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
As a DoLS Workflow Lead, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the day‑to‑day operations of the DoLS team, which carries statutory responsibility for undertaking Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments and authorisations.
Joining our award‑winning service, you will be central to the triage of all incoming DoLS referrals and the allocation of assessment work to both Best Interest Assessors and Section 12 Doctors.
You will work closely with assessors and the wider team to ensure we meet our legal duties in responding to referrals, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Suffolk. In doing so, you will make a direct and meaningful difference by helping to safeguard individuals’ human rights.
This role will draw on your strengths in workflow management, enabling you to ensure resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
You will need
We are looking for someone with strong communication skills and the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently. We hope you will bring fresh ideas and innovation to help shape the development of this role – supporting both your own professional objectives and the wider needs of the team. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about upholding and protecting people’s human rights.
Good IT skills and an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are beneficial. However, a willingness to learn is just as important. Even if you don’t yet have all the technical knowledge or practical experience, we recognise the value of transferable skills and are committed to supporting your growth.
We look forward to welcoming someone who shares our values, motivation, and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for the people of Suffolk.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Suffolk DoLS Team is responsible for assessing and authorising the lawful deprivation of an individual’s liberty. We work under the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, undertaking these statutory duties on behalf of the Local Authority.
Our team is made up of Best Interest Assessors and dedicated Business Support Officers who work collaboratively to ensure that the rights of those we serve are upheld, and that any deprivation of liberty is subject to robust, independent scrutiny.
We work closely with partner agencies, including care providers and hospitals, to review restrictions placed on individuals. This includes considering whether restrictions are necessary and proportionate to ensure a person’s safety and wellbeing, and whether any measures in place may be overly restrictive.
The team is deeply committed to valuing people’s rights – promoting choice, challenging assumptions, and fulfilling our core safeguarding responsibilities.
You will join a team that demonstrates strong social work values through reflective and evidence‑based practice – recognition of which was reflected in our success at the National Social Work Awards in 2023.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re 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 Suzanne Ladlow (she/her) DoLS Safeguarding Manager for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07872415014 or emailing: suzanne.ladlow@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Can you describe a time when you had to manage a high volume of work and prioritise tasks based on risk or urgency? What approach did you take and what was the outcome?
- Give an example of when you used data or performance information to influence a decision or support a team. How did you present the information and what difference did it make?
- Describe an example of when you contributed to or supported a change in process or system. What was your role and how did you help others adapt?
- Give an example of when you dealt with a safeguarding issue or high‑risk situation. How did you handle it and what steps did you take to ensure positive outcomes?
Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you’re invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 1 March 2026.
Interview date: 10 March 2026.
Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
