Head of Safeguarding (CSO) in Canterbury

About Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Located in Canterbury, Kent, it is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site.

About the Head of Safeguarding (CSO) Role

Canterbury Cathedral is seeking an experienced and values‑led safeguarding professional to join the Cathedral. This is a significant leadership role responsible for ensuring the Cathedral community provides a safe, welcoming and professionally accountable environment for children, young people, vulnerable adults, staff and volunteers. Working closely with the Canon Missioner, Senior Leadership Team, Chapter and Cathedral Safeguarding Committee, the successful candidate will lead the development and embedding of safeguarding culture, policy, practice and assurance across the Cathedral’s diverse and complex operational environment. The postholder will act as the Cathedral’s professional safeguarding lead and first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring practice is aligned with:

• Church of England safeguarding policy
• Promoting a Safer Church
• National Safeguarding Standards
• Guidance issued by the Church of England National Safeguarding Team
• House of Bishops Practice Guidance and Codes of Practice

Key Responsibilities as Head of Safeguarding (CSO)

• Lead and promote a culture of safeguarding vigilance, accountability and shared responsibility
• Provide professional safeguarding advice and manage safeguarding concerns and casework in line with the Diocesan MOU
• Develop, implement and review safeguarding policies and procedures
• Lead safeguarding audits, assurance activity and action planning
• Produce high-quality safeguarding reports for Chapter and Safeguarding Committee
• Oversee safeguarding training, DBS compliance and safer recruitment processes
• Work collaboratively with diocesan, statutory and national safeguarding partners
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded within strategic planning and operational decision-making
• Provide professional challenge and escalation where safeguarding concerns arise

About You

• Significant safeguarding experience within a statutory, education, health, probation, police, social care or equivalent environment
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and best practice
• Experience managing complex safeguarding casework and risk management processes
• The ability to influence, challenge and build strong professional relationships at all levels within the Cathedral
• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills
• A compassionate, trauma‑informed and survivor‑focused approach
• Professional integrity, resilience and sound judgement
• An understanding of safeguarding within complex organisations
• Experience of working with Senior Leadership Teams and Boards/Committee Members

A relevant professional qualification and/or current professional registration is essential where applicable.

Safeguarding Commitment

Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to safer recruitment processes, including:

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work checks
• Completion of an application form in line with Church of England Safer Recruitment Guidance 2026

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Cathedral is committed to creating a positive, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can flourish. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity for all.