15100 - Head of Function Complex (HOFC): Safeguarding

The Youth Custody Service are looking for two skilled and committed Social Work managers (or equivalent) with extensive experience of managing front line practice in a statutory role. These roles are available on a two-year fixed term basis and will require travel across all the YCS sites across England and Wales.

The Youth Custody Service exists to protect, support and empower some of the most vulnerable children in the justice system. Every young person in our care has the right to feel safe, to be treated with dignity, and to access services that meet their welfare, educational, health and rehabilitative needs.

The Safeguarding Manager plays a central role in securing these rights and ensuring that practice across the secure estate reflects the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection. This senior, non‑operational position provides specialist safeguarding leadership across YCS establishments. The role requires deep commitment to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and an understanding that safety is the foundation upon which meaningful rehabilitation is built.

You will work closely with the YCS Head of Safeguarding and act as a trusted advisor to Governors, Deputy Governors, and senior operational leaders. You will be a visible presence within establishments, strengthening safeguarding culture, improving practice, and offering advice and challenge where needed.

At the heart of the role is the responsibility to ensure that safeguarding systems across the secure estate are robust, legally compliant and centred on the experiences and rights of the children we look after. You will guide establishments in meeting the requirements of Section 11 of the Children Act, reviewing local safeguarding and child protection policies, and ensuring that these are multi‑agency, trauma‑informed and responsive to the complex vulnerabilities of children in custody.

You will maintain oversight of child protection data and safeguarding logs, identifying patterns, risks and areas where additional support or intervention is needed. Partnerships are essential in youth justice, and the role involves building strong, collaborative relationships with Local Safeguarding Children Boards, Secure Children’s Homes, Secure Training Centres, local authorities and other statutory partners.

You will help shape service level agreements with safeguarding boards and ensure that external scrutiny and multi‑agency involvement consistently contribute to improvements in practice. The Safeguarding Manager also carries responsibility for the assurance of safeguarding performance across the secure estate. This includes supporting HMIP readiness assessments, completing written reports, supporting establishments with action plans, and ensuring that progress against recommendations is carefully monitored.

You will contribute to the development of a safe, supportive and child‑centred environment by helping staff understand their safeguarding duties, encouraging reflective practice, and ensuring that learning from incidents and complaints leads to tangible improvements in care. Success in this role requires resilience, compassion and an ability to influence confidently at all levels.

You will be expected to challenge constructively, often in complex situations, and to provide steady, informed leadership in response to safeguarding concerns. Strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain positive relationships with a wide range of professionals working within and beyond the justice system.

Candidates should bring extensive experience in safeguarding and child protection within a custodial or comparably high‑risk environment, along with a solid understanding of relevant legislation and guidance. You should also have a proven ability to lead assurance activity, manage risk and support organisations undergoing change.

Within your first year in post, you will be required to complete Level 4 Child Protection and Safeguarding training, and all candidates must meet the suitability criteria for working with children and hold an enhanced level DBS. This is a rare opportunity to influence safeguarding practice on a national scale and to contribute directly to the safety, wellbeing and future prospects of children in custody.

If you are motivated by the values of youth justice and committed to ensuring that the welfare of children remains at the forefront of everything we do, we welcome your application.

If you have any queries, please contact - YCS_HQSafeguarding@justice.gov.uk