Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding practices across Wales and influence key policies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in relationship building and strategic policy development.
The predicted salary is between 61098 - 73057 £ per year.
Overview
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 in Wales 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 in Wales
✨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 applications alone can't.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and insights on safeguarding policies. Share examples of how you've influenced change or led initiatives in the past. This will show them you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the current safeguarding landscape in Wales and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Prepare questions that show your interest in their work and how you can help shape their advocacy strategies.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding and Advocacy in Wales
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 successfully led teams or projects, especially in safeguarding or advocacy contexts. This will help us understand how you can influence and shape policy.
Be Evidence-Based: When discussing your experience, back it up with evidence. We love data and real-life examples that demonstrate your decision-making skills and ability to navigate complex situations. It shows us you're not just talking the talk!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
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.