Designated Safeguarding Officer & Welfare Lead in Bristol

The Robins Foundation delivers a variety of programmes across three main themes: Education & Employability, Youth Engagement and Health & Wellbeing, spanning all‑age groups. We are seeking a full‑time member of staff to work predominantly within our education provision, as well as supporting safeguarding across other themes, e.g. holiday camps and occasional evening sessions. The role will involve working closely with the Senior Safeguarding Manager to ensure effective safeguarding support across all programmes for students and participants.

Main Responsibilities

• Act as deputy to the Robins Foundation Senior Safeguarding Manager, with a focus on providing day‑to‑day wellbeing support for students and participants.
• Act as a frontline presence for safeguarding and welfare (including mental health support) for students and participants, providing support across all programmes as required.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of safeguarding within the Foundation and in the delivery of its services and activities.
• Record and update all incidents, concerns, allegations and evidence of poor practice via CPOMS.
• Lead on daily management of CPOMS and support staff in recording and actioning incidents.
• Take responsibility for online safety in the Foundation, including the day‑to‑day monitoring and management of Senso.
• Provide support with DBS procedures for staff and volunteers as necessary.
• Support in the delivery of Safeguarding CPD.
• Provide support for staff on safeguarding and welfare matters.
• Support staff with safeguarding risk assessments.
• Meet regularly as part of the Foundation's safeguarding teams to develop best practice.
• Contribute to a wellbeing strategy for students and participants, monitoring its effectiveness and impact.
• Support implementation of the Foundation's attendance & punctuality policy.
• Act as the designated teacher for looked‑after children, including contributing to PEPs.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding in the temporary absence of the Senior Safeguarding Manager.
• Provide support with any medical incidents.
• Comply with Foundation policies including data protection, safeguarding and health and safety guidelines.
• Adhere to EDI guidelines, treating all colleagues and participants with respect and fairness, and actively participating in EDI training and initiatives.
• Adhere to sustainability guidelines, minimising waste and resource consumption in daily tasks, and actively participating in environmental initiatives and training.
• Complete any other tasks identified by the line manager or the organisation, deemed relevant to the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience offering safeguarding advice and support to colleagues, vulnerable groups and their parents/carers.
• Ability to support students and participants with general welfare, including mental health.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to form strong and appropriate relationships.
• Organised, proactive and eager to work in a dynamic charity environment.
• Ability to recognise and challenge inappropriate behaviour and poor practice.
• Discretion and the ability to keep sensitive information confidential.
• Ability to record, handle and store clear and comprehensive records in line with relevant legislation.
• Experience using CPOMS or other safeguarding systems and managing incidents.
• Experience supporting medical incidents.
• Experience working within a diverse community and drawing on individual strengths to promote equality and diversity.
• Recognition of discrimination in its many forms and adherence to Equality policies.
• Strong commitment and passion for safeguarding children and adults at risk.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Absolute attention to detail.
• Committed, self‑motivated and driven.
• Demonstrate empathy and an ability to listen.
• Mental Health First Aid qualification.
• Level 3 Multi‑Agency Working Together qualification.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 3 years and 30 days after 5 years (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure days).
• Opportunity to purchase 5 extra holiday days per year.
• A flexible working environment.
• 5 paid volunteering days per year.
• Generous continuous personal development budget.
• 2 BCFC and Bristol Bears tickets to home league games.
• Work equipment (BCFC clothing, laptop).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Death In Service Benefit.
• Employee Assist programme.

Contract and Working Hours

Full Time – Starting ASAP. Candidates must also be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends. The role will be offered subject to an Enhanced DBS check and self‑disclosure form.

Safeguarding Statement

Bristol City Robins Foundation are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires an Enhanced Criminal Records Check and may include checks against the Barred Lists; therefore, all convictions, including spent convictions not filtered by the DBS, must be declared.

Equality Statement

The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description, and by promoting positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.