Safeguarding Lead (Lambeth Palace)

We are seeking an experienced Safeguarding Lead to provide expert guidance on complex safeguarding matters to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Senior Leadership Team at Lambeth Palace. In this pivotal role, you will ensure the effective handling of safeguarding concerns while fostering confidence in safeguarding processes in collaboration with the National Safeguarding Team.

You will be instrumental in promoting and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture across Lambeth Palace's communities, offering strategic advice and professional support to leadership. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and review of safeguarding policies and training.
• Providing guidance and support to staff and community members.
• Managing risk assessments and coordinating responses to safeguarding concerns.
• Liaising with the National Safeguarding Team, Diocesan Safeguarding Officers, and relevant regulatory authorities.

This is a unique opportunity to shape safeguarding practices at a senior level and support the Archbishop's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment. The post holder is responsible for developing and upholding strong safeguarding policies and procedures while effectively managing concerns and allegations. The role involves collaboration with external agencies and contributing to the NCI's strategic safeguarding plan, ensuring alignment with the Church of England's broader safeguarding objectives.

Main responsibilities include:

• Safeguarding advisory and leadership support.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Safeguarding training and cultural development.
• Case management and risk assessment.
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitoring, compliance and strategic contribution.

Key role requirements:

• An enhanced DBS check will be required as part of our pre-employment checks.
• This is a permanent role with the expectation of working 3 days a week from your primary office location - Lambeth Palace, London or Bishopthorpe Palace, York.

All staff working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

The Church of England is for everyone, and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

You will need to be/have:

• A level 3 or higher in Safeguarding, or equivalent.
• A DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or DSO Designated Safeguarding Officer training.
• Experience in the development of policy documents, practice and culture change.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation - the Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Excellent communication with children, vulnerable adults, families, and professionals.
• Confidentiality and discretion - able to handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Aware of the structures of the Church of England, its safeguarding policies and practices.
• Leadership and training ability - can support and train staff on safeguarding policies.

What we offer:

• A salary of £59,248 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary.
• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• Flexible working arrangement requests considered.
• Access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash, providing reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments.
• Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & stress-related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club.

ABOUT NATIONAL CHURCH INSTITUTIONS: The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.

We Include. You Belong. Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

Living out our values in all that we do, we strive for excellence, show compassion, respect others, and act with integrity. We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role. Closing date for Applications is 02 July 2025.