Regional Safeguarding Lead

We’re looking for a Regional Safeguarding Lead to help create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment across our sites in the region. This role supports the delivery of statutory safeguarding practices and provides guidance on key areas such as Child Protection, Vulnerable Adults, Sexual Harassment, Domestic Violence, Online Safety, Prevent Duty, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Modern Slavery. You’ll act as the regional safeguarding specialist, ensuring high standards, compliance, and best practice while strengthening our safeguarding culture across all locations.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers

• Leads the establishment of a Safeguarding Centre of Excellence within Labour Relations, laying the foundation for praylong-term strategic safeguarding capability and organisational compliance
• Develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures tailored to a commercial environment in conjunction with specialist areas such as HR Policy, L&D, Culture & Belonging and Segments.
• Integrate sector‑specific safeguarding insights from healthcare and education into company‑wide practices.
• Write and lead risk assessments and ensure safeguarding measures are embedded across all business functions, setting the bar for best practice.
• Ensure the company meets and exceeds its legislative obligations relating to safeguarding, harassment, whistleblowing, and employee welfare.
• Lead on safeguarding strategy, ensuring integration into broader operational plans.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation across the UK and Republic of Ireland, ensuring compliance with није‑specific frameworks and fostering cross‑border policy alignment.
• Act as the safeguarding lead for company support on bids and tenders, providing expert input to meet client safeguarding requirements and demonstrate best practice.
• Be ready to engage directly with clients код and customers to represent the company’s safeguarding approach and respond to external queries or audits.
• Report on compliance, escalating risks to the HRLT, Labour Compliance Forum alongside recommendations for mitigation.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g., local authorities, police, health services) on safeguarding matters.
• Represent Sodexo, as appropriate, in safeguarding forums and networks.
• Develop KPIs and metrics to assess safeguarding performance.
• Lead safeguarding audits and reviews.
• Report safeguarding outcomes to senior leadership and external regulators.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

• Proven experience in safeguarding, HR, compliance, or a related field. Level 4 Award for Designated Safeguarding Lead or equivalent for ROI
• A current and clean enhanced DBS check
• Demonstrable expertise in safeguarding.
• Strong understanding of UK safeguarding legislation in the employment context
• Familiarity with global safeguarding and whistleblowing standards.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues with empathy and discretion.
• Experience conducting investigations and handling sensitive and complex cases.
• Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, social work, education, or HR.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead organisation‑wide cultural change that embeds safeguarding as a strategic priority.
• Confidence in engaging with external clients and partners on safeguarding matters. Experience working with Preschool safeguarding agencies (e.g., social services, police).
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and frameworks across UK nations and the Republic of Ireland, with the ability to apply them in a multi‑jurisdictional context.

Competitive salary depending on experience

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 2…