Volunteer services officer jobs

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We are looking for an Administrator to help ensure that our offices run smoothly and safely. This is a varied role, you will need to be highly organised, able to work on your own initiative and have the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and external suppliers. If you are a skilled administrator with good problem-solving skills this might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Our Values

Excellence – We provide high quality services for everyone we support and collaborate with

People Focussed – Client gardeners, students, staff and volunteers are at the centre of what we do as an organisation

Ambitious - We believe in the power of Social & Therapeutic Horticulture and in ourselves as an organisation to grow the sector and widen our impact

Collaborative - We understand the value of working with others, knowing we will achieve greater things together than we can on our own.

At Thrive, we care about employee wellbeing. We offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate a good work life balance, competitive leave entitlement and pension, as well as a professional and inspiring working environment at our gardens just outside Reading.

CAAS is an amazing organisation, supporting ADHD and autistic individuals, their families, and the community around them.  We are in a great position, with stable funding, an experienced team of around 40 staff, and a new strategy that is inspiring and impactful.  We are looking for a kind and effective leader to join us as our next CEO, and keep CAAS thriving into the future. 

As CEO, you will have the confidence and the expertise to deliver on our vision of changing perceptions to reduce stigma and break down barriers, bringing strategic leadership experience, a high level of organisational ability, self-motivation and self-discipline. You will have a passion for extending our reach and will demonstrate experience in delivering strategy, leading effective teams and building relationships within our community. 

To apply, you need to submit a completed application form alongside a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing how you meet the requirements of the role.  Deadline to apply is by 10am on Monday 17th November, but feel free to reach out to our current CEO, Kay D'Cruz, for an informal chat about the role if you'd like to find out more.

More details about the job and additional information about the person specification can be found in the job description and in our recruitment pack, but in summary the key responsibilities of the role are:

Strategic Leadership: Deliver CAAS’s strategy, fulfil our legal obligations, evaluate and improve performance, report on progress, ensure CAAS remains well positioned for the future

Operational Leadership: Ensure robust systems, processes and policies, assess and manage organisational risk, build sustainable delivery mechanisms, oversee effective digital, communications and fundraising activity, maintain our case for support and tender for and manage contracts

People & Culture: Foster positive working cultures, promote staff wellbeing, ensure staff are focussed on delivering CAAS mission, drive staff development

External Relationships: Influence and advocate for change, act as lead ambassador for CAAS with funders, professionals and other stakeholders

 We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a passion for, and commitment to, our work
• Have a track record of effective working at a senior leadership level, building supportive external relationships and driving positive internal cultures, based on compassion and a drive for excellence
• Are action-orientated, adaptable and flexible in the pursuit of impact
• Can juggle multiple and competing demands, and thrive in a busy, varied environment
• Enjoy ensuring robust governance and compliance
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills; are a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Are warm, inclusive and approachable, an actively listener and neuro-affirmative

Further information is available on our website. 

The Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) is the democratic voice for student across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), representing learners at every level of study—from further education and apprenticeships through to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Our representation spans the full breadth of the UHI partnership, working closely with ten Academic Partners to ensure students are supported, included, and empowered wherever
and however they study.

The role of the Chief Executive Officer is to provide strategic support to the student officers within our student-led organisation, and to provide support and leadership to the senior leadership team and our Board of Trustees.

The post-holder is required to provide an interface between the Trustee Board and the leadership team, and between other key decision-making bodies within the Students’ Association, converting policy and strategy into action.

Our CEO will be a source of continuity within the Students’ Association, providing vision and expertise to drive the Association forward towards organisational goals whilst ensuring that the Association is structured to facilitate Student Officers’ work towards organisational objectives.
As a key contact and partner with UHI stakeholders, the CEO is required to work towards aligning the Students’ Associations' progression into the UHI’s strategy. The CEO should also ensure that all aspects of organisational risk are identified, monitored and managed.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership
2. Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Management
3. Operational Management 
4. Student Leadership and Governance
 

Please download the Recruitment Pack to see the full Job Description & Person Specification

Service Manager

Service:  Early Help Programme

Location: Birmingham (West Constituency)

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)

Salary: £37,211 - £41,518 per annum

Contract type:  Temporary (2 years fixed term contract)

At Family Action we transform lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation. We have been building stronger families since 1869 and today we work with more than 60,000 families in over 150 community-based services, as well as supporting thousands more through national programmes and grants.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the coordination of an Early Help Service. The service will focus on identifying service gaps across Birmingham to enable families to access Early Help and support, through the application of Early Help.  You will play a key role in leading quality assurance and the day–to–day delivery of the service, providing effective management and leadership to a team of Early Help Support Workers and Early Help Development Workers. As the Service Manager, you will be required to work in partnership with the Operational Manager to support the strategic development of the integrated service offer for children and families living in the West of Birmingham. You will be required to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and actively engage in local and district meetings and with Birmingham Childrens Trust. As the Service Manager, you will be working as a part of a management team and be accountable for the quality standards in the service, building and sustaining professional relationships with all stakeholders.

The Service Manager will:

• Work closely with the public and voluntary sector.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Early Help Support
• Lead in the allocation of Family Connect Form.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of quality assurance.

· An ability to work independently, flexibly and in an integrated manner is essential.

· Ability to drive and have the use of own car.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. 

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person. 

What will we offer you?

We’ll offer you flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme and leave entitlements, eye care vouchers, a cycle to work scheme and other great benefits. We have an excellent wellbeing offer and we will invest in your professional development with on-going quality training and career development opportunities. You’ll join an established, supportive and high-performing service and have the opportunity to thrive in an innovative organisation that values your opinion, encourages learning and has the needs of children and families at its core.

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect. If you share these values and behaviours and have the necessary skills then we look forward to hearing from you.  

To Apply:

·       Follow the link to apply via our website - Click the ‘Apply’ link on the advert and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 at 11.59pm

Appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where appropriate to the role.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Priority interviews will be given to those at risk of redundancy.

At Accuro we have been operating across West Essex for over 40 years delivering clubs and activities to provide fun, friendship and a safe inclusive space for children, young adults and adults with a disability. Our clubs are a vital part of our members lives which also provide their families with trusted care and valuable respite. Our clubs and projects offer a wide range of opportunities from cookery to beach days, parties and paddleboarding. We are led by what our members tell us they want to do, whilst also offering them the opportunity to experience new activities that offer exciting possibilities to develop confidence and self-esteem.

Our current operations manager will be retiring in the new year and we are now looking for a talented and passionate individual to build on her achievements and lead our operations team to deliver and develop our services across West Essex.

The role requires a balance of leadership and practical delivery; a strong social care or health professional who has experience of managing people, financials and delivering projects. We’re looking for someone who can manage our services and teams to ensure they continue to be trusted safe places for our members and their families and also drive continuous improvement, innovation and growth as we have an appetite to deliver more.

Strong experience of working with disabled or vulnerable children or adults and safeguarding knowledge, together with a solid understanding of risk management and health and safety are all important aspects of this role.

We are looking for a confident manager, comfortable leading and coaching our staff and volunteer teams; an appetite to help us to continuously improve, with a focus on consistency, efficiency and quality. As such, we would expect you to be comfortable using IT packages and that you are confident managing financial information such as budgets, as well as analysing data to ensure you are monitoring the performance and impact of our services to ensure they are effective and providing the best value possible. There will always be an opportunity to network with other charities and supporters in the area and we would look to you to be an ambassador for us. Because of our services being spread across West Essex we would require you to be a driver and to have a car available for your use.

Our head office team is based at the Uttlesford District Council offices in Saffron Walden.  We are looking for someone to work with us at least 30 hours per week; and who is flexible in how those hours are worked – most of our clubs operate outside the usual working day and whilst you will not be delivering the clubs routinely it is important you spend time with the teams on site, actively supporting and developing the services you are leading.

We are offering a salary of upto £38,000 FTE dependent on experience and qualification, and in addition we offer 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity to join a strong management team who are committed to making a difference in our local communities.

We will hold interviews and assessment in November. If successful, references and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be undertaken by Accuro.

For more information about Accuro and the difference we make please visit our website. 

Sporting Events Officer 

At Tommy’s, we believe every baby lost is one too many. Our mission is to make pregnancy and birth safer for all by funding pioneering research, providing expert information, and supporting families every step of the way.

We’re looking for Sporting events Officer who shares our passion and values, and who wants their work to have real impact. In this vital role, you’ll be administering multiple teams in various sporting events and delivering the best event day experiences for them.

Place of work: Nicholas House, 3 Laurence Pountney Hill, London, EC4R 0BB

Hybrid between home and office: with a minimum 2 days per week in the office for full time employees

Salary: £31,000 - £33,000

Contract type: Permanent

Reports to: Head of Sporting Events

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week

What you’ll be doing

• Leading on the administration for all events
• Working closely with the rest of the team towards ambitious recruitment and income targets
• Be the main contact with partnered event organisers
• Lead on co-ordinating staff, volunteers and suppliers for sporting events

What we’re looking for

• Strong Excel and organisational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and a proactive mindset
• Team player who stays calm under pressure
• Strong collaboration skills (internal and external stakeholders)
• Clear communicator with a customer-service focus 

Why work at Tommy’s?

We are an ambitious, values-led charity with high employee satisfaction and retention (as shown in our annual People Poll). We champion equity, diversity and inclusion and actively listen to staff feedback to keep improving how we work together.

A snapshot of our benefits

• Hybrid working with flexibility inside core hours and an annual home-working allowance
• Generous leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (rising with service), with the option to buy extra days
• Enhanced family leave – 26 weeks full maternity pay and 4 weeks full paternity pay
• Wellbeing support through a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme with 4 % employer contribution via salary exchange
• Ongoing learning and development through structured training and twice-yearly reviews 

Ready to put your finance skills to work for a cause that truly matters? Apply now by submitting your CV and short covering letter (not more than one side of A4) and be part of a team that’s changing lives every day.

For more information, see Job Pack.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking to expand our services supporting families and individuals and extend our reach across Birmingham, the Black Country, and surrounding areas. This new Operations Manager role is central to these plans.

As Operations Manager, working closely with the CEO, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of organisation across our 2 main premises and in other community venues.   You will manage the admin and appointments functions and ensure our services run smoothly, consistently, and with a focus on quality, sustainability, and user experience. 

Initially, the role will be hands-on and operational, with responsibility for recruiting and training administrative staff, fully re-opening our 2 main premises, and transitioning to a hybrid model of online and face-to-face counselling. You will also support the implementation of updated policies, procedures, and new online appointment and case management systems.

As the organisation grows, there is significant opportunity for development, allowing you to contribute to how our services are delivered, strengthen our team, and help us meet the increasing need for our services.

Based at our Birmingham office, this role will require some flexibility in working hours to meet service needs, including working at other centres from time to time.

What you’ll do

· Oversee day-to-day operations across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and community venues.

· Lead and manage the administration team, including recruitment, training, and volunteer coordination.

· Manage appointments, service utilisation, waiting times, and payments.

· Streamline processes and systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and client experience.

· Support implementation of new technology, online appointments, and case management systems.

· Ensure premises are safe, functional, and fit-for-purpose.

· Monitor service performance, budgets, and KPIs; prepare reports for management and funders.

· Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.

· Work closely with service managers and the CEO to align operations with strategic goals.

· Ensure compliance with HR, health & safety, and organisational policies.

What we’re looking for

· Proven experience in operational management, ideally in third sector, health, or community services.

· Strong administrative experience and ability to oversee budgets, KPIs, and performance.

· Experience designing and embedding processes, policies, and systems.

· Confident in implementing technology and using data to drive decisions.

· Experience managing premises and creating safe, functional environments.

· Understanding of client journeys and accessibility, with experience improving engagement and service utilisation.

· Knowledge of HR and health & safety, with experience managing staff wellbeing and compliance.

· Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to inclusion and equity.

About Kapella

Kapella’s mission is to build better relationships and improve the wellbeing of families and individuals. We provide accessible and affordable services, including counselling, family mediation, training, and domestic abuse programmes across Birmingham and the Black Country. Our work includes self-paying clients as well as funded projects delivered through contracts, grants, and partnerships.

Why join Kapella?

Play a key role in expanding essential services to families and individuals across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Be part of a passionate, supportive, and values-driven team.
Significant opportunity to shape operational processes and grow into a senior leadership role.
25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, pension, CPD and staff wellbeing support.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how you meet the requirements of the role. 

Closing date: Wednesday 5 November 2025.

Kapella is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Location: Birmingham Office (with travel to Wolverhampton and other community venues)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) – 4 days considered for the right candidate
 

About Us

Inspire is a charity based in East London. We inspire children and young people across London and beyond, using data to understand the barriers they face and connecting them with a range of employers and opportunities to open doors to their success.

We have over 30 years of experience in delivering high quality services and programmes to children, young people, schools, local authorities and employers. Working alongside our large network of employer volunteers, our programmes inspire and support children and young people to create a positive future for themselves in their journey from the classroom to workplace.  We provide them with independent careers guidance, high aspirations and strong employability skills.

We are seeking a Programme Officer to join our Work Experience Team.

Our Work Experience programme provides a taster of the ‘World of Work’ helping to raise career aspirations and support academic progression.  Our team work with local and central London employers and education providers to source, manage and co-ordinate placements for over 5,000 young people each academic year. 

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an organised, enthusiastic and confident individual to join us in a role which has responsibility for ensuring suitable and safe work experience placements are sourced, managed and available for students.

Key Responsibilities of the role include:

• Securing, updating and managing work experience placements.
• Handling telephone enquiries about the work experience programme, communicating with teachers, employers, parents and schools.
• Acting as key point of contact for schools/educational establishments managing and overseeing the work experience process.
• Producing information and providing support to the Head of Work Experience and other team members.
• Completing one-to-one interviews with students with additional needs to ensure suitable placements are secured.
• Managing placements using a bespoke IT system.

Benefits

29 days annual leave plus bank holidays

3 volunteering days per year

Family friendly policies

Hybrid working arrangements

Inspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

How to Apply

If you have the skills and desire to join our team, please see our job description and person specification for further details about the role.

If you wish to apply for this role, please provide your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are suitable for the role, clearly addressing the requirements of the person specification.

Closing date

This application closing date for this role is 31 October. Interviews will be a two stage process, the first will take place on Teams and second interviews will be in-person at our office in Stratford and will include a skills based test.

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants.

 Volunteer Development Officer

Salary: £26,000 per annum

Hours : 37.5 hours per week (office-based role)

Location: North Leeds – LS17

Benefits:  Pension, Employee Assistance Programme, Smart Health,

Jewish High Holy days = additional paid annual leave,

Free DBS, option to join healthcare scheme.

***Sponsorship is not available for this position***

About Us

For over 145 years, Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) has been a cornerstone of care and compassion in North Leeds. We’re one of the region’s most established social care charities, supporting over 1,000 people every month through a wide range of community and registered care services.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organisation — nearly 240 strong and growing! Whether it’s lending a listening ear, helping with events, or offering practical support, our volunteers make a real difference every day.

Role Summary

Are you a people person who thrives on human connection, live for a well-organised spreadsheet, and believe that volunteering can change the world?  Do you love bringing out the best in others? Then we want YOU to be our next Volunteer Development Officer.

As our Volunteer Development Officer, you’ll be the driving force behind our volunteer programme — recruiting, training, and supporting a diverse team of volunteers who help us change lives.

Key responsibilities

• Recruiting volunteers from all walks of life to reflect our inclusive community
• Managing onboarding including DBS checks and references
• Creating engaging campaigns to attract new volunteers
• Designing and delivering training that’s informative and inspiring
• Checking in regularly with volunteers to ensure they feel supported and valued

Requirements

• Experience in volunteer management or community engagement
• A confident, enthusiastic communicator — both written and verbal
• Top-notch organisational skills and attention to detail- think smooth systems, tidy records, and zero chaos
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and volunteer database systems

How to Apply

C.V.’s are accepted however we advise you email our recruitment team and request a copy of the job specification so you can evidence the essential criteria for the role.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 28 October 2025 at 12:00pm (midday)

The vacancy may close earlier once a suitable applicant is found.

If you are shortlisted you will be contacted directly, if you do not hear from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, it can be assumed that unfortunately, your application was unsuccessful on this occasion.

LJWB is committed to making any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job role and the working environment so that disabled people have access to job opportunities or current employees can continue to work should they develop a disabling condition.

All job applications are retained for 3 months and your data is used for recruitment purposes onlyunless otherwise requested

Please note we will only consider applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK and all appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references & DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check.

No agencies

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia is the umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions and Ataxia UK is the UK’s leading ataxia support and research charity. Our Services team is dedicated to supporting everyone affected by ataxia in the UK to live their best possible life. We offer a Helpline and Advocacy service that provides trusted information, tailored advice, and one-to-one support to help people access their rights. Alongside this, we deliver a range of activities, engagement opportunities, and volunteer-led initiatives designed to bring the ataxia community together and reduce feelings of isolation.

About the Role   

We’re looking for a motivated and organised Volunteering and Community Programme Intern to join our small, supportive Services Team. This role is central to coordinating and developing Ataxia UK’s volunteering network and community initiatives, helping strengthen the support available to people affected by ataxia.

You’ll play a key role in supporting volunteers, organising community events, and assisting with the delivery of services that help people affected by ataxia live the best possible quality of life. The role also contributes to the growth and improvement of our volunteering and community programmes, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of our community effectively and inclusively.

This is a full-time role with hybrid working arrangements — three days a week in the office (or more if preferred) and two days working from home. Some flexibility may be required to support events and activities across the organisation.

About you 

You’re an organised and proactive person who enjoys connecting with others and helping make a difference and you are confident communicating with people from all walks of life — including those affected by challenging circumstances. You’re comfortable working independently and as part of a small, supportive team. Experience supporting volunteers, community activities, or service delivery would be an advantage.

Benefits of working for us. 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Extra holiday day for your birthday
• Access to a free Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Following the retirement of a long serviing manager the Trust is now recruiting a new Service Manager to lead the Trust's Female Service. This is an attractive position for an experienced female practitioner looking to advance their career. If you are looking for the opportunity to lead a team dedicated to safeguarding and supporting homeless women to rebuild their lives this could be the job for you!
If you believe that you are up to the challenge, please email the Trust directly for an application pack
The pack will include a Job Descritpion; a Person Specification; with information about the Trust; and a copy of the official application form (CVs will not be accepted).
If you have any questions please feel free to email or to phone asking to speak with Kevin Curtis, CEO.

DEADLINE for applications is Wednesday 29th October. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 4th November 

37.5 hours per week • Salary range £44,152 to £46,842 (pay review pending 04/26) plus 4% employer’s pension contribution • Reporting to and supervised by Trustee Board • Based at Citizens Advice Teignbridge with home working and travel as appropriate.

We’re looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead Citizens Advice Teignbridge into the next stage of our development. This is a unique opportunity to guide a well-established and respected local charity that is part of both the national Citizens Advice network and the Citizens Advice Devon Consortium.

As CEO, you’ll work closely with our Trustee Board and be responsible for overall strategy, business development, and day-to-day management. You’ll make sure we continue to deliver high quality advice and support to people in our community, while also building the organisation’s profile and ensuring we’re financially sustainable.

We’re looking for someone who:

• is a strong, values-driven leader who can motivate and inspire staff, volunteers, and partners
• has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to represent the charity to funders, civic leaders, and partner organisations
• can demonstrate experience of generating income in the not-for-profit sector and developing strong external partnerships
• brings sound project management skills, including the ability to produce clear analysis and reports

If you share our commitment to making a real difference for people facing challenges in their lives, and you have the vision and skills to help us build on our success, we’d love to hear from you.

For further details or an informal discussion please contact CEO – Vincent Willson or Malcolm O’Dea, Chair of Trustee Board - contact details available on our website via the apply button.

Deadline for applications: 12 noon on November 3, 2025

Interviews: November 18, 2025

In post: by April 2026

Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Advocacy Service Manager to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.

The role is ideal for an experienced Advocate, who is passionate about promoting the rights of people who are experiencing poor mental health, in sometimes challenging conditions, but who is also committed to nurture the next generation of future advocates, as a key part of the role will involve supervising and supporting a current trainee in addition to a qualified IMHA, providing guidance, support, and skills development on casework and advocacy.

In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.

Advocacy Service Manager

SALARY: £ 37,728.88 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice)

REPORTS TO: Head of Social Inclusion & Support Services

RESPONSIBLE FOR: 2 Independent Mental Health Advocates(IMHA)

TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)

BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.

This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.

Job Title: Safeguarding Officer

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Professional Supervision: The Regional Safeguarding Lead

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £22,500 per annum (FTE £39,375)

Hours per week: 20 hours

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)

Role Description

The Safeguarding Officer will lead and oversee all aspects of safeguarding within St Edmundsbury Cathedral, ensuring that the Cathedral remains a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the Cathedral meets all statutory safeguarding obligations and complies fully with the Church of England’s national safeguarding policies, diocesan frameworks, and relevant legislation. This includes proactively identifying potential risks, responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and ensuring effective reporting and case management in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies.

Beyond compliance, this role is about embedding a culture of care, accountability, and transparency across the Cathedral community. You will support clergy, staff, and volunteers to understand their safeguarding responsibilities, ensure safer recruitment and training practices, and provide guidance and reassurance when safeguarding issues arise.

By acting as a source of expert advice, leadership, and advocacy, the Safeguarding Officer will help the Cathedral community uphold the highest standards of safety, dignity, and pastoral care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, can participate fully and confidently in Cathedral life.

The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer has operational authority within the Cathedral (subject to agreement with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer with respect to responding to concerns and allegations against Church officers) for the following responsibilities, arranged according to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards.

These four National Safeguarding Standards provide the framework for effective safeguarding practice across all Church settings:

1. Culture, Leadership, and Capacity – Promoting a culture where safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of Cathedral life, ensuring that leaders, clergy, staff, and volunteers model and champion best practice.
2. Prevention – Implementing robust safer recruitment, induction, and training processes, and proactively identifying and mitigating potential safeguarding risks.
3. Responding to Concerns – Ensuring that all concerns, disclosures, and allegations are taken seriously, responded to promptly, and managed in partnership with statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
4. Learning, Supervision, and Quality Assurance – Fostering continual improvement through regular review, reflection, and evaluation of safeguarding practice, ensuring accountability and transparency at all levels.

Together, these standards guide the Cathedral’s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment for all who engage with its worship, ministry, and community life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Act as the Cathedral’s primary safeguarding lead, providing authoritative advice and operational oversight to the Chapter, leadership team, clergy, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with national Church of England safeguarding guidance, diocesan requirements and all relevant statutory legislation.
• Develop, maintain and drive a measurable safeguarding action plan and improvement programme, ensuring policies and practice are implemented consistently across Cathedral activities.
• Produce clear, timely safeguarding reports and briefings for Chapter and committees translating case and compliance information into strategic recommendations.
• Actively promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, supporting leaders to embed safeguarding into planning, events, recruitment and everyday practice.
• Engaging in professional supervision and quality assurance provided by the relevant Regional Safeguarding Lead, and in continual professional development, including ensuring that the requirements of the National Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework for Safeguarding Officers are met.

Safer recruitment

• Lead and oversee safer recruitment processes for all paid roles and volunteer positions, ensuring job descriptions, interviews and selection processes assess safeguarding suitability.
• Support managers to make informed recruitment decisions and ensure all new starters receive safeguarding induction and appropriate supervision.

Case management

• Receive, triage and respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures quickly and sensitively, ensuring the safety and welfare of those involved.
• Undertake initial risk and needs assessments and make appropriate referrals to statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
• Support and co-ordinate multi-agency responses where required, and follow agreed safeguarding pathways.
• Provide pastoral support and signposting to victims/survivors while ensuring appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and access to specialist support services.
• Manage allegations involving staff or volunteers in line with diocesan procedures, ensuring safe working arrangements are put in place while enquiries proceed.
• Maintain accurate, secure and auditable case records, ensuring all documentation complies with data protection (GDPR) and Cathedral record-keeping protocols

Meetings & governance

• Attend safeguarding-related meetings, including the Safeguarding Committee, Guild Committee and Forum, providing briefings, presenting reports and highlighting risks and compliance matters.
• Prepare agendas, papers and minutes as required; maintain an action log and follow up to ensure agreed actions are completed.
• Escalate unresolved risks or urgent safeguarding matters to Chapter and senior leadership in a timely and constructive manner.
• Attend Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) Meetings.

Training & awareness

• Lead on Cathedral safeguarding training, coordinate and deliver induction and refresher training for staff, volunteers, and clergy.
• Maintain up-to-date records of safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers (showing completion and renewal dates).
• Create accessible safeguarding information and communications for the Cathedral community (e.g., weekly bulletin items, posters, webpages and event briefings) to raise awareness and reinforce good practice.
• Provide tailored briefings for high-risk roles and ongoing advice to managers and supervisors on safeguarding responsibilities.
• To evaluate training to ensure that learnings have been embedded.

Policy & risk management

• Review, update and implement the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies and procedures on a regular schedule (and sooner where guidance or case learning requires change).
• Lead safeguarding risk assessments for services, events, volunteer activities and external bookings; provide straightforward, action-focused mitigation plans for event organisers and hirers.
• Conduct audits and spot-checks to ensure practice aligns with policy and report findings with recommended improvements.
• Ensure contractors, partner organisations and hirers meet required safeguarding standards and that any safeguarding responsibilities are set out contractually where appropriate.

Additional duties and professional development

• Provide clear, timely advice within agreed working hours and support any out-of-hours arrangements for urgent safeguarding concerns as agreed with Chapter.
• Maintain your own professional development through training, supervision and membership of relevant safeguarding networks; ensure learning is shared across the Cathedral.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties that support the effective delivery of safeguarding across the Cathedral.
• Attend the East Anglia Regional Safeguarding Network meeting three times a year, with other DSOs and CSO in the region

Key Relationships

• In the Cathedral, the Dean provides leadership concerning safeguarding, supported by Chapter and senior leadership team requiring good working relationships with both clergy and lay colleagues.
• It is essential that the CSO forms excellent working relationships with key people in the Diocese, including: the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO), the safeguarding team and other relevant staff; the chair and membership of diocesan safeguarding governance structures e.g., the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) and relevant sub-groups; and the National Safeguarding Team.
• It is essential to have good connections with colleagues in relevant local third sector agencies, including those working in the fields of homelessness, poverty, domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, refugee support, language and learning support, etc. Adults and children who are using, have used or may use the services of the cathedral, particularly in relation to safeguarding.

Person Spesification 

Essential Qualities

Qualifications

• Relevant safeguarding qualification/training, or willingness to undertake

Experience

• Substantial experience working with safeguarding in roles involving children and/or adults at risk.
• Handling safeguarding referrals, disclosures, and case management.
• Liaising with statutory services such as police, social care, and health agencies.
• Delivering safeguarding training or workshops to diverse audiences.
• Producing reports, maintaining accurate records, and managing confidential data.

Knowledge

• Excellent understanding of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice for children and adults.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment principles and DBS requirements.
• Understanding of GDPR and secure data management in relation to safeguarding.
• Awareness of the Church of England’s safeguarding frameworks and National Safeguarding Standards (or willingness to learn).

Skills and Abilities

• Strong ability to assess risk and make clear, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately at all levels.
• Effective relationship-building skills, including working collaboratively with clergy, volunteers, statutory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
• Confident in designing and delivering safeguarding training and briefings.

Personal Qualities

• Integrity, resilience, and discretion when managing sensitive information.
• Empathy and pastoral sensitivity towards those impacted by abuse or allegations.
• A collaborative, approachable, and supportive leadership style.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Respect for the Cathedral’s Christian values and willingness to work within its ethos.

Desired Qualities

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, education, counselling, youth work, nursing, or safeguarding).
• Membership of a relevant safeguarding or professional network.

Experience

• Experience working in a Church of England context or other faith-based safeguarding setting.
• Experience of developing and implementing safeguarding policies and risk assessments.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches when supporting victims/survivors.
• Familiarity with Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) roles and procedures.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in facilitating safeguarding learning using innovative or digital approaches.
• Competence in using safeguarding case management systems or CRMs.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to undergo enhanced DBS checks, including barred lists.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.
• Commitment to completing all mandatory safeguarding and leadership training as required by the Cathedral and Diocese.

Closing Date: Wednesday 12 November