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The National Safeguarding Policy and Development Manager will provide strategic leadership and manage a team focused on developing and implementing safeguarding policies for the Church of England Central Services.
As the National Policy Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in the National Safeguarding Team, offering strategic guidance and managing a team of policy professionals. Reporting to the Deputy Director for Development, you will be an integral part of the NST Leadership Team. This role demands substantial experience in senior-level safeguarding work, public speaking, and complex policy writing.
1. To operate at a strategic level, providing expert advice and guidance to senior church leaders, including the Deputy Director for Development on matter of policy and policy development.
2. To lead a team who manages and review effective processes for the development and implementation of a range of national safeguarding policies, codes of practice and guidance, including the development of project plans for policy development and implementation based on sound project management principles.
3. To coordinate the policy team to ensure they undertake the necessary policy and guidance development arising from the implementation of national reviews of the Church, including but not exclusive to: the investigation carried out by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse into the Anglican Church (2020), the review led by Keith Makin in relation to the late John Smyth QC (2024) and the Charity Commission (England and Wales) Regulatory Action Plan for the Archbishops Council (2025).
4. To ensure that the policy team work collaboratively and engage all relevant stakeholders in the policy development and implementation process, including survivors, relevant lead bishops, clergy, church working groups, Regional Safeguarding Leads, Diocesan Safeguarding Officers / Cathedral Safeguarding Officers, including through the establishment of project working groups.
5. To ensure that engagement takes place with technical / functional experts relevant to the policy field, including academics, legal advisors, HR experts, and data protection officers, as well as researching the evidence base for the policy area, ensuring consistency with national, canon and ecclesiastical law and policy.
6. Ensuring the policy produced by the policy team is relevant to all parts of the Church, in particular: dioceses, parishes, cathedrals, religious communities and Theological Educational Institutions, and is informed by learning from within the Church (e.g. from Safeguarding Practice Reviews and diocesan / national audits).
7. Overseeing the work undertaken with relevant stakeholders to develop implementation plans for new and revised policies.
8. Working with NST colleagues at a leadership level to support a cycle of learning and review for national safeguarding policy.
9. Following governance processes for the approval of new and amended policies, including the preparation of timely, appropriate papers and reports for the National Safeguarding Steering Group, National Safeguarding Panel, General Synod and others.
10. Leading work to engage with other departments and working parties across the NCIs to ensure that their work and initiatives reflect national safeguarding policy.
11. Overseeing the safeguarding e- manual, including the maintenance and support contract and ensuring that it is kept up to date.
12. Working with Legal and other relevant functions to amend canon and ecclesiastical legislation relevant to safeguarding, by developing policy instructions, and supporting consultation and the drafting of new or revised legislation.
13. Building relationships and working with survivor groups and individual survivors, and colleagues in the NST:
* to ensure that the survivor perspective is present in safeguarding policies.
* to ensure that the survivor perspective is present in other areas of development and activity such as safeguarding training and quality assurance.
14. Effectively lead a policy team to prepare briefings, responding to and contributing to communications, and answering queries from dioceses and other Church Bodies on relevant aspects of safeguarding policy.
15. This role has line management responsibility for a small team of Policy Officers and a Policy Lead.
16. Represent the National Safeguarding Team Senior Leadership Team at strategic and governance meetings, deputising when necessary.
This is a fixed-term contract ending on 31st May 2027.
Closing Date - 25th August at 5pm.
Essential
Skills/Aptitudes:
1. Able to operate at a senior level, providing a strategic overview on policy matters.
2. Able to effectively line manage a small staff team, providing reflective supervision which enables the individual to professionally develop.
3. Able to build effective, trusting influential relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.
4. Able to lead and manage complex projects through all stages including at a national level
5. Able to develop project plans based on sound project and change management principles.
6. Able to lead and facilitate project groups, ensuring they deliver the outcome required.
7. Able to communicate complex ideas succinctly and clearly in writing for a range of audiences.
8. Ability to analyse and summarise large amounts of complex written information from a range of sources and turn into meaningful policy.
9. Able to speak in public to large groups of people in an impactful and engaging way.
10. Ability to communicate with survivors and people of all backgrounds effectively both in written form and verbally.
Knowledge/Experience:
1. Experience of working at a senior level in a complex safeguarding environment.
2. Experience of line managing a team of individuals in order to get the best from them.
3. Experience in safeguarding of children and/or adults and policy and guidance development in the safeguarding sector.
4. Experience of producing clear, effective national policy and guidance for a range of audiences.
5. Knowledge of national safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and policy (e.g. Children Acts, Care Act, Working Together, criminal justice legislation) both current and historical as relevant to non-recent abuse.
6. Knowledge of latest research and practice developments in the safeguarding field.
7. Experience of working across departments and organisations to support strategic policy development, delivering projects that have measurable impacts.
8. Experience of analysis and effective communication of safeguarding recommendations and findings.
9. Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders including senior officials.
10. Experience of engaging with children, young people and adults at risk.
11. Experience of working with survivors of abuse.
12. An understanding and application of trauma-informed theory, approaches and practice.
Personal Attributes:
1. Able to inspire the trust, confidence and commitment of others.
2. Personal authority, gravitas and confidence - able to influence and persuade at all levels and with a range of stakeholders.
3. Relational: expert in valuing and managing relationships with others as the means of delivering change. Emotionally intelligent.
4. Politically astute - understanding, and managing successfully, organisational politics.
5. Principled - strong value base and commitment to doing the right thing.
6. Brave - willing to challenge others constructively and to be self-reflexive, welcoming feedback.
7. In sympathy with the aims of the Church of England
Desirable
1. Experience of safeguarding quality assurance and inspection / audit processes.
2. Knowledge of how safeguarding operates in the Church of England.
3. Understanding of Church of England national structures and policies.
4. Experience of co-production with adults with lived experience.
Education:
Degree level or equivalent experience.
The Church of England’s vocation is and always has been to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England.



Who we are
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.
What you’ll do
Reports to: Chief Executive
Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders)
We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.
Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.
You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for?
You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.
You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.
IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.
What we can offer you
To apply
Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.
Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.
First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE.
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Policy and Convening Manager helps drive the Foundation’s mission to improve urban health by shaping how the organisation influences policy and decision-making. The role sits within a Policy and Influencing function that works closely with programmes teams to turn evidence from funded projects into strong networks, higher visibility and meaningful policy impact.
The Policy and Convening Manager develops influencing strategies based on the insights from Impact on Urban Health programmes, builds coalitions and leads a new cross-programme approach to convening – including showcasing evidence from the Foundation and its partners, and delivering targeted policy-focused events. The role involves experimenting with new approaches to deliver impact, spotting opportunities to influence, and leading investment partnerships with a policy angle, which may include commissioning research or designing campaigns.
The Policy and Convening Manager works with the Head of Policy and Influencing on engagement with key parliamentary and governmental stakeholders and collaborates with Communications colleagues to create impactful policy communications.
Key Responsibilities
Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role.
Skills, Knowledge and Attributes
Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications:
Benefits
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Be part of something extraordinary at Epilepsy Society. We are seeking a values driven Policy & Public Affairs Manager to join a charity that provides world leading support for people with epilepsy through Care, Research and Advocacy.
About the role
Epilepsy Society is a dynamic charity with ambitious plans to revolutionise the lives of people through advocacy, research and care.
We are looking for someone to join our award-winning campaigns team and help us to progress change through political engagement at both national and local level. We have an impressive track record of working with government, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, patient stakeholder groups and other charities in the sector on a range of issues which affect people with epilepsy.
Our recent work includes our successful Zach’s Law campaign. This role is an exciting opportunity to help bring about further change that will make a real difference to the lives of people with epilepsy.
The postholder will develop an effective programme of policy and public affairs work across the UK to have maximum impact for people with epilepsy and to raise the public profile of epilepsy.
We seek someone with a degree or relevant experience in political or public affairs, extensive experience of influencing, organising campaigns and major events and negotiating at a senior level. You will be required to have a detailed level of understanding of government politics and the charity sector and an empathy to the cause.
Please download the recruitment pack attached to view the full job description and essential criteria.
The post holders should demonstrate our people values of CAIRO (Caring, Accountable, Improving, Respectful and Open.
Some information about us
The Epilepsy Society’s Vision is a full life for everyone affected by epilepsy. We want everyone affected by epilepsy to have the best opportunity for a full life - as free from seizures as possible. We set out to make a difference to every person affected by epilepsy whatever their background, however seriously it impacts on their life, and whether they have the condition themselves or are close to someone with epilepsy.
What we can offer
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the ability to buy and sell annual leave
• A generous Employee Referral Scheme (refer a friend and earn up to £150)
• Length of service awards
• Access to shopping discounts and cashback with thousands of retailers through Purple Rewards
• Staff recognition scheme
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Group Pension
• Life Assurance (2x your annual salary)
• Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7
• Salary Finance, offering you products linked to your salary and tailored to your individual circumstances. Providing services such as loans, advances, savings and financial education
If you have the right skills and experience and are inspired to apply, please do so by uploading your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the specifications of this role.
A DBS (Disclosure & Barring) check will be required before appointment is confirmed.
We reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants: please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.