A Safeguarding Officer ensures the protection of children and vulnerable adults by implementing policies, handling concerns or reports of abuse, and promoting a safe, supportive environment for all individuals. What difference will you make? By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Safeguarding Officer ensures that V.L.A.D. Outreach CIC provides a secure and supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health support. This role is crucial in maintaining public trust and upholding the organisation's reputation as a safe and ethical provider of services. What are we looking for? Essential Skills & Experience Proven safeguarding experience in mental health or social care In-depth knowledge of safeguarding laws and best practices Strong communication and interpersonal skills Experience delivering training and supporting staff/volunteers Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality Desirable Attributes Qualifications in safeguarding or related fields Experience in risk assessments and incident management Commitment to continuous professional development What will you be doing? The Safeguarding Officer is a key figure in promoting a culture of safety and respect within V.L.A.D. Outreach CIC. Through effective policy implementation, training, and incident management, this role contributes significantly to the organisation's mission of delivering compassionate and safe mental health support to those in need. Key Responsibilities Risk Assessment and Management Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding concerns. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks, ensuring a proactive approach to safety. Incident Management Act as the primary point of contact for reporting safeguarding concerns. Ensure that all incidents are documented accurately and addressed promptly, in accordance with established procedures. Collaboration and Liaison Work closely with safeguarding team, external agencies, including local authorities and safeguarding boards, to ensure a coordinated response to safeguarding issues. Monitoring and Reporting Regularly review safeguarding practices and outcomes, providing reports to the management team (clinical lead and health and safety team). Highlight trends and areas for improvement to enhance service delivery. Person Specification Essential Skills and Experience Proven experience in safeguarding within a mental health or social care setting. In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practices. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Providing support to staff and volunteers. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. Desirable Attributes Relevant qualifications in safeguarding or related fields. Experience in conducting risk assessments and managing safeguarding incidents. Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated on safeguarding issues.