Job Title: Head of Safeguarding Department: Safeguarding Department Responsible to: Financial Secretary Salary Grade: E5 £47,877 - £58,344 per annum (under review) Hours: 37.5 hours per week MAIN FUNCTION OF JOB Contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) through the delivery of the duties outlined. Be an active member of the General Assemblys staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions and assisting in the development of strategies and plans for the delivery of its agreed objectives in a manner in keeping with the Christian ethos of PCI. Lead the operational safeguarding function, supporting PCIs work to ensure that the safeguarding of children and adults is at the heart of all that it does. In consultation with relevant senior officers, the Safeguarding Development Committee and the Safeguarding Supervision Panel: Take the lead role in development, implementation and reviews of Safeguarding governance arrangements, policies, procedures and guidance Make recommendations about performance and resource needs Manage PCI safeguarding services within agreed budgetary parameters Co-ordinate the implementation of decisions of the General Assembly and carry forward delegated responsibilities Ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement across all aspects of Safeguarding operations Take lead responsibility for professional development and practice within the safeguarding programme of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in keeping with its Christian ethos. Oversee the development, delivery, facilitation, promotion and engagement of PCI safeguarding training for relevant PCI leaders and other relevant individuals. Take the lead role in coordinating PCIs response to all major safeguarding concerns, incidents, complaints and disclosures within or related to any church or ministry within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. About The Role RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES A. Strategic and Practice Lead the development, implementation and review of safeguarding policy, associated procedures and good practice across PCI, liaising with Presbyteries and individual congregations as appropriate and in line with PCIs ethos Ensure that robust processes are, and remain, in place for Access NI and National Vetting Bureau checks for congregations, and ensure adherence to legislation and relevant codes of practice for such checks. Provide assurance to relevant senior officers that PCIs Safeguarding service is fit for purpose, including by cooperating with and facilitating internal and external audits. Represent PCI in engagement with relevant regional safeguarding bodies in Ireland and Northern Ireland, reporting on PCIs safeguarding performance, and advise relevant senior officers about any changes to PCIs policies, practices, guidance or strategies that may be required in the light of developing regional or national legislation and policies. Represent PCI in more complex formal safeguarding and regulatory meetings with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Garda Siochana in the Republic of Ireland; with HSC Trusts, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Northern Ireland. Develop and maintain strong external working relationships including those with other faith-based organisations, voluntary and other 3rd sector organisations to promote and develop an agile, cohesive and seamless service. B. Advising and Reporting 7. Act as reporting officer to Social Services, the PSNI and Garda Siochana in relevant situations. Ensure that appropriate and timely advice is provided to Ministers, Congregations, Presbyteries, other leaders, Councils and PCI staff on safeguarding issues. In conjunction with PCIs Data Controller, ensure that records relating to safeguarding matters are completed contemporaneously and retained in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out, agreements set in place and reviewed, guidance given to all parties in situations where there may be concerns about individuals attending church. Ensure that appropriate and timely appointment guidance and advice is provided to congregations based on disclosures from Access (NI) and National Vetting Board. Provide advice on management of more complex potential and actual safeguarding situations to PCI staff and leaders, based on in-depth understanding of legislation, standards, good practice guidance, understanding of conflicting risks and responsibilities, and experience. Ensure that team safeguarding practice is reflective, evidence-based, trauma informed, robust, transparent and can be upheld in the case of challenge. C. Communicating and Representing Represent PCI to relevant external bodies, as agreed with relevant senior officers Ensure that arrangements are in place for the voices of victims, survivors, families, and others involved in safeguarding concerns to be heard in PCIs safeguarding work. Liaise with any external reviews or safeguarding practice forums as required. D. Training and Supervision Develop and lead a PCI-wide training and awareness-raising strategy that will guide and embed the denominations safeguarding work through Presbyteries, individual ministers, congregations and Designated Persons. Lead, supervise and build a responsive team of Safeguarding practitioners to provide a high quality service that enhances safety across the denomination. Be responsible for the professional development of staff in the Safeguarding Team. Engage positively with own internal and external supervision and both identify and meet any identified development needs. E. General Be involved in relevant aspects of the work of Councils of the PCI General Assembly, including attendance at events, as required. Liaise with the PCI Councils in relation to the effective delivery of the safeguarding programme across congregations and other areas of PCIs ministry as required. Contribute to the overall organisational effectiveness and to perform any other duties as deemed appropriate by relevant senior officers in line with the requirements of the General Assembly. Required Criteria A professional Social Work qualification AND registered on the appropriate part of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) register, without condition; OR A first level registered Nurse on the appropriate part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council register Knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (in particular Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) Appropriate computer skills for database use Minimum of 3 years experience of responding to safeguarding concerns and disclosures Minimum of 3 years experience of staff management in a professional context Experience of supporting individuals and families following disclosure of abuse Experience of delivering safeguarding training Experience of work-related administration and organisation Experience of working on own initiative and being innovative in work practices Experience of effective team working Experience of report writing Experience of contributing of contributing to the development of policies or procedures Experience of upholding confidentiality in practice consistent with a professional code Committed to work within the Christian ethos of PCI Access to a car for work purposes for travel throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland (alternative arrangements that would fulfil the requirements of the role can be considered for applicants with a disability) Available for work outside office hours as the needs of the role may require Evidence of a personal Christian faith in practice and expression, normally demonstrated by active membership of a Christian congregation (the essential nature of this post requires that the successful candidate be a Christian) Desired Criteria Knowledge of PCI structures and congregational life Experience as a voluntary leader within a local church Experience of recruiting, motivating and supporting volunteers Minimum of 1 years experience of planning, delivering and evaluating training programmes Skills Needed About The Company WHAT PCI is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, with over 500 congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. PCI is committed to spreading the Gospel, serving communities, and supporting mission work both locally and globally. PCI provide practical care in through nursing, residential and supported housing, day services and more. Company Culture PCI fosters a culture of faith, service, and community. It values integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, encouraging members to live out their faith through worship, discipleship, and outreach. PCI provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals and families can deepen their faith, contribute to meaningful causes, and build lasting relationships within a vibrant Christian community. Company Benefits Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Annual Rise, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Bereavement leave Salary £47,877.00 - £58,344.00 per year Benefits: Vacation, Paid time off Retirement plan and/or pension Employee Assistance Scheme Perks Card Annual Rise On the job learning