FULL-TIME PERMANENT - SALARY: £75,000

Reporting to: Director of Compliance, Regulation and Quality – Children’s
Protecting children. Shaping services. Leading with purpose and ensuring extraordinary days every day.
Throughout CareTech, safeguarding is not a process. It is a value that underpins every decision we make and every action we take. We are now looking for an experienced professional to join us as Children’s National Safeguarding Lead, a critical role that ensures the highest standards of safeguarding across our residential, fostering and education services.
This is a national leadership role with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. If you are passionate about raising standards, driving change and improving outcomes, this could be the next step in your career.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a confident and knowledgeable safeguarding professional who can work both strategically and operationally. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Level 7 safeguarding qualification or equivalent (essential)
• Qualified Social Worker status (essential)
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding legislation, frameworks and regulators including Ofsted, CIW, Estyn and Education Scotland
• A track record of working in senior safeguarding roles within children’s social care, fostering or education
• Experience of developing policy, delivering training and supporting service improvement
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust and influence others
• A calm, reflective approach to complex safeguarding issues and incidents

You will be someone who leads with integrity, listens with empathy and acts with confidence.

As our National Safeguarding Lead, you will be the subject matter expert for safeguarding across our children’s services in England, Wales and Scotland. Working closely with senior operational, clinical and support colleagues, you will take ownership of our safeguarding strategy, practice and governance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development and implementation of a national safeguarding strategy and framework
• Monitoring compliance and quality through data analysis, audits and on-site reviews
• Acting as the organisation’s safeguarding lead for serious incidents and investigations
• Delivering learning, supervision and guidance across all levels of the workforce
• Representing CareTech at safeguarding partnership boards and strategic forums
• Influencing internal policy and ensuring it aligns with legislation and best practice
• Supporting children directly by strengthening their understanding of safeguarding

This is a home-based role with frequent travel across the UK. Flexibility and autonomy are essential.