JOB TITLE: Assistant Safeguarding Adviser

LOCATION: Diocesan Office, St. Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester

GRADE: Grade 7

REPORTING TO: The Diocesan Secretary

PURPOSE OF JOB

Promote good practice in all matters relating to Safeguarding across the Diocese through the provision of information and the delivery of local policy and training.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1 Develop and maintain policies, procedures and good practice guidelines ensuring that the Diocese, Bishop, Archdeacons, staff and parishes implement safeguarding policies in line with national guidance.

2 Regularly review the diocesan safeguarding policy in line with National Church developments, ensuring it is communicated and accessible to all.

3 Monitor and remain up to date with the development of government policy, Church of England policy and best practice.

4 Support Archdeacons in ensuring each parish has adopted and implemented diocesan policy and procedures in line with the House of Bishops policies and guidance, provide ongoing advice to parishes on policy issues.

5 Offer advice and guidance to Bishops, Archdeacons, leaders in parishes and the HR team on safeguarding issues.

6 Develop professional relationships with Parish safeguarding links, local authority and statutory agencies.

7 Work with the Safeguarding Administrator to manage the DBS database and reporting and ensure the system is fit for purpose and review where necessary.

8 Ensure an appropriate, high quality training programme is in place and delivered to enhance the safeguarding skills of all those in the Diocese involved in work with children or vulnerable adults.

9 Ensure the diocesan training programme delivers appropriate training as recommended nationally and evaluate, review and monitor the effectiveness of the training programme.

10 Training preparation and delivery may be required from time to time

11 Support the Bishops Safeguarding Adviser in providing guidance and direction on straightforward cases where there are safeguarding issues.

12 Respond to requests for advice, information and guidance from individuals in the Church who are concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people.

13 Work collaboratively with regional safeguarding networks and key diocesan colleagues to ensure consistency and best practice.

14 Provide a risk assessment process for those where DBS checks are not clear.

15 Attend and report to the Safeguarding Advisory Group.

16 Attend regional and national adviser’s forums.

17 Maintain continuing professional development and professional registration where appropriate.

18 Ensure any safeguarding disclosure or concerns raised are reported appropriately.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The post-holder will be an experienced professional working with children, young people or vulnerable adults

A relevant qualification would be an advantage or equivalent experience Practitioner level experience and knowledge of safeguarding , working

with children, young people or adults who are vulnerable and the ability to demonstrate transferable knowledge (e.g. social work)

Working knowledge of Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Experience of writing safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance and

reports Excellent communication skills with proven experience in designing and

leading training events Experience of liaising with professional agencies at a variety of levels Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt style to a range of

audiences A working knowledge of Word, Excel and Access Able to work flexible day, weekend and evening hours and be part of the

“out of hours” contact service Able to access all parts of the diocese, sometimes at weekends or

evenings An understanding of the structures of the Church of England

COMPETENCIES

Achievement Drive – A concern for working well. A desire to take action; doing more than required; doing it before it is required. It includes staying focused on goals over an extended period of time.

Relationships – The ability to understand the perspectives, feelings and concerns of others and build or maintain relationships with people who are, or may someday be, useful in achieving goals.

Persuasiveness – The ability to convince others of a view, conclusion, position etc. Includes the development of subtle strategies specifically designed to get others to go along with or support ones agenda.

Thinking Ability – The ability to breakdown a problem or situation into its component parts, identifying implications and the key underlying issues.

Independence – A demonstrated belief in one’s capability to select an appropriate approach to a situation. It includes confidence in one’s judgement or opinion and the ability to handle failure effectively.

Adaptability – The ability to adapt to and work with a variety of situations, individuals or groups.

Teamworking – The willingness and ability to work co-operatively and collaboratively with others.