Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer in Northampton

Main purpose of job: As a key member of the Safeguarding Team, the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer supports Parishes and the Diocese with safeguarding activities, whilst providing advice and guidance to ensure that the Diocese of Peterborough continues to be a safe place to live, worship and work. The Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer will be a dynamic and compassionate individual with responsibility for a caseload which is managed in line with the law, national statutory guidance and policy set by the House of Bishops and National Church of England Safeguarding Team.

Department: Safeguarding

Location: Peterborough Diocesan Office with travel required across the Diocese, including occasional work at the Northampton Office. Hybrid working is supported.

Main Duties:

• Safeguarding casework: Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the Diocese of Peterborough and ensure all work is conducted in adherence to the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and guidance. Manage, investigate, lead and conclude designated cases.
• Risk assessment and monitoring: Undertake risk assessments on offenders and those that may pose a risk who want to worship, volunteer or work in churches across our Diocese. Compile Safeguarding Agreements in relation to those where a risk is identified; monitor and review these as necessary in collaboration with the parish and statutory agencies.
• Safeguarding support, advice and promotion: Ensure appropriate pastoral support is arranged for those affected by abuse and/or safeguarding situations as appropriate. Commit to responding well to those who have experienced abuse. Offer guidance and advice to parishes on their safeguarding enquiries and referrals.
• Partnership and multi-agency working: Form and maintain productive, professional relationships with parishes, clergy, senior clergy, parish volunteers and PSOs. Work collaboratively with other agencies, both statutory and non-statutory, to ensure that there is an effective safeguarding response to children and vulnerable adults.
• Information management: Ensure that the principles of GDPR, confidentiality, health and safety and safeguarding are adhered to in all aspects of your work. Maintain accurate records of safeguarding activities on the MyConcerns database in accordance with recording protocols and good practice guidance.
• Deputising and professional development: Deputise and provide cover for other staff in the Safeguarding Team as necessary. Engage in professional supervision as part of the Diocese’s commitment to staff welfare. Commit to continuous professional development and undertake training to maintain an up-to-date understanding of national and local safeguarding policies and best practice.

This job description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. The role may evolve in line with diocesan priorities, national safeguarding developments, and organisational need.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant Professional qualification or equivalent (i.e. Social Work, Probation, Police etc.)
• English and Math GCSE (or equivalent) at grade C (level 5) or above.
• Qualifications related to safeguarding children and adults.
• Educated to Degree level or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience of safeguarding children and/or adults in a voluntary or statutory sector.
• Experience in risk assessment and risk management in relation to offenders/offending behaviours and those that may pose a risk.
• Experience of applying policy, procedure and good practice in relation to the safeguarding of children and/or adults.
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice and experience of applying this to safeguarding work.
• Knowledge of local authority safeguarding processes and statutory frameworks.
• Knowledge of the principles of safer recruitment.
• Experience of effectively managing a caseload.
• Experience of working with victims/survivors of abuse.
• Experience of working in a challenging environment demanding resilience and self-awareness.
• Experience of multi-agency working including with statutory and non-statutory agencies.
• An ability to prioritise work and be flexible to changing team needs and priorities.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint, and competency in using case file databases.
• Experience of working in an environment with confidentiality and GDPR considerations.
• Knowledge of the structure and mission of the Church of England.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• High levels of enthusiasm and self-motivation with a willingness to challenge stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and bias.
• Able to represent the team and the Diocese in a professional way with honesty and integrity in line with expected standards of conduct.
• Good organisational and planning skills; able to work unsupervised and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Able to build professional interpersonal relationships with people in a wide range of roles.
• Recognises the impact of their own actions and behaviours upon others; demonstrates emotional intelligence.
• Ability to effectively utilise professional supervision.
• Performs all duties in a safe manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of self and others.
• A clear communicator, both verbally and in writing and able to demonstrate diplomacy, sensitivity, and patience.
• Ability to learn quickly, have an enquiring mind, and provide a solution focused approach to problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver on time with a clear attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable working in a church environment and empathic to the values of the Church of England.
• Hold a clean driving licence and have access to a private car with insurance for travel on business purposes.

FURTHER DETAILS

• Location: The main place of work will be The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough, PE1 1YB. The role holder will be required to occasionally work at our Northampton office and attend other parts of the Diocese regularly as part of their role. Hybrid working can be considered.
• Hours: 35 hours per week (FTE). The post holder will be entitled to time off in lieu of attending meetings outside of office hours.
• Holidays: Annual leave of 25 days per year plus public holidays and Christmas/New Year closure (3 days). This rises from 25 days to 30 days after 10 years’ service.
• Pension: 10% employer non-contributory pension.
• Probationary Period: 6 months.
• DBS: Given the nature of this role an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.