At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and ensure a safe environment for all at Canterbury Cathedral.
- Company: Canterbury Cathedral, a historic and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding vulnerable individuals within a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Significant safeguarding experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Canterbury Cathedral is seeking an experienced and values-led safeguarding professional to join the Cathedral. This is a significant leadership role responsible for ensuring the Cathedral community provides a safe, welcoming and professionally accountable environment for children, young people, vulnerable adults, staff and volunteers.
Working closely with the Canon Missioner, Senior Leadership Team, Chapter and Cathedral Safeguarding Committee, the successful candidate will lead the development and embedding of safeguarding culture, policy, practice and assurance across the Cathedral's diverse and complex operational environment. The postholder will act as the Cathedral's professional safeguarding lead and first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring practice is aligned with:
- Church of England safeguarding policy
- Promoting a Safer Church
- National Safeguarding Standards
- Guidance issued by the Church of England National Safeguarding Team
- House of Bishops Practice Guidance and Codes of Practice
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and promote a culture of safeguarding vigilance, accountability and shared responsibility
- Provide professional safeguarding advice and manage safeguarding concerns and casework in line with the Diocesan MOU
- Develop, implement and review safeguarding policies and procedures
- Lead safeguarding audits, assurance activity and action planning
- Produce high-quality safeguarding reports for Chapter and Safeguarding Committee
- Oversee safeguarding training, DBS compliance and safer recruitment processes
- Work collaboratively with diocesan, statutory and national safeguarding partners
- Ensure safeguarding is embedded within strategic planning and operational decision-making
- Provide professional challenge and escalation where safeguarding concerns arise
About You:
We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:
- Significant safeguarding experience within a statutory, education, health, probation, police, social care or equivalent environment
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and best practice
- Experience managing complex safeguarding casework and risk management processes
- The ability to influence, challenge and build strong professional relationships at all levels within the Cathedral
- Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills
- A compassionate, trauma-informed and survivor-focused approach
- Professional integrity, resilience and sound judgement
- An understanding of safeguarding within complex organisations
- Experience of working with Senior Leadership Teams and Boards/Committee Members
- A relevant professional qualification and/or current professional registration is essential where applicable
- Experience of working within church or faith-based settings would be advantageous but is not essential
Safeguarding Commitment:
Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to safer recruitment processes, including:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Satisfactory references
- Right to work checks
- Completion of an application form in line with Church of England Safer Recruitment Guidance
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
The Cathedral is committed to creating a positive, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can flourish. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity for all.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted using the Cathedral's official application form in line with Safer Recruitment requirements. CVs submitted without a completed application form will not be accepted.
Interview Information:
Interviews will take place in person on 22nd June 2026 at Canterbury Cathedral.
Locations
Head of Safeguarding (Cathedral Safeguarding Officer) in Canterbury, Kent employer: Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead safeguarding initiatives within a historic and revered institution. With a strong commitment to employee growth, inclusivity, and professional integrity, the Cathedral fosters a supportive work culture that values collaboration and accountability. The role of Head of Safeguarding not only allows for meaningful impact on the community but also provides access to ongoing training and development in a vibrant environment steeped in tradition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safeguarding (Cathedral Safeguarding Officer) in Canterbury, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the safeguarding field, especially those connected to Canterbury Cathedral. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Cathedral's safeguarding policies and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to safeguarding. We want to see how you handle complex casework and your approach to building relationships within a diverse community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Canterbury Cathedral.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding (Cathedral Safeguarding Officer) in Canterbury, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Safeguarding, so highlight relevant skills and experiences that match what we're looking for.
Use Our Official Application Form:Remember, we need you to use our official application form! It's super important for us to stick to the Safer Recruitment requirements, so don’t forget to fill it out completely. CVs alone won’t cut it!
Showcase Your Safeguarding Experience:This role is all about safeguarding, so make sure to showcase your relevant experience. Talk about your past roles, any complex casework you've managed, and how you've influenced safeguarding practices in previous positions.
Be Authentic and Personal:We love seeing your personality shine through! Don’t be afraid to share your passion for safeguarding and how it aligns with our values at Canterbury Cathedral. A personal touch can really make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury Cathedral
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Church of England safeguarding policies and national standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the guidelines but also committed to implementing them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led safeguarding initiatives in the past. Think about times when you've influenced change or built strong relationships with stakeholders. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you highlight your experience in this area.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about complex safeguarding scenarios. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to manage risk effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Compassionate Approach
This role requires a trauma-informed and survivor-focused mindset. Be ready to discuss how you’ve approached safeguarding with empathy and understanding in previous roles. Showing that you prioritise the well-being of vulnerable individuals will resonate well with the interviewers.
