At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and promote best practices to protect vulnerable children and young people.
- Company: Join Action for Children, a passionate organisation dedicated to supporting families and safeguarding youth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days leave, flexible working, professional development, and discounts with major retailers.
- Other info: Remote role with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work Qualification and experience in statutory settings.
The predicted salary is between 57400 - 57400 £ per year.
Salary: £57,400 depending on experience.
Location: Remote, (must be based in the UK).
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week.
Benefits:
- 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
- Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
- Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
- Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
- Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailer's discounts.
Working here is more than a job. We are passionate about protecting and supporting children, young people and families. All our departments work together to achieve the high standards of safeguarding that make a difference to children and to the workforce.
As one of our Principal Safeguarding Managers, you will be strategically responsible for the promotion of best practice in safeguarding across the UK and ensuring that we are able to respond to both internal and external safeguarding demands as a large provider of regulated settings and community-based services for vulnerable young people. The successful candidate will be responsible for advising senior managers and staff in respect of complex safeguarding matters affecting children and the workforce and for ensuring that these are escalated to the Director of Safeguarding where required. The post is also responsible for the design and delivery of safeguarding learning events, and the undertaking of various projects that make the charity safer. You will also be responsible for undertaking learning reviews following critical incidents.
How you'll help to create brighter futures:
- Ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safeguarded through leadership and advice provided to managers and practitioners in complex matters.
- Review and audit the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements across the whole of the charity’s functions.
- Ensure that relevant reports are provided for the Director of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance, ELT and trustees as required.
- Build effective relationships with managers and staff and provide leadership, support, and challenge.
- Undertake case reviews and whistleblowing and other investigations where there is a need to review the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements.
- Establish and lead multi-disciplinary project teams.
- Design and deliver safeguarding learning events both face-to-face and online.
A Social Work Qualification is a MUST as is experience in a statutory setting (such as children’s social care, police or probation). Experience of managing safeguarding related projects successfully. Experience of effective communication with internal departments and external agencies. Ability to offer an independent voice to provide both challenge and support to the organisation and its staff and managers. Ability to work in a trauma informed and culturally competent way with colleagues working closely with children and young people experiencing significant adversity. Detailed knowledge of children’s services legislation, guidance, and regulations in at least one UK jurisdiction and knowledge of Charity Commission safeguarding expectations. Understanding of issues in the provision of children’s social services and social care services in each jurisdiction and region. Able to influence and create change regardless of hierarchies and without direct line management of staff.
Please see the Job Description for the full list of accountabilities and requirements.
Contact: email us at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13083. Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.
Closing Date: Tuesday 19th May 2026. Interviews will be held via MS Teams week commencing 1st June 2026.
Principal Safeguarding Manager in Watford employer: Action for Children
Contact Detail:
Action for Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Safeguarding Manager in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current safeguarding legislation and best practices. We want you to shine when discussing how you can contribute to creating safer environments for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed safeguarding projects or led teams in complex situations. This is your chance to show us what you’re made of!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to protect and support vulnerable children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Safeguarding Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Safeguarding Manager. We want to see how your skills and background can contribute to safeguarding practices at Action for Children.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to emphasise your Social Work Qualification and any relevant experience in statutory settings. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their expertise in safeguarding, so make it clear how you meet these requirements.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Children
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and guidance related to children's services. Familiarise yourself with the specific safeguarding challenges faced in the UK, as well as the expectations set by the Charity Commission. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Safeguarding Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed safeguarding projects or led teams in complex situations. Highlight your experience in building effective relationships and providing support to colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific safeguarding scenarios. Think through potential case reviews or whistleblowing situations and how you would approach them. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Training and Development
Since the role involves designing and delivering safeguarding learning events, be prepared to talk about your experience in training others. Share any innovative ideas you have for engaging staff in safeguarding practices, and how you can contribute to the ongoing development of the team.