Safeguarding and EDI Senior Officer

The Safeguarding and EDI Senior Officer will manage and develop Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion systems across ACL and support the implementation of quality standards. Responsible for all aspects of safeguarding, ensuring they are in line with current legislation and arrangements, taking into account the procedures and practice of the local authority, as well as the Department for Education statutory guidance. Providing expert advice and guidance to a range of staff and service users. Investigating reported concerns and acting on them as appropriate.

As a member of the extended leadership team, you will be required to cover for the Duty Manager once a week in a nominated centre, as well as up to 5 evenings a year. Shared out of hours phone cover requirement for "safeguarding phone".

Accountabilities

Acting as Deputy Safeguarding Lead and reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Responsible for support and development of for strategic oversight of the implementation of Equality and Diversity systems across ACL, monitoring through completion and updating of a service Single Equality Scheme and Equality Impact Assessments.

Accountable for the implementation of all quality standards in relation to Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Contribute to timely reporting, monitoring improvement and identifying areas for development, leading to improved practice and outcomes for learners.

Responsible for preparation and service compliance with Ofsted and Matrix requirements, acting as the nominated Safeguarding lead during inspections.

Responsible for promoting positive safeguarding procedures and practice within the organisation; ensuring all staff complete appropriate mandatory training for their role, which is included in the Workforce Development Plan and evaluated. Ensure own and team training is refreshed every 2 years.

Responsible for managing and training a team of Designated Officers, ensuring accurate assessment and prompt action is taken regarding concerns for a vulnerable adult or child protection issue. Providing advice to staff, volunteers, children and young people, vulnerable adults, parents and carers, recording, managing and maintaining secure records of information.

Responsible for collating and interpreting key data in relation to equality and diversity; organising information in a systematic way to ensure it is accessible to senior managers and identifying trends to inform service improvement.

Work collaboratively with partners, maintaining links with appropriate agencies to ensure the best outcomes on safeguarding matters, including attending strategy discussions, inter-agency meetings and Channel meetings when required. Act as the single point of contact for Prevent.

Responsible for ensuring availability of adequate Designated Safeguarding Officer cover to discuss concerns that arise, both during and outside of business hours.

championing wellbeing and creating a culture and environment that promotes positivity and motivation.

Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Educated to level 3 or equivalent and a coaching/mentoring qualification (minimum Level 3).

Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area, with extensive knowledge and experience of safeguarding legislation and guidance.

A developed understanding of the principles and practice underpinning equality and diversity in relation to work with adult learners.

Analytical skills to interpret complex information, identify issues and solutions and write robust reports.

Ability to inspire and gain the confidence and participation of a wide range of stakeholders.

Experience of communicating effectively with partners and service users, with highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to be diplomatic and treat information confidentially.

Proven change management skills, demonstrating a positive attitude to cultural and operational change, is flexible, committed and enthusiastic.

Adult Community Learning (ACL) is ECC's provider of lifelong learning experiences for Essex residents.

ACL offers qualifications to help people move nearer to, enter or progress within the workplace or gain skills to enhance life chances. The service focuses many of its programmes and activities on the hardest to reach communities within Essex. ACL learners have access to a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited courses which encourage creativity, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion and engagement.