At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop safeguarding strategies while managing a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Volunteer Now, Northern Ireland's leading organisation for promoting volunteering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive culture with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safeguarding practices across communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36294 - 36294 € per year.
Location: Belfast (with travel across Northern Ireland as required; hybrid working policy in place)
Salary: £36,294 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (evening and weekend work may be required at times to fulfil the obligations of the post)
About the Organisation
Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Volunteer Now, Northern Ireland's leading organisation promoting, developing and supporting volunteering. As an Investors in People Gold accredited employer, Volunteer Now offers flexible and hybrid working, alongside a supportive and inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to innovate and collaborate. Volunteer Now works across communities to promote volunteering, support organisations, and strengthen safeguarding practice for children, young people and adults at risk. Their safeguarding team delivers training, consultancy, and support services across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.
The Role
Volunteer Now is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager Safeguarding to lead and develop the organisation's safeguarding function. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for shaping safeguarding strategy, driving high-quality training and support services, influencing policy development, and identifying opportunities for growth and business development. As part of the Leadership Team, you will play a key role in contributing to the overall strategic direction of the organisation. You will lead a specialist safeguarding team, oversee contracts and service delivery, and work with a wide range of stakeholders to promote best practice and ensure high standards across the sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership for Volunteer Now's safeguarding function, shaping strategy and service delivery
- Contribute as an active member of the Leadership Team, supporting organisational planning, decision-making, and performance monitoring
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing safeguarding team, including performance management and staff development
- Manage safeguarding contracts, services and training provision, ensuring high-quality delivery
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, including tenders, funding applications and partnership initiatives
- Strengthen relationships with statutory, community and voluntary sector partners
- Represent Volunteer Now externally, enhancing credibility and influence in safeguarding practice
- Monitor changes in policy, legislation and practice (including online safety) and adapt services accordingly
- Contribute to budget planning and financial management within the service area
- Promote and champion best practice in safeguarding and volunteering across the organisation
About You
You will be an experienced safeguarding professional with strong leadership capability and a strategic mindset. You will bring:
- A relevant third-level qualification or equivalent experience within the last 3 years
- Experience managing safeguarding cases, including making referrals and working with safeguarding agencies
- Proven experience managing teams, with strong leadership, planning and relationship-building skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- The ability to work at both strategic and operational levels
- A full driving licence and/or access to transport to meet the requirements of the role
- A social work qualification, training qualification, or leadership experience within a safeguarding context would be advantageous.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave, rising with service (starting at 22 days plus statutory/public holidays)
- Pension contributions of 4.5% after probation
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture
How to Apply
If you're ready to lead and shape safeguarding practice at a strategic level, we'd love to hear from you. Simply apply now with your CV to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will be in touch to discuss your application and guide you through the next steps of the process.
Closing Date: Monday 18th May 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews: 29th May 2026 (subject to change)
Volunteer Now is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Applications are particularly welcome from male applicants and individuals from minority communities who meet the criteria. This role requires an Access NI Basic Disclosure Check.
Manager Safeguarding TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: IrishJobs
Volunteer Now is an exceptional employer, recognised as an Investors in People Gold accredited organisation that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to innovate and grow within their roles. Located in Belfast, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact across Northern Ireland while collaborating with diverse stakeholders in the safeguarding sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager Safeguarding TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Volunteer Now and their safeguarding initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely understands their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Manager Safeguarding. We want to hear how you can lead and innovate in safeguarding practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager Safeguarding TLNT1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership capabilities and any relevant safeguarding experience to show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about safeguarding and how your strategic mindset can contribute to our mission at Volunteer Now. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it's leading a team or developing a new training programme, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Volunteer Now!
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with current legislation and how it impacts the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This is a senior role, so demonstrating strong leadership capabilities is key.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Volunteer Now has a strong focus on community and collaboration. Research their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific safeguarding scenarios. Think through potential situations you might face in this role and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic mindset.