The NSP is seeking an Independent Member with professional expertise in working with offenders, including individuals who pose safeguarding or sexual harm risks.
The Church’s safeguarding responsibilities require strong expertise in understanding risk, rehabilitation, boundaries, and risk‑management frameworks. This specialist role brings challenge, insight, and professional oversight into how the Church manages individuals who may present risks to children, adults, or communities.
Role Expectation
Basic DBS check clearance
Time Commitment: Approx. 6–8 meetings per year, plus preparation
Term: 3 years, renewable for 2 years
Location: Meetings held in London and regional dioceses (hybrid arrangements available)
Remuneration and Expenses
A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England’s NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.
Support and Induction
New members will receive a full induction programme, including meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members, and access to relevant resources.
How to apply
To apply, submit your CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert advice on offender‑related safeguarding matters, including risk assessment, risk management, and rehabilitation frameworks.
- Contribute specialist knowledge to scrutiny sessions examining how the Church manages individuals who may pose a risk.
- Review relevant policies, risk‑management approaches, case‑learning themes, and national data.
- Offer constructive challenge to ensure safeguarding arrangements protect those who are vulnerable while balancing rights, responsibilities, and proportionality.
- Support the NSP in producing clear recommendations for national safeguarding improvement.
Qualifications
- Professional background in probation, criminal justice, MAPPA, forensic psychology, offender management, or related fields.
- Experience in assessing and managing individuals who present risks of harm.
- Understanding of safeguarding legislation, risk frameworks, and interagency working.
- Confidence participating in evidence‑based scrutiny and high‑level safeguarding debate.
- Ability to analyse complex safeguarding information and contribute to balanced, informed recommendations.
