Designated Safeguarding Senior Manager - Adults in Chelmsford

Lead adult safeguarding across the Greater Essex Integrated Care Board, ensuring statutory compliance with national and local guidance, legislation and the Safeguarding Accountability and Assurance Framework. Act as a subject‑matter expert advising multidisciplinary teams, supporting risk identification, reviewing safeguarding practice, shaping policy, and promoting a safe, responsive health care environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement safeguarding policy and services across the ICB in line with NHS strategy and the 10‑Year Health Plan;
• Use complex health data and qualitative research to analyse performance, produce insights and inform decision‑making;
• Plan, oversee and report on safeguarding projects, ensuring governance, risk management and resource allocation are maintained;
• Communicate findings, train staff and build trust‑based relationships with NHS providers, local government, community partners and the public;
• Lead the All‑Age Safeguarding team – recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management and capability building;
• Support transition of safeguarding functions during the ICB organizational evolution, ensuring continuity and value for money;
• Represent the ICB at multi‑agency meetings, including Safeguarding Adults Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews, sharing learning and strengthening governance;
• Maintain knowledge of safeguarding legislation, frameworks and best practice, advising senior leadership on strategy and policy implications.

Qualifications and Experience

• Active registration with an approved professional body and specialist safeguarding training (pref. mental health);
• Minimum 3 years senior adult safeguarding experience, ideally within a health care setting;
• Proven experience providing expert safeguarding advice and supervision to professionals;
• Experience leading and participating in multi‑agency incident reviews (e.g. Safeguarding Adults Reviews, Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews);
• Expertise implementing safeguarding policies and procedures within large organisations;
• Strong analytical, communication and strategic decision‑making skills, able to influence senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams;
• In‑depth knowledge of Southend, Essex and Thurrock safeguarding guidelines and national legislation;
• Knowledge of the Safeguarding Accountability and Assurance Framework (NHS, 2026) and its implications for ICBs and health providers;
• Master’s level education (relevant focus) or equivalent managerial experience;
• Evidence of sustained commitment to professional development, including advanced safeguarding qualifications;
• Registrant of a nursing, midwifery, health visiting, AHP or social work profession.

Key Skills

• Strategic leadership and governance in safeguarding;
• Complex data analysis and translation of insights into action plans;
• Effective partnership building and conflict resolution across diverse agencies;
• Project management, risk and escalation handling;
• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitating training and briefing large audiences;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Power‑Automate);
• Strong organisational, prioritisation and independent working qualities, especially in urgent safeguarding situations.

Personal Attributes

• Emotionally intelligent and resilient, able to manage complex safeguarding matters;
• Accountable, inclusive, respectful and compassionate in all interactions;
• Flexible and adaptive to changing organisational priorities.

Work Location & Travel

Based at the ICB headquarters, travelling to meetings and sites across Southend, Essex and Thurrock as required.

EEO Statement

We are committed to an inclusive workplace that values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All aspects of recruitment are considered – we give full consideration to the nine protected characteristics and ensure fair, consistent recruitment, including reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants.