At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding practices and provide expert advice across a prominent charitable organization.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to public service and community support in the Southwest of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safeguarding while shaping best practices in a caring organization.
- Qualifications: Extensive safeguarding experience and relevant qualifications in social work or law enforcement required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to lead a dedicated team and influence safeguarding standards.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Dani at Avocet Commercial Careers is partnering with a leading organisation to recruit an exceptional Head of Safeguarding based in Ashburton, Devon.
About the Client
Our client is a prominent charitable organisation operating across the Southwest of England, covering three counties with over 60 locations. As an organisation deeply committed to public service and community support, protecting people and safeguarding is at the heart of their mission. They recognise that building a safe and trusted environment is not only essential to fulfilling their legal responsibilities but is fundamental to their core values and purpose.
Role Overview
As Head of Safeguarding, you will be the lead officer for safeguarding across the organisation, providing crucial leadership to the safeguarding team and professional advice to senior leadership and trustees. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape and strengthen safeguarding practices within a complex organisation committed to the highest standards of protection for all stakeholders.
Head of Safeguarding Responsibilities:
- Lead the implementation and management of national safeguarding standards, policies, and practices, including safer recruitment
- Coordinate and manage responses to safeguarding allegations and concerns, handling complex case investigations to a high standard
- Oversee the Survivors Programme, ensuring victims are heard, supported, and respected throughout their safeguarding journey
- Direct the development and delivery of comprehensive safeguarding training programs across the organisation
- Manage risk assessment processes and coordinate safeguarding plans for those deemed to present significant risks
- Provide leadership to the organisation’s Safeguarding team, promoting a culture of best practice and compliance
- Work closely with the Safeguarding Sub-Committee, preparing reports and managing governance requirements
- Maintain active partnerships with statutory agencies, including Local Safeguarding Boards, Adult Social Care Services, and Police
- Lead the development and review of the Safeguarding Communication Strategy
- Ensure compliance with data protection requirements and maintain effective recording systems
Head of Safeguarding Requirements:
- Extensive professional safeguarding experience at both operational and strategic levels in a complex organisation
- Degree level education and/or relevant professional qualification in social work, law enforcement, probation, or healthcare
- Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding legislation, including Children Act, Human Rights Act, and Mental Capacity Act
- Proven experience in managing and supervising staff in public protection roles
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to tactfully challenge stakeholders when necessary
- Excellence in stakeholder management and communication at all levels
- Demonstrable experience in multi-agency working and partnership development
- In-depth knowledge of risk assessment and case management
- Strong understanding of data protection and information sharing protocols
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic safeguarding initiatives
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Generous pension scheme
- 35 hours per week with flexible working options
- Mandatory counselling support for wellbeing
- Professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive training and support
- Modern office facilities
- Collaborative team environment
- Opportunity to make a significant impact in safeguarding
If you\’re an experienced safeguarding professional looking to take on a strategic leadership role within an organisation committed to the highest standards of protection and care, we want to hear from you. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape and strengthen safeguarding practices while making a meaningful difference in people\’s lives.
Get in touch with Dani at Avocet Commercial Careers today to discover more about this rewarding role.
Head of Safeguarding employer: Avocet Commercial Careers
Contact Detail:
Avocet Commercial Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific safeguarding legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Children Act and the Human Rights Act. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding principles during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the safeguarding field, especially those who have experience in multi-agency working. Engaging with these individuals can provide you with insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you promote a culture of best practice within teams. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully led safeguarding initiatives or managed complex cases, as this will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the charitable organization and its mission thoroughly. Understanding their values and how they align with your own will allow you to articulate why you are passionate about this role and how you can contribute to their safeguarding efforts effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Safeguarding position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight your extensive professional safeguarding experience. Emphasize your leadership skills, multi-agency working, and any relevant qualifications that match the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for safeguarding and community support. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your capabilities.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to include specific achievements related to safeguarding practices, such as successful implementation of policies or training programs, to showcase your impact in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avocet Commercial Careers
✨Showcase Your Safeguarding Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive professional safeguarding experience. Highlight specific examples where you've implemented national safeguarding standards or managed complex case investigations, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Safeguarding, strong leadership is crucial. Share instances where you've successfully led a team or influenced stakeholders. Emphasize your ability to tactfully challenge and promote best practices within an organization.
✨Understand the Legal Framework
Familiarize yourself with key safeguarding legislation such as the Children Act and Human Rights Act. Be ready to discuss how these laws impact safeguarding practices and how you ensure compliance within an organization.
✨Highlight Multi-Agency Collaboration
Discuss your experience in multi-agency working and partnership development. Provide examples of how you've maintained active partnerships with statutory agencies and how this has enhanced safeguarding efforts in your previous roles.