Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support vulnerable adults in a dynamic charity environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking charity committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable adults while developing your safeguarding expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a Level 3 qualification are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with potential for career evolution and impactful community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
6 month fixed term contract £38,000 - £41,000 FTE Hybrid, required in Surrey 2-3 days per week. Interviews, asap, starting this month. Charity People are seeking an experienced and confident Designated Safeguarding Lead to join a charity on an interim basis for six months. This is a vital role supporting adults across a wide range of community and specialist services.
The postholder will provide expert safeguarding leadership, ensure safe practice, and offer guidance to staff working with vulnerable adults who present with complex needs. This position is required urgently due to the upcoming departure of our current safeguarding lead, so it would be ideal to have a handover period. There is potential for the role to evolve into a broader position as they continue to develop their approach across the organisation.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead will act as the first point of escalation for safeguarding concerns and provide clear, timely advice to staff and managers. The role combines day to day operational safeguarding oversight with longer term development of governance, compliance, and safe practice across services in Surrey. You will work closely with frontline teams, service managers, and the Director of Services to support safeguarding decision making, identify risk, and maintain consistent high standards across all services. This is a hands-on role that requires visibility, relationship building, and confidence working within a busy and diverse organisation.
Key responsibilities:- Provide expert safeguarding advice on cases
- Oversee safeguarding processes, audits, compliance, and record keeping
- Support staff who may have lower confidence in managing safeguarding concerns
- Escalate cases appropriately to external agencies including MASH, Adult Social Care, and other statutory partners
- Attend key safeguarding meetings and represent the service within local networks
- Identify training needs and support the delivery of safeguarding training and refreshers
- Build relationships across all services and attend team meetings and reflective practice sessions
- Contribute to the development of safe practice across the organisation
- Offer resilience, guidance, and emotional support to staff dealing with complex or distressing cases
You will bring substantial safeguarding experience, ideally within adult services, and hold a minimum Level 3 safeguarding qualification. You will be confident in managing complex cases and navigating multi-agency processes. You will be comfortable working in fast-paced environments, able to hold a mixture of reactive and proactive responsibilities, and bring resilience, sound judgement, and a calm approach when supporting staff and service managers.
Experience in mental health, outreach, domestic abuse, trauma informed practice, criminal justice, or community support services will be an advantage.
You will bring:- Significant safeguarding experience and confidence working with adults at risk
- Level 3 safeguarding qualification as a minimum (Essential)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and statutory processes
- Ability to provide clear guidance and hold others to account
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust quickly
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use
- Willingness to work some evenings or occasional weekends where service need requires (TOIL provided)
- Travel across Surrey is (Essential)
Please apply without delay, candidates are being sent on a rolling basis. Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Designated Safeguarding Lead employer: Charity People
Contact Detail:
Charity People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the safeguarding field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the charity and its values, especially around safeguarding practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work in safeguarding to the table during interviews. Highlight specific cases where you made a difference, as this will demonstrate your capability and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Safeguarding Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding. We want to see how your skills match the specific needs of the Designated Safeguarding Lead role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your substantial safeguarding experience and any specific cases you've managed. We love seeing real examples of how you've made a difference in similar environments.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered promptly for this urgent role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your safeguarding legislation and processes before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've managed and how you navigated complex situations. This will show your expertise and confidence in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Designated Safeguarding Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've supported staff in managing safeguarding concerns and how you've built relationships across teams. Highlight your ability to provide guidance and hold others accountable.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle various safeguarding situations, including escalating cases to external agencies. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Resilience and Communication Skills
This role requires a calm approach in fast-paced environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've maintained composure while supporting staff through distressing cases. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built trust quickly with colleagues and service users.