Protecting People Independent Chair: Children at Risk Committee and Adults at Risk Committee
Invitation
On behalf of the Dundee Chief Officers Group, Dundee City Council is seeking to commission an independent Protecting People Chair to provide impartial, effective and integrated leadership across the Children at Risk Committee and Adults at Risk Committee1.
1 Please note that these committees include a remit for violence against women and suicide prevention alongside child and adult protection.
The role
The successful provider will chair both Committees and help ensure that Dundee’s arrangements for protecting children, young people and adults at risk are joined-up, evidence-led, trauma informed and focused on continuous improvement. The role requires the ability to respect the distinct statutory, policy and practice context of each Committee (including aspects related to child protection, adult protection, violence against women and suicide prevention) while providing coherent leadership across the wider Protecting People system.
- provide effective and impartial leadership of both Committees, including agenda-setting, facilitation, decision-making and oversight of agreed actions;
- demonstrate integrated leadership across public protection and strengthen interfaces between the Committees, partner organisations, the Chief Officers Group and wider strategic partnerships;
- facilitate mutual support and accountability for the delivery, quality and impact of public protection responses;
- provide independent advice, constructive challenge and transparent assurance to the Chief Officers Group on performance, quality and strategic risk;
- promote continuous improvement, reflective learning and the effective translation of learning review findings into practice;
- ensure that evidence, data, quality assurance and the voices of children, young people, adults, families, carers and people with lived experience inform priorities and decisions;
- support joint strategic planning and commissioning, where relevant, across complex multi-agency environments; and
- facilitate the resolution of conflict and help partners reach clear, proportionate and positive solutions.
For the Adults at Risk Committee, the Chair must support fulfilment of the statutory functions applying to Adult Protection Committees, including those set out in sections 42 to 47 of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.
What we are looking for
We are seeking an individual with strong strategic leadership, judgement, communication and influencing skills. They must be able to operate credibly and independently with senior leaders across organisational boundaries, analyse complex evidence, offer support, influence change, provide respectful challenge, manage sensitive issues and maintain a clear focus on outcomes for people at risk of harm.
This includes providing balanced leadership across all elements of the Committee remit — child and adult protection, violence against women and suicide prevention — recognising their equal importance and the complex, inter-linked nature of risks, responsibilities and responses across the Protecting People system.
Tenderers should demonstrate how their skills, abilities, values and experience equip them to lead an integrated Protecting People remit across both Committees. Detailed requirements are set out in the enclosed role descriptor and method statement.
The role requires a commitment of an average of 4 days per month, additional days may be required by prior agreement. The estimated budget for this commission is between £14,400 and £16,800 per annum. The initial award will be for a 2-year period, with the possibility of extension for a further maximum period of 2 years.
Tender submission
Please submit the following:
- a CV describing your relevant skills, abilities, knowledge and experience, with reference to the role descriptor (attached as appendix 1);
- a completed method statement, including the conflict of interest declaration;
- contact details for two referees from separate organisations who can comment on your suitability to deliver the commission; and
- a clear statement of your proposed terms of business, including your daily rate and any anticipated expenses.
Please submit the above information to hscproviders@dundeecity.gov.uk with subject line ‘Tender Submission – AARC/CARC Independent Chair’ no later than 5pm on Monday 26th October 2026.
Tender timetable
Invitation to tender issued 21st September 2026
Deadline for tender questions 9th October 2026
Tender return deadline 26th October 2026 (5pm)
Evaluation period 27th October – 27th November 2026
Clarification meetings, if required w/b 16th November 2026
Notification of outcome 30th November 2026
Target contract award date 11th December 2026
Target start date Early January 2027 (specific date TBC)
Further information
Questions about the commission should be directed to Kathryn Sharp, Acting Head of Strategic Services, Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership (kathryn.sharp@dundeecity.gov.uk or 07895899920)
Invitation to Tender (Appendix 1)