Volunteer Opportunity: Lead Trustee for Safeguarding

About the Role

Are you passionate about safeguarding and committed to helping create safe, supportive environments where people can flourish? The Bishop’s Council of Trustees is seeking a Lead Trustee for Safeguarding to provide strategic oversight, assurance and advocacy for safeguarding across the Diocese. This important voluntary leadership role offers an opportunity to use your professional safeguarding experience to support the Church’s mission and ensure safeguarding remains at the heart of governance and decision-making. As a member of the Bishop’s Council of Trustees, you will champion a culture of safety, accountability and care, helping to ensure that the Diocese meets its legal, regulatory and ethical safeguarding responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

· Champion safeguarding at trustee level and promote a positive safeguarding culture.

· Provide assurance that safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and Church of England policies are being followed.

· Support trustees in understanding and fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities.

· Review safeguarding reports and help trustees consider safeguarding matters effectively.

· Participate in the trustee subgroup reviewing potential Serious Incident Reports to the Charity Commission.

· Act as a key link between the Bishop’s Council of Trustees and safeguarding partners across the Diocese.

· Support transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

Essential Requirements

· Experience of safeguarding practice within social work, education, healthcare or a similar environment.

· Commitment to the charity’s Christian ethos and safeguarding values.

· Ability to challenge and support constructively at board level.

· Willingness to champion Church of England safeguarding policy and safeguarding codes of practice.

· Knowledge of regulatory requirements in relation to safeguarding including House of Bishops Practice Guidance for DBFs/PCCs: Identifying Safeguarding Serious Incidents and Reporting to the Charity Commission.

· Experience of trusteeship, governance or charity leadership.

Desirable Experience

· Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within a faith-based, voluntary or charitable organisation.

· Familiarity with Church of England safeguarding structures and policies.

Time Commitment

Approximately 4 hours per month, in addition to attendance at meetings of the Bishop’s Council of Trustees. Most duties can be carried out remotely, with occasional attendance at meetings held at Diocesan House, the Bishop’s Office or other diocesan locations.

Training and Checks

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and complete all required Church of England safeguarding training, including the Leadership Pathway and other mandatory safeguarding modules.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with diocesan policy.

To Apply

To apply, please send your CV to our Governance Officer, Rachael Eke (governance@dioceseofnorwich.org) together with a covering letter detailing how your skills and experience to date will equip you to fulfil the principal responsibilities of this role. The full role description can be found here.

Closing Date: Monday 26 August at 9:00

The Diocese of Norwich is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those who engage with the church. We expect all office holders, employees and volunteers to share this commitment.