At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a panel to provide expert scrutiny on adult safeguarding and offender management.
- Company: National Safeguarding Panel, dedicated to improving safeguarding practices in the Church.
- Benefits: Earn £25 per hour for meetings, plus travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid meetings and a supportive induction programme provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding adults at risk and shaping national policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult safeguarding or working with offenders required.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 25 £ per hour.
The roles we are seeking a volunteer for within the NSP are as follows:
We are seeking TWO Independent Members with specialist expertise in adult safeguarding to join the Panel. This is a critical role providing challenge, insight, and independent scrutiny in relation to safeguarding adults at risk across a wide range of Church contexts. Panel meetings combine evidence-gathering, thematic scrutiny, and dialogue with safeguarding leaders. You will be part of shaping national learning, advising on policy development, and ensuring the experiences of adults at risk and survivors inform the Church’s safeguarding approach.
The NSP is seeking ONE Independent Member with professional expertise in working with offenders, including individuals who pose safeguarding or sexual harm risks. The Church’s safeguarding responsibilities require strong expertise in understanding risk, rehabilitation, boundaries, and risk‑management frameworks. This specialist role brings challenge, insight, and professional oversight into how the Church manages individuals who may present risks to children, adults, or communities.
Role Expectation
- Time Commitment: Approx. 6–8 meetings per year, plus preparation
- Term: 3 years, renewable for 2 years
- Location: Meetings held in London and across dioceses (hybrid attendance available)
Remuneration and Expenses
A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England’s NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.
Support and Induction
New members will receive a full induction programme, including meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members, and access to relevant resources.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words outlining your relevant skills and experience, and explaining why you are interested in the role.
Responsibilities
- Independent Member with specialist expertise in adult safeguarding
- Provide expert scrutiny on matters involving adult safeguarding and the Church’s response to adults at risk.
- Participate in fact‑finding and scrutiny sessions, including engagement with external contributors and safeguarding leaders.
- Review and contribute to safeguarding policy proposals, thematic papers, and national workplans.
- Identify strengths, risks, and areas for development in the safeguarding of adults.
- Contribute to recommendations for national improvement and support the NSP Chair in reporting to the National Safeguarding Steering Group.
- Promote survivor‑informed approaches and ensure lived experience is heard and integrated into scrutiny.
- Independent Member with professional expertise in working with offenders
- Provide expert advice on offender‑related safeguarding matters, including risk assessment, risk management, and rehabilitation frameworks.
- Contribute specialist knowledge to scrutiny sessions examining how the Church manages individuals who may pose a risk.
- Review relevant policies, risk‑management approaches, case‑learning themes, and national data.
- Offer constructive challenge to ensure safeguarding arrangements protect those who are vulnerable while balancing rights, responsibilities, and proportionality.
- Support the NSP in producing clear recommendations for national safeguarding improvement.
Qualifications
- Independent Member with specialist expertise in adult safeguarding
- Significant professional experience in adult safeguarding, ideally within health, social care, criminal justice, voluntary sector, or regulatory settings.
- Knowledge of best practice, safeguarding legislation, and risk management in adult protection.
- Independent Member with professional expertise in working with offenders
- Professional background in probation, criminal justice, MAPPA, forensic psychology, offender management, or related fields.
- Experience in assessing and managing individuals who present risks of harm.
- Understanding of safeguarding legislation, risk frameworks, and interagency working.
- Confidence participating in evidence‑based scrutiny and high‑level safeguarding debate.
- Ability to analyse complex safeguarding information and contribute to balanced, informed recommendations.
National Safeguarding Panel Members employer: National Church Institutions (Church of England)
Bishopthorpe Palace offers a unique and fulfilling work environment for the Team Administrator role, where you will play a vital part in supporting the Archbishop’s Chaplain and the wider team. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, safeguarding, and community engagement, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages personal growth and development. Located in a historic setting, this position not only provides meaningful work but also the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Church of England while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
Contact Details:
National Church Institutions (Church of England) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Safeguarding Panel Members
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We think you need these skills to ace National Safeguarding Panel Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps National Church Institutions (Church of England) understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Church Institutions (Church of England)
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show National Church Institutions (Church of England) how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community National Church Institutions (Church of England) serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
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Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with National Church Institutions (Church of England).
