About the Organisation:
We are a dedicated residential care company for children and young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can heal, grow, and thrive. We work under Ofsted regulations, the Child Protection Act, and relevant UK safeguarding legislation to ensure the highest standards of care and safeguarding for vulnerable children.
Role Overview:
The Head of Child Safeguarding is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of child safeguarding within the organisation. The post holder will ensure that we are compliant with safeguarding legislation, such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and Keeping Children Safe in Education, as well as Ofsted requirements. They will play a key role in risk management, including risk assessments, risk management plans, and safeguarding strategies, ensuring these are implemented effectively across all areas of the organisation.
The Head of Child Safeguarding will work closely with the Registered Managers, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) of our associated college, local authorities, the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer), the police, and other professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our care. The role also involves managing disciplinary issues for staff, overseeing safeguarding in recruitment to ensure safeguarding standards, and providing safeguarding training for staff both in-person at Head Office and online.
The post holder will be part of the Senior Management Team and will have on-call responsibilities once every five weeks. Depending on experience, the post holder may also be invited to join the Executive Management Team, contributing to strategic decision-making at the highest level.
Key Responsibilities:
- Child Safeguarding and Risk Management:
- Ensure the implementation and monitoring of child safeguarding policies and procedures in line with national and local guidance, including the Children Act 1989, 2004, and Ofsted regulations.
- Oversee the completion of comprehensive risk assessments and risk management plans for all children in care, ensuring these are updated regularly and acted upon.
- Identify and manage risks to children’s safety and well-being, including responding to any incidents of concern and providing advice and support to staff.
- Lead on safeguarding concerns and incidents, ensuring thorough investigation, appropriate action, and compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration:
- Attend and actively participate in child safeguarding meetings with social workers, other professionals, and agencies (including LADO, police, and local authorities) to ensure the safety and protection of children.
- Work collaboratively with the DSL of our associated college to ensure consistency and effectiveness in safeguarding practices across both organisations.
- Act as the point of contact for all safeguarding matters, liaising with external agencies as required.
- Ensure the implementation of recommendations and actions from safeguarding meetings.
- Staff Recruitment and Training:
- Work with the Head of HR to oversee safeguarding within the recruitment process for all staff, ensuring compliance with safer recruitment practices and safeguarding legislation.
- Lead safeguarding induction and ongoing training for all staff, ensuring they are equipped to handle safeguarding concerns and to support the children in our care.
- Deliver safeguarding training both in person at the Head Office and via online platforms to ensure that all staff remain up to date with current safeguarding standards.
- Staff Management and Disciplinary:
- Manage safeguarding-related staff issues, including disciplinary procedures, ensuring compliance with policies and legal requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to staff on safeguarding matters, including individual cases of concern.
- On-Call Responsibilities:
- Participate in on-call duties as part of the Senior and Executive Management teams, taking responsibility for any urgent safeguarding or operational issues that may arise during out-of-office hours (One weekend every 4 weeks and one weekday per week- on a rota with other senior managers).
- Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure that the organisation is fully compliant with Ofsted regulations and quality standards relating to safeguarding and child protection.
- Prepare and present safeguarding reports to the Senior Management Team and Ofsted, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- General Leadership:
- Provide leadership in the development of the safeguarding culture within the organisation.
- Contribute to strategic planning and policy development related to safeguarding and child protection.
- Foster a culture of safeguarding across all levels of the organisation.
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Experience:
- Substantial experience in safeguarding children within a residential care or social care setting, including significant experience at a senior level.
- Experience in risk management, including conducting risk assessments and implementing risk management plans.
- Knowledge and experience of working with multi-agency safeguarding networks, including LADO, social services, the police, and other statutory bodies.
- Proven experience in delivering safeguarding training and providing guidance to staff.
- Qualifications:
- Level 5 Leadership and Management
- A relevant professional qualification in social work, social care, or a related field (e.g., CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent).
- Evidence of continuous professional development in safeguarding, child protection, or related areas.
- Advanced knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation, including the Children Act 1989, 2004, and current Ofsted requirements.
- Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to work effectively at a senior level.
- In-depth knowledge of safeguarding policies, procedures, and legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
- Ability to conduct thorough risk assessments and develop and implement risk management plans.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with children, staff, and external agencies.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Desirable:
- Experience working with children who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- A strong understanding of therapeutic care models and approaches to trauma-informed practice.
- Experience in delivering online training or webinars.
Personal Attributes:
- Compassionate and empathetic, with a deep commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Disciplined individual who can follow processes and see these through to the end and within timeframe.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, with a pragmatic and solution-focused approach.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure situations.
Additional Information:
- The role will require travel between our homes and to our HQ, particularly during peak times, as well as attendance at various safeguarding meetings and external agency discussions mainly online.
- This role may involve some evening and weekend work as part of the on-call senior management rota (once every four weeks).
Salaries are dependant on experience and qualification.
Benjamin UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role involves direct work with children and therefore comes with a responsibility to safeguard those children. Thorough pre-employment checks will be carried out on the successful candidate, including an enhanced DBS check and references. Social Media checks will also be carried out for anyone offered a position.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act so a disclosure of any relevant convictions will be required from candidates who are selected for interview, and it is an offence for anyone who is on the barred list to apply for this role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free or subsidised travel
Experience:
- Managing a Children's Residential Care Home: 1 year (preferred)
- working with children's EBD: 1 year (preferred)
- Managing Children's Safeguarding: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Leighton Buzzard LU7 1FD
