At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a board to improve safeguarding practices and contribute to strategic discussions.
- Company: Church of England, committed to reforming safeguarding structures.
- Benefits: Travel expenses covered, honoraria for commitment, and support from a dedicated officer.
- Other info: Engage with sensitive matters; emotional resilience is essential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding and help rebuild trust within the Church.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of abuse within the Church and strong interpersonal skills.
The Safeguarding Structures Reform Programme was established following a General Synod vote in February 2025 to reform safeguarding structures across the Church of England.
Primary Goals of the Programme
- Strengthen Safeguarding: Improve quality and consistency of service across all Church bodies.
- Rebuild Trust: Foster confidence through greater strategic and operational independence and rigorous external scrutiny.
Programme Leadership
The programme is led by an independent Executive Chair, Dame Christine Ryan. The board has responsibility for strategic oversight and decision‑making; three board members have lived experience of Church‑related abuse.
Board Member
This volunteer role is a participatory position aligned with the National Survivor Participation Framework.
Responsibilities
- Attend board meetings, which occur bi‑monthly (six meetings a year) with possible additional meetings.
- Read and respond to documents between meetings, including signing papers by email when appropriate.
- Contribute to strategic discussions using lived experience insights.
Recognition & Support
Reasonable travel and expenses will be covered. Honoraria will be offered for time and commitment, in accordance with the Survivor Participation honorarium policy. Board members are supported by the programme’s Survivor Participation Officer, who will be available throughout the programme and attend meetings.
Location & Commitment
Board meetings take place both in person and online. The programme runs until the end of 2028; board members are expected to remain active until that time.
Qualifications
- Have lived experience of abuse within the Church of England or a relevant setting.
- Committed to helping the Church learn from its mistakes and improve its safeguarding practice.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to listen and engage collaboratively.
- Effective communication skills, expressing own views and engaging constructively with others.
- Ability to review documents and provide written feedback.
- Capable of handling confidential and personal information appropriately.
- Available to commit sufficient time to board membership.
Desirable
- Experience with boards and board membership.
Additional Considerations
Programme board membership may involve engaging with sensitive or distressing matters. Applicants should have emotional resilience. Support services within the Church and external organisations will be made available when needed.
Member of the Safeguarding Structures Programme Board in London employer: The Church of England
The Church of England offers a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the safeguarding reform efforts, fostering a culture of trust and accountability. As a volunteer member of the Safeguarding Structures Programme Board, you will be part of a supportive environment that values lived experience and promotes personal growth through strategic discussions and collaboration. With reasonable travel expenses covered and honouraria provided for your commitment, this role not only allows you to make a significant impact but also ensures you are supported throughout your journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Member of the Safeguarding Structures Programme Board in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to safeguarding or the Church of England. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that board member role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your understanding of safeguarding practices and the Church's current challenges. We want to see how your lived experience can contribute to strategic discussions, so be ready to share your insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment! Make sure to express your dedication to improving safeguarding practices during conversations. Highlight your willingness to engage collaboratively and listen to others' experiences—this is key for a role like this.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Member of the Safeguarding Structures Programme Board in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. Share your lived experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to hear your unique perspective!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight how your background can contribute to strengthening safeguarding and rebuilding trust within the Church.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your points quickly and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Safeguarding Structures Reform Programme and its goals. Familiarise yourself with the Church of England's safeguarding practices and recent developments. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Share Your Story
Since lived experience is crucial for this role, be prepared to share your insights and how they relate to the programme's objectives. Think about specific examples that highlight your understanding of safeguarding and how it can be improved.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires strong interpersonal skills, so demonstrate your ability to listen and engage with others. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with teams in the past and how you can contribute to strategic discussions on the board.
✨Be Ready for Sensitive Topics
Understand that discussions may involve distressing matters. Show your emotional resilience by expressing how you handle sensitive information and support others in similar situations. This will reassure the interviewers of your capability to manage the responsibilities of the role.
