Safeguarding & CQC Care Co-ordinator

We are seeking a full-time (37.5 hours) proactive and detail-orientated Safeguarding & CQC Care Coordinator to join our team at Greens Norton & Weedon Medical Practice (GNWMP). This pivotal role involves overseeing the safeguarding responsibilities within the practice, ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care. You will act as a central point of contact for safeguarding concerns and lead on maintaining regulatory compliance, contributing to a safe and efficient environment for patients and staff.

The role is wide-ranging, encompassing supporting the Safeguarding GPs to protect our most vulnerable patients and taking a lead in all activities required by CQC registration and compliance.

Offering 5 weeks annual leave as standard, we are a friendly, supported and efficient team dedicated to providing the best possible care to our patients.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a full-time (37.5 hours) across 4-5 days, Safeguarding & CQC Care Co-ordinator (CC) to work alongside our practice multi-disciplinary team and wider Primary Care Network.

The CC will provide central coordination for safeguarding information and communication to support care planning. The role will involve core responsibility of maintaining consistent protocols regarding safeguarding information and will provide expert advice and support to colleagues once trained.

The post-holder will support the audit and research of safeguarding practice within the organisation and coordinate with the wider safeguarding team within the PCN and locality. They are to disseminate learning to colleagues to improve safeguarding practices and will work within and liaise between the multi-disciplinary team.

Overseeing safeguarding administration, document handling, record management and communication, the CC role will also work alongside the leadership team and all clinicians to achieve CQC compliance and patient services requirement.

About us

About Greens Norton & Weedon Medical Practice - We have circa 14,500 patients across two sites, cared for by an effective, dedicated, and comprehensive primary healthcare team, which includes GPs, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Clinical Pharmacist, Social Prescribers, First Contact Physio, Podiatrist & a supportive Reception/Administration team.

Key points:

• Supportive and collaborative team with a shared desire to provide excellent clinical care
• Training & dispensing, rural practice with 7 partners
• Consistently high QOF achievement
• CQC rating of good
• SystmOne clinical system
• Combining the valued elements of a traditional family practice, with a progressive attitude
• A variety of routine and urgent care work
• Well-equipped facilities in a beautiful environment with countryside views, with both sites easily accessible from the A5

We are part of the Northamptonshire Rural Primary Care Network (PCN) working collaboratively with Saxon Spires Practice, Long Buckby Practice, Byfield Medical Centre and Crick Medical Centre.

We pride ourselves in providing high-quality patient care to our patients which is reflected in consistently high achievement in both patient satisfaction and other care quality indicators and mutually support each other through our day-to-day roles.

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Safeguarding:

• Act as the practice's safeguarding lead/coordinator, supporting the Safeguarding GPs.
• Monitor and manage safeguarding concerns, ensuring timely escalation to appropriate authorities and maintaining accurate records.
• Coordinate safeguarding meetings, case reviews and follow-up actions.
• Keep up to date with safeguarding legislation, guidance and best practices ensuring the team is informed of relevant updates.
• Liaise with external agencies, such as social services, schools and other healthcare providers, to ensure continuity of care.
• Support staff with safeguarding queries and resources.

CQC Compliance:

• Ensure the practice operates in compliance with CQC regulations and standards.
• Maintain and update CQC documentation, policies and procedures, ensuring they reflect current guidance and best practices.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Prepare for and coordinate responses to CQC inspections, ensuring readiness and compliance.
• Promote a culture of quality improvement and patient safety within the practice.
• Support clinicians with the coordination of care for vulnerable patients, including safeguarding, mental health, and complex cases.
• Assist in developing and implementing care plans for at-risk patients.
• Ensure effective communication with patients, carers, and external agencies to deliver holistic care.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information in line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols.
• Support the development of practice-wide training programs for safeguarding and compliance.
• Provide regular reports on safeguarding activity and compliance status to the management team.
• Support other administrative and operational duties as needed to ensure seamless practice operations.

Person Specification

Skills

• Clear, polite telephone manner.
• Access to own transport and ability to travel to both sites and across locality on a regular basis, including to visit people in their own homes.
• Effective time management.
• Ability to use own initiative, discretion and sensitivity.
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously.
• Problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to follow policy and procedure.
• Good knowledge of MS Office and Outlook.

Experience

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proven experience in a healthcare, safeguarding or regulatory compliance role.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance and referral processes.
• Understanding of CQC standards and their application in primary care.
• Experience in a GP practice or primary care setting.
• If successful, you will need to be enrolled in, undertaking or qualified from appropriate training as set out by the Personalised Care Institute in the Workforce Development Framework for Care Coordinators to obtain a level 3 standard (2 day accredited course).

Personal Attributes

• Practice and self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset.
• Empathetic, patient-focused and committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Adaptable and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person-centred support in a non-judgemental way.
• Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity.
• Ability to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.