District Safeguarding Officer

To maintain good practice standards, provide timely information and advice to local churches, and operate a robust casework service.  To sustain and further develop a comprehensive safeguarding training programme that delivers nationally approved training effectively and with impact. 

We are seeking to appoint two experienced Safeguarding Officers on a permanent contract; altogether 1.3 full-time equivalent between the two posts, with hours being negotiable with successful candidates.  The post holders will have a relevant professional qualification and be able to demonstrate a proven track record of direct safeguarding practice with vulnerable adults or children or both. The successful applicants will be expected to provide effective leadership across the District to promote a culture of safeguarding, whilst supporting survivors of abuse.  Working with partners from the Church’s Learning Network, the post holders will be expected to contribute to the planning and delivery of the District’s safeguarding training programme.

The post holders will be expected to be in sympathy with the aims of the Methodist Church.

Location: Home-based, own transport is essential as travel will be required region-wide.  We need one member of staff to cover Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 17:00. Also to include some evenings and occasional weekends.  

Salary: £40,000 to £42,000 pro rata, dependent on experience.

Holidays: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays

Closing date for applications: Midday on Monday 20 May 2024

Interviews:  5th or 7th June 

Applicants need to be aware that a report will be presented to the Methodist Conference in June which may result in DSOs becoming connexional (national) rather than district employees.