Casework Lead and Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

This role offers the opportunity to take a lead position within the Diocese of London s Safeguarding Team, supporting the delivery of safeguarding casework, ensuring high standards of professional practice, and supporting the effective delivery and continuous improvement of Diocesan safeguarding practice.

Reporting to the Head of Safeguarding (Diocesan Safeguarding Officer), the postholder will oversee case management activity and provide leadership to Safeguarding Advisors. It focuses on ensuring safeguarding concerns are managed effectively, with appropriate support provided to victims and survivors, and clear, timely communication across all parties involved. The role also includes deputising for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer when required, and generally supporting the DSO s responsibilities and strategic aims by working closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Job Summary

The Casework Lead-Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer is responsible for overseeing safeguarding casework and supporting the effective management of safeguarding activity across the Diocese. The role includes line management of Safeguarding Advisors, quality assurance of casework, and acting as Deputy to the Head of Safeguarding when required.

Job responsibilities

• Oversee safeguarding casework, ensuring timely progress, appropriate responses and effective communication
• Provide line management and supervision to Safeguarding Advisors, supporting performance and development
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation, government guidance and House of Bishops Code of Practice Guidance
• Act as case manager for complex or high-risk cases where required
• Support quality assurance processes, including risk assessment, safety planning and case reviews
• Deputise for the Head of Safeguarding, providing advice and support to senior leaders and stakeholders

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities.

Person Specification

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social care, criminal justice) with appropriate training in safeguarding
• Extensive experience of safeguarding children and adults, including case management and statutory processes
• Experience managing or supervising professional staff
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, policy and best practice
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive information and assess risk
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to work sensitively with victims, survivors and those subject to allegations
• Empathy with the mission and values of the Church of England
• Right to work in the UK
• This role requires an enhanced DBS check

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification.

About the London Diocesan Fund

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocese of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway.

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.

Safeguarding

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The Diocese is similarly committed to listening to, supporting, and working with victims and survivors of abuse. As such, a victim/survivor will be invited to support the current recruitment process.

Benefits of working with us

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

Our Mission and Values

At the London Diocesan Fund, our mission is:

To support, serve and resource all parts of the Diocese of London in enabling every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ.

Our values shape how we work, make decisions, and support one another. We are looking for someone who reflects these in their approach:

Confident- We work with clarity, competence and discipline to make timely, transparent decisions that benefit those we serve.

Compassionate- We act with empathy, dignity and fairness, placing people at the heart of our work and responding with care.

Creative- We approach challenges with openness and curiosity, creating space for new ideas and better ways of working.

Connected- We communicate openly so everyone experiences one joined-up LDF, where relationships and collaboration shape how we work.

To apply:

Submit your application and CV online via Pathways. Please refer to the person specification and Job Description when you are answering the application questions.

For more details, please see the full Job Description and Person Specification or visit the LDF Careers Page.