Senior Safety Manager

We are recruiting for a Senior Safety Manager, a newly created and strategically important role at the heart of our charity. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced safety professional with strong expedition and outdoor learning expertise to lead and enhance operational safety across our UK-wide network of delivery partners.

Working as part of the UK Quality and Compliance Directorate, and closely with the Head of Safety and Safeguarding, you will champion a culture of prevention, protection and accountability across the DofE. Your leadership will help ensure that young people can safely access the life-changing experiences the Award provides.

This role is varied, collaborative and impactful, offering the chance to influence practice across the charity and support colleagues and partners in delivering a safe, high-quality programme.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Safety and Safeguarding and senior leaders to strengthen operational safety across the DofE Network of delivery partners.
• Lead the delivery of safety support—particularly for the Expedition section of the Programme—to Licensed Organisations, Approved Activity Providers and Operations Teams, providing expert technical advice.
• Develop and implement safety strategies, incident management arrangements and reporting policies, ensuring a consistent, network-wide approach.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and help embed a robust safety culture across delivery partners.
• Oversee incident reporting within CRM systems, ensuring appropriate referrals (including Serious Incident Reports and regulatory notifications), analysing data and using insights to inform training and practice.
• Apply DofE frameworks such as the Expedition Responsibility Matrix, Due Diligence Risk Assessment, Annual Review and Action Plans to lead safety management across the Network.
• Line-manage, develop and motivate the DofE Safety Officer, setting SMART objectives aligned to organisational strategy and supporting their professional growth.
• Manage Safety Team budget expenditure in line with delegated authority.
• Collaborate with Training and L&D teams to deliver high-quality, fit-for-purpose safety training for staff and volunteers.
• Maintain up-to-date resources, case studies, scenario-based learning materials and safety communications.
• Respond to safety queries, deliver briefings and ensure safe practice across the DofE Network.
• Produce timely safety management information for senior stakeholders.
• Track KPIs with the Data & Impact team to measure and report on safety outcomes.
• Stay informed about safety developments, NGB guidance, youth sector trends and relevant government policy.
• Represent the DofE externally on safety matters and liaise with key stakeholders.

What we are looking for

• Proven ability to apply safety risk management frameworks and confidently advise senior leaders on compliance requirements and incident management.
• Technical qualifications and experience in outdoor education, expedition management and/or volunteering environments.
• Strong understanding of terrains, modes of expedition travel and commonly used geographical regions within the UK.
• In-depth knowledge of national safety legislation and regulations relevant to adventurous or outdoor learning activities.
• Knowledge of implementing safety practice across a dispersed network or licensing model.
• Proven experience managing people and supporting their professional development.
• High level of personal integrity and ability to manage sensitive matters confidentially.
• Resilient, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, guide and build confidence at all levels.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to balance a varied workload, think critically and solve problems proactively.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, continuous improvement, learning and development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and exemplary administrative skills.
• A collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.

How to apply and interview dates

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply. The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 22nd February - Midnight. 1st interviews will take place on: WC 2nd March to be held via MS Teams. 2nd interviews will take place on: WC 9th March to be held via MS Teams.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org.

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at GBP 4,000 per annum.