Cathedral Safeguarding Administrator in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Cathedral, the Cathedral for the Diocese of Chelmsford, stands at the very centre of the county of Essex.

As well as serving the whole of that richly diverse county, it also serves East London.

A parish church Cathedral (it acquired Cathedral status in 1914), the building is 15th Century; but its interior, vividly and creatively reordered in the later twentieth century, glows with an evocative clarity of rare colour and warmth.

It has been described as a “jewel box of contemporary art” - from the haunting and sombre external sculpture of St Peter by Thomas Huxley Jones to the green and gold of Mark Cazalet’s Tree of Life mural; from the bright ordered geometry of Beryl Dean’s patchwork at the East end of the Chancel to the stark glass etching of St Cedd in the chapel dedicated to him in the north-west corner.

At the heart of both city and county, the Cathedral is a hub for a rich variety of community activity.

It’s a space for refreshment, respite and prayer for hundreds of people every day passing through its grounds.

Role Description

The Safeguarding Administrator is a key new role at Chelmsford Cathedral.

The post holder will support the Cathedral Safeguarding Team with its daily safeguarding administrative tasks, as well as assisting with preparations for and the implementation of recommendations following the 2027 external safeguarding audit.

This contract, on-site role, based in Chelmsford, includes maintaining safeguarding records, managing confidential information, and ensuring documentation is accurate and up to date.

Duties include

• Attend, minute and coordinate actions generated by the Cathedral Safeguarding Committee and volunteer manager
• Assist the Chief Operating Officer to ensure safer recruitment practice is observed
• In liaison with the Cathedral Safeguarding Lead (CSL), undertake DBS checks for staff and volunteers - verifying identity, submitting applications, reporting to line managers/team leaders on completion, advising colleagues on which checks are appropriate, and liaising with the Diocesan Safeguarding team
• Register with thirtyone: eight as a DBS recruiter
• Maintain an accurate central register of all DBS checks carried out
• Arrange and maintain records of safeguarding training for new staff and volunteers, and follow-up training for existing staff (every 3 years), including determining required training levels and any rolespecific additional training
• Liaise with trainers to arrange sessions, book rooms/catering and organise room set-up
• Liaise with the Safeguarding Committee and Working Group to keep audit/inspection preparation on track
• Provide update reports to the Safeguarding Committee on audit/inspection preparation progress, highlighting any significant gaps
• Provide regular progress reports (with the DSO, CSO and Working Group) to the Senior Leadership Team, Cathedral Chapter and DSAP

Qualifications

• Strong administrative and organisational skills, including accurate record-keeping, data management, and document control.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and external agencies.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, email, and secure digital filing systems.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and safer recruitment practices in faith or community settings, or willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy environment.
• Experience in an administrative role within a charity, education, health, or church context is desirable but not essential.
• Commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for children, young people, and adults at risk.
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