At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and ensure the safety of vulnerable members in our charity.
- Company: Dementia Active, a growing charity supporting people with dementia.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make a real difference, and contribute to community wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a vital charity and support those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a passion for supporting people with dementia.
Dementia Active is a growing charity which opened its first centre in Banbury in 2022 and now runs four more across North Oxon. We offer a range of crucial services supporting people with dementia and their families. This is an opportunity to help shape our future development.
What Impact Will They Have
Managing the safety of our vulnerable members is a vital role not only to protect them but also to ensure that the reputation of the charity is not harmed. Our four hour sessions are a lifeline supporting carers' mental health by creating respite time, enabling people to meet with friends or pursue hobbies. The impact is to help stave off the point at which the decision to place a family member into a residential care setting becomes the only option. In response to this need, the charity has grown exponentially since becoming registered in July 2021; we are the only provider of activity sessions in the Banbury area. We are planning to expand further in the coming years and look forward to welcoming a new trustee to our team to support us in our mission.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a trustee who has an interest in supporting people with dementia either as a result of personal experience or in a current or past professional role. We need someone with safeguarding experience in a managerial capacity to help evaluate our practice, support training and lead a safeguarding audit of practice and procedure. Please see the attached person specification. Applications with direct responses to this document will be prioritised.
What will you be doing?
The board of trustees meets every 2 months. Additionally, the role will initially involve meetings with key people in the organisation in order to audit current practice. Thereafter, safeguarding input will be required on an ‘as and when’ basis in an advisory capacity. Mileage expenses will be paid for attendance at meetings. Dementia Active is a relatively young charity and this is an opportunity to be part of its growth and development. The need to expand the number of support groups we can offer is ever growing in response to people learning of our existence.
Lead Trustee for Safeguarding – responsibilities
- Carry out an initial audit of safeguarding practice, lead a review based on the audit to be presented to the board and thereafter hold an annual audit.
- Work with the safeguarding officer, the chair of trustees and the CEO to ensure safeguarding policies are reviewed regularly and meet mandatory and statutory requirements.
- Work closely with the safeguarding officer and CEO to ensure all safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to in day to day practice.
- Coordinate the distribution of policies and safeguarding resources throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that the charity’s risk register identifies safeguarding risks and strategies for reducing risk.
- Take a lead on training staff and trustees.
- Take a lead in ensuring that trustees know their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and are informed of every safeguarding concern/incident.
- Have input into inducting new trustees.
- Ensure that safeguarding is on every board meeting agenda and is reviewed annually by the board.
- Ensure safe recruitment practices are followed in line with the safeguarding policy requirements.
- Monitor all safeguarding concerns, disclosures and incidents, with appropriate confidentiality and escalation to the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board or the Charity Commission if the reporting threshold has been met.
- Ensure that all safeguarding responses to concerns or incidents are proportionate.
- Oversee any safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers along with the CEO, the safeguarding officer and the chair of the board.
- Be a direct point of contact for staff/volunteers providing support and debriefs if required.
- Attend safeguarding training events run by Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board and disseminate information.
- Ensure that the board of trustees is kept updated on all mandatory and statutory safeguarding requirements in relation to working with adults at risk.
- Attend members activity sessions, particularly during the first 6 months of office, in order to better understand the challenges involved in ensuring a safe environment for all.
- Ensure that good safeguarding practice underpins any future expansion of services.
Lead Safeguarding Trustee - Volunteer employer: Dementia Active Charity
Dementia Active is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with dementia and their families. As a growing charity based in Banbury, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth, providing volunteers with the chance to shape our future development while ensuring the safety and well-being of our vulnerable members. Join us in our mission to expand vital services and create a lasting difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Safeguarding Trustee - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved with dementia care. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential collaborators and learn more about the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with Dementia Active's mission and values. When you chat with them, show that you understand their goals and how your safeguarding experience can help shape their future development.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for the board meetings to share your insights. Offer to conduct an initial audit of their safeguarding practices and suggest improvements based on your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of those with dementia.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Safeguarding Trustee - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Lead Safeguarding Trustee role. Highlight any relevant safeguarding experience and your passion for supporting people with dementia.
Respond to the Person Specification:Directly address the points in the person specification attached to the job description. This shows us that you’ve read it thoroughly and understand what we’re looking for in a candidate.
Show Your Commitment:Let us know why you’re passionate about safeguarding and supporting those with dementia. Share any personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to this important cause.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dementia Active Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with Dementia Active’s mission and the specific safeguarding responsibilities of the Lead Safeguarding Trustee role. Brush up on current safeguarding policies and practices, especially those relevant to working with vulnerable adults. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Share Personal Insights
If you have personal experience with dementia or safeguarding, don’t hesitate to share it during the interview. Relating your experiences can help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their mission and connect with the community they serve.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the charity’s future plans and how safeguarding fits into that vision. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and expectations.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with other trustees and staff. Highlight any past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or contributed to a group effort, especially in safeguarding contexts. This will reassure them that you can effectively support their growth and development.
