Safeguarding volunteer roles

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.
Please note that this will be a shared role.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 15/12/2025

Durrell is looking to recruit an Independent Member for its Audit and Risk Committee with specialist knowledge and expertise
in safeguarding.

If you would like to support Durrell’s mission and vital conservation work, then we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend Audit and Risk Committee meetings which take place quarterly in Jersey, however virtual attendance is permitted.
• Offer strategic guidance and oversight on Durrell’s global safeguarding provision, ensuring we maintain compliance with best practice principles.
• Offer ad-hoc advice to Durrell’s Safeguarding Operational Group on complex cases and/or complex operating environments (notice given).

Knowledge, Skill & Ability

• Passion and genuine interest in our cause, commitment to our mission and our values.
• Having the best interest of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at the heart of any decisions which are made.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to high-level discussions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding best practice within UK/Jersey and international contexts.
• Experience in direct implementation of safeguarding strategies within conservation or not-for-profit sectors.

Overview:
Oversee and maintain robust safeguarding standards across all CWV activities, ensuring children and families are protected and supported appropriately.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the organisation

• Maintain and update safeguarding policies and training

• Ensure all staff and volunteers receive safeguarding inductions

• Handle safeguarding reports and referrals in line with policy

• Work with programme leaders to embed welfare practices in all delivery

Skills & Experience:

• Safeguarding Level 3 (or willing to complete training)

• Experience in child protection, social work, or education

• Strong understanding of confidentiality and record-keeping

• Empathetic, calm, and professional under pressure

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.

 Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:

·  Safeguarding Awareness

·  Safeguarding in Practice

·  Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.

Closing date for this vacancy is the 30th November 2025

Role Description

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 1 May 2023 and is looking to appoint additional independent non-executive members to join Chapter which is the Board of Trustees. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The objects of the Chapter are:

(a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;

(b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;

(c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

Membership

The Chapter consists of the Dean, the Residentiary Canons and other lay members holding appointed or elected positions. The constitution allows for between 8 – 12 members of Chapter. Currently, membership comprises the Dean and the Residentiary Canons (4 clergy) who serve as executive members. One member serves as the senior non-executive member who is a lay person appointed by the Bishop. Two of the other non-executive members are directly elected from the congregation. We are now seeking to appoint an non-executive safeguarding member.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with substantial experience in safeguarding. This individual will provide strategic oversight and assurance in safeguarding practice, ensuring that the Cathedral continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and compliance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national and diocesan requirements.

Term of Office

Non-Executive Chapter members are generally appointed for a term of three years, and subject to the approval of Chapter and with the agreement of the non-executive member may serve a further three year term, which is the maximum permitted term of office. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are paid in respect of some travelling costs, in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references.

Time Commitment and Meetings

Chapter usually meets six times each year. Meetings are held in the Chapter Room within Abbey House beside the Cathedral and the business agenda rarely exceeds two hours. A light lunch or Evensong follows each meeting of Chapter, allowing time for members to socialise. Attendance at some sub-committee meetings as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Non-executive members of Chapter ensure that the focus of the Cathedral is the promotion of the Christian faith, maintaining an effective balance between that and its important financial and commercial obligations and ventures.

Members offer strategic advice and oversight on all aspects of the work of the Cathedral, including ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory obligations and adherence to the highest standards of good governance. They also offer constructive challenge to the executive team, offering expertise and experience to help with evidence-based decision-making.

Chapter members advise and support the Dean, Residentiary Canons, and Chief Operating Officer on issues that are within their areas of particular expertise. This Chapter Trustee will also sit on the Safeguarding Committee, which meets four times a year.

Chapter members are invited to bring innovative thinking, together with new ideas and insights, to help secure the long-term future of the Cathedral and the delivery of its strategy through the Masterplan 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on members promoting the life and work of the Cathedral at the heart of the Bury St Edmunds community, across the county of Suffolk and the wider eastern region.

Chapter members are welcomed as leading members of the Cathedral community and as such are expected to take part in meetings and events. Visible participation in the worship at the heart of the Cathedral's mission is an important expression of the non-executive membership of Chapter. Lay members robe and have individual stalls in the Quire of the Cathedral. We would hope for attendance at the Sunday Eucharist once a month; and at occasional Evensongs, Greater Festivals and civic occasions as personal circumstances permit.

Person Specification

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church which is not in communion with but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
• have an empathy with and be a compelling advocate for the Vision of the Cathedral through the Masterplan 2030; to be able to inform, lead and direct the strategy of the Cathedral
• be competent and able to exercise the highest standards of good governance in a complex Christian organisation
• have the ability to gain the trust, respect, and support of fellow members of Chapter, and the wider Cathedral community
• have the capacity to work collaboratively with all members of Chapter to translate the Masterplans aims into tangible outcomes
• be able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues
• be able to voice concerns appropriately, in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively
• have the capacity to communicate clearly with other members of Chapter, the Senior Leadership Team and employees on technical, financial and business matters in accordance with the non-executive member’s particular skills
• possess the ability to communicate with confidence and to provide effective strategic guidance
• have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad-based and long-term view of strategic and organisational goals
• be able to grasp the bigger picture and avoid immersion in minute detail
• possess the highest levels of trust and integrity
• demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of a safe culture within the Cathedral community.

Specific Competencies

In addition to the matters set out above we are looking to recruit a non-executive member with specific skills, expertise or experience in Safeguarding.

Applicants should bring substantial and demonstrable experience in safeguarding policy, practice, or oversight, ideally within a church, education, health, social care, or charitable context. They will provide independent assurance, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of the Cathedral’s governance and mission.

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 30/11/2025

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 22/11/2025

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 22/11/2025

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 16th November 2025.

Join the board of YMCA and help its work supporting communities through training, wellbeing and social inclusion.

Location: London, WC1H

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 17th November

Who we are

Established in 1844, Central YMCA is the founding organisation of the global YMCA movement, now present in over 120 countries.

Central YMCA works at local, regional and national levels, providing high-quality education, training and qualifications. As one of the largest charity Independent Training Providers in the country and the holder of substantial contracts from the Department for Education, Central YMCA provides education and opportunities for employment for young people and adults, irrespective of their background and experience. We work with some of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and we believe we can have the greatest impact for those falling through gaps in provision or struggling to engage with mainstream provision.

The sectors in which we work have been carefully selected to reflect the Charity’s commitment to supporting careers in areas that are essential for building strong communities. We deliver employability courses, qualifications and apprenticeships in Health and Fitness, Health and Social Care, Early Years and Education, Horticulture and Business Services. We work with key partners in each sector to promote our courses and amplify our reach.

Some of our work is strategically based in socially and economically disadvantaged communities; supporting the vulnerable and those on low incomes, those who have low prior attainment and are facing personal challenges, alongside those needing support through life transitions.

Through our awarding and end-point assessment organisation, Central YMCA also develops qualifications and learning and assessment resources to enable learners to start or develop their careers, predominantly in the physical activity and wellness sector.

Founded in the heart of London in 1844, Central YMCA is the world’s very first YMCA. For over 180 years, we’ve been inspiring people to reach their full potential in body, mind, and spirit. From pioneering youth education and fitness programmes to supporting communities through training, wellbeing, and social inclusion, Central YMCA has always stood for positive change.

Today, we continue that proud tradition by offering recognised training and qualifications, and a range of community programmes that empower people of all ages and backgrounds. We believe in opportunity for everyone — no matter your starting point. Whether you want to improve your health, gain new skills, or make a difference, Central YMCA is here to help you grow stronger, together.

Central YMCA — A historic legacy. A modern movement. Your community.

About the roles

Chair of Trustees

As Chair, you will provide inspirational leadership and clear direction to the Board, ensuring effective governance, long-term sustainability, and strategic excellence across all that we do. You will play a pivotal role in supporting and constructively challenging our CEO and senior leadership team to deliver lasting social impact and drive performance across the organisation.

This is a rare opportunity to help guide one of the most respected charities in the UK as we continue our mission to break barriers to life-enhancing opportunities through education, training, health, and wellbeing.

As Chair, you will:

• Lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring that governance is robust, inclusive, and forward-looking.
• Provide strategic oversight, helping shape the Charity’s vision, policy, and direction.
• Champion Central YMCA’s mission and values, ensuring decisions are aligned with our charitable purpose.
• Support and hold to account the CEO and senior team, ensuring effective delivery of the organisation’s aims.
• Represent Central YMCA externally – across the YMCA movement and with key stakeholders, partners, and policy makers.
• Oversee Board development, succession planning, and the recruitment of new Trustees to maintain a diverse and skilled team.

Chair of the Resources Committee

The Chair of the Resources Committee leads on financial stewardship, ensuring the Charity’s funds and resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in line with our charitable objectives and legal obligations. The Committee oversees finance, investments, HR, IT, and other resource-related areas.

As Committee Chair, you will:

• Lead the Resources Committee, ensuring meetings are well-organised, effective, and aligned with the Charity’s governance framework.
• Provide strategic guidance and oversight on finance, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Advise the Board on the financial implications of major decisions and long-term plans.
• Lead the annual budget review and monitor performance against financial plans and reserves policies.
• Ensure robust management of investments, reserves, and overall financial sustainability.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and senior team to support effective resource planning.
• Liaise with the Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee to strengthen financial controls and risk management.
• Support the preparation and presentation of annual accounts, ensuring clarity and transparency.
• Keep the Board informed of its financial duties and promote openness in public reporting.

Safeguarding Trustee

The Safeguarding Trustee works closely with the CEO and Designated Safeguarding Leads to provide assurance to the Board that safeguarding remains a strategic priority across the Charity. They ensure our safeguarding framework is robust, effective, and fully compliant with legal, regulatory, and sector expectations.

As Safeguarding Trustee, you will:

• Provide assurance to the Board on the effectiveness of safeguarding practices and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Offer guidance and expertise in developing and monitoring the Charity’s safeguarding, child protection, and Prevent strategies, policies, and action plans.
• Ensure safeguarding considerations are embedded in all strategic decisions and risk management processes.
• Champion a strong, transparent, and inclusive safeguarding culture aligned with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
• Ensure arrangements meet legislative and regulatory expectations, including Ofsted and statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Work with trustees and senior staff to embed safeguarding across all learning environments and youth-focused provision.
• Monitor the implementation of safeguarding and Prevent action plans, escalating risks or concerns to the Board where necessary.
• Provide assurance that safeguarding concerns are reported, escalated, and addressed appropriately, with clear routes for staff, learners, and the public to raise issues.
• Represent Central YMCA’s safeguarding commitment externally, promoting best practice with partners, funders, and sector bodies.
• Attend Board meetings, relevant sub-committees, and safeguarding briefings, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and Prevent developments.
• Support transparency by promoting public visibility of safeguarding arrangements, including statements and reporting routes.

Who we are looking for

Chair of Trustees

We are seeking a Chair who:

• Brings a strong commitment to Central YMCA’s values and purpose.
• Demonstrates inclusive, strategic, and inspiring leadership.
• Has experience of governance, either in a charity, public, or corporate setting.
• Is confident working with senior executives to balance support with appropriate challenge.
• Has the ability to represent Central YMCA with credibility and integrity across a wide range of audiences.
• Brings strong networks and the ability to connect the organisation to new opportunities and partnerships.
• Proven experience in governance — ideally as a Chair, Trustee, or Non-Executive Director — within the charity sector, social impact organisations, or relevant industries.
• The ability to chair meetings effectively, foster collaboration, and build consensus.
• The confidence to make informed decisions under pressure, even when challenging majority opinions, and to provide constructive challenge and influence at Board level.

Chair of Resources Committee

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or substantial senior financial management experience.
• A strong understanding of education and charity finance, SORP, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and evaluation skills, with the ability to exercise good judgement and interpret complex information.
• The ability to chair meetings effectively, foster collaboration, and build consensus.
• A solid understanding of governance principles, business models, finance, funding, and charity regulation compliance.
• The interpersonal skills to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Safeguarding Trustee

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience of overseeing safeguarding arrangements in an education or youth care setting (including children’s social services or local authority), with direct experience managing safeguarding issues affecting young people aged 14+.
• Strong working knowledge of government safeguarding, Prevent, and child protection strategies, as well as safer recruitment practices.
• Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding and governance expectations for trustees.
• Commitment to promoting and supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of the Charity’s work.
• Experience of working at a senior level in post-16 or vocational education, or within a local authority involved in education policy or strategy.

Why join Central YMCA?

At Central YMCA, we’ve been changing lives for over 180 years. Today, we continue to support people from all walks of life through education, employability, health, and wellbeing programmes. Joining us as Chair offers a unique chance to shape the next chapter in this proud history – ensuring we remain as relevant, inclusive, and impactful as ever.

If you are an accomplished leader who believes in the power of community and lifelong opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 17th November. 

The National Safeguarding Panel (NSP) is seeking to appoint two Independent Members with specialist skills in the scrutiny of children's safeguarding to join its multiagency, multidenominational advisory body.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding work of the Church of England by offering expert insight, challenge, and strategic advice on matters relating to children's safeguarding policy and practice.

About the Role

As a panel member, you will:

• Provide independent scrutiny and advice on children's safeguarding matters.
• Participate in up to six panel meetings per year, including fact-finding and scrutiny sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding policies, practices, and priorities.
• Collaborate with a diverse panel including survivors, safeguarding professionals, and faith representatives.
• Help ensure that safeguarding approaches reflect best practice and are informed by lived experience and professional expertise.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Have substantial experience in children's safeguarding, particularly in scrutiny, policy development, or strategic oversight.
• Can offer independent, constructive challenge and insight.
• Are committed to improving safeguarding outcomes for children within faith-based contexts.
• Are comfortable working collaboratively in a multiagency setting.

Experience may come from statutory services, academia, regulatory bodies, charities, or other relevant sectors. Prior panel experience is welcome but not essential.

Support and Induction

All new members will receive a full induction programme, including:

• Meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members.
• Access to relevant resources and support.
• Ongoing review discussions and opportunities for feedback.

Remuneration and Expenses

A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England's NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your current CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role to .

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 November. Candidates whose applications are taken forward will be invited for an interview on Tuesday, 02 December.

The National Safeguarding Panel (NSP) is seeking to appoint a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) Chair Member to join its independent scrutiny and advisory body. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national safeguarding strategy and scrutiny within the Church of England.

The NSP provides independent advice, challenge, and strategic oversight of safeguarding policy and practice. It is a multiagency, multidenominational panel committed to ensuring that safeguarding is informed by lived experience, professional expertise, and rigorous scrutiny.

About the Role

As a panel member, you will:

• Bring your experience as a DSAP Chair to inform national safeguarding discussions.
• Participate in up to six panel meetings per year, including fact-finding and scrutiny sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding priorities and recommendations.
• Collaborate with a diverse panel including survivors, safeguarding professionals, and faith representatives.
• Help ensure that diocesan safeguarding perspectives are reflected in national policy and practice.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Currently serve or have recently served as Chair of a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel.
• Have demonstrable experience in safeguarding governance, scrutiny, and strategic oversight.
• Are committed to improving safeguarding outcomes across the Church of England.
• Can offer independent, constructive challenge and insight.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of diocesan safeguarding structures and a passion for continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

Support and Induction

All new members will receive a full induction programme, including:

• Meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members.
• Access to relevant resources and support.
• Ongoing review discussions and opportunities for feedback.

Remuneration and Expenses

A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England's NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.

How to apply

To apply, please email your current CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role to .

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 November. Candidates whose applications are taken forward will be invited for an interview on Tuesday, 02 December. 

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

Director of Compliance - (Voluntary)

Status: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Reports to: Board (via the Chair)
Works with: Managing Director, Company Secretary, Head of Programmes, Director of HR, Finance & Compliance Officer
Location: Hybrid (South of England preferred), with occasional site visits
Time commitment: c. 6–8 hours per month, with peaks during audits/incidents
Screening: Enhanced DBS required

Role purpose

To ensure ThriveSpark operates safely, lawfully, and to a consistently high standard by providing independent oversight of safeguarding, data protection, quality assurance, and organisational risk. The Director of Compliance sets proportionate guardrails that enable delivery, maintains the core compliance framework, and advises the Board with clear, evidence-led judgement.

Key responsibilities

1) Compliance framework & policy governance

• Maintain and periodically review the suite of core policies: Safeguarding, Data Protection (UK GDPR), Health & Safety, Quality Assurance, Complaints, Whistleblowing, and related procedures.

• Establish an annual compliance calendar covering policy review, training refreshers, audits, and filings; monitor adherence and report variances.

• Ensure documents are version-controlled, accessible, and aligned across the CIC and (where relevant) the CIO charity arm.

2) Risk management & assurance

• Own the organisational risk register: define risk owners, review quarterly, and ensure mitigations are tracked to closure.

• Design proportionate internal assurance (spot checks, observations, sample reviews) to test policy effectiveness without impeding delivery.

• Produce concise compliance dashboards and narrative reports for the Board, escalating material issues promptly.

3) Safeguarding oversight

• Ensure safeguarding policy and practice meet statutory and sector standards, with clear reporting/ escalation routes and post-incident learning.

• Confirm coverage and currency of safeguarding training for all relevant staff/associates; monitor DBS status and safer-recruitment controls.

• Chair or contribute to incident reviews (including “near misses”) to identify root causes and corrective actions.

4) Data protection & information governance

• Serve as the lead for UK GDPR compliance (or work closely with an appointed DPO as applicable).

• Lead Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new systems, platforms, or data flows; ensure data minimisation, access control, and retention schedules.

• Oversee privacy notices, subject access processes, data breach response, and ICO registration/renewal.

5) Quality assurance (QA) of delivery

• Codify QA standards for programmes (planning, observation, feedback, supervision, reflective practice).

• Coordinate periodic QA reviews with the Head of Programmes; verify that quality actions are implemented and evidenced.

• Support the publication of proportionate impact and compliance statements to clients and stakeholders.

6) External compliance & partner due diligence

• Ensure statutory filings and insurances remain current (e.g., ICO, relevant regulator reporting).

• Oversee due diligence for key suppliers/partners (safeguarding, data protection, insurance, references) and ensure appropriate clauses in contracts.

• Advise on procurement and proportionate contract-management controls.

7) Complaints, concerns & whistleblowing

• Maintain accessible routes for complaints/concerns; ensure timely, fair handling and learning capture.

• Safeguard whistleblowers and assure the Board that concerns are investigated and addressed without detriment.

Success measures (illustrative)

• Risk register reviewed quarterly with actions closed to schedule; Board receives clear, timely assurance.

• 100% completion and currency of mandatory training (safeguarding, data protection) for staff and associates.

• All relevant programmes observed/assured against QA standards at agreed cadence; corrective actions implemented.

• DPIAs completed before any new data processing; zero material data breaches; ICO registration current.

• Safeguarding incidents reported promptly; root-cause analysis and learning actions evidenced.

• Annual policy audit completed; filings and insurances up to date; no missed statutory deadlines.

Person specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in compliance, safeguarding, quality, or risk within education, health, or the social-impact sector.

• Practical command of UK GDPR (including DPIAs, retention schedules, breach management) and confident policy drafting.

• Proven ability to design proportionate assurance, interpret evidence, and communicate concise, actionable findings to Boards.

• Calm, independent judgement; able to balance risk with operational realities and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong written/oral communication; skilled at turning complex requirements into usable guidance for busy teams.

• Commitment to inclusion, ethical practice, and the safety and dignity of beneficiaries.

Desirable

• Experience overseeing mixed workforces (staff, associates, volunteers) and multi-site delivery.

• Familiarity with sector regulators and reporting (e.g., CIC Regulator/Charity Commission context).

• Exposure to ISO-aligned approaches or equivalent quality systems.

• Relevant credentials (e.g., safeguarding lead, information governance, risk/assurance).

Safeguarding, data protection & H&S

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and ongoing safeguarding refresher training. All activity must comply with ThriveSpark policies and legal duties, including UK GDPR, Health & Safety, and sector standards for safeguarding. The director ensures safer-recruitment, data minimisation, and lawful processing are embedded in everyday practice.

Terms of appointment

This is a voluntary position during the current phase. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with policy. Time commitment averages 6–8 hours per month with additional time during audits or incidents. The Board will periodically review leadership requirements as the organisation scales.