Closing date 29 July 2026

Department: Safeguarding
Reports to: Head of Safeguarding
Location: [Archdiocese of Southwark]
Contract: [Full-time / Permanent]
Salary: [£50,000]

Purpose of the Role

The Safeguarding Manager plays a key leadership role within the Archdiocese Safeguarding Service, supporting the Head of Safeguarding in the delivery and development of a safe, responsive and professional safeguarding function across the Diocese.

The postholder will provide operational management, administrative support, case supervision and guidance, ensuring safeguarding concerns and allegations are managed effectively, compassionately, and in accordance with statutory guidance, national and Archdiocese safeguarding policies, and procedures.

The Safeguarding Manager will help promote a culture of safeguarding across archdiocesan communities, ensuring that children, young people and adults at risk are protected and supported.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Safeguarding Management

  • Support the Head of Safeguarding in the day-to-day management of the archdiocesan safeguarding service.
  • Oversee the triaging, recording and supervision of safeguarding concerns, allegations, disclosures and referrals across the Diocese.
  • Ensure safeguarding casework is managed consistently, appropriately and within required timescales.
  • Set actions and monitor completion.
  • Complete case work when required.
  • Monitor lessons learnt and complaints to ensure quality assurance and learning.
  • Support the recruitment and management of Parish Safeguarding Recruitment (PSR’s)
  • Provide advice and guidance to clergy, parish safeguarding representatives, archdiocesan staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters and safer recruitment process.
  • Manage invoices and budget requirements.
  • Monitor safeguarding practices and contribute to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Supervision and Team Leadership

  • Record, triage, allocate and oversee safeguarding caseloads within the team.
  • Foster a collaborative, reflective and trauma-informed safeguarding culture within the team.
  • Assist in recruitment, induction and training of safeguarding volunteers (PSR’s).
  • When required, support Head of Safeguarding in supervision and guidance for the safeguarding office.

Case Management and Risk Assessment

  • Support complex safeguarding investigations and risk management processes.
  • Participate in safeguarding meetings, strategy discussions and case conferences where required.
  • Ensure accurate, confidential and timely safeguarding records are maintained.
  • Contribute to the development and monitoring of safeguarding plans and risk assessments.
  • Escalate high-risk or sensitive matters appropriately to the Head of Safeguarding.

Partnership Working

  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with statutory agencies, including social care, police, probation and health services.
  • Liaise with national Catholic safeguarding bodies and other dioceses where appropriate.
  • Support parishes and archdiocesan organisations in implementing safeguarding policies and safer working practices.

Training and Safeguarding Culture

  • Support the delivery and promotion of safeguarding training throughout the archdiocese.
  • Encourage awareness of safeguarding responsibilities among clergy, volunteers and staff.
  • Contribute to safeguarding audits, inspections and policy reviews.
  • Support the quarterly safeguarding sub-committee and Trustee meetings.
  • Promote best practice and ensure compliance with national safeguarding standards and Church requirements.

Policy and Compliance

  • Ensure diocesan safeguarding practices comply with:
    • National safeguarding legislation and guidance
    • Catholic Church safeguarding policies and procedures
    • Data protection and confidentiality requirements
    • Contribute to policy development and service improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

  • Professional qualification in safeguarding and/or relevant experience in social work, safeguarding, social care, psychology, counselling, police or a related field.
  • Evidence of continuing professional development in safeguarding practice.
  • Experience in triaging and risk assessment.
  • Experience in quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Essential Experience

  • Significant experience of safeguarding children and/or adults at risk.
  • Experience of managing complex safeguarding cases and risk assessments.
  • Experience of supervising or managing staff within safeguarding/social care/police setting.
  • Experience of multi-agency working with statutory and voluntary organisations.
  • Experience of handling sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Essential Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
  • Knowledge of risk assessment and case management processes.
  • Understanding of safeguarding within faith-based or voluntary sector settings.
  • Awareness of the structure and mission of the Catholic Church and sensitivity to its pastoral context.

Essential Skills and Attributes

  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound professional judgments.
  • High level of emotional resilience, professionalism and integrity.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Competent IT and case recording skills.

Desirable

  • Practising Catholic or understanding of Catholic pastoral structures and ministry.
  • Experience working within a church or faith-based safeguarding environment.
  • Training qualification or experience delivering safeguarding training.

Core Values and Expectations

The postholder will:

  • Uphold the mission and values of the Catholic Church.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.
  • Treat all individuals with dignity, compassion and respect.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity at all times.
  • Work in a manner consistent with national and archdiocesan policies and Catholic social teaching.

Safeguarding Statement

The Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. The successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and references.

Application Information

For further information about the role, please contact Mary-Jane Crowley maryjanecrowley@rcaos.org.uk