Safeguarding Assistant

Parish Safeguarding Representatives

• Act as a point of contact for routine queries, escalating anything that is not routine.
• Maintain accurate records of representatives, their parishes, training and DBS status.
• Support the arrangement of induction, training events and the annual gathering.
• Help identify parishes without a representative, and support recruitment activity.

Training and safer recruitment

• Assist in preparing training materials, venues and attendance records.
• Support the delivery of training sessions, and take an active part in delivery as your confidence develops.
• Support the DBS process, including tracking applications and maintaining accurate records.
• Follow up outstanding checks and training, and report patterns to the team.

Office and general

• Provide general administrative support to the Safeguarding Office.
• Assist with audits, data returns and the annual safeguarding report.
• Operate in accordance with the national safeguarding policies and procedures of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times, with due regard to data protection, and encourage others to do the same.
• Travel to parishes and other locations as the role requires.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of the post.

The Limits of the Role

These are set out plainly so that the post holder is clear, and protected. They are not a reflection of ability, but of the experience and supervision this work requires. The Safeguarding Assistant will not

• Hold or manage safeguarding cases independently without support or supervision.
• Complete risk assessments, or decide the content of safeguarding plans without supervision.
• Decide whether a concern meets a threshold, or whether a statutory referral is required without supervision.
• Represent the Archdiocese at MAPPA, strategy meetings or ASV meetings other than when accompanied and/or supported.

Learning and Development

The Archdiocese will support the post holder to develop the knowledge and skills required for this work. This includes:

• A structured induction, including national and diocesan safeguarding policy, the case management system and the role of statutory partners.
• Regular one-to-one supervision with the Safeguarding Manager and access to reflective supervision.
• A personal development plan, reviewed at least twice yearly, setting out the areas of practice you are working towards.
• Attendance at relevant external training, including safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and data protection.
• Opportunities to observe casework, meetings and training before taking an active part.

Safeguarding work can be demanding, and the Archdiocese takes seriously its duty of care to those who do it. Support is available to the post holder and asking for it is expected rather than exceptional.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who is committed to safeguarding, willing to learn and able to work to the shared values of the Catholic Church. You do not need previous safeguarding experience, though it is welcome.

Skills and attributes

• Ability to organise your own work and prioritise competing demands.
• Clear and accurate written and spoken communication.
• Ability to work in a strictly confidential environment and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• A calm, compassionate and courteous manner, including with people who are distressed or upset.
• Willingness to ask for help, to accept direction, and to know the limits of your own role.
• Personal integrity, and the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels.
• Accuracy and attention to detail in record keeping.
• Willingness to undertake training and to participate actively in supervision and appraisal.
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a car (mileage is available)
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, and confidence with databases and IT.
• Ability to work with colleagues in external agencies in a professional and cooperative way.
• Confidence in contributing to the delivery of training.

Knowledge

• An understanding of why safeguarding matters, and a commitment to it.
• Awareness of the issues affecting survivors and those who have been harmed by abuse.
• Working knowledge of legislation and guidance affecting safeguarding.
• Understanding of safeguarding within the Catholic Church.
• Understanding of the DBS regime and safer recruitment.
• Understanding of data protection as it applies to sensitive records.

Experience

• Experience of working in an office environment and as part of a team.
• Experience of handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Experience of dealing sensitively and professionally with members of the public.
• Experience in a safeguarding, social care, education, health, policing or similar setting.
• Experience of supporting or working alongside volunteers.
• Experience of maintaining records or a case management system.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education, including English and Mathematics.
• A relevant qualification, or a qualification in a related subject area.
• Willingness to work towards a relevant safeguarding qualification.

Appointment

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, as it involves access to sensitive safeguarding information. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and completion of the Archdiocese's safer recruitment process. The post holder will be required to complete the Archdiocese's mandatory safeguarding training within their probationary period. This job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date it was prepared. It will be reviewed with the post holder as the role develops.