Head of Safeguarding

Job Introduction The **Head of Safeguarding** is a high-profile, pivotal role within HCRG Care Group, ensuring the organisation meets all statutory and professional safeguarding requirements and standards. Reporting directly to the **Chief Nursing Officer** and accountable to the **Executive Lead for Safeguarding**, the post holder will work closely with operational safeguarding colleagues to provide expert leadership and support across the organisation. You will drive safeguarding excellence, ensuring the protection of individuals under our care and promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement in safeguarding practices. **This role offers hybrid working between Remote and from our regional offices, with the requirement of occasional national and regional travel.** Main Responsibilities **What you'll do**: - Lead safeguarding practices across the organisation, working closely with the Chief Nurse. - Monitor and enhance the quality of safeguarding through data analysis, audits, and governance structures. - Develop and implement safeguarding strategies, ensuring compliance with national and local policies. - Drive continuous improvement, providing expert advice to safeguarding leads and operational teams. - Represent the organisation in external meetings and consultations on safeguarding matters. - **Registered Nurse** with current **NMC registration**. - **Relevant degree** in a related field. - **Educated to Master’s level** or equivalent experience. - **Substantial experience** in safeguarding at a leadership level, with experience in a Head of Safeguarding or National role. - In-depth knowledge of **safeguarding requirements** for both adults and children. - Completion of a **Management/Leadership course** or qualification. - Proven ability to **influence at a national level** on safeguarding issues. - **Minimum of 5 years of continuous professional development** in safeguarding. - **Effective communicator** with the ability to convey complex and sensitive information clearly. - Strong **diplomacy and negotiation** skills. - Ability to manage and support staff working in **high-demand and stressful environments**. - Experience in **leading and overseeing safeguarding quality assurance** and improvement initiatives. **Desirable Criteria**: - A good **working knowledge of the organisation**. - Experience in **working at a strategic level**. - **Media skills** for communication in public-facing situations. - Strong **time management** skills, with the ability to work to deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively. - **Flexibility** in working patterns to meet role demands. **Other Requirements**: - **Occasional planned travel** to meetings and services as needed for the role. This specification outlines the qualifications, experience, and personal qualities required to excel in the role of **Head of Safeguarding** at HCRG Care Group. About The Company We change lives by transforming health and care. Established in 2006, we are one of the UK's leading independent providers of community health and care services, working with health and care commissioners and communities to transform services with a focus on experience, efficiency and improved outcomes. We deliver and transform adult and children community health services, primary care services including urgent care, sexual health, dermatology and MSK services as well as adult social care and wellbeing services. Across England, we support communities of many millions and directly help more than half a million people each year - guided by our simple values: we care, we think, we do. Package Description Are you passionate about safeguarding and ensuring the protection of individuals under care? Join **HCRG Care Group** as our **Head of Safeguarding**, where you'll provide leadership and expertise, ensuring our organisation meets statutory and professional safeguarding standards. **Why Join Us?** As Head of Safeguarding, you’ll be part of our valued team, receiving access to exclusive rewards and benefits including: - **Salary**: £74,290-£85,601, aligned with NHS pension and Agenda for Change terms. - **Workplace Perks**: Free tea and coffee at your base location. - **My Reward Hub**: Access to discounts on daily purchases, cashback, and vouchers. - **Financial Flexibility**: Access to earned wages, avoiding overdraft fees and high-interest rates. - **Wellbeing Support**: Both online and in-person help for mental and physical health, post-trauma support, and life management assistance. - **Career Development**: Access to eLearning, bespoke career pathways, and CPD opportunities through the 'Outstanding' learning and development team. - **Culture**: An open, just culture fostering innovation and new ideas, supported by £100,000+ annual innovation funding. - **Clinical Standards**: Pride in working for an organization with highly rated services by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with many services rated "good" or "