Hereford Diocese was founded in 676 AD and cover roughly 1,650 square miles, with many of our church buildings of historical importance.

Serving 326,000 people, we are part of the Church of England, which itself is part of the wider Anglican Communion

We have 193 schools in the Diocese, teaching approximately 46,300 children. Of these, 78 are Church of England schools, with just under 13,000 children, although 40% of these schools have fewer than 100 pupils; there are more pupils in our C of E schools than regular attendees at Sunday services

We are responsible for 402 churches, 13 Deaneries, 86 Benefices, and 344 parishes - we are the Church of England in Herefordshire, south Shropshire, and parts of Monmouthshire, Powys, and Worcestershire

We are looking for someone who can support the diocese in the development of its safeguarding arrangements, good practice, policy and training. To ensure that allegations of abuse are appropriately referred to the statutory authorities ensuring the provision of appropriate advice and support to survivors and victims of abuse. To make sure those that pose a risk are appropriately supported and managed. To advise the diocese on all safeguarding matters ensuring that all advice is line with the law, government guidance and national policy and guidance from the House of Bishops. To work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team.

Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the diocese and ensure all work is recorded in line with the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and guidance.
• Offer the Diocese’s Professional safeguarding response to safeguarding concerns or allegations against church officers in line with the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and guidance. To promote good practice.
• Work co-operatively with the police, local authorities and other bodies in cases in which it is suspected that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has suffered abuse or is at risk of suffering abuse.
• Give advice and guidance to the Bishop and other church officers on safeguarding matters. To report to the Bishop’s senior staff team and other diocesan bodies on the progress of safeguarding arrangements.
• Give advice, information and support to victim/ survivors of abuse and ensure the diocese responds well to those who have suffered abuse.
• To undertake and commission risk assessments.
• Provide, or coordinate the provision of, training on safeguarding matters.
• Implement, or co-ordinate the implementation of, the policy and practice guidance issued by the House of Bishops.
• Contribute to the work of the Diocesan safeguarding Working Group.
• Give advice, information and support to PCCs and parish safeguarding officers on the implementation of that guidance and where appropriate, challenging PCCs and parish safeguarding officers on what they have done to implement that guidance.
• Where the adviser thinks that safeguarding matters are not being dealt with properly and it has not proved possible to resolve within the diocese the points of issue, informing the National Safeguarding Team.
• Ensure that records are kept and are accessible, accurate, securely held and able to be analysed.
• Work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team and attend national events and activities.
• Engage in professional supervision and continued professional development.
• Implement, or coordinate the implementation of the current House of Bishop’s Safer Recruitment Policy, including the efficient and effective operation of the diocesan DBS checking process.
• Be prepared to take telephone calls out of hours regarding advice in emergency situations. This situation is only anticipated to arise a handful of times per year.(mobile phone contact number published on church notice boards and diocesan website).