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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and advocacy initiatives, shaping national policy for children and adults.
- Company: National Office for Care and Support, part of HSCEY.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: High-trust role with significant autonomy and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding practices across Wales and influence key policies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in relationship building and strong decision-making skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61098 - 73057 ÂŁ per year.
The Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy leads the Safeguarding and Advocacy Branch within the National Office for Care and Support, part of the Health, Social Care and Early Years Group (HSCEY). The role is responsible for the strategic direction of safeguarding adults and children, ensuring children can express their views through advocacy across Wales. The incumbent advises senior leaders and Welsh Ministers, works closely with government ministers, key professionals and sector stakeholders, and delivers national safeguarding and advocacy policy.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert leadership and advice on strategic and policy direction for safeguarding adults and children and advocacy.
- Develop professional practice and support operational issues related to safeguarding adults, children and advocacy.
- Offer senior leaders and Welsh Ministers timely, high‑quality, evidence‑based professional advice on safeguarding and advocacy matters.
- Build and maintain effective networks and relationships with relevant government departments across the UK.
- Develop and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including Directors of Social Services, the National Independent Safeguarding Board, Regional Safeguarding Boards, Commissioners for Children and Older People, and the Wales Safeguarding Procedures Project Board.
- Engage with Welsh Government departments to address cross‑cutting policy areas such as Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) and Digital Safety and Resilience.
- Provide strategic oversight, direction and leadership of the Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse (2026–2036), the National Statutory Approach to Advocacy and the National Action Plan for Preventing the Abuse of Older People.
Development Opportunities
This is a high‑trust, high‑impact role that operates with a significant degree of autonomy. The Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy will shape national safeguarding and advocacy policy, working closely with senior leaders and decision‑makers to influence pan‑Wales safeguarding practice. The position offers opportunity to lead complex work programmes and to make direct contributions to the development of safeguarding policy at the national level.
Qualifications & Attributes
- Extensive experience in building strong internal and external relationships, based on collaboration and trust, to deliver high‑profile, sensitive policy objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to see the big picture, synthesise diverse viewpoints and gain a broad understanding of the policy landscape.
- Strong decision‑making skills, able to present reasonable conclusions from complex, sometimes incomplete evidence.
- Leadership skills that promote diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting difference and external experience.
- Capacity to deliver at pace, maintaining performance levels in challenging circumstances and encouraging others to do the same.
Salary and Working Conditions
Salary range: £61,098 – £73,057 (Grade 7). The role is full‑time; part‑time, job share or hybrid working arrangements are welcomed. The position requires occasional travel for events and meetings relevant to the role and to support Ministers.
Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy employer: Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
Contact Detail:
Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the safeguarding and advocacy field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for safeguarding and advocacy shine through. Share your experiences and insights, and make it clear why this role matters to you. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research the organisation and its current safeguarding policies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and strategic thinking.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've built relationships and led teams in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in safeguarding or advocacy to make your application stand out.
Be Evidence-Based: When discussing your achievements, back them up with evidence. Use data or specific outcomes to demonstrate your impact in previous positions, especially in areas related to safeguarding and policy development.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget 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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
✨Know Your Safeguarding Policies
Make sure you’re well-versed in current safeguarding policies and practices, especially those relevant to Wales. Familiarise yourself with the Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse and the National Statutory Approach to Advocacy. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Build Your Network Knowledge
Understand the key stakeholders you'll be working with, such as Directors of Social Services and the National Independent Safeguarding Board. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with these groups and maintain effective relationships. This demonstrates your ability to collaborate and influence at a high level.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion. Think about situations where you’ve led teams through challenging circumstances while maintaining performance. This will illustrate your capability to lead in a high-trust, high-impact role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach complex policy issues and make decisions based on incomplete evidence. Share specific instances where you synthesised diverse viewpoints to reach a conclusion. This will showcase your strategic mindset and ability to see the bigger picture.