Safeguarding Advisor – Diocese of Blackburn

As the senior strategic lead for safeguarding the post holder will

Offer substantial safeguarding experience and in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, procedures and good practice relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Act as a contact point (along with the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser) for those in the Parishes, the Cathedral and the Diocesan Offices to assist them in discharging their responsibilities for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse of neglect.; providing advice to the Bishop, Archdeacons, clergy and laity as appropriate on the procedures to be followed when safeguarding concerns arise.

Advise on the implementation of the diocesan safeguarding policy and safeguarding initiatives; remaining up to date with the development of Church of England National Safeguarding policy and any legislative changes to enable the provision of information and advice which ensures the Diocese maintains the highest standards of protection for children and vulnerable adults.

Demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively with key partners, including the National Safeguarding Team; and as a key member of the Bishops’ senior leadership team to ensure the diocese continues to build a positive safeguarding culture and that all worshipping communities, church-based activities, and diocesan offices within the diocese are safe spaces.

Lead the safeguarding team in delivering an effective and efficient safeguarding service across the diocese, whilst implementing quality assurance and safeguarding practice improvement across the diocese to ensure safeguarding in the Blackburn Diocese continues to improve.

Strategy, Policy and Good Practice Guidance

• Working closely with the Safeguarding Management Group, the Risk Assessment groups, the Safeguarding Team and the Bishop’s Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement a comprehensive, proactive safeguarding strategy for the Diocese of Blackburn
• To work with the team to regularly review and update all Diocesan Safeguarding Policies and related guidance notes, manuals and processes for church and its related activities, ensuring they are up to date with current legislation, House of Bishop’s Guidance/Ofsted Requirements, and best practice
• To advise the Diocesan Bishop and members of his Staff Team on safeguarding policy, legislation and practice, ensuring all members of the senior leadership team remain current in their knowledge and training
• To lead and manage the safeguarding team of the diocese ensuring effective working practices
• Give advice, information and support to PCCs and parish safeguarding officers on the implementation of that guidance and, where appropriate, challenging PCCs and parish safeguarding officers on what they have done to implement that guidance
• Provide annual Diocesan statistical information to the National Safeguarding Team
• Support the Archdeacons to ensure each parish has adopted and implemented the Diocesan policy and procedures
• Forge links and work collaboratively with National and Regional Safeguarding Advisers, attending the annual Conference of the Church of England Diocesan and Methodist District Advisers and participate in Ecumenical and regional support group meetings
• Ensure that safeguarding records are kept that are accessible, accurate and securely held

Case Management 

• Offer the Diocese’s professional safeguarding response to safeguarding concerns or allegations against church officers in line with the House of Bishop safeguarding policy and guidance
• Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the Diocese and ensure all work is recorded in line with the House of Bishop safeguarding policy and guidance
• Work co-operatively with the police, local authorities and other bodies in cases in which it is suspected that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has suffered abuse or is at risk of suffering abuse
• Give advice, information and support to victim/survivors of abuse and ensure the diocese responds well to those who have suffered abuse
• Undertake and commission risk assessments in all situations where a risk may be posed and ensuring risk assessments are carried out on all “blemished” DBS Disclosures
• To submit to regular and appropriate supervision as agreed with the diocese in order to demonstrate appropriate performance management and quality control of case work undertaken
• To work with colleagues to ensure clear protocols are in place for the reporting and sharing of information with statutory agencies, key members of the Diocesan Team and the Communications Director (as required)
• Ensure all paperwork, files and correspondence relating to Safeguarding matters are maintained in accordance with best practice and in line with all guidance and requirements from the House of Bishops and the Data Protection Act. This includes maintaining the CMS Database
• Where the advisor thinks that safeguarding matters are not being dealt with properly and it has not proved possible to resolve within the diocese the points at issue, informing the National Safeguarding Team
• To advise the National Safeguarding Adviser on all cases which go to court, tribunal or become public through the media

Diversity – The Board of Finance believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds

The Board of Finance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.