Project Support Officer-Development

Summary

The Church of England is continually striving to improve its safeguarding practices. The 2020 report by IICSA on the Church highlighted failures in respect of child sexual abuse and, more broadly, the challenges facing the Church to get safeguarding right.

The Church's aspiration is that safeguarding is not experienced and approached as a matter of administrative compliance. Rather, it should be what the Church is - something that flows from its core beliefs and values, part of its DNA.

The Church has made important and positive strides over recent years. There is, however, still much to be done to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, and to promote their well-being.

The Church is a complex collection of different bodies. Most of the safeguarding work is carried out locally within the 42 dioceses and cathedrals in England. This work is supported centrally by a National Safeguarding Team (NST).

Every diocese employs a Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO)*. Many also employ Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officers (ADSOs). DSOs take the lead on safeguarding matters for the diocese - particularly the management of allegations of abuse by Church Officers**. Some cathedrals employ a Cathedral Safeguarding Officer (CSO) or have an agreement with their diocese for the DSO to take the lead on safeguarding operational matters.

In response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in the Anglican Church, published in October 2020, a regional model was piloted as a means of delivering Recommendation 1. Since the pilot concluded in March 2024, approval has been granted to implement the model across England and this work will begin from September 2024. Recruitment to these additional Regional Safeguarding Lead posts will enable the National Safeguarding Team to deliver IICSA Recommendation 1.

As Project Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of national safeguarding policy across the Church of England. Working closely with senior colleagues, you will assist in coordinating policy projects, tracking progress through governance processes, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. Your work will directly support the delivery of strategic priorities and the Church's commitment to creating a safer environment for all.

• Communication and engagement
• Contact management and data
• Coordination of engagement activities
• Support and administration
  
  

• This is fix-term contract till the 31st December 2026.
• Hybrid working with 1 days in the office
• This role may include some national travel

• A salary of £40,572 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity