Safeguarding Officer is needed by Diocese

The Diocese of East Anglia has an exciting opportunity for a Safeguarding Officer to join our diocesan team on a part-time basis.

Term: Fixed Term Contract (6-12 months) with the possibility of extension

Hours: Minimum of 14 hours, maximum 21 hours per week

Salary: In the region of £30,000 per annum pro rata

The Catholic Church of England and Wales is committed to Safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church and affirm a ‘One Church’ approach to Safeguarding children and adults at risk through the promotion of a sustained culture of constant vigilance.

About the Safeguarding Officer role:

The Diocese is seeking to appoint a Safeguarding Officer to join its team supporting the operation of its Safeguarding provision across the large and diverse area that comprises of the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough. The post will principally be based at home but will also require travel across the diocese and to the Diocesan Offices just outside Norwich. As part of the Safeguarding Team you will be line-managed by the Director of Safeguarding and tasked by them to assist with managing offenders who wish to attend Church, completing risk assessments, case reviews and data input. You will also be responsible for providing safeguarding support to the Director of Safeguarding and may be called upon to assist in a number of other key areas including responding effectively to concerns or complaints affecting the safety and welfare of children and young people, and Adults at Risk.

What will you be doing as a Safeguarding Officer?

Working to and with the Director of Safeguarding in relation to the following:

• Supporting the Diocese in meeting the national Safeguarding Standards set for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
• Ensuring that the Diocese complies with national Safeguarding Policies and procedures.
• Supporting risk assessment/safeguarding plans/ensuring suitability regarding adults working within the diocese.
• Ensuring effective information sharing with statutory authorities and colleagues within the Catholic Church and other organisations.
• Assessing safeguarding allegations made against those involved in the Catholic Church.
• Making referrals to statutory or professional agencies in respect of allegations made against adults who hold a Position of Trust and operating within statutory guidance in relation to this.
• Assessing, managing, and reviewing cases.
• Providing support and guidance to Parish Safeguarding volunteers to enable them to implement a robust safeguarding response to concerns and allegations regarding young people and adults within the Catholic Church.
• Attend multi agency meetings as required.
• Assisting with the Safe recruitment of Church staff.
• To provide on-call cover when the Director of Safeguarding is on leave, provide an out of hours service and occasionally work outside of normal working hours.

What we are looking for in our Safeguarding Officer:

• Professional qualification in safeguarding/child protection or relevant experience.
• Experience of managing sex offenders in a statutory agency context.
• A high level of personal responsibility.
• Flexibility and a willingness to respond to the demands of the office.
• Knowledge of the Catholic Church and its operational structure.
• Understanding and respect for the teachings and Mission of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of DBS processes.
• Experience of advising on a range of safeguarding issues.
• Experience of making referrals to statutory agencies.

Other essential criteria

• The role will include occasional out of hours working
• The post holder will be required to travel. Mileage to be paid at 45p per mile
• Full driving licence and use of own motor vehicle is essential
• Enhanced DBS

To apply: Please complete the application form which you can download here, and return it to safeguarding.coordinator@rcdea.org.uk by the closing date of December 10.

Anyone seeking further information about this role is encouraged to contact the Director of Safeguarding – Mr Michael Thurley on 07429 215344.

The Diocese of East Anglia is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

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