Head of Safeguarding

Excellent Safeguarding policies, processes and practices are central to the mission and ministry of our large diocese covering South London and East Surrey. We are seeking a highly experienced safeguarding practitioner, to lead and manage a well-respected team, and ensure that the diocese maintains the highest standards of protection for children and vulnerable adults in accordance with national policy.

Working in close collaboration with the National Safeguarding Team of the Church of England, support is provided for this role through regular professional supervision provided by the National Safeguarding Team, and encouragement for continuing professional development.

The Head of Safeguarding has operational lead authority within the diocese for the National Safeguarding Standards, leading and overseeing work in these areas, and also plays a full role as a member of the Senior Management Team, in living out our values of transparent accountability, collaborative team working, respect for all, and the effective stewardship of resources.

Main Responsibilities:

• To manage the diocesan safeguarding team, offering excellent practitioner expertise and overseeing sound triage, assessment and management of casework, actively liaising with relevant agencies, such as the police, probation services, and local authorities
• Leading and coordinating all aspects of safeguarding casework within the Diocese, ensuring that work is completed as required by Safeguarding Codes of Practice, House of Bishop's Safeguarding Guidance and all other relevant statutory guidance and legal responsibilities.
• Ensure that effective systems are in place for keeping all case files up to date by accurately and consistently recording actions taken on cases using the National Safeguarding Case Management System (MyConcern)
• To work with the Diocesan Bishop, senior clergy, the Diocesan Secretary, and other key staff to support, develop and improve the safeguarding practice and culture across the Diocese.
• Leadership, support and advice to the wider diocese including Southwark Cathedral in the development of its safeguarding arrangements, good practice, policy and training.
• To ensure that allegations of abuse are appropriately managed, and to actively liaise with relevant agencies, for example, police, probation services, and local authorities, and that support is provided to survivors and victims of abuse.
• Complete comprehensive risk assessments and safety plans for individuals who pose a risk in the church context
• To advise the diocese on all safeguarding matters ensuring that all advice is in line with the law, government guidance and national policy and guidance from the House of Bishops.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Case worker lead responsibility in cases involving the protection and safeguarding of children and / or adults (essential), with at least some of that experience gained in the statutory safeguarding agencies (desirable).
• Broader leadership and management responsibility and/or influence regarding the development of good safeguarding practice and healthy safeguarding cultures.
• Up-to-date knowledge of research and evidence-based practice models relevant to safeguarding.
• Experience of working with victims, survivors and perpetrators of abuse.
• Working with statutory and non-statutory organisations in managing safeguarding allegations and assessing risk.
• You must have a relevant professional qualification or equivalent extensive experience (for example, social care or criminal justice), with current professional registration where applicable.
• Experience of leadership and management, with an ability to operate at a strategic level, and influence the development of good safeguarding practice and healthy safeguarding cultures is important for this role.
• Self-starter able to lead and work independently and with experience of appropriate challenge to senior colleagues.
• Your experience of working with survivors of abuse will be important in ensuring that we provide appropriate support and advice for this important area of work.
• The Head of Safeguarding is not required to be a practising Christian but is expected to be in sympathy with the ethos of the church and share our values.

About the Diocese

Southwark is a diverse and vibrant Diocese in so many ways, from the energy of the inner city to the beauty of the Surrey Hills. We are one of the largest Dioceses in the Church of England, serving the people of South London and East Surrey. We take joy in the distinctiveness and variety of God's gifts and people. You will find churches that offer welcome, care and dignity in Christ's name to their parishes; chaplains walking along side those in education, hospitals, and prison; and pioneering communities seeking to reach out and serve in new ways.

Our vision is founded on mutual commitment, speaking well of one another and walking together in the pilgrimage of faith. Supporting, encouraging, and resourcing each other in our common task, we seek to be a Diocese that is Christ centred and outward focused.

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

This appointments is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS (with Barred List/s) checks.