We are seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join the Safeguarding Team and to assist the Head of Safeguarding to continue the development of safeguarding throughout the Diocese. To be successful in this role you will have a comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, procedures and best practice guidance, as well as a background in social work, police, probation or health. You will be highly motivated and enthusiastic with proven leadership skills and an ability to demonstrate resilience in a complex and fast-moving environment.
You will be conscientious and loyal to the aims and objectives of the Diocese, always having regard to its Catholic character
What will your principal duties and responsibilities be?
Allegations management
- Support the Head of Safeguarding in the response to allegations and concerns about the protection of children and adults at risk, engaging with relevant external statutory agencies and ensuring that all referrals are made in a timely manner
- Provide appropriate levels of advice, information, and support to victims and survivors of abuse
Safeguarding Plans
- Assist in the set-up, management and maintenance of safeguarding cases including those where the individual has a Safeguarding Plan; monitor and respond to associated risks by carrying out investigations and risk assessments
Safer recruitment
- Work closely within the CSSA framework, acting as a counter-signatory for enhanced disclosures for the Disclosure and Barring Service
- Complete Risk Assessments for any individual with a blemished DBS check or self-declaration
Safeguarding Training
- Assist in the development and implementation of a Diocesan safeguarding training programme for all Diocesan personnel that meets legislative requirements, CSSA Standards and best practice guidance
- Responsible for the delivery of the induction process for Parish Safeguarding Representatives
Leadership and Management
- Undertake line management duties for the Safeguarding Senior Administrator
Policy, procedure and practice
- Contribute to and assist with the development and implementation of safeguarding processes within the Diocese in line with the One-Church commitment to safeguarding, to prevent abuse within the Church environment
- Ensure professional support services, eg Lawyers and Insurers, are appropriately briefed and employed when required; represent the Diocese in formal and legal settings as required
Communicating and informing
- Ensure an active dialogue with statutory agencies including the Police, Probation and relevant social care agencies
Collaborating and partnering
- Contribute to managing safe practices of Religious Orders and Congregations who minister within the Diocese
- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with key stakeholders, statutory agencies and other partner agencies for the purpose of protecting children and adults at risk or who are vulnerable
- Assist in providing comprehensive safeguarding support to those responsible for the management of clergy, employees, lay people and volunteers
Other duties
- Deputise for the Head of Safeguarding in their absence
You must be able to demonstrate:
- Contemporary professional safeguarding experience in a multi-agency setting with children, young people, and adults at risk. This will include experience of leading case work, handling allegations, ensuring the voice of the child and vulnerable person is heard.
- Experience of how to respond with sensitivity and compassion to victims/survivors of abuse
- Experience of operating within the legal and procedural framework relating to safeguarding
- Experience of risk management of offenders in a multi-agency setting
- Experience of reviewing evidence and taking appropriate action where necessary; applying sound judgement, with an attention to detail; maintaining confidentiality and building trust
- Resilience and the ability to work under pressure
- Skills in conflict resolution, negotiation and problem solving
- Interpersonal and listening skills; an ability to deal sensitively with the public, the vulnerable and their families/representatives
- Skills in understanding appropriate boundaries of responsibility and working within them
- IT skills, ensuring the accurate update and input of data to relevant data systems
- The ability to work flexibly
- A Full driving licence, access to a car, and willingness to travel throughout the Diocese and sometimes the UK
A full application pack is available on our website.: Safeguarding Advisor – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk)
Department for Safeguarding, St Cuthbert’s House, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 7PY.
