We are a monastic island off the coast of Pembrokeshire but also a thriving commercial business welcoming over 50,000 people per year to visit the island. The island has 35 residents including 8 Cistercian monks and an estate of 22 houses, the Abbey, retail units, a retreat centre, a chocolate factory, a farm and extensive grounds.

Our community and employees are deeply committed to upholding safeguarding, dignity and well-being of all members, visitors and staff.  We seek a dedicated and compassionate safeguarding lead who shares our values and is experienced in safeguarding practices, especially in a faith-based setting and following Wales safeguarding procedures and practices.

Remote working predominantly (occasional on-site working required)

Part time - 12 hours a week

Rate of pay - £35,000- £40,000 pro rata (depending on experience)

Start date – TBC

Interview date - TBC

Qualifications and skills

·      Qualified social worker with proven experience in safeguarding

·      In depth knowledge and understanding of national safeguarding laws, policies and practices.

·      Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive situations with care and discretion.

·      Excellent IT skills to manage our comprehensive online safeguarding system.

·      Strong interpersonal and communication skills

·      Familiarity with risk assessment procedures and a practical approach to identifying potential safeguarding issues.

Personal qualities 

·      Ability to work independently and feedback to the Caldey island safeguarding Committee.

·      Compassionate, trustworthy, resilient with a commitment to foster a safe and respectful environment.

Please see job description for more detail on the role.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your experience and motivation for applying for this role to the Caldey Island manager (email)

tim@caldey-island.co.uk

Please ensure you include 2 references as these will need to be obtained before interview.

Applications will be accepted until midday Friday 29th November 2024 

Caldey Island Estate is committed to promoting an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals who are committed to safeguarding and our values.

Job Description

Overview
The overall aim of the Designated Safeguarding Lead is to make an effective and efficient contribution to promoting a culture of safeguarding on Caldey Island (in line with the laws of England and Wales and national safeguarding policies of the Catholic Church) by: 

·       securing the implementation of an effective strategy for a safe environment for all, and especially children and adults at risk, with an emphasis on raising awareness and identifying and sharing good practice, 

·       arranging for a suitable procedure and action for dealing legally and appropriately with relevant allegations of abuse (by means of a speedy and efficient process fitting with the law of Wales and canon law and natural justice).

·       Arranging support services for victim/survivors and advocacy services where apporopriate

Role description:
Lead on, managing and reporting to the Safeguarding Sub-committee (SSC) by:

·       servicing the efficient and effective working of the SSC by coordinating action and resources in relation to relevant safeguarding matters (including acting as a focal point for the receipt and appropriate transmission of all safeguarding information; and the reporting and appropriate dealing with incidents) and by providing full information and advice to the SSC and servicing its periodic meetings; and

·       discharging the responsibilities and engaging in the activities specified in the headings of the performance objectives as part of the SSC’s strategy for safe environments in line with national policies.

Performance objectives

1. Ensure that all appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service procedures are duly and promptly completed and members of the monastic community, employees, tenants and volunteers are safely recruited. 

Key results and performance indicators:

·       maintenance of all records in accordance with national standards

·       fluent and timely processing of DBS forms and procedures in accordance with national standards

·       prompt and timely referrals to the SSC and the statutory authorities.

2. Appropriately deal with cases of alleged misconduct by the monastic community or employees or Islanders and visitors to the Island:

·       advise on best practice in managing abuse allegations legally and fairly

·       arrange and co-ordinate (with ecclesiastical and civil authorities, as appropriate, ensuring effective liaison with police and statutory services) the investigation, response, and facilitation of appropriate action (ensuring the safety of the community) particularly in relation to (a) accused; (b) victim(s); (c) others impacted;   

·       ensure the Abbot and the Safeguarding Trustee receive full information, with recommendations, with regard to relevant incidents 

·       ensure the provision of appropriate advice on the effects of abuse on families and individuals and how best to ensure the pastoral care of anyone affected by abuse

Key results and performance indicators:

·       timeliness of prompt reporting and discussion with line manager, the Abbot and Safeguarding Trustee

·       timeliness of liaison with police and statutory authorities concerned

·       effective response to (a) individual accused (b) affected individual(s) and (c) alleged victim (in all cases in accordance with national standards)

·       timely preparation of case notes on MyConcern in proper form duly signed and processed 

3. Make appropriate arrangements for Monastic members known or accused with some appearance of credibility of having abused children or adults at risk, including the commissioning of risk assessments. Arrange individual Safeguarding Plans (define safe boundaries and identify support groups for offender) in conjunction with the statutory authorities as necessary.

Key results and performance indicators:

·       timeliness of prompt reporting and discussion with line manager, Abbot and Safeguarding Trustee

·       timeliness and appropriateness of liaison with all to be involved in safeguarding plans or oversight arrangements

·       timeliness and appropriateness of liaison with any necessary statutory agencies

·       promptness and accuracy of documentation and records in accordance with national standards

4. Liaise with local children’s safeguarding board in Pembrokeshire and the West Wales safeguarding Board where appropriate.

Key results and performance indicators:

·       timeliness of prompt reporting and discussion with line manager/safeguarding trustee of any relevant liaison

·       accuracy, timeliness and appropriateness of any relevant liaison 

·       promptness and accuracy of documentation and records 

5. Ensure that visits to Caldey Island by groups such as schools and/ or adults at risk are conducted safely by and for all involved, as appropriate.

Key results and performance indicators:

·       timeliness of vetting of leaders and volunteers

·       production or inspection of safe procedures for implementation by visiting groups

·       accuracy, timeliness and appropriateness of targeted advice and assistance 

·       promptness and accuracy of documentation and records 

6. Administration – maintain an IT Solution/MyConcern to meet additional standards of record keeping for case work and for the management of volunteers.

7. Advise on and implement an action plan in response to the recommendations of the Independent Review

8. Maintain, disseminate and ensure the effective implementation of safeguarding policy, strategies and work plans on Caldey Island by all appropriate means including publications and maintenance of pages on the website, including facilitating and coordinating on-going training resources for the monastic community, islanders and the workforce and volunteers and on-going monitoring of the same.

·       maintenance of relevant information in accessible form for all users on the website

·       providing and coordinating a programme of on-going training

·       describing and disseminating examples of best practice in safeguarding

Key results and performance indicators:

·       maintenance of a clear and up-to-date website and direction to other e-facilities

·       number of training sessions held in period

·       number of attendees at training sessions

9. Prepare and respond and be the key liaison with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency for Auditing and other purposes.

10. In addition to the above you may from time to time be expected to undertake other duties to meet the needs of the Caldey Abbey.

The post-holder will be required to undertake quarterly formal performance reviews with the post-holder’s line manager producing evidence of achievements in accordance with the foregoing job description and performance plan. 

The Safeguarding Sub-committee
The Caldey Abbey Safeguarding Sub-committee (SSC) is accountable to the Abbot and Trustees.  It has a variety of functions at strategic level to fulfil what is broadly a two-fold purpose of (a) securing an effective strategy for safe environments in line with national policies and (b) arranging for suitable procedures and actions regarding allegations against monastic members, islanders, volunteers, employees, visitors.

It is within the remit of the SSC to:

·       receive all safeguarding information 

·       formulate and implement strategies and work plans to raise safeguarding awareness and training and continually monitor the same; 

·       co-ordinate inquiries into relevant incidents and ensure the Abbot receives full information with recommendations, and also advise on the effects of abuse and how best to ensure the pastoral care of any affected by abuse.

Ø  arrangements (including the commissioning of risk assessments) for monastic members known to have, or accused with some appearance of credibility of having, abused children or adults at risk;

·       ensure effective liaison with police and statutory agencies in relevant cases;

·       make effective contributions to local, national policies and practice. 

The practical day-to-day implementation of this work is usually in large measure effectively delegated by the SSC to the Safeguarding Lead who is responsible to and reports back to the Committee.

 References and Safer Recruitment
 ·     Two professional references are required.

·     References should confirm professional and personal knowledge, skills and abilities as referred to above.

·     This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure by the Disclosure & Barring Service.

Other Information
 ·     This position is subject to completion of an initial probationary period of 6-12 months.

·     A driving licence and access to a vehicle will be required along with the ability to travel to Caldey Island.  Travel expenses are paid at agreed national rates.