Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Peterborough Diocese JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (ADSO)

Main purpose of job: As a key member of the Safeguarding Team, the Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer supports Parishes and the Diocese with safeguarding activities, whilst providing advice and guidance to ensure that the Diocese of Peterborough continues to be a safe place to live, worship and work.

The Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer will be a dynamic and compassionate individual with responsibility for a caseload which is managed in line with the law, national statutory guidance and policy set by the House of Bishops and National Church of England Safeguarding Team.

Department: Safeguarding

Location: Peterborough Diocesan Office with travel required across the Diocese, including occasional work at the Northampton Office. Hybrid working is supported

Position reports to: Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DDSO)

Position is responsible for: N/A

Length of contract: Permanent.

Salary:£40,000.

A. Safeguarding casework:

• Undertake safeguarding casework on behalf of the Diocese of Peterborough and ensure all work is conducted in adherence to the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and guidance.
• Manage, investigate, lead and conclude designated cases. This includes where allegations are made against Church Officers in adherence to the House of Bishops safeguarding policy and guidance.

B. Risk assessment and monitoring:

• Undertake risk assessments on offenders and those that may pose a risk who want to worship, volunteer or work in churches across our Diocese.
• Compile Safeguarding Agreements in relation to those where a risk is identified; monitor and review these as necessary in collaboration with the parish and statutory agencies.
• Complete risk assessments of individuals with disclosures on their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates.

D. Safeguarding support, advice and promotion:

• Ensure appropriate pastoral support is arranged for those affected by abuse and/or safeguarding situations as appropriate. Commit to responding well to those who have experienced abuse.
• Offer guidance and advice to parishes on their safeguarding enquiries and referrals. Promote good safeguarding practice at all times.
• Work collaboratively to support Parish Support Officers (PSOs) in their parishes and promote good safeguarding practice.

E. Partnership and multi‑agency working:

• Form and maintain productive, professional relationships with parishes, clergy, senior clergy, parish volunteers and PSOs.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies, both statutory and non-statutory, to ensure that there is an effective safeguarding response to children and vulnerable adults.
• Work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team and attend national events and activities as applicable.

G. Information management:

• Ensure that the principles of GDPR, confidentiality, health and safety and safeguarding are adhered to in all aspects of your work.
• Maintain accurate records of safeguarding activities on the My Concerns database in accordance with recording protocols and good practice guidance.

H. Deputising and professional development:

• Deputise and provide cover for other staff in the Safeguarding Team as necessary.
• Engage in professional supervision as part of the Diocese’s commitment to staff welfare.
• Commit to continuous professional development and undertake training to maintain an up-to-date understanding of national and local safeguarding policies and best practice. Share and apply this knowledge across the Safeguarding Team and Diocese.
• Work collaboratively with the Safeguarding Team and wider colleagues and undertake other such duties, commensurate with the role, that may be required by the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer or other senior staff.

This job description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. The role may evolve in line with diocesan priorities, national safeguarding developments, and organisational need.

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Assessed at:

• Relevant Professional qualification or…