Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Job Introduction
We have made excellent progress in creating a solid safeguarding foundation and this role is needed to help us deliver the next step in developing and continuing to build confidence and capacity across the organisation, and to maintain the highest standards in safeguarding.
The Deputy Safeguarding Lead will deputise for the Safeguarding Lead regularly, and alongside responding to safeguarding enquiries they will take a lead role in building the capacity and culture of teams that are less aware of safeguarding by designing training, building local expertise and strategically influencing the senior management team.
This role can be London or Regional based.
Role Responsibility
- Deputise for the Safeguarding lead
- Be a specialist and lead expert on safeguarding, and support the development, and drive forward the safeguarding strategy.
- Drive a ‘Safe, legal and healthy’ culture where safeguarding is everybody’s business.
- To further develop and embed the system to manage all safeguarding cases that occur
- Drive forward the shaping and update the organisation’s safeguarding policy and processes in line with legislative and organisational developments, performing the role of subject specialist advising organisational decision making.
- To support and drive the implementation of Diabetes UK’s safeguarding standards across the organisation, in line with the organisation’s 2013 NSPCC review
- To drive a culture and process of continuous improvement. Instigating reflective learning and practice, providing leadership, support and direction to staff, volunteers and teams in order to maintain profile and awareness of safeguarding
- To build capacity across the organisation in order that safeguarding is core to our ways of working and so that team leaders and safeguarding leads in teams are confident in dealing with safeguarding issues and know when and where to escalate. In particular to provide support and guidance to designated safeguarding leads in the organisation.
- Lead the design and implementation of safeguarding audit process for the long term and Implement and oversee actions identified as part of safeguarding annual audit
- Work closely with the Head of Volunteering reviewing and influencing safeguarding processes for volunteers.
- Assist in embedding safeguarding practices for vulnerable adults.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Managers across the organization, and across the Regions and Nations, providing expert input and guidance to influence the development of Safeguarding practice.
- To further develop and maintain a high standard of professional safeguarding files and documentation.
- Lead and advise Managers to ensure smooth and efficient criminal records checking processes across the four nations.
- Analyse safeguarding data and produce reports, and make recommendations to evolve policy, practice, processes and systems.
- Respond to safeguarding enquires and provide safeguarding information and guidance to staff and volunteers across the organisation in line with Diabetes UK guidance
- Design and deliver safeguarding training across Diabetes UK for range different audiences
- Provide train the trainer support for regional teams delivering safeguarding to volunteers
- Develop practical safeguarding materials for the safeguarding toolbox of resources
- Conduct quality reviews of a sample of safeguarding concerns handled by Designated Safeguarding People to drive a culture continuous improvement
- Liaise and work with the Safeguarding Lead, the Safeguarding Lead Director [Operations Director] and Assistant Director of Services ensuring they remain current and are fully aware of progress, issues or challenges.
- Interface with other compliance Leads [Health and Safety/ Data protection] and work collaboratively to drive Diabetes UK’s ‘keeping Safe, Legal and Healthy’ programme.
- Engage with sectors leaders externally to ensure Diabetes UK remains current and at the forefront
- Assist Managers on any new service, projects or approaches and advise from a safeguarding perspective.
The Ideal Candidate
The best person for this job will be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of relevant children’s and adults safeguarding legislation, guidance and services
- Provide strong leadership around safeguarding best practice
- Support the development of others through training and other development activities
- Support individuals and teams with safeguarding matters a calm and thoughtful manner
- Represent Diabetes UK and the Safeguarding Team in a competent and credible manner
- Engage and motivate teams to drive up high quality safeguarding practice
- Produce high quality safeguarding materials to support the implementation of Diabetes UK safeguarding Policy and Procedures
- Support the safeguarding lead to monitor safeguarding compliance and quality
- Be solution focussed and contribute to creative and flexible approaches to meeting objectives
- Excellent written and other communication skills for a range internal and external audiences
The best person for this job will have experience in:
- Improving safeguarding practice within an organisation
- Producing Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
- Responding to safeguarding concerns, including allegations against staff and volunteers
- Supporting change and developing of others through training and other development activities
- Demonstrating integrity and trustworthiness in managing sensitive and confidential data
- Delivering high quality training to increase confidence and competence in safeguarding
The best person for this job will be:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent work experience
- Experienced in safeguarding or Children’s/Adults Services
- Will be willing and able to travel across the UK
- Be available for occasional out of hours and weekend working
Package Description
What we can offer you:
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays
- A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments)
- Early finish Friday and flexible working
- Discounts on gym membership and days out
- Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life
- Annual Season ticket loan
- Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities
- Generous pension provision, life assurance and permanent health insurance
About the Company
Diabetes is the most potentially devastating – and fastest growing – health crisis of our time, requiring ongoing high-quality care and support. There are currently 4.5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and 11.9 million more at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Those diagnosed face the risk of life-changing, and life-limiting, complications, unless they are given the very best care and the support they need to manage their condition well. As a society we need to work together now – and take action now – to fund critical research, improve healthcare and treatment, and prevent yet more people developing this potentially life-threatening condition.
Diabetes UK is a forward thinking and commercially focused organisation, and is the leading charity for the 4.5 million people with the condition in the UK.
As we continue to improve our processes, through continual development and change, this is an exciting time to join us. With established funding streams and following on from the success of our previous five-year plan, we are in a strong position to continue developing and responding to changing environments.
We rely heavily upon the expertise and motivation of our staff in order to work towards our many aims and meet objectives. We aim to be an equal opportunity employer; the organisation recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. We gladly make the adjustments required for people with disabilities to join us. Our diverse functions mean that we can offer you a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.
Under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, as amended in particular by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 this post is subject to pre-employment criminal records checks through the Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS), Disclosure Scotland, Access NI.
Diabetes UK recognises and respects the value and diversity of all.
We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm – if you’d like to be part of that, why not join us?
To Learn more about the work we do - Click here
Diabetes UK