PLEASE APPLY FOR THIS ROLE THROUGH THE DIOCESAN WEBSITE
The Head of Safeguarding will initially act as DSA, advising the bishop on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
Upon certification of the diocese for transition of the DSA to a DSO, the Head of Safeguarding will assume responsibility in the diocese, independent of the Bishop, for the professional leadership on and management of matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
The Head of Safeguarding will hold responsibility for planning and preparing the diocese well for our independent safeguarding audit, scheduled for June 2027, and leading the diocese effectively through that process. The Head of Safeguarding leads the diocesan safeguarding team. They also sit within the operational Senior Leadership Team alongside colleagues from Finance and Operations, Property, Mission, Evangelism and Parish Revitalisation, People and Ministry Development, and Communications, led by
the Diocesan Secretary.
Customer service, emotional intelligence, professional excellence, partnership working, and adaptability are key to the delivery of this role.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Safeguarding has operational lead authority within the Diocese for the following responsibilities, arranged according to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards:
• Working with the Diocesan Bishop, Archdeacons and other senior clergy, the Diocesan
Secretary, and other key staff to support, develop and improve the safeguarding practice and culture across the Diocese.
• Working with the Dean of Derby, the Cathedral Chapter and other key Cathedral staff to
uphold the Partnership Agreement in place between the Cathedral and the Diocese.
• Cooperating with and supporting the work of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel
(DSAP) as required.
• Managing the Diocesan response to quality assurance and audit processes.
• Ensuring that appropriate learning and reflective practice takes place across the Diocese
from casework, including, where required, commissioning or requesting safeguarding
practice reviews.
• Leading the Safeguarding Team through effective management, mentoring and coaching, and supporting the team’s wellbeing and development, both as a team and as individuals.