Head of Safeguarding (Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor)
We are currently looking for an experienced safeguarding professional from a social work, probation, police, health or other relevant background to join our busy team based at the Diocesan Office in Derby. The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) would be a dynamic leader and line manager of the safeguarding team promoting good practice in all matters relating to safeguarding across the Diocese through the provision of advice and support to parishes, clergy, Archdeacons and Bishops. The DSA would also be responsible together with senior diocesan officers for the review and possible restructure of the safeguarding team.
The Head of Safeguarding will initially act as the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), advising the Bishop on all Safeguarding matters, upon certification of the diocese for transition of the DSA to a DSO, the Head of Safeguarding will assume responsibility in the diocese, independent of the Bishop, for the professional leadership on and management of matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. and will hold responsibility for planning and preparing the diocese well for our independent safeguarding audit, scheduled for June 2027, and leading the diocese effectively through that process.
The successful applicant should be an excellent communicator with proven experience of managing a varied workload with excellent strategic and line management skills. Candidates must have previous experience within a similar role at practitioner and management level working with children, young people or vulnerable adults and have the ability to demonstrate transferable knowledge. A relevant qualification in social work would be beneficial but not essential. The successful candidate will require an enhanced DBS check.
The Head of Safeguarding will lead the Diocese’s and Cathedral’s work on this standard by:
- Working with the Diocesan Bishop, Archdeacons and other senior clergy, the Diocesan Secretary, and other key staff to support, develop and improve the safeguarding practice and culture across the Diocese.
- Working with the Dean of Derby, the Cathedral Chapter and other key Cathedral staff to uphold the Partnership Agreement in place between the Cathedral and the Diocese.
- Cooperating with and supporting the work of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) as required.
- Managing the Diocesan response to quality assurance and audit processes.
- Ensuring that appropriate learning and reflective practice takes place across the Diocese from casework, including, where required, commissioning or requesting safeguarding practice reviews.
- Leading the Safeguarding Team through effective management, mentoring and coaching, and supporting the team’s wellbeing and development, both as a team and as individuals.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested please use the link below to review the recruitment pack and apply for the role
Head of Safeguarding (Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser) – Diocese of Derby (anglican.org)
Closing date for Applications is the 30 June 2024
