To ensure the Diocese maintains the highest standards of safeguarding training delivery by working closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) in the development, design and delivery of the safeguarding learning and development framework.

This will be in line with the Church of England policy, procedures and standards. To ensure that any disclosures or concerns raised during the training process are appropriately progressed.

The post holder is an employee of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) and reports to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

It is essential that the Diocesan Safeguarding Learning and Development Officer forms effective working relationships with: DSO and Assistant DSO, the safeguarding administrator, the Diocesan Bishop, the Bishop’s designated safeguarding lead and senior staff, the independent chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel, the Dean and the Cathedral staff, those in licensed and authorised ministry and volunteers undertaking safeguarding roles.

1. In conjunction with the DSO, develop, design and deliver an appropriate and high quality programme of safeguarding learning and development for all licensed, authorised and other identified accountable roles within the Diocese in line with the Church of England and Diocesan policy, procedures and standards.
   This will include delivering of virtual sessions as well as face to face.
2. Manage all administration in relation to training events such as invitations, registers and follow up. Identifying new and alternative IT options to assist in these processes
3. Develop a good understanding of existing diocesan learning and development provision for office holders, employees and volunteers and others and develop a good understanding of Church of England training guidelines and standards.
4. Develop a Safeguarding Learning and Development Needs Analysis and Learning and Development Plan for the Diocese.
5. Contribute to the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel providing feedback and statistics to the group.
6. Take the lead on the delivery of safeguarding learning and development training, particularly to clergy and lay people in licensed and authorised ministries, commissioning training to wider groups where required.
7. Ensure that basic and foundation safeguarding training is accessible to all those in need. Work with the safeguarding administrator to ensure trainees are encouraged to use on-line training and supported in accessing online training.
8. Contribute to the Safeguarding Newsletter and other methods of communication to maintain information flow.
9. Provide Train the Trainer’ sessions to volunteer trainers within parishes. Quality assure the training and advise where appropriate. Provide and update safeguarding learning and development materials for use by the parishes.
10. In conjunction with the DSO, undertake continual evaluation, review and monitoring of the learning and development programme and other training materials so that they are kept up-to-date with new legislation, guidelines and best practice in safeguarding.
11. Develop and maintain close working relationships with the national and local safeguarding networks in order that the diocesan safeguarding training is up to date and in line with new legislation, policy requirements and best practice.
12. Proactively develop collaborative working and link with relevant Diocesan personnel, such as those responsible for children’s work, youth work, clergy and lay workers.
13. Attend national and regional briefings and training provided through the Church of England, where appropriate, to assist with the development and improvement of safeguarding practice for the Diocese
14. Routinely provide safeguarding advice and respond to enquiries submitted to the Team and support other general tasks as may reasonably be required
15. Engage in regular supervision and continual professional development, ensuring their safeguarding knowledge and technical competency remains up-to-date by embracing learning opportunities.

• Educated to degree level or professional equivalent
• Training qualification, i.e. Cert Ed, etc.
• Experience of working in a statutory environment (health, social care or police)
• Sound knowledge of current legislation, policy and best practice relating to safeguarding
• Experience of effective developing and delivering training
• Experience of working in the church context
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including competence in public speaking, with the ability to adapt style to a range of audiences
• Ability to plan and prioritise work and work independently
• Knowledge of legal frameworks relating to safeguarding
• Working knowledge of using IT and the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work sensitively with survivors who may disclose concerns during the training process
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries, including appropriate confidentiality
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to build good working relationships at all levels
• An understanding of the structures of the Church of England
• Strong organisation skills with the ability to adapt to a challenging workload
• The ability to understand the perspectives, feelings and concerns of others and initiate, build and maintain relationships in a mutually beneficial way.
• Recognise one’s own feelings and those of others and manage emotions effectively.
• Able to work under own initiative with the flexibility and adaptability and remain calm and efficient when under pressure
• A positive approach to work with a confident, professional and approachable manner, excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to work flexible day, weekend and evening hours
• Able to access all parts of the diocese, sometimes at weekends or evenings (own vehicle essential)
• A proven ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and work sensitively with those affected by safeguarding issues
• High levels of enthusiasm and self-motivation and be willing to challenge stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and bias

Role: Diocesan Safeguarding Learning and Development Officer

Responsible to: Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Salary: £30, 373. Any changes to this figure will be made by letter. Payment is monthly on the 20th of each month.

Contract: 35 hours a week

Hours: The normal hours are between 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Consideration will be given to flexible working arrangements. The role requires some evening and weekend working and working hours will be amended to reflect this. The post holder will be entitled to time off in lieu for attending meetings outside of standard working hours. The post holder may also be required to work additional hours to meet the reasonable requirements of the role. Time off in lieu may be taken at a time to be agreed with their line manager.

Probationary period: Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period. After one month’s service and for the remainder of the role holder’s probationary period employment may be terminated by either party with notice of one week in writing.

The Board reserves the right to extend the probationary period should a satisfactory standard of performance not have been achieved.

Place of work: The main place of work will be The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough, PE1 1YB. The role holder will be required to attend other parts of the Diocese regularly as part of their role and will require their own vehicle.

Working from home is permitted at times agreed with the DSO.

Pension: Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria the role holder will be automatically enrolled into the Board’s non-contributory pension scheme.

Annual Leave: The holiday year is from 01 January to 31 December each year.

The initial annual entitlement is 25 working days with pay per year. After 10 years’ continuous service at the start of the holiday year the entitlement is increased to 30 days per annum. An additional three days’ leave will be allocated by the Board to be fixed around the Christmas period each year. Details of these additional days will be notified prior to the end of January each year.

Expenses: Mileage and working expenses are paid at Diocesan rates.

Pre-employment checks: Your contract is subject to two satisfactory references and the completion of a confidential self-declaration form and dependent on a clear Disclosure and Barring Service certificate