Head of Safeguarding

Job Title: Head of Safeguarding

Location: Remote with occasional travel to our sites and offices.

Salary: Upto £60,000 PA

Driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential

Be a Champion for Children: Head of Safeguarding

There's nothing more rewarding than helping someone believe in themselves and have the confidence to celebrate their own uniqueness and achieve success that is personal to them.

At Horizon, we live up to our values, and we value our people. We are proud to be one of the most innovative providers of young people's residential care and education in the UK.

Are you a passionate and experienced safeguarding professional ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people?

We're seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to head up our safeguarding function. This is a pivotal role where you'll shape our safeguarding strategy, champion a culture of safety, and ensure we're at the forefront of best practice.

What you'll do:

Lead the way: Develop and implement a cutting-edge safeguarding strategy aligned with national legislation (Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children) and foster a proactive safeguarding culture throughout the organisation.
Be the expert: Provide expert advice and guidance on complex cases, acting as a key point of escalation and liaising with external agencies (police, local authorities, LADO) when necessary.
Drive compliance: Ensure our policies, procedures, and practices are robust, up-to-date, and effectively implemented. Monitor compliance, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement.
Empower our staff: Collaborate with our learning and development team to deliver engaging and effective safeguarding training. Mentor and support our Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Build partnerships: Forge strong relationships with external safeguarding partners and represent the organisation in external forums and inspections.
Shape the future: Integrate safeguarding into all strategic and operational decisions, ensuring it's at the heart of everything we do.What we're looking for from you:

At least three years' experience in social work, safeguarding or a related field
A qualification in social work or a related field
Advanced training and qualifications in safeguarding, with a commitment to continuing professional development
Comprehensive understanding of current safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance in England including, but not limited to, Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children
Strong track record of working with regulatory frameworks and inspection processes (e.g., Ofsted)
Experience of managing safeguarding and child protection cases in a children's social care or education setting
Proven leadership experience, with the ability to influence and inspire teams
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all stakeholders including children, families and other professionals
Excellent report-writing and presentation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on risk management and decision-making
To be professional curious and non-judgmental, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalismWhy work for us?

Access to Tastecard, Bluelight card and MyGym discounts
Real Living Wage employer
Competitive pay rates
Christmas bonus
Generous Refer a Friend Scheme
Financial wellbeing service
Life Assurance
Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
Ongoing training and professional development plus High quality CPD opportunities
Comprehensive induction programme including face-to-face training, online modules, shadowing, and local induction period.
Face-to-face therapeutic training and support for all colleagues via our SHINE programme.
Employee assistance programme - free, confidential support.
Looking after your wellbeing - supporting you need to feel good about what you do. We're in this together.
Supportive management and senior leaders.

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