Independent scrutineer

The role of the Independent Scrutineer is to carry out the independent scrutiny function as set out in Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2018. The Independent Scrutineer will provide the critical challenge and appraisal of the multi-agency safeguarding partnership arrangements in relation to children and young people.

The role forms part of these arrangements and focuses on providing assurance in judging the effectiveness of the arrangements to protect children and support a culture and environment conducive to robust scrutiny and constructive challenge.

The KSCMP Independent Scrutineer is Rory Patterson. Rory has a wealth of experience of children's services and partnership working. He is a retired Director of Children's Services and before his retirement led Thurrock Council to a Good Ofsted Judgement. Prior to Thurrock, Rory was the Director of Children's Social Care in the London Borough of Southwark where his services received a Good Ofsted Judgement. He is also the Independent Scrutineer for Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership and has been the Chair of Medway Children's Services Improvement Board since March 2020.