[Hiring] Head of Safeguarding @Psychiatry UK

Role Description

The Head of Safeguarding is a key leadership role at Psychiatry UK, responsible for ensuring the organisation meets all statutory and professional safeguarding standards. Reporting to the Director of Quality and Safety, managing the Safeguarding Lead and collaborating closely with the Chief Medical Officer, nominated doctors, and operational safeguarding teams, to ensure a robust safeguarding structure, governance arrangements, and effective management processes across all services.

As our Head of Safeguarding you will:

• Lead and motivate colleagues to foster a culture of high-quality safeguarding practices with openness and trust.
• Ensure safeguarding governance and monitoring systems are robust, regularly reviewed, and developed to identify and mitigate risks.
• Provide safeguarding support and professional advice to quality, safety, and clinical leads.
• Represent Psychiatry-UK at external safeguarding meetings and consultations.
• Develop and oversee the safeguarding audit process, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and regulations.
• Hold self and colleagues accountable for delivering consistent, high-quality safeguarding outcomes.
• Provide safeguarding reports to governance and executive committees to demonstrate safety and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards for safeguarding and prepare the organisation for inspections.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative safeguarding practices and training.
• Ensure continuous professional development and up-to-date knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.

Qualifications

• Registered clinician, with current registration with the relevant professional body.
• Relevant degree (Masters or equivalent), ideally in a related field.
• Extensive leadership experience in safeguarding, either in a previous head role or national-level position.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding requirements for both adults and children.
• Management/Leadership qualification and evidence of continuous professional development in safeguarding.
• Proven ability to manage and support staff in a high-pressure, demanding environment.
• Experience overseeing safeguarding quality assurance processes.
• Background in safeguarding, quality, and safety, preferably within the NHS or other relevant sectors.
• Ability to effectively lead safeguarding initiatives, ensuring quality and compliance with standards.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage and support staff in a demanding and often stressful service environment.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to working within teams.
• Proven track record in diplomacy and negotiation, essential for navigating complex safeguarding issues.
• Leadership experience, particularly in safeguarding, reflecting the capacity to oversee quality assurance processes while fostering a supportive, professional environment.
• Evidence of continuous professional development and an ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure effective service delivery.

Benefits

• Health Cash Plan
• Well Hub Subscription
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Volunteering Day
• Enhanced Sickness and Family Leave pay
• Length of Service Bonus
• Work from Home allowance
• Pension options