Named Professional Safeguarding Children

Job summary

An exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic and innovative Children and Adults Safeguarding team within the Directorate of Nursing and Quality Governance in the role of Named Professional - Safeguarding Children.

We are seeking an experienced professional who has strong Safeguarding Children experience to support us on our journey from GOOD to OUTSTANDING, providing first-rate leadership, and shaping our service as we deliver our objectives within our 23/25 Safeguarding Strategy.

As a Safeguarding Named Professional, you would offer first class Safeguarding guidance and supervision across the service for children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.

We are looking for a forward thinking, dynamic change agent - do you think this could be you?

The post holder will be based at Twistleton Court, Dartford but will be required to travel and work across the Kent and Medway NELFT bases. There will be the requirement for occasional travel to Essex and other London boroughs.

The successful candidate will be supporting the Safeguarding Team and will work closely alongside other Named Professionals, the Head of Safeguarding Children and operational colleagues.

This post is offered on a substantive, full-time basis.

Main duties of the job

• You will be required to provide input into NELFT's Safeguarding Advice Service, safeguarding training provision and policy development as well as contributing to the progress of the safeguarding work plan.
• Be responsible for ensuring that NELFT meets its statutory requirements in respect of safeguarding children and young people and Think Family agenda.
• Lead on the development of policies and procedures, implementing national guidance at a local level.
• Effectively coordinate and communicate Safeguarding activity to promote the welfare of children, young people and adults. This will include ensuring coordination of safeguarding children supervision.
• Provide clinical expertise and advice in relation to Safeguarding for all staff in NELFT. The expertise will guide and promote the embedding of the principles of safe practice relating to safeguarding children and young people and Think Family to protect and safeguard children, young people and adults into everyday professional practice.
• Contribute to the Safeguarding improvement agenda across the safeguarding remit.

The responsibilities of the post will include cross organisational and partnership working at both strategic and operational levels, working closely with other agencies to address the safeguarding children and think family agenda, lead on developing a robust training strategy and comprehensive training programme to meet safeguarding educational/training requirements for all staff.

About us

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £1,258 to a maximum of £2,122).

Date posted: 15 April 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum pro rata plus HCAS

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number: 395-CC055-25-A

Job locations: Twistleton Court, Priory Hill, Dartford, DA1 2EN

Job description Job responsibilities

The Safeguarding Advice Service prides itself on working cohesively with internal and external partners to ensure the individuals we serve have the best care, treatment and support.

The successful applicant will have access to specialist supervision, training and support to effectively undertake the role.

If you wish to have a direct conversation regarding this role, please contact the Interim Head of Safeguarding Children and Looked After Children Marina Tudda, marina.tudda@nelft.nhs.uk

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to this when completing your application.

We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Any development needs to help you succeed in the role, can be discussed at the interview stage.

References

Please ensure that the references are from your most recent employer and one of these must be your direct Line Manager or Supervisor. You must provide professional email addresses for all referees as we will contact them as soon as an offer has been made. Please note we do not request references prior to interviews. Additionally, ensure that any gaps in your employment history are clearly indicated. All applications made through NHS Jobs account will be processed by TRAC System. Please note that some emails may go to your spam/junk mailbox so make sure you check this regularly.

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

If you like the sound of working with NELFT, don't waste a moment and apply now!

Person Specification

Skills Essential

• Expert knowledge of current practice relating to safeguarding children/child protection and think family
• Be responsible for ensuring that NELFT meets its statutory requirements in respect of safeguarding children and young people and Think Family agenda
• Effectively coordinate and communicate Safeguarding children activity to promote the welfare of children and young people. This will include ensuring coordination of safeguarding children supervision
• Experience in undertaking complex investigations and critical analysis. Report on findings and outcomes, prepare action

Experience Essential

• Evidence of working across the adult and children safeguarding arena
• Expert knowledge of current practice relating to safeguarding children/child protection and think family
• 5 years + Experience

Desirable

• Safeguarding experience with working with Children and young people who have been or are being managed by the CAMHS Service inpatient and in the community

Qualifications Essential

• NMC/HCPC/Social Work England current registration

Knowledge Essential

• An awareness of NHS long term plan, NELFT Strategies and NELFT Governance structure
• Good knowledge of safeguarding developed through training and/or experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

Address: Twistleton Court, Priory Hill, Dartford, DA1 2EN

Employer's website: https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/