Our aim is for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

We all share responsibility for promoting and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture and we are now looking for a Safeguarding Officer to strengthen our safeguarding capacity at Bishopthorpe Palace.

As Palace Safeguarding Officer, you will be responsible for the initial response to safeguarding matters which reach the Archbishop's offices and for providing advice to employees on safeguarding.

Your role will include taking forward Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) audit recommendations in line with the Palace safeguarding action plan which will require delivery of training and development of local policy. You will also work closely with the Archbishop's staff team and with the Provincial Safeguarding Adviser to ensure that safeguarding matters are identified and handled effectively.

With practitioner experience of safeguarding adults or children and a relevant professional qualification or equivalent, you will have the ability to work collaboratively and independently, proactively meeting deadlines and influencing improvements to practice.

A DBS check will be required.

Your working hours will be 17.5 hours per week and the salary will be prorated for the hours worked.

This is a fixed term opportunity expected to last for 6 months.

You will be able to work remotely while also attending our offices in York when needed however currently, employees are working remotely due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Interviews will be held remotely on the 29th April 2021, using Zoom.

In return we offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The Role

• Receiving, assessing/triaging and (where necessary) re-directing enquiries on safeguarding which reach the Archbishops’ offices in line with relevant policies and practice guidance.
• Assisting the Provincial Safeguarding Adviser in providing professional advice and support to the Archbishop of York and his staff.
• Ensuring that responses are well coordinated with Lambeth Palace and the office of the Lead Bishop for safeguarding and matters are escalated as required.
• Ensuring safeguarding matters are followed up appropriately, either directly or via other offices in the National Church Institutions or the Dioceses.
• Responding sensitively to contacts from survivors of abuse and those who are concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people (children, young people and adults).
• Working in partnership with statutory agencies as necessary.
• Working closely with the Past Case Review 2 reviewers taking forward any safeguarding actions required on past cases and liaising with other church offices as necessary.
• Supporting Bishopthorpe staff with safeguarding knowledge and providing support, advice and training as required.
• Assisting the Provincial Safeguarding Adviser updating existing local policies and any other development work required following the SCIE audit.

The Requirements

Essential

Knowledge/Experience:

• Extensive practitioner experience of safeguarding adults or children.
• Experience of working with a range of statutory and non-statutory organisations in managing safeguarding cases including managing allegations against people in positions of trust and management of those who may pose a risk to children or adults.
• Practitioner experience of working with victims/survivors of abuse and adults with mental health issues.
• In depth knowledge of the statutory framework in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• Relevant professional qualification or equivalent (e.g. Social Care or Criminal Justice).
• Level 3 or above training accreditation in child or adult protection.

Skills/Aptitudes:

• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to produce clear written records.
• Ability to work sensitively with victims/survivors, those who are subject to allegations/may pose a risk to children/vulnerable adults.
• Highly IT literate and proficient with common applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint as well as web-based applications.
• High level of initiative and ability to work independently.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collect and collate information and data and handle this in line with GDPR requirements.
• Ability to work in a strictly confidential environment and handle sensitive documents.
• Ability to work methodically and accurately showing attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with a range of people and to work flexibly as a member of a team.
• Sensitivity and good judgement in dealing with urgent and complex matters.

Desirable

Knowledge/Experience:

• Knowledge of safeguarding in faith communities.
• An understanding and empathy with the structure and culture of the Church of England.

Circumstances:

• Able to work remotely with weekly day in offices in York.

We in the National Church Institutions support the mission and ministries of the Church all over England. We work with parishes, dioceses (regional offices), schools, other ministries and our partners at a national and international level.

Excellence, Respect, Integrity

We follow these three values in everything we do, whether we are of Christian faith, another faith or no faith. To learn more about working for National Church Institutions and our benefits, please click here

As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.

As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, we welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and to ensuring that everyone, job applicants, customers and other people with whom we deal, are treated fairly and not subject to discrimination. We will do whatever is necessary to provide genuine equality of opportunity. We continuously review our policies and processes to support our aim to create a workforce as diverse as the nation the Church of England serves.

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