NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Associate Director of Safeguarding - Adults
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Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility. Leadership Is Ours.
At NELFT, safeguarding is not a function it is a core part of how we deliver safe, compassionate and equitable care.
We are seeking an exceptional safeguarding leader to join us as Associate Director of Nursing for Safeguarding Adults.
The role is critical in strengthening our culture of safety, learning and accountability, ensuring that every person we serve especially the most vulnerable is protected, heard and supported. The roles are core part of us living our values: we are kind, we are respectful and we work together with our communities.
The Role
As Associate Director Of Nursing Safeguarding, You Will
- Provide expert leadership and oversight for safeguarding across the Trust
- Ensure robust safeguarding systems, policies and governance are in place and effective
- Lead on serious incident reviews, learning and assurance
- Work in partnership with local authorities, ICBs, police and system partners
- Support staff to feel confident in recognising, escalating and managing safeguarding concerns
- Embed a culture where speaking up is safe and expected
You will play a key role in ensuring safeguarding is not just compliant but compassionate, proactive and embedded in everyday practice.
What Makes This Role Different
Safeguarding as a Culture, Not a Process
We Are Moving Beyond Compliance To a Model Where
- Safeguarding is everyone’s business
- Learning is continuous
- Practice is reflective and trauma-informed
System Leadership
You Will Operate Across Organisational Boundaries
- Influencing place-based safeguarding partnerships
- Representing the Trust at strategic safeguarding forums
- Strengthening multi-agency collaboration
Clinical & Professional Leadership
You Will
- Support and develop safeguarding expertise across nursing and MDT teams
- Build capability through training, supervision and leadership
- Ensure safeguarding is embedded in clinical decision-making
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Relational Care & Safety
We know that people are safest where they feel they belong.
You Will Help Ensure
- Vulnerable individuals are seen, heard and protected
- Staff feel supported to do the right thing
- Inequalities in safeguarding outcomes are recognised and addressed
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking leaders who:
- Have significant experience in safeguarding leadership
- Bring strong knowledge of statutory frameworks, legislation and best practice
- Have experience of serious incident review, governance and assurance
- Can operate effectively at senior and system level
- Are confident influencing across complex partnerships
And Who Lead With
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Courage
- Accountability
Why Join NELFT?
A Trust rated Good, progressing towards Outstanding
- Strong focus on quality, safety and continuous improvement
- Commitment to relational care and belonging
- Investment in clinical leadership and professional development
- A culture where staff are supported to speak up and lead change
Our Commitment
We Believe
Safeguarding is not just about protection it is about dignity, voice and belonging.
If you are passionate about making a difference for the most vulnerable and leading safeguarding at scale we want to hear from you.
Apply Now
Join Us And Help Shape a System Where
- People are safe
- Staff are supported
- Every voice matters
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
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Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
High Cost Area Supplement Outer London (B&D, Redbridge, Havering and Waltham Forest, CEME)
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,714 to a maximum of £5,941 p.a. pro rata for part time).
Working for Us
Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.
For more information and an informal conversation please contact
Wellington Makala
Chief Nurse
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