3 Safeguarding officer volunteer roles

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices is a community-based charity supporting children, young people and families in Hackney and the surrounding communities. Through our community programmes, family support services and educational initiatives, we work to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where children and families can thrive.

We are looking for a committed and proactive Safeguarding Officer Volunteer to support our safeguarding practices, helping ensure that children, young people, families, staff and volunteers are protected and that our organisation maintains high standards of safeguarding.

About the Role

As a Safeguarding Officer Volunteer, you will support Children With Voices in promoting a strong safeguarding culture across our programmes and activities. You will assist with reviewing safeguarding procedures, maintaining accurate records, supporting compliance with relevant policies and helping ensure that safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately.

This opportunity would suit someone with an interest in safeguarding, child protection, compliance or charity governance who wants to gain practical experience within a community-focused organisation.

Working alongside the relevant members of the team, you will contribute to ensuring that safeguarding policies are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguarding Policies: Assist with reviewing, updating and maintaining safeguarding policies and procedures to reflect relevant legislation, guidance and good practice.
• Compliance and Best Practice: Support the organisation in meeting its safeguarding responsibilities and maintaining appropriate safeguarding standards.
• Record Keeping: Help maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding documentation and compliance records, ensuring information is stored securely and handled appropriately.
• Risk Assessment: Assist with identifying potential safeguarding risks across activities, programmes and volunteer roles.
• Training and Awareness: Support the coordination of safeguarding induction, training and awareness activities for staff and volunteers.
• DBS and Safer Recruitment: Assist with monitoring relevant safeguarding checks and documentation, including DBS checks where required for particular roles.
• Safeguarding Reporting: Help ensure that safeguarding concerns are recorded and escalated promptly to the designated safeguarding lead, in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Policy Implementation: Support staff and volunteers in understanding their safeguarding responsibilities and following established procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Assist with identifying opportunities to strengthen safeguarding practices and promote a safe and inclusive environment for children and vulnerable individuals.

Please note that the volunteer will work within the organisation's safeguarding framework and under appropriate supervision. This role does not replace the responsibilities of the designated safeguarding lead.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about protecting children and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to safeguarding, child protection and the welfare of children and young people.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good written communication and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• An understanding of the importance of professional boundaries and appropriate information sharing.
• A proactive approach to identifying issues and supporting improvements.
• The ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• A willingness to learn about safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.

Desirable experience:

• Previous experience in safeguarding, child protection, compliance, HR, education, social care or charity administration.
• Familiarity with safeguarding policies, DBS checks, risk assessments or safer recruitment practices.
• Relevant safeguarding training or qualifications.

Previous experience is desirable but not essential for candidates who can demonstrate a strong interest in safeguarding and a willingness to learn.

What You Will Gain

By volunteering with Children With Voices, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain practical experience in safeguarding within a community-based charity.
• Develop your understanding of safeguarding policies, procedures and compliance.
• Build transferable skills in risk management, policy review, confidential record keeping and organisational governance.
• Work alongside a team committed to supporting children, young people and families.
• Strengthen your CV and develop experience relevant to future opportunities in safeguarding, HR, compliance, social care or charity management.
• Make a meaningful contribution to creating a safer environment for the communities we serve.

Time Commitment

• Location: Hackney, London, with arrangements to be discussed.
• Commitment: Flexible, to be agreed with the successful candidate.
• Duration: Ideally, a commitment of at least six months to support continuity and the development of safeguarding practices.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

Children With Voices is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be expected to comply with the charity's safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection policies. Appropriate pre-engagement checks, references and safeguarding requirements will be determined in accordance with the responsibilities of the role.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about safeguarding and would like to contribute to the work of a community charity supporting children, young people and families, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining your interest in the role, relevant experience and what you hope to contribute to Children With Voices.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our commitment to protecting children, promoting inclusion and strengthening our community.