Administrative Officer

An opportunity has arisen to join Dorset Council’s Children’s Services as our Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) Administrator, supporting a highly sensitive but deeply meaningful area of work. This is a temporary, part-time position for 22 hours per week over 12 months.

You’ll play a key role in administering the Pan Dorset and Somerset CDOP, working alongside a wide range of professionals including the Chair, Designated Doctor, NHS trusts, and local authorities. You’ll coordinate meetings, ensure the eCDOP system runs smoothly, provide training, and support consistent, high-quality processes that help us review every child death respectfully and thoroughly, seeking to learn and prevent future tragedies.

We’re looking for someone with a Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience, who can confidently manage information, communicate with sensitivity, and bring both compassion and organisation to a challenging but rewarding role. Flexible and hybrid working is supported, though in-person attendance is expected for panel meetings.

For an informal chat, please contact Sophie Cole ([email protected]). Interviews will be held week commencing 14 July 2025. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and operate a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible candidates.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed. 

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.