About us
The Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 90 parishes across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire (except Slough), South Oxfordshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Formed in May 1882 by the division of the Diocese of Southwark, the Diocese of Portsmouth has a presence in every community and can offer ministry and mission to all who come to us, working towards the Bishop’s vision of Bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through his church.
About you
We are seeking an experienced professional with a clear passion and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the needs of children, young people and adults at risk.
Overall job purpose
To provide effective support to the Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator in:
· Implementation of the national Safeguarding Policies of the Catholic Church on behalf of the Bishop and Trustees of the Diocese of Portsmouth.
· Delivering the Safeguarding Strategy on behalf of the Bishop and Trustees for the Diocese of Portsmouth.
· Delivering the operational functions of the Diocesan safeguarding office.
· Embedding safeguarding as a culture across the Diocese including the development of lines of communication, sharing best practice and areas for development.
For more information and to apply online please visit:
https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=safeguarding%20children%20in%20churches&l&vjk=c9766ea02dc478e7
Please see role profile for full description including key accountabilities and person specification for the role.
Please apply by sending the following:
Covering letter: Please tell us how your motivation, values, skills, experience and personal qualities demonstrate your suitability for the role (around 500 words) in accordance with the areas identified within the role profile. Please make it clear why you are excited about this role, and why you specifically want to work for the Diocese of Portsmouth.
Current CV and the details of two referees: This should include full education and employment history (including dates, with no gaps left unexplained). Please include your current or most recent employer as one of your referees.
Closing date for applications: 18th June 2021
Notes to candidates
1. Interviews: all shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview.
2. Unsuccessful applications: if you have not been contacted within 3 weeks of your application, we regret that you will not have been offered an interview on this occasion.
3. General: this post will be subject to review under the relevant Diocesan Terms and Conditions of Service.
4. New employees to the Diocese will be subject to a probationary period of six months.
Application deadline: 18/06/2021
ROLE PROFILE
Overall Job Purpose
To provide effective support to the Safeguarding Coordinator in:
o Implementation of the national Safeguarding Policies of the Catholic Church on behalf of the Bishop and Trustees of the Diocese of Portsmouth.
o Delivering the Safeguarding Strategy on behalf of the Bishop and Trustees for the Diocese of Portsmouth.
o Delivering the operational functions of the Diocesan safeguarding office.
o Embedding safeguarding as a culture across the Diocese including the development of lines of communication, sharing best practice and areas for development.
Key accountabilities
Central Team Support
· To act as a deputy to the Safeguarding Coordinator during times of absence.
· To support the Safeguarding Coordinator in the organisation and delivery of the annual Parish Safeguarding Ministers (PSM) conference.
· To support the Safeguarding Coordinator in completion of the annual report, audits and other review work in accordance with national standards.
· To assist in the management of safeguarding reports and concerns, undertaking casework and investigations as directed by the Safeguarding Coordinator.
· To work with statutory partners and key stakeholders to effectively assess and manage risks linked to the implementation, oversight, management and review of safeguarding plans.
· To maintain electronic case records ensuring accurate information is recorded and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation.
· To support the Safeguarding Coordinator in the development and delivery of training to all Clergy, Religious and volunteers, in accordance with national standards and local need.
Clergy and PSM Support
· Travel throughout the Diocese and other locations as the needs of the post require.
· To provide support to the Diocese in the recruitment, induction, support and ongoing training needs of Parish Safeguarding Ministers.
· To provide support to Parish Safeguarding Ministers in relation to safeguarding practice and safe recruitment at a parish level.
· To work with internal and external stakeholders to effectively manage reports and concerns, sharing information to assist in the management of risk and prevention of harm.
· To provide support and advice to victims and survivors of abuse, ensuring their needs are met in a timely manner, including signposting to specialist support services.
· To provide expert advice on matters of a safeguarding nature, and specifically child protection and adults at risk, promoting good practice both internally and externally.
Ad hoc duties and projects
· To undertake any other duties as required by the Safeguarding Coordinator that are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility for this post.
· Some flexibility in working hours may be required on an exceptional basis.
Values
· To maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church and positively promote the work and activities of the Catholic Church.
Person Specification
(Personal attributes essential to performing role: e.g. skills, competencies, expertise, knowledge, experience.)
Essential
· A minimum of three years’ experience of working in a multi-agency setting.
· Experience of safeguarding and promoting the needs of children, young people and adults at risk.
· Experience of working in the field of public protection including the assessment and management of risk in relation to those who are identified as posing a risk to the community.
· Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to effectively prioritise and manage workloads, monitoring progress and maintaining your continuous professional development.
- Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience of maintaining and updating electronic recording systems with speed and accuracy.
- Experience of working with and managing confidential information, in compliance with legislation and guidance, building trust across the organisation in relation to the safeguarding service.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to communicate with people at all levels.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- The ability to effectively manage a high-volume workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- The ability to work effectively as part of both a small team and the wider organisation.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- The ability to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising workload to meet deadlines.
- This role will be subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.
Note: Applicants with relevant experience and qualifications from employment areas such as police/probation/social work are likely to be suitable for this post.
Desirable:
· Knowledge and understanding of the values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
· A relevant Degree, professional qualification(s) or extensive experience in a safeguarding or public protection role.
· Experience of working with victims and survivors of abuse.
· Experience of supporting a volunteer workforce.
· Experience of working with or within the Criminal Justice System.
· Relevant experience and/or qualification in training delivery.
If you would like a confidential discussion about this role, please contact:
Ruth Attfield – Safeguarding Coordinator
Telephone: 02394 21648
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
