Head of Safeguarding & Partnerships

Salary: 50,000 - 60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9am-5pm)
Location: Leeds (with some travel required)

We are recruiting an experienced Head of Safeguarding & Partnerships to join a values driven organisation supporting vulnerable individuals, including survivors of domestic abuse, modern slavery, refugees and asylum seekers.

This is a senior leadership role providing strategic oversight, expert safeguarding leadership and partnership development across multiple services and regions.

As Head of Safeguarding & Partnerships, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, working closely with the CEO, Executive Directors and Director of Operations. You will act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding practice, compliance with legislation and continuous improvement across all services.

You will also lead on strategic partnerships, working collaboratively with local authorities, commissioners, statutory agencies and third-sector partners to deliver high-quality, safe and effective services.

• Provide strategic leadership and organisational oversight of safeguarding across all services

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for adults and children

• Lead on serious incidents, safeguarding concerns and investigations

• Develop, review and embed safeguarding policies, procedures and governance frameworks

• Manage and strengthen strategic partnerships and represent the organisation at boards and multi-agency forums

• Oversee partnership agreements, performance and risk management

• Line manage a current team of 7, including safeguarding and out of hours staff

• Ensure staff receive appropriate safeguarding training, supervision and support

• Use data, audits and learning to drive continuous improvement

• Deputise for the Director of Operations when required

• Participation in an on call rota once per month for a week, should an emergency arise

• Occasional travel to safe houses in Leeds and Bradford

• Occasional Travel to Hull for partnership and outreach meetings

You will have extensive experience in safeguarding leadership within a regulated or complex environment and a strong understanding of working with vulnerable individuals, including survivors of modern slavery, domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse, refugees and asylum seekers.

You will be:

• An experienced safeguarding leader with designated safeguarding and partnership experience is essential

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in social work, Police, health, housing, public services, education or a related field

• Confident representing an organisation at senior multi-agency forums

• Emotionally intelligent, resilient and approachable

• A strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills

• Passionate about safeguarding, partnership working and continuous improvement

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

• Pension scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Staff rewards and wellbeing support

• Free on site parking

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Enhanced DBS check required

• Right to work in the UK essential

This is a rewarding opportunity for a senior safeguarding professional looking to make a meaningful impact within a mission-led organisation.