At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safeguarding is a priority at Lincoln Cathedral and manage safeguarding concerns.
- Company: Lincoln Cathedral, a historic and community-focused institution.
- Benefits: Part-time role with 33 days annual leave and a Church Workers Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding vulnerable individuals within a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding casework and strong knowledge of relevant legislation required.
The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer is the designated safeguarding professional for Lincoln Cathedral, responsible for ensuring that safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of Cathedral life. The postholder will ensure compliance with Church of England safeguarding policy, diocesan frameworks and relevant statutory legislation, while promoting a culture of care, accountability and continuous improvement. The role involves providing expert safeguarding advice, managing safeguarding concerns and casework, supporting safer recruitment processes, and ensuring that clergy, staff and volunteers understand and fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities. Working in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies, the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer will support the Dean and Chapter in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities, while exercising independent professional judgement in relation to safeguarding matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote a culture in which safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility.
- Manage safeguarding concerns, allegations and casework.
- Support safer recruitment processes, including DBS requirements and safeguarding risk assessments.
- Develop and review safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Support safeguarding training and awareness across the Cathedral community.
- Maintain accurate, secure and confidential safeguarding records using the MyConcern system.
- Liaise with statutory agencies, including local authorities and police, where required.
- Prepare safeguarding reports for governance bodies including Chapter and SLT.
Skills and Experience
- Significant experience of safeguarding casework involving children and/or vulnerable adults.
- Strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
- Experience of risk assessment and safeguarding risk management.
- Experience of working with or alongside statutory agencies.
- Strong interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism, discretion and resilience.
Working Pattern and Benefits
- Permanent part-time role.
- 21 hours per week across a minimum of 3 days per week.
- Primarily site based at Lincoln Cathedral.
- Up to 1 day per fortnight home working may be negotiated.
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata).
- Church Workers Pension Scheme.
Lincoln Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to enhanced safeguarding requirements, including an Enhanced DBS check with barred list check. Please complete the Cathedral Application Form. CVs will not be accepted as a substitute for the application form. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 5pm.
Cathedral Safeguarding Officer employer: Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding of our community in a historic and inspiring environment. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous annual leave, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that our staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact. Join us in fostering a culture of care and accountability, where your expertise will be valued and your growth supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cathedral Safeguarding Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Cathedral and its safeguarding culture. Visit Lincoln Cathedral, chat with staff, and understand their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the application process. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on safeguarding legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios and how you would handle them. Show us you’re the expert we need!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Lincoln Cathedral.
We think you need these skills to ace Cathedral Safeguarding Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role of Cathedral Safeguarding Officer and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their responses to highlight relevant experience in safeguarding casework and legislation. Show us how your skills fit the role perfectly!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications.
Submit Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you complete the Cathedral Application Form as instructed. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincoln Cathedral
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the Church of England's policies and any relevant statutory guidance. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the importance of safeguarding in a Cathedral setting.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with safeguarding casework, especially involving children or vulnerable adults. Think of specific examples where you've managed sensitive situations or worked alongside statutory agencies. This will help demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling safeguarding matters.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As a Cathedral Safeguarding Officer, strong interpersonal skills are key. Be ready to talk about how you've effectively communicated safeguarding responsibilities to staff and volunteers in the past. Highlight any training sessions you've led or contributed to, as this shows your commitment to promoting a culture of care.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific safeguarding scenarios. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also your ability to exercise independent professional judgement in safeguarding matters.
