National Safeguarding Panel Members

Independent Member – Adult Safeguarding

We are seeking an Independent Member with specialist expertise in adult safeguarding to join the Panel. This is a critical role providing challenge, insight, and independent scrutiny in relation to safeguarding adults at risk across a wide range of Church contexts. Panel meetings combine evidence‑gathering, thematic scrutiny, and dialogue with safeguarding leaders. You will be part of shaping national learning, advising on policy development, and ensuring the experiences of adults at risk and survivors inform the Church's safeguarding approach.

• Provide expert scrutiny on matters involving adult safeguarding and the Church's response to adults at risk.
• Participate in fact‑finding and scrutiny sessions, including engagement with external contributors and safeguarding leaders.
• Review and contribute to safeguarding policy proposals, thematic papers, and national workplans.
• Identify strengths, risks, and areas for development in the safeguarding of adults.
• Contribute to recommendations for national improvement and support the NSP Chair in reporting to the National Safeguarding Steering Group.
• Promote survivor‑informed approaches and ensure lived experience is heard and integrated into scrutiny.

• Significant professional experience in adult safeguarding, ideally within health, social care, criminal justice, voluntary sector, or regulatory settings.
• Knowledge of best practice, safeguarding legislation, and risk management in adult protection.

We are seeking two Independent Members with professional expertise in working with offenders, including individuals who pose safeguarding or sexual harm risks. This specialist role brings challenge, insight, and professional oversight into how the Church manages individuals who may present risks to children, adults, or communities.

• Provide expert advice on offender‑related safeguarding matters, including risk assessment, risk management, and rehabilitation frameworks.
• Contribute specialist knowledge to scrutiny sessions examining how the Church manages individuals who may pose a risk.
• Review relevant policies, risk‑management approaches, case‑learning themes, and national data.
• Offer constructive challenge to ensure safeguarding arrangements protect those who are vulnerable while balancing rights, responsibilities, and proportionality.
• Support the NSP in producing clear recommendations for national safeguarding improvement.

• Professional background in probation, criminal justice, MAPPA, forensic psychology, offender management, or related fields.
• Experience in assessing and managing individuals who present risks of harm.
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation, risk frameworks, and interagency working.
• Confidence participating in evidence‑based scrutiny and high‑level safeguarding debate.
• Ability to analyse complex safeguarding information and contribute to balanced, informed recommendations.

Role Expectation:
Time commitment of approximately 6–8 meetings per year, plus preparation. Term: 3 years, renewable for 2 years. Meetings are held in London and across dioceses (hybrid attendance available). 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.

New members will receive a full induction programme, including meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members, and access to relevant resources.