Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Are you an experienced safeguarding professional?

Do you have the knowledge, skills and experience tosupport our Diocesan Safeguarding Officerin providing professional leadership of safeguarding across the Diocese of Chester?

Alongside the DSO, the Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer plays a key role in ensuring the Diocese delivers effective safeguarding arrangements in line with Church of England policy, statutory guidance and best practice.

The DDSO contributes to the management and development of the safeguarding team, provides appropriate support and advice to parishes in responding to safeguarding and welfare queries,engages in and supervises safeguarding casework, and delivers safeguarding training to clergy and church officers.

The Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is expected to deputise for the DSO in their absence.

Applicants must have a relevant professional qualification or equivalent training and experience (e.g. social work, probation, police) and relevant professional registration where applicable, as well as demonstrating extensive experience of the safeguarding of children and adults and/or managing those with significant offence histories.

The Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer post is based at Church House, Daresbury, with some travel around Chester Diocese, some national meetings and some hybrid working.

The job description, person specification and application form can be downloaded from the Diocesan website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./vacancies

If you wish to have an informal conversation about this role, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: lynn.evertonlican.org

Closing date: 29th November 2026

Interviews: 4th December 2026

The Diocese of Chester is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

An Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.