Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

The Diocese of York is the Church of England between the Rivers Humber and Tees, and from the Yorkshire coast westwards to around the A1. We are seeking to Live Christ’s Story (LCS) by becoming more like Christ, reaching people we currently don’t, growing churches of missionary disciples, and transforming our finances and structures.

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic safeguarding professional to join our team. Reporting to our Head of Safeguarding, and working alongside an existing Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, in a team which also includes dedicated training and administrative resource, you will play an important role in supporting parishes to respond well to safeguarding concerns and to promote good safeguarding practice across the Diocese.

As well as handling your own caseload – providing advice, attending safeguarding case management groups (SCMG) and so on - you will help the wider work of building on good practice and further developing our safeguarding culture. As part of the team, you may be asked to contribute to the delivery of safeguarding training as part of our structured programme for staff, clergy, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice, information, guidance, and direction where there are concerns about children and young people and adults where there are welfare concerns or where there may be a risk.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and ensure they are responded to in accordance with House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Guidance, Safeguarding Code of Practice, and other statutory guidelines.
• Undertake effective risk assessments with individuals, utilising national training and tools, including offering relevant support to those persons involved; if needed, implement Church Safety Plans with agreed review points that reflect the assessed risk level. Review existing risk assessments as required.
• Provide advice to PCCs regarding those with convictions or continuing unresolved concerns regarding harm to a child or adult, and support parishes during and after these enquiries.
• Ensure that allegations of abuse are appropriately referred to the statutory authorities, providing appropriate advice and support to survivors and victims of abuse.
• Support the Diocesan Safeguarding Trainer with the delivery of the Diocesan safeguarding training programme.
• Support the Head of Safeguarding to coordinate an annual audit of Parish safeguarding arrangements, utilising a variety of platforms to capture and interpret audited information.
• Building strong, professional relationships with Diocesan and Minster staff, relevant members of deaneries and parishes, the Provincial Safeguarding Adviser, the National Safeguarding Team and with statutory agencies.
• Be a first point of contact for anyone with safeguarding issues, and demonstrate the ability to relate to people across the whole social spectrum and put them at ease by showing pastoral sensitivity and tact where appropriate.
• Maintain complete confidentiality and integrity at all times.
• To participate in an annual review and appropriate continuing professional development, including participation in professional networks extending beyond the diocese.
• To undertake such other duties as reasonably requested.
  
  
  

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience of managing safeguarding casework and investigations, including thorough recordkeeping.
• Relevant professional qualification / registration or equivalent, up-to-date knowledge, and trained to level 4 in child and / or adult protection.
• Strong written communications skills, including the ability to provide clear written guidance, and to write reports.
• Strong verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including the ability to give clear advice in person and by phone, and to work well with a wide range of people.
• High level of professionalism with the ability to demonstrate discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential issues.
• Ability to understand and respond to the needs of victims and survivors of abuse whilst coordinating the provision of appropriate support where required.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain administrative systems relating to planning events, managing bookings and record keeping.
• Ability to work with quality assurance processes.
• Good IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
• Good networking skills, and an ability to work effectively with internal and external partners including statutory agencies including Police, Probation, and Social Care.
• Self-motivated and well-organised; able to work to a high standard with minimum supervision, and use initiative to solve problems.
• Empathy with the Christian faith, and able to work effectively within a Church of England context.
  
  
  

Though not essential, the ideal candidate would benefit from having:

• An understanding of the current Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework from the National Safeguarding Team.
• Experience of working in or with faith based and/or volunteer dependent organisations.
• An understanding of Church of England’s culture and structures.
• Own transportation.
  
  
  

The post includes a requirement to travel to meetings throughout, and sometimes beyond, the Diocese when required, and to work flexibly outside of office hours as the needs of the post dictate. Own transport would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a small, supportive team, committed to serving the Church’s mission through enabling and implementing high-quality safeguarding practices across the Diocese. Based at our Clifton Moor office in York, this is a great opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the work of the Diocese.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment. You will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role will be subject to a DBS check.

Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Thursday, 11 December 2025 (midnight)

Shortlisting: Monday, 15 December 2025

Interviews: Wednesday, 7 January 2026 in York