Job Description

The overall role of the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will be:

To act under the direction of the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to strengthen the existing Safeguarding Team working towards the delivery of a safeguarding service that reflects best practice.

To support the diocese in the implementation of House of Bishops Policies and Procedures, providing appropriate support to parishes in responding to safeguarding queries.

To make sure that offenders returning to the community to worship are appropriately supported and managed, including carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with police/probation service where required, and establishing robust Safeguarding Agreements.

Deputise for the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser when appropriate and act on their behalf in their absence as needed.

For more information and to apply online please visit:

https://pathways.churchofengland.org/job/pathways/2457/assistant-diocesan-safeguarding-adviser

Main Responsibilities

Delivery of policy, procedures and good practice guidelines

Monitor and remain up to date with the development of government policy, Church of England policy and good practice and maintaining continuing professional development and professional registration where appropriate.

Maintain knowledge of how local arrangements for safeguarding agencies are structured in relation to providing safeguarding services and how they receive referrals.

Support the Archdeacons in ensuring each parish has adopted and implemented the House of Bishops Practice Guidance.

Contribute to the work of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel

To report to DSAP and other Diocesan bodies on the progress of safeguarding arrangements as required.

Give advice to the Bishop and other church officers as required by the DSA.

As part of the safeguarding team, ensure each parish has adopted and implemented the House of Bishops Practice Guidance.

​ Casework. The Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser should:

Provide a professional response to serious safeguarding situations, following House of Bishops Practice Guidance 2017 – responding to assessing and managing safeguarding concerns or allegations against Church Officers.

Contributing to the process and to the drawing up and regular review of agreements for those known to be a risk to children and / or adults

To take responsibility for case work delegated by the DSA, ensuring all work is recorded in line with the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy and guidance and to assist the DSA with more complex cases

.Ensure appropriate levels of support are put into place for alleged victims/survivors and their families, alleged perpetrators and their families, congregations or others who are affected.

Provide guidance and direction where there are concerns about children and young people and adults who may be a risk;

Respond to requests for advice, information, and guidance for individuals in the Church who are concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people (children, young people and adults whose behaviour is concerning).

Build understanding and knowledge of Safer Recruitment guidance and of the Disclosure and Barring Service systems and processes

Undertake risk assessments for blemished DBS’s.

Ensure, always, that appropriate records are maintained, suitable for admission in legal proceedings

Attending case conferences set up by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team to take advice from senior managers and officers in relation to managing complex cases.

Support individuals when a referral to local authority children’s and adults’ social care or the police is necessary;

Support parishes during a child/adult protection or safeguarding enquiry and afterwards. This may include ensuring support is provided for others in the parish who may be affected by such an enquiry, for example volunteers or other leaders;

Work in partnership with the statutory agencies as required by the DSA.

To be responsible for the risk assessment programme for offenders worshipping in parishes, conducting risk assessments, completing safeguarding agreements and reviewing as appropriate.

The Ideal Candidate

Please see attached person specification

About us

For further information about Blackburn Diocese please visit https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/

For further information or an informal chat regarding the role please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Sharon Hassall at sharon.hassall@blackburn.anglican.org

Interview date: 21st July Tentative TBC

Overview (Optional)

In the Diocese of Blackburn we profoundly believe in the difference that the Gospel makes to people lives and so have a deep commitment to building healthy churches which can transform the communities in which they are set. We are looking for people of all backgrounds and traditions who share our passion for making a difference in the name of Jesus Christ.