Assistant Diocese Safeguarding Officer

Role Profile

The Diocese has a vision of Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond and is committed to its mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. This role will enhance safeguarding for the Diocese and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) and parishes in serving and equipping the Diocese to live out this vision safely.

Key Relationships

Internal: The post holder is an employee of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) and reports to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. Key internal relationships include Chief Executive, the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Bishop of Sherwood, Archdeacon's, members of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) including the DSAP Independent Chair and the safeguarding team.

External: Local Authority Designated Officer, police, statutory agencies including the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team and the probation service, local charities and communities across the diocese. Also, networks with the Church of England National and other Diocesan Safeguarding teams.

Main Activities and Responsibilities

1. Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham DST and ensure all work is conducted in line with the Church of England policies.
2. Offer guidance and advice to Parishes on their safeguarding enquiries and referrals.
3. Form and maintain productive, professional relationships with parishes, clergy, senior clergy, parish volunteers and parish safeguarding officers (PSOs) in order to promote good safeguarding practice.
4. Work collaboratively with other agencies, both statutory and non-statutory, to ensure that there is an effective safeguarding response to children and vulnerable adults.
5. Ensure appropriate pastoral support is arranged for those affected by abuse and/or safeguarding situations as appropriate. Commit to responding well to those who have experienced abuse.
6. Manage, investigate, lead and conclude designated cases, including where allegations are made against Church Officers.
7. Undertake risk assessments on offenders and those that may pose a risk to those who want to worship, volunteer or work in Churches across our Diocese.
8. Compile Safeguarding Agreements in relation to those where a risk is identified; monitor and review these as necessary in collaboration with the Parish.
9. Complete risk assessments of individuals with disclosures on their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates.
10. Maintain accurate records of safeguarding activities on the MyConcern database in accordance with recording protocols and good practice guidance.
11. Commit to continuous professional development and undertake training, as applicable, to maintain an up-to-date understanding of National and Local Safeguarding policy and best practice. Share and apply this knowledge across the team and Diocese.
12. Work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team and attend national events and activities as applicable.
13. Engage in professional supervision, which we provide, as part of our commitment to staff welfare. Commit to continuous professional development and complete all required training as applicable.
14. Ensure that the principles of GDPR, confidentiality, health and safety and safeguarding are adhered to in all aspects of your work.
15. Support with the delivery of safeguarding training when required.
16. As and when required to deputise for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
17. Support with the development and implementation of processes, policies and procedures.