The Cathedral has a particular responsibility to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the Cathedral community. It shares this responsibility with the Diocese of St Albans. This work is wide‑ranging, and the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer (CSO) plays a central role in maintaining good safeguarding practice.
This part‑time role (15 hours per week) becomes vacant as the current postholder retires after four years, with time planned for handover with the person appointed to the role now. The CSO works with senior staff and the governing body to help lead policy development, training, reporting, and compliance with Church of England guidance. They report to the Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care and receive regular professional supervision from the National Safeguarding Team, with occasional networking with other CSOs.
Safeguarding is recognised as a shared leadership responsibility. The CSO meets weekly with senior clergy to review cases and will also work with the newly appointed non‑executive Safeguarding Lead on Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body.
A core part of the role is promoting safeguarding awareness across the Cathedral community and understanding all activities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The CSO provides professional advice on concerns raised, ensuring responses follow law and national policy, and works closely with diocesan and national safeguarding teams on complex cases. They also ensure appropriate support for survivors and proper management of those who pose risk.
About You
The Cathedral is seeking candidates with strong knowledge and professional experience in relation to safeguarding issues and proven experience working collaboratively in teams.
The post will require some flexibility in working patterns and will therefore require occasional weekend working and the ability to respond to urgent cases.
The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification and relevant experience and expertise in child and/or adult protection.
How to apply
If you have questions about the post, please contact the Head of HR, Michelle Ovenden. For further details including an application form and job pack please visit the Cathedral website vacancies page.
Applicants should submit a covering letter and application form (which can be downloaded from the cathedral website) to the Head of HR, Michelle Ovenden
Closing date: 20 February 2026
Interviews (in person): 11 March 2026