Social Work Jobs
We have an exciting opportunity to join our thriving and committed Community and Membership Fundraising team. Church (Corps) and Community Fundraising Officer is a new role, which is responsible for supporting and equipping Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK to fundraise in their local community to support the mission of The Salvation Army. As the role will be part of a pilot, you will have the opportunity to develop new ways of working, use your creativity to implement new ideas, and will be able to influence how we support local fundraising in the future.
The Salvation Army has 620 churches and community centres, which work at the heart of communities, serving the most vulnerable people, across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Alongside the locally driven operations, The Salvation Army operates centrally co-ordinated and managed social services, including residential programmes for homeless people, residential detox centres, and refuges for victims of domestic violence, and safe houses and services for the victims and survivors of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. You will play a key role in equipping and supporting Salvation Army churches to fundraise to support some of the most excluded people and communities in the UK.
We are looking for someone who is experienced in church-based and community fundraising, has strengths in inspiring others to act, is able to generate and implement new ideas, and is able to work independently using their own initiative.
This is a permanent position based partly at home and partly at your local Salvation Army office.
In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments.
In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.
Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK.
Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.
We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.
Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident scheme Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme.
Please note: we have two positions available
Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week, working a minimum of 40% per week at our your local Salvation Army Office
Closing Date: Tuesday, Apr 2, 2024
Interview date: To be confirmed
Summary
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
As Safeguarding Lead, you will implement the model with a designated group of dioceses and cathedrals on a pilot basis. Subsequently, you will support the roll-out of the model across the Church to onboard dioceses and cathedrals that were not involved in the pilot. You will also provide the ongoing support to a specific group of dioceses and cathedrals.
Northern Region Safeguarding Lead (hybrid work arrangement) You will work with individual dioceses and cathedrals in the North of England. This role offers hybrid working options, working from home and from our office in Central London. This group of dioceses and cathedrals for the pilot includes Blackburn Cathedral, York Minster, the diocese of Newcastle, and both the Cathedral and diocese of Lincoln.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Working in partnership with a group of dioceses and cathedrals, the roles are responsible for co-ordinating and leading the operational implementation of the four work streams which comprise the overall IICSA Recommendations 1 & 8 and Regional Model Pilot Project:
1. IICSA Recommendation 1: the introduction and operation of the DSO (Diocese Safeguarding Officer) and the CSO (Cathedral Safeguarding Officer) roles, including the wider system changes required.
This will include the professional supervision and quality assurance of the work of the DSO/CSO roles, which will include:
Advice and guidance on individual cases and safeguarding-related situations and developments
Encouragement of curiosity about different hypotheses for understanding cases and safeguarding situations
Reflection on self, exploring what influences the CSO/DSO's perspectives and what impact safeguarding situations have on the CSO/DSO
Analysis, making connections with relevant research findings and theory
Quality assuring the work of the CSO/DSO, providing feedback and identifying professional development and support needs
[NB: A model of professional supervision has been selected and the Safeguarding Leads will be trained in the model].
2. Regional support model / Northern Region
For Regional Safeguarding Leads:
Development and piloting of a regional model of support
This will involve working with a cluster of dioceses and cathedrals collectively to enhance positive outcomes through, for example:
Joint working, sharing of resources and other mutual support arrangements
Joint commissioning of specific services
Peer auditing
Development of survivor engagement arrangements
Sharing of best practice
Group as well as individual supervision
Strengthening connections with other Church bodies and relevant services in the region
For Northern Safeguarding Leads:
Development and piloting of forms of support customised to the needs of individual dioceses and cathedrals
The Safeguarding Lead will be expected to promote creative approaches to practice development to achieve good safeguarding outcomes.
3. Quality Assurance development
Working with the Research and Evaluation Lead roles in the NST to support dioceses and cathedrals with the introduction and further development of the Church's draft national safeguarding standards and quality assurance framework. This will include contributing to the design of the independent auditing arrangements as required by IICSA Recommendation 8.
4. The safeguarding function and resource assessment
Clarifying the range of the safeguarding responsibilities of dioceses and cathedrals, what this means for different roles, and the structure and skill sets required for diocesan and cathedral safeguarding services. From this, developing an objective methodology for determining the resources that dioceses and cathedrals need to deliver safeguarding to a good standard.
5. Relationships with internal stakeholders in dioceses and cathedrals
The Safeguarding Lead will establish effective relationships with key stakeholders within the dioceses and cathedrals they are working with - in particular, their senior leadership teams and Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panels or equivalent in cathedrals. This will include providing evidence-based feedback in respect of the quality and capacity of safeguarding functions within the diocese and/or cathedral. This will highlight areas of strength, as well as areas needing development, including systemic vulnerabilities.
6. Relationship with external stakeholders
The Leadership teams of dioceses and cathedrals are responsible for the development of effective partnerships with external statutory and non-statutory bodies. The Safeguarding Lead will support the leadership teams within dioceses and cathedrals in the strengthening of relations with statutory and non-statutory organisations where necessary, including providing help to identify and remove obstacles to effective partnership working.
The roles will evolve during the course of the pilot stage.
Essential
Skills/Aptitudes:
Able to apply safeguarding theory and good practice models in a way that delivers positive outcomes for children and / or vulnerable adults
Able to identify and assess risk, and to develop plans which keep people safe and promote positive well-being
Able to work collaboratively to influence improvements to safeguarding practice
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, engaging diverse stakeholders with authenticity and expertise
Able to build effective relationships with victims, survivors and alleged perpetrators in safeguarding situations and to use the relationships to keep people safe and promote well-being
Able to quality assure safeguarding practice and organisational change
Able to hold a position of authority and lead by example Able to develop the professional potential of individuals
Able to provide feedback and hold difficult conversations
Able to mediate and resolve different perspectives
Able to develop new ways of working for an organisation
Knowledge/Experience:
Case worker lead responsibility in cases involving the protection and safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults
Up-to-date knowledge of research and evidence-based practice models relevant to safeguarding
Experience of providing professional supervision in respect of safeguarding
Proven experience working at a strategic level, at least at middle management level, influencing decision-making and implementation
Expertise of working with and engaging victims and survivors Leading organisational change and development, including cultural change and creative practice development, that results in improved outcomes for relevant stakeholders
Working with statutory and non-statutory organisations in managing safeguarding allegations and assessing risk
Understanding of the aims, nature and structure of the Church of England
Personal Attributes:
Able to inspire trust, confidence and commitment of others
Personal authority, gravitas and confidence, able to influence and persuade at all levels and with a range of stakeholders
Expert in valuing and managing relationships with others as the means of delivering change; emotionally intelligent
Politically astute - understanding, and managing successfully, organisational politics Principled - strong value base and commitment to doing the right thing
Brave - willing to challenge others (including those with power) constructively
Good understanding of self; understands how their personal history, life experiences and characteristics inform how they understand and respond to safeguarding situations
Self-reflexive - welcomes feedback from others
Personal resilience - working effectively in a pressured environment and under scrutiny Can-do approach to leadership and change - clear vision, engages people, able to overcome obstacles, finds solutions, remains optimistic
Proven ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and work sensitively around those affected by safeguarding issues
Strong commitment to equality and diversity
In sympathy with the aims of the Church of England
Education / Professional qualifications
Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work or probation qualification), or equivalent experience relevant to safeguarding.
Circumstances:
This role will include extensive national travel and the possibility that the locations you supervise may change as the pilot progresses into business as usual.
- A salary of £66,186 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 salary.
- 30 days annual leave plus three additional days
- Flexible working hours and location, with an expectation of just 1-2 days per week in our office in Westminster
- Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships
- Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunity to the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies
Key information
Closing date: 12pm, Thursday 4 April 2024
£65,000 per annum
Full-time, 35 hours per week
Permanent Contract
Based in London, SW1P
Interviews: First Round: 11 April 2024
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Do you have a passion for protecting the vulnerable and ensuring a safe environment for all? If so, we invite you to join our team as our Head of Safeguarding within the Diocese of Westminster.
What you’ll be doing
As our Head of Safeguarding, you’ll play a crucial role in leading and managing our Safeguarding Service. You’ll be at the forefront of promoting best practices, implementing policies, and ensuring accountability across the Diocese. Your work will involve supporting our staff, advising our committees, and collaborating with external partners to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding.
Additionally, you will also be responsible for;
- Providing expert advice and guidance to internal stakeholders, committees, and external partners on safeguarding matters.
- Managing and support staff within the Safeguarding Service, including recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management.
- Overseeing the coordination of safeguarding activities across the Diocese, including case management, risk assessment, and reporting.
- Collaborating with statutory authorities, agencies, and community organizations to promote effective safeguarding practices and partnership working.
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of safeguarding initiatives, identifying areas for improvement and implementing quality assurance measures.
- Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and maintain accurate records of safeguarding incidents and interventions.
- Representing the Diocese at relevant forums, conferences, and events, advocating for best practice in safeguarding.
This means there’s lots to get involved in – and to be excited about.
What we’re looking for
We’re seeking individuals who are passionate, empathetic and committed to safeguarding from a social work, law enforcement or other relevant background. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should have a willingness to learn and grow. Whether you come from a social work background, law enforcement, or another field, if you have a heart for protecting others, we want to hear from you.
The key personal specifications we are looking for in our successful candidate are;
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with vulnerable individuals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
- Ethical and principled, with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, while also demonstrating initiative and autonomy.
- Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate challenging situations with professionalism and composure.
- Commitment to ongoing learning and development in the field of safeguarding.
We welcome applications from those with a Catholic faith, those of other faiths, or none. What we require above all else is that you respect the values we share to help others and support decent and dignified work for all without prejudice.
Why Join Us?
Meaningful Work: Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Supportive Environment: We value collaboration, empathy, and respect. You’ll be part of a supportive team where your ideas are heard and your contributions are valued.
Continuous Learning: We are committed to your professional development. You’ll have access to training, resources, and opportunities to grow in your role.
Positive Impact: By joining us, you’ll be contributing to a safer, healthier community where everyone can thrive.
Who are we?
We are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster, a faith-based charity with offices close to Victoria Train and Underground Station and just a short walk from St James Park and Westminster Underground stations.
At the Diocese of Westminster, we believe in the power of community and the importance of safeguarding every member. We’re not only a charity we are home to the Archbishop of Westminster (Cardinal Vincent Nichols) & our beautiful Westminster Cathedral. We are one of the leading Catholic dioceses in the country, delivering our charitable mission through our network of 208 schools in which over 90,000 pupils attend daily, 212 parishes and several hundred social justice initiatives. We seek to positively impact the lives of all members of society.
Our core values are Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance & Love.
Our values are at the centre of everything we do and as such we are looking for a Head of Safeguarding who is able to clearly demonstrate and evidence them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.