Safeguarding Training Officer

Job Title: Safeguarding Training Officer

Department: Safeguarding Department

Responsible to: Safeguarding Lead

Salary Grade: E2 £35,109- £42,234 per annum (under review)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

MAIN FUNCTION OF JOB

To contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) through the delivery of the duties outlined.

To support PCI in ensuring full implementation of a robust child and adult safeguarding approach in congregations and presbyteries across Northern Ireland and Ireland.

To lead delivery, and contribute to the design, of PCI’s safeguarding training programme and one-off courses, under the direction and supervision of the Safeguarding Lead.

To assist the Safeguarding Lead in developing and supporting volunteer-led training initiatives

To be an active member of the General Assembly’s staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions within the ethos of PCI.

About The Role

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

A. Strategic and Practice

1.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 PCI’s ethos

2.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.

3.Provide assurance to relevant senior officers that PCI’s Safeguarding service is fit for purpose, including by cooperating with and facilitating internal and external audits.

4.Represent PCI in engagement with relevant regional safeguarding bodies in Ireland and Northern Ireland, reporting on PCI’s safeguarding performance, and advise relevant senior officers about any changes to PCI’s policies, practices, guidance or strategies that may be required in the light of developing regional or national legislation and policies.

5.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.

6.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.

8.Ensure that appropriate and timely advice is provided to Ministers, Congregations, Presbyteries, other leaders, Councils and PCI staff on safeguarding issues.

9.In conjunction with PCI’s Data Controller, ensure that records relating to safeguarding matters are completed contemporaneously and retained in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

10.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.

11.Ensure that appropriate and timely appointment guidance and advice is provided to congregations based on disclosures from Access (NI) and National Vetting Board.

12.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.

13.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

14.Represent PCI to relevant external bodies, as agreed with relevant senior officers

15.Ensure that arrangements are in place for the voices of victims, survivors, families, and others involved in safeguarding concerns to be heard in PCI’s safeguarding work.

16.Liaise with any external reviews or safeguarding practice forums as required.

D. Training and Supervision

17.Develop and lead a PCI-wide training and awareness-raising strategy that will guide and embed the denomination’s safeguarding work through Presbyteries, individual ministers, congregations and Designated Persons.

18.Lead, supervise and build a responsive team of Safeguarding practitioners to provide a high quality service that enhances safety across the denomination.

19.Be responsible for the professional development of staff in the Safeguarding Team.

20.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.

22.Liaise with the PCI Councils in relation to the effective delivery of the safeguarding programme across congregations and other areas of PCI’s ministry as required.

23.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

• Qualification relevant to the duties of the post eg. Social Work, Education, Training or equivalent qualification at Level 7 or above Or Degree level or equivalent qualification and 2 years’ experience in working within child and/or adult safeguarding frameworks
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office (in particular Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding in Northern Ireland OR the Republic of Ireland
• Understanding of adult learning theory
• 1 years’ experience (which can include AYE) in the field of safeguarding children and/or adults in either statutory or voluntary sector
• 1 years’ experience of working within adult or child protection frameworks
• 1 years’ experience of planning, delivering and evaluating training programmes
• Experience and understanding of safeguarding procedures in relation to children and/ or adults
• Understanding of a trauma informed approach
• Experience of work-related administration and organisation
• Experience of effective team working
• Work comfortably within the Christian ethos and structure of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Access to a car and appropriate insurance/other suitable arrangements for travel throughout Ireland
• Available for evening and occasional weekend work as required by the nature of the role

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

£35,109.00 - £42,234.00 per year