Safeguarding Officer

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for delivering high-quality operational safeguarding across RABI, ensuring safeguarding concerns involving beneficiaries are managed consistently, professionally and in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and organisational policy.

Working as one of two Safeguarding Officers, the postholder provides specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and support to colleagues across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The role manages safeguarding concerns from initial notification through to resolution, undertakes safeguarding risk assessments, coordinates safeguarding activity, maintains accurate safeguarding records, supports multi-agency working and contributes to achieving safe outcomes for beneficiaries.

Working closely with the Safeguarding Manager, the second Safeguarding Officer and the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder contributes to the continuous improvement of safeguarding practice, supports organisational safeguarding awareness and helps maintain a resilient safeguarding service through collaborative working and continuity of operational delivery.

Key Accountabilities

1. Operational Safeguarding

• Work alongside the Safeguarding Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead to support the continuous development and implementation of safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Act as an operational point of contact for staff, volunteers and external partners regarding safeguarding concerns and queries, providing advice and guidance whilst escalating complex or high-risk matters appropriately.
• Manage safeguarding concerns from initial notification through to resolution, ensuring concerns are assessed, risk managed, recorded and progressed in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and RABI policies and procedures.
• Undertake safeguarding risk assessments, exercising professional judgement to support proportionate, person-centred and defensible safeguarding decision-making.
• Promote professional curiosity, reflective practice and consistent safeguarding approaches across the organisation.
• Provide delegated Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead cover in the absence of both the Designated Safeguarding Lead and both Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, in accordance with RABI policies, procedures and delegated authority.

2. Professional Advice and Guidance

• Provide specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and practical support to Regional Support Officers, managers, staff and volunteers to support the effective management of safeguarding concerns and increase confidence in safeguarding practice.
• Support colleagues to recognise safeguarding concerns, understand safeguarding responsibilities and apply safeguarding procedures consistently.
• Support the Safeguarding Manager in developing and delivering safeguarding training, awareness sessions and operational guidance for staff and volunteers.
• Effectively engage with staff and volunteers across RABI to promote safeguarding awareness, encourage good practice and embed a positive safeguarding culture.

3. Case Management, Recording and Information Management

• Maintain day-to-day administration, quality assurance and oversight of safeguarding records within RABI's case management system, ensuring information is accurate, timely, complete and compliant with organisational standards.
• Follow up safeguarding recording queries and support colleagues in maintaining high-quality safeguarding records.
• Prepare and provide operational safeguarding information, data, trends and case information to support the Safeguarding Manager in producing monthly, quarterly and annual safeguarding reports.
• Produce clear, evidence-based safeguarding documentation and maintain confidentiality in accordance with information governance requirements.
• Identify emerging safeguarding themes, trends and learning to support continuous improvement of safeguarding practice.
• Monitor safeguarding activity to ensure agreed actions are completed appropriately and within agreed timescales.
• Maintain confidentiality and information governance standards in accordance with organisational policy and legislation.

4. Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Adult and Children's Social Care, Police, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Domestic Abuse Services, counselling providers and other statutory and voluntary sector partners.
• Coordinate safeguarding referrals and information sharing, ensuring referrals are timely, appropriate and well evidenced.
• Represent RABI appropriately within multi-agency safeguarding discussions and maintain effective working relationships that support positive outcomes for beneficiaries.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance and referral pathways across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

5. Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement

• Promote and champion safeguarding practice across all departments, supporting compliance, increasing staff awareness and embedding…