Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance
Wigan Life Centre South
College Avenue
Wigan
WN1 1NJ
Salary: Grade 12, £53,460 - £57,379 per annum.
37 hours per week
We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.
We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!
Your role:
This specialist role leads on the implementation and oversight of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Mental Capacity Act across adult social care. You will provide expert guidance to practitioners, ensure legal compliance, and supports best practice in complex casework. You will work closely with social workers, health professionals, legal teams, and senior managers.
You will manage staff directly within the DOLS team as well as a framework of external best interest Assessors and provide support on various decision making and funding forums. You will provide supervision, training, and quality assurance. The role supports safeguarding and human rights, ensuring the voices of people who lack capacity are central to decision-making. Ongoing professional development and peer support will be available.
About you:
The ideal candidate will be a confident, values-driven professional with a deep understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. They will need strong analytical and decision-making skills, excellent communication, and the ability to influence and support others across health and social care. A collaborative approach is essential, alongside the ability to manage complex ethical issues with empathy and legal precision. They must be organised, resilient, and committed to safeguarding human rights. The role requires someone who can lead practice improvement, provide expert advice, and champion person-centred approaches in challenging and evolving environments.
About us:
Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations.
The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.
Wigan offers a dynamic and supportive environment for professionals passionate about making a difference. With a strong focus on collaboration and progress through unity, the borough is committed to inclusive, person-centred services that empower individuals and communities. Candidates will join a forward-thinking team that values innovation, continuous learning, and shared leadership. Wigan’s integrated approach across health and social care provides opportunities to influence system-wide change, supported by strong partnerships and a culture of trust.
The borough’s investment in workforce development, wellbeing, and flexible working ensures staff feel valued and equipped to thrive in their roles and deliver meaningful impact. We offer a really strong wellbeing offer and ongoing continuous professional development. You will have regular effective supervision and be part of an amazing culture of kindness and compassion.
Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits click here to find out more about working for #TeamWigan.
To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Prove your right to work to an employer
For further information, please contact Mike Wharton- Assistant Director- on 01942 828192 (Ext: 3192)
Interview date: Tuesday 18th November 2025
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Procedure plus Adult barred list check
The employer is committed to safeguarding
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
To view the details relating to this position, please click the links below: