Safeguarding Officer in Oxford

RABI is the farmers charity. RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life. At the heart of RABI's mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive.

ROLE OVERVIEW: The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for delivering high-quality operational safeguarding across RABI, ensuring safeguarding concerns involving beneficiaries are managed consistently, professionally and in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and organisational policy. Working as one of two Safeguarding Officers, the postholder provides specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and support to colleagues across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The role manages safeguarding concerns from initial notification through to resolution, undertakes safeguarding risk assessments, coordinates safeguarding activity, maintains accurate safeguarding records, supports multi-agency working and contributes to achieving safe outcomes for beneficiaries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operational Safeguarding: Work alongside the Safeguarding Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead to support the continuous development and implementation of safeguarding practice across the organisation. Act as an operational point of contact for staff, volunteers and external partners regarding safeguarding concerns and queries, providing advice and guidance whilst escalating complex or high-risk matters appropriately. Manage safeguarding concerns from initial notification through to resolution, ensuring concerns are assessed, risk managed, recorded and progressed in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and RABI policies and procedures. Undertake safeguarding risk assessments, exercising professional judgement to support proportionate, person-centred and defensible safeguarding decision-making. Promote professional curiosity, reflective practice and consistent safeguarding approaches across the organisation.
• Professional Advice and Guidance: Provide specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and practical support to Regional Support Officers, managers, staff and volunteers to support the effective management of safeguarding concerns and increase confidence in safeguarding practice. Support colleagues to recognise safeguarding concerns, understand safeguarding responsibilities and apply safeguarding procedures consistently. Support the Safeguarding Manager in developing and delivering safeguarding training, awareness sessions and operational guidance for staff and volunteers.
• Case Management, Recording and Information Management: Maintain day-to-day administration, quality assurance and oversight of safeguarding records within RABI's case management system, ensuring information is accurate, timely, complete and compliant with organisational standards. Follow up safeguarding recording queries and support colleagues in maintaining high-quality safeguarding records. Prepare and provide operational safeguarding information, data, trends and case information to support the Safeguarding Manager in producing monthly, quarterly and annual safeguarding reports.
• Partnership Working: Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Adult and Children's Social Care, Police, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Domestic Abuse Services, counselling providers and other statutory and voluntary sector partners. Coordinate safeguarding referrals and information sharing, ensuring referrals are timely, appropriate and well evidenced.
• Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement: Promote and champion safeguarding practice across all departments, supporting compliance, increasing staff awareness and embedding safeguarding within everyday practice. Maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, including Volunteering, Partnerships, Fundraising, Campaigns and other departments, providing safeguarding advice on new initiatives and emerging projects.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Essential: Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience gained through professional practice. A recognised safeguarding qualification or evidence of substantial safeguarding training relevant to the role. Commitment to maintaining continuing professional development and keeping knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance and best practice up to date.
• Desirable: Specialist safeguarding qualifications or accredited safeguarding training. Mental Capacity Act, Domestic Abuse, MARAC, Prevent, suicide prevention or trauma-informed practice training.

Additional Requirements: Enhanced DBS clearance. Ability to travel throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. Flexible approach to occasional travel and operational requirements. Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and professional standards.

BENEFITS: 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (based on full-time working). Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI's group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%. Life assurance from day one. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme. Support with personal and professional development. On site parking.