At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding strategy and ensure top-notch safety for young people.
- Company: Join New Horizon Youth Centre, a supportive and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape safeguarding practices and empower teams to protect vulnerable youth.
- Qualifications: Leadership potential and a passion for safeguarding young people's welfare.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a commitment to diversity in leadership.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 52000 £ per year.
The Head of Safeguarding is a new role for the organisation. You will lead our safeguarding strategy and practice, ensuring we provide the highest standards of safety and care for the young people we support. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing quality, consistency and continual development of safeguarding practice across the organisation. You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement relevant safeguarding policies, facilitate staff training, embed learning from incidents, and ensure safeguarding is understood as everyone's responsibility.
We are happy to consider candidates taking their first step into leadership and we will consider exceptional part time candidates to ensure we find the right person or people for the role. We particularly welcome candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as these are overrepresented communities in our services and yet underrepresented within our leadership.
Contract type and hours: permanent, 35 hours per week Monday-Friday
Starting salary: £46,800 (salary scale £46,800-£52,000)
Location: New Horizon Youth Centre, 68 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JR
Application deadline: 9am, Friday 30 January 2026.
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Lead NHYC's organisational safeguarding strategy, setting high standards for policy, culture, and practice.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice, ensuring NHYC remains compliant and responsive to the external environment.
- Develop and review NHYC's safeguarding policies and procedures, in collaboration with the COO, ensuring policies are accessible, inclusive and understood across teams.
- Convene regular forums with deputy DSOs to review cases, share learning and drive continuous improvement.
- Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns or incidents to be escalated.
- Provide appropriate leadership, advice and case support to teams across our frontline services.
- Ensure maintenance of high quality, accurate safeguarding records.
- Coordinate responses to serious safeguarding incidents where required, including using insights from reviews to inform ongoing training, policy and practice improvements.
- Develop and deliver internal safeguarding training for staff at all levels of the organisation.
- Promote reflective practice and continuous learning across teams.
- Represent NHYC in relevant safeguarding forums, networks or multi-agency meetings.
- Liaise with statutory safeguarding partners as needed, ensuring appropriate referrals and escalation.
- Provide regular safeguarding reports to the COO, Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees.
- Support Trustees in fulfilling their safeguarding oversight responsibilities, including through training and assurance reporting.
- Following New Horizon's policies, procedures and performance expectations in all functions of the post.
- Undertaking any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Chief Executive or Chief Operating Officer.
Please see our website for full job pack.
Head of Safeguarding in City of London employer: New Horizon Youth Centre
Contact Detail:
New Horizon Youth Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safeguarding in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the safeguarding field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's safeguarding policies and practices. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding scenarios. We want to see how you think on your feet and how you’d handle real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at New Horizon Youth Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Head of Safeguarding role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your unique experiences and skills fit the specific needs of our safeguarding strategy. Use examples from your past that showcase your leadership and commitment to safeguarding practices.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not only qualified but also passionate about safeguarding young people. Share your motivations and why you want to join our team at New Horizon Youth Centre.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is super important in safeguarding roles. And remember, apply through our website to ensure we get your application directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Horizon Youth Centre
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and best practices. Being able to discuss current trends and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the subject.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Even if this is your first step into leadership, think of examples where you've taken charge or influenced others positively. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led a project or initiative, especially in safeguarding contexts.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with New Horizon Youth Centre’s mission and values. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their safeguarding strategy and culture.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their current safeguarding practices, challenges they face, or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.