Head of Safeguarding

Job summary

We especially encourage applications from among professionals with background in adults safeguarding and from among social workers and allied health professionals, to diversify the skill mix in the team.

We aim to recruit applicants with background and significant experience in the field of mental health and learning disability field (MH/LD social worker / AHP / nurse).

We encourage applicants with strong background in operational line management, especially within the safeguarding teams / mental health / learning disability services in Local Authorities or managing safeguarding teams within other NHS trusts.

This role supports the Associate Director of Safeguarding and Legal Affairs in delivering high quality safeguarding assurance across the organisation, in line with local and national legislation and guidance.

Working across both child and adult safeguarding, the post holder will collaborate with internal and external partners to promote safe, effective practice. We welcome applicants who are developing their safeguarding expertise and will provide support to build skills and confidence in specialist areas.

The post holder will act as deputy to the Associate Director of Safeguarding and Legal Affairs when required, provide line management to the Named Professionals and overall operational management of both the Corporate Safeguarding Service and MASH function.

All details are included in the attached job description and personal specification. Should you have any queries reach out to the recruiter.

As a trust we are committed to ensuring staffs wellbeing, providing access to various networks, trust wide mindfulness groups, self-referral physio services, staff counselling. In addition to this you will have access to the Vivup services, Car lease schemes and other benefits.

Date posted: 12 March 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band:
Band 8b

Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full-time

Reference number: 285-6291-CORP

Job locations:
Wolverhampton Civic Centre, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SH

All details are included in the attached job description and personal specification. Should you have any queries reach out to the recruiter.

• Registration with Social Work England, HCPC or NMC
• Minimum 5 years post qualification experience within the mental health services
• Recent (within last 2 years) experience of practice in adult mental health as mental health social worker / OT / nurse
• Extensive (minimum 3 years) experience of line management of team, including sickness management, performance management, etc., within mental health services
• Experience of leading service change and implementing management of change process.
• Experience of developing and managing quality improvement projects and utilising relevant QI methodology.
• Experience of effectively managing budgets and clear understanding of budget management and the delivery of high quality, value for money services.
• Experience of working within an integrated/ multi disciplinary service setting
• Experience of supporting and developing service user and carer involvement and co production.
• Excellent knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding and relevant mental health legislation, and evidence of experience working with these.
• Excellent knowledge of contemporary safeguarding issues and practice across adults and children
• Excellent knowledge of legal and best practice framework related to sexual safety in the work place.
• Excellent knowledge of legal and best practice framework related to support for staff experiencing domestic abuse.
• Excellent knowledge of legal and best practice framework related to carers of patients in the context of mental health services.
• Project management skills
• Ability to prepare and present written briefings to senior leadership
• Ability to communicate effectively and build good relationships with multi-professional groups and multi-agencies
• Able to demonstrate a track record of applying strong analytical skills and laterally thinking to develop creative and innovative service solutions.
• Ability to…