Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team)

Basis Full time

Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team)

Location: Maidenhead 16/08/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £39,526 - £43,613 per annum

Contractual hours 37

Basis Full time

Package Generous annual leave allowance and an attractive pension scheme, plus flexible working and much more

Job category/type Adult Social Care

Date posted 27/07/2026

Job reference REQ02643

Attachments July 2026 Best Interest Assessor.docx Application Guidance.pdf Explanatory note for applicants-RBWM DBS checks v3.2.0. docx.pdf

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS Team!

This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £39,526 - £43,613 per annum.

About us:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council - a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community . RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiasticBest Interest Assessor to join ourDoLS team.

The role:

Working closely with adults across RBWM, you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Best Interest Assessor (BIA) based within the DoLS Team, completing comprehensive person centred assessments to a high standard, determining whether applications made by Managing Authorities to deprive a person of their liberty meet the legal criterion and are in the person's best interests, as outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Code of Practice and subsequent case law.

Why now?

It's a great time to join RBWM. We've started our transformation journey-Living Well Together-a vision shaped by staff that's about helping residents live well and enabling our teams towork well togetherin a connected, compassionate, and forward-thinking environment. We're investing innew roles,new technology, and enhancedlearning and developmentto support our teams and improve outcomes.

Our latest staff survey shows:

• 92% of colleagues feel their work is meaningful
• 87% say their line manager demonstrates the council's values

But don't just take our word for it-watch our staff videos to hear directly from our teams about what it's like to work here:

Adult social care careers Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

You role will include:

• Undertake the role of the BIA in line with mental capacity legislation, case law and local policy, completing all supporting assessments within statutory timescales, as outlined within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Obtaining, evaluating and analysing complex evidence and differing views and weighing them appropriately in decision making, you will identify and action a proposed deprivation of liberty, assessing whether or not this is within best interest criteria and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body or Court of Protection.
• Support ASC Teams to monitor and promote best practice, to ensure recommended conditions are adhered to in accordance with legislation and case law, undertaking timely reviews and / or renewals of existing DoLS and CoP authorisation's, ensuring appropriate contact and communication is maintained with Managing Authorities.

What we are looking for:

An experienced and enthusiastic BIA who holds a BA, BSc or equivalent qualification such as a Diploma qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Nursing alongside a recognised Best Interests Assessor qualification.

You will have demonstrable post qualification experience with adults, families, carers, and professionals, experience and knowledge in undertaking BIA assessments and presenting cases for court. Experience of advocacy involvement issues is essential as is experience and evidence of working to BIA Capabilities.

A passion for emerging case law and the promotion of Human Rights are essential qualities for any BIA, as is excellent report writing skills.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includeslife cover(3times of annual salary);and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme torecognise and rewardinnovativeachievement.
• Employee AssistanceProgramme providing counselling,advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals withhundreds ofretailers, includingdiscounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations.As an equal opportunities' employer, we encourage applications from allas we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contactEmma Berry, Service Team Manager

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.