About Aspire Oxford
Aspire is an award-winning, Oxford based employment, recovery and rehabilitation charity and social enterprise, founded in 2001. We create accessible, meaningful and
supported work placement, training and employment opportunities for men and women from across Oxfordshire facing complex barriers to work. Aspire harnesses
the tenacity and determination that has enabled its volunteers, known as our ‘trainees’, to survive frequently harrowing life experiences such as homelessness, substance misuse, criminality, poor education and social exclusion, and show, mthrough a culture of change and possibility, that personal and professional success is available and achievable. We also deliver a range of housing projects including Housing First, supported housing for young people, supported housing for adults facing homelessness, HOME social lettings, ex-offender housing and our
homelessness prevention team.
Aspire’s social mission and business model are dynamically re-enforcing: we operate a range of social enterprises including H2i our recruitment service, inclusive recruitment and business consultancy services to commercial, public and private customers in order to provide training and employment opportunities, while generating essential revenue for our charity and promoting a responsible business model. To find out more visit www.aspireoxfordshire.org
Starting salary: £23,000 – £26,500 per annum
Hours per week: 37.5
Contract type: 12 month fixed term contract, with
an extension upon review
Probation Period: 3 months
Overall Purpose of Job
The Deputy Safeguarding Lead will report to, and support, the Designated
Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in meeting Aspire’s legal responsibility for implementing a
robust and effective safeguarding policy and process for the organisation, including
dealing with safeguarding issues, providing advice and support to employees, liaising
with the Local Authorities, and working with a range of other agencies. The jobholder
will support the DSL to deliver effective safeguarding support on a day to day basis
and provide cover for the DSL when they are on leave.
Role and Responsibilities include:
- To cover all safeguarding processes, risks and client caseload when the DSL is on leave.
- Keep accurate and up to date records on our internal database.
- To support the DSL with following up and reviewing safeguards in place, outcomes and risk management plans.
- Manage and monitor records of risk assessments and support staff to update these when necessary.
- Advise employees of mandatory training requirements and ensure that training records are kept up to date.
- To provide safeguarding advice, support and guidance to employees and volunteers.
- With the support of the DSL, manage safeguarding concerns, allegations or incidents reported to Aspire, gathering further information if required.
- With the support of the DSL, manage referrals to key safeguarding agencies (e.g social services or police) of any incidents or allegations of abuse and harm.
- Attend MATAC and MARAC meetings regarding clients working with Aspire when needed.
- With the support of the DSL, manage high risk clients and their needs, making sure that safeguards are implemented.
- You must raise any staff non-compliance issues with the relevant line manager and with the DSL.
- Support the delivery of regular workshops and training sessions to ensure all staff are fully aware of their responsibilities and are following the correct reporting and recording procedures.
- Support the DSL to ensure that all employees and clients are safeguarded with correct and smooth procedures in place that are relevant and specific to each project.
- Register with SAFE CIC to ensure access to best practice, guidance and other relevant safeguarding training, such as E-Safety.
Essential Skills
- You must hold Level 3 Adult and Child safeguarding training qualifications.
- Have a very good understanding of how this relates to our clients and their needs.
- Know Oxfordshire protocols for managing high risk clients.
- Know the correct procedure and have the confidence to follow guidance for safeguarding, keeping up to date with changes in safeguarding legislation.
- Be able to make quick decisions and report or share concerns and incidents to the appropriate authorities or services.
- Be approachable, patient and kind – our clients and your colleagues may need your support in difficult situations.
- Have an empathetic and non-judgemental attitude to Aspire clients and volunteers and an understanding of their difficulties.
If this exciting role in a growing and ambitious social enterprise and charity is the opportunity you have been looking for, please apply by sending a copy of your CV and a covering letter by midday 9th December, for the attention of Joanne Brown to joanne@aspireoxford.co.uk.
Please use your covering letter to demonstrate how your skills, qualities and experience meet each of our essential skills listed and demonstrate your safeguarding knowledge and experience
