At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding strategy and ensure compliance across children's services in the UK.
- Company: CareTech is dedicated to protecting children and shaping services with a strong values-led culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home-based work, ongoing professional development, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Frequent travel across England, Wales, and Scotland is required for this role.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives while driving change and improving outcomes.
- Qualifications: A Level 7 safeguarding qualification and experience in senior safeguarding roles are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Home-Based with extensive travel across England, Wales and Scotland. Full-Time Permanent - Salary: £75,000. Reporting to: Director of Compliance, Regulation and Quality – Children’s. Protecting children. Shaping services. Leading with purpose and ensuring extraordinary days every day.
Throughout CareTech, safeguarding is not a process. It is a value that underpins every decision we make and every action we take. We are now looking for an experienced professional to join us as Children’s National Safeguarding Lead, a critical role that ensures the highest standards of safeguarding across our residential, fostering and education services. This is a national leadership role with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. If you are passionate about raising standards, driving change and improving outcomes, this could be the next step in your career.
About the Role: As our National Safeguarding Lead, you will be the subject matter expert for safeguarding across our children’s services in England, Wales and Scotland. Working closely with senior operational, clinical and support colleagues, you will take ownership of our safeguarding strategy, practice and governance.
- Leading the development and implementation of a national safeguarding strategy and framework
- Monitoring compliance and quality through data analysis, audits and on-site reviews
- Acting as the organisation’s safeguarding lead for serious incidents and investigations
- Delivering learning, supervision and guidance across all levels of the workforce
- Representing CareTech at safeguarding partnership boards and strategic forums
- Influencing internal policy and ensuring it aligns with legislation and best practice
- Supporting children directly by strengthening their understanding of safeguarding
This is a home-based role with frequent travel across the UK. Flexibility and autonomy are essential.
What We’re Looking For: We are seeking a confident and knowledgeable safeguarding professional who can work both strategically and operationally. The ideal candidate will have:
- A Level 7 safeguarding qualification or equivalent (essential)
- In-depth understanding of safeguarding legislation, frameworks and regulators including Ofsted, CIW, Estyn and Education Scotland
- A track record of working in senior safeguarding roles within children’s social care, fostering or education
- Experience of developing policy, delivering training and supporting service improvement
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust and influence others
- A calm, reflective approach to complex safeguarding issues and incidents
You will be someone who leads with integrity, listens with empathy and acts with confidence.
Why Join Us: At CareTech, you will find an organisation that values expertise and supports innovation. In return for your leadership and commitment, we offer:
- The opportunity to influence safeguarding practice at scale
- A national platform to drive learning and improvement
- A collaborative team of passionate professionals
- Access to ongoing professional development
- A strong values-led culture that puts children first
Ready to Apply? If you are ready to use your experience to protect and empower children across the UK, we would love to hear from you. Click apply or get in touch with our recruitment team to arrange a confidential conversation. Caretech is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. All applicants must pass an enhanced DBS check and provide references covering the past two years plus all roles involving vulnerable groups.
Children’s National Safeguarding Lead employer: CareTech Group
CareTech is an exceptional employer that prioritises the safeguarding and welfare of children, offering a unique opportunity for professionals to make a significant impact across England, Wales, and Scotland. With a strong values-led culture, ongoing professional development, and a collaborative team environment, employees are empowered to drive change and improve outcomes for children. The flexibility of a home-based role combined with extensive travel allows for autonomy while working in a meaningful and rewarding position.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children’s National Safeguarding Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the safeguarding field. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to connect with others who share your passion for child protection. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest safeguarding legislation and frameworks in England, Wales, and Scotland. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in safeguarding roles. Think of specific examples where you've led initiatives or influenced policy changes. This will showcase your leadership skills and ability to drive change effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research CareTech’s current safeguarding practices and any recent developments within the organisation. Understanding their values and approach will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Children’s National Safeguarding Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Children’s National Safeguarding Lead position. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding legislation and frameworks relevant to the role.
Tailor Your CV:Craft your CV to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding, particularly in children’s social care, fostering, or education. Emphasise your Level 7 safeguarding qualification and any leadership roles you've held.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for safeguarding and how your skills align with the role. Provide specific examples of how you've influenced policy or improved outcomes in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at CareTech Group
✨Show Your Passion for Safeguarding
Make sure to express your genuine passion for safeguarding children during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving children's lives and how this aligns with the values of CareTech.
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
Prepare to discuss your Level 7 safeguarding qualification and any relevant experience in senior safeguarding roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've developed policies, delivered training, and influenced service improvements in previous positions.
✨Understand the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key safeguarding legislation and frameworks, including Ofsted, CIW, Estyn, and Education Scotland. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the regulatory environment.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you build trust and influence within teams. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through complex safeguarding issues, demonstrating your calm and reflective approach.
