Director of Safeguarding – The Lioness Pride CIC

Maybe you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence (including childhood sexual abuse), and didn’t get the help they needed; or perhaps you’re tired of seeing/hearing the same stories about victims and survivors, plarticularly those from unrepresented and disadvantage groups? Why not join us and help to lead our organisation to transform lives.

About The Lioness Pride CIC

The Lioness Pride CIC is one of the few black female-survivors-led, community organisations on the frontline in the UK.

We provide long term support for women and girls, particularly those born of the black and minority ethnic communities, and recovering from extreme adversities such as domestic abuse, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. We do this through a range of trauma informed holistic practices which includes peer support groups, wellbeing & personal development workshops, mentoring, advocacy, referrals, events and other alternative healing activities.

We pride ourselves on creating positive changes by raising awareness of the impact of domestic abuse and sexual violence on minoritised groups, ensure survivors’ voices are heard at different levels, whilst helping them to bridge the gap to a happier life.

We are committed to putting women and girls’ experiences at the heart of everything we do so they can fulfil their potential and live their lives free from inequality, poverty and violence.

The impact from COVID-19 has created new and exciting opportunities for new members to help us sustain and grow the organisation. That is why we are seeking new members to join our vibrant, passionate & proactive team of directors that will help shape our future strategic direction and steer the organisation through our next period of delivery.

Currently, the organisation does not have any salaried staff and its work is delivered by a team of self employed trainers who are supported by volunteers. This in itself is challenging and we are seeking a Director who is passionate, motivated, with excellent leadership skills, who can commit the time to help drive the organisation forward to its next growth stage and help increase its team.

What you’ll get joining The Lioness Pride CIC

• A friendly and welcoming induction programme and a variety of training that’s offered throughout the year
• An opportunity to join a much worthy cause in an organisation that was set up by two sisters who’ve overcome some of the most extreme adversities from childhood and adulthood.
• An opportunity to join an organisation that promotes role modelling the change we want to see.
• An opportunity to get new and relevant professional experience
• A chance to broaden your professional network
• Play an important part in developing the Lioness Pride CIC (a community – not for profit organisation).
• Mainly working from the comfort of your own home, with flexibility to come to our office.
• Regular social opportunities to meet the diverse and friendly bunch who supports the organisation. This includes policy makers, practitioners, professionals, activists and other members of the community and sector.
• A sense of joy and fulfillment from giving back to a well needed cause and helping to support some of the most underrepresented and disadvantaged members of the community.

The Role

As Director of Safeguarding for the organisation, you’ll be responsible for ensuring all beneficiaries (vulnerable adults and children) feel safe, secure and supported.

This role requires: up to 6 Board meetings per year. Additionally, you’ll also be expected to have regular meetings within the organisation and also dedicate up to 15 hours each month to help manage/ deliver work for the organisation. Most of the work can be done working from home, but there may be instances you’ll be required to travel to our bases in Croydon (or Brixton, South West London).

The main duties and responsibilities:

The Director for Safeguarding within the organisation will be responsible for:

• leading, creating, developing and implementing effective safeguarding strategies including a clear audit programme
• ensuring compliance with national safeguarding standards
• develop resources and implement a learning and development strategy across the board
• build and maintain positive relationships with statutory agencies and safeguarding partners
• ensure all policies, procedures and guidance remain up to date in light of any relevant external issue or development
• help to recruit, train and support the team of volunteers in the delivery of case support, supervision and expert advice to employees and officials
• take appropriate action in response to safeguarding issues that arise
• ensure all matters relating to safeguarding are recorded and reported according to the organisation’s systems and updated as required.
• ensuring relevant staff are informed of any concerns.
• external agencies are involved and updated as soon as possible to ensure the very best outcomes for our beneficiaries.
• Comply with the standard director’s duties as per the organisation’s constitution.

About You

We’re ideally looking for someone who has:

• have some knowledge/experience in safeguarding vulnerable adults and/or children in a timely manner, and be able to demonstrate you are highly organised and process-driven.
• operational and management experience in the complex world of safeguarding
• an ability to change, build and manage strong and effective relationships
• collaborative working at a strategic level with key stakeholders
• resilience within a fast moving, operational environment
• experience in conflict resolution, dealing with sensitive issues and working in a highly confidential environment
• passion and enthusiasm for delivering high quality work
• excellent verbal and written communication skills to interpret and negotiate client requirements
• time management skills and the ability to cope with several projects at a time
• a thirst for knowledge and commitment to continuous improvement
• a flexible, responsive and can-do attitude

However you can still apply even if you do not have some or any of skills above but you’re willing to learn and have a passion for helping to empower women and girls’ survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Interviews will take place online, upon receipt of each application.

We aim to contact ALL applicants to inform them of the outcome of their application.