Safeguarding Manager
The organisation:
The Uniting Church in Australia is a passionate and diverse Christian church, a community of people who are shaped by Jesus' teaching and example. The church in Queensland includes congregations, faith communities, presbyteries, schools and colleges, early learning centres, hospitals, aged care centres and many expressions of mission and community service. We are a multicultural church, committed to reconciliation with First Peoples and social justice for all, seeking to steward our resources wisely in the furtherance of God’s mission in the world.
The Queensland Synod is the state council of the Uniting Church who come together every 18 months for Synod in Session - a meeting to discern together and make decisions for the management of the Synod.
The Office of the Synod’s purpose is to act upon the discernment of the Synod, to enable, equip and encourage a renewing and growing Church across Queensland. We are mission-driven, service-orientated and relationally focussed.
Position purpose:
The purpose of this role is to lead and operate the Queensland Synod’s safeguarding function. The role will take the lead in investigating, responding to, and advising Executive decisions-makers on all matters related to safeguarding and ‘persons of concern’ – including incidents and concerns.
This will involve interviewing children and vulnerable people, preparing investigations plans that provide procedural fairness, collecting appropriate evidence, and providing recommendations to the standard of proof to Executive decision-makers, and providing advice as to how safeguarding incidents should be handled including how the alleged perpetrators should be managed.
The role requires a working knowledge of the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards
The role will be required to undertake all reporting to regulators under the Reportable Conduct Scheme, on behalf of the Synod’s Head of Entity.
The role is also responsible for providing reporting on safeguarding compliance and assurance reporting to Synod governing bodies.
The role will involve training staff and stakeholders, liaising with key stakeholders including congregations, presbyteries and other Synod bodies.
Key responsibilities:
• Respond to all Safeguarding Concerns and provide expert advice including in relation to the application of the Child Safe Standards
• Investigate all Safeguarding Incidents being able to identify which incidents may be reportable under the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• Prepare investigation plans, conduct interviews including with children and vulnerable people and gather evidence related to safeguarding concerns and incidents
• Conduct investigations that provide procedural fairness
• Prepare recommendations to Executive decision-makers regarding how safeguarding concerns and incidents should be managed. Provide practical and fit-for -purpose advice relevant for the Church environment.
• Ensure the Safe Church/Safeguarding/Person of Concern strategy and related frameworks align with relevant legislation and regulations, and that it focuses on safeguarding all vulnerable persons including children, young people, and adults at risk.
• Manage a suite of on-line tools to support safeguarding efforts of a diverse range of audiences
• Conduct annual audits of Registers of Workers, safeguarding training, and screening processes across congregations, faith communities, Presbyteries, and Synod Agencies to ensure robust implementation of safeguarding practices.
• Support and build capacity within Presbyteries, congregations and other entities to administer comprehensive Risk Management Strategies that protect all vulnerable persons, through the provision of shared resources and guidance.
• Liaise with agencies, regulated businesses, colleges, and schools of the Church to monitor and support alignment of their safeguarding strategies with the broader Policy Framework and Safe Church /safeguarding standards.
• Facilitate and support the implementation of safeguarding strategies by Congregational Councils throughout Queensland, providing expert compliance advice and ensuring alignment with State and national legislative compliance and Assembly frameworks/practices and guidelines.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of training frameworks, modules, and documentation tailored for diverse audiences, including volunteers in congregations.
• Engage actively with partner organisations and communities of practice to share knowledge and collaborate and to build a network of support and resources.
• Convene and lead the Safeguarding Reference Group (comprising representatives from entities and agencies across the Synod, meeting at least annually) to promote continuous improvement in safeguarding strategy and resources.
• Work with Synod communications to enure clear, consistent messaging on safeguarding
responsibilities and updates across Congregational Councils, Presbyteries, the Synod office, and other Synod Agencies.
• Develop and implement assurance checks and reports to provide Synod Executive with confidence that safeguarding and persons of concern frameworks are being complied with.
• Maintain a deep understanding of cultural values and behaviours that support safeguarding and consistently model these values in all interactions and leadership practices.
• Uphold the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod, in all professional conduct and relationships with managers, lay staff, ministry agents, clients, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Queensland Synod policies, procedures, and all relevant legislation related to safeguarding and risk management.
• Compliance with Queensland Synod policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Comply with Health and Safety directions and Public Health directions.
• Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent.
• Manage the Insurance and Risk Administration Officer
Key performance indicators:
• Safeguarding and Person of Concern incident reduction. - work with congregations and presbyteries to help codesign risk reduction strategies
• Improvement in Safeguarding and Persons of Concern risk culture and compliance
• Positive relationships and positive feedback from a broad range of stakeholders
• Compliance with Child Safety and other relevant regulations – liaise with congregations and presbyteries and other stakeholders to enhance legislative compliance
• Incident Response management – ensure that incidents are accurately recorded in Protecht, acknowledged and responded to in a timely manner
• Accurate, insightful and well drafted communications and reports
• Comply with delegations of the Office of Synod where delegations have been permanently or temporarily assigned to the position.
• Maintain alignment with the Office of Synod purpose, culture and values (values referenced under additional requirements).
Reporting relationship and delegations:
• This position reports to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer
Selection criteria:
Qualifications and Experience:
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Early Learning, Community Services or another related field
• Bluecard
• 8+ years safeguarding experience
• Strong investigations skills – including experience interviewing children and vulnerable people
• Thorough working knowledge of Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards
• Demonstrated understanding of the recommendations of Royal Commissions and other Government bodies into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and its application across a geographically and culturally diverse faith-based organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate the requirements of safeguarding legislation into policies, processes and tools which resource and support the mission and ethos and training programs of the Uniting Church.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement capacity development strategies, including training and development.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analytical reviews, identify findings and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, timeliness, analytical and focussed on outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing with others and manage competing views.
• Demonstrated ability to act with impartiality and honesty
• Commitment to working within the purpose and values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and adhering to the policies, organisational requirements and processes
Additional requirements:
• Some travel within Queensland
• The successful applicant must be eligible to legally work in Australia and proof of eligibility may be requested.
• Behave in accordance with the values of the Office of the Synod.
Key responsibilities:
• Respond to all Safeguarding Concerns and provide expert advice including in relation to the application of the Child Safe Standards
• Investigate all Safeguarding Incidents being able to identify which incidents may be reportable under the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• Prepare investigation plans, conduct interviews including with children and vulnerable people and gather evidence related to safeguarding concerns and incidents
• Conduct investigations that provide procedural fairness
• Prepare recommendations to Executive decision-makers regarding how safeguarding concerns and incidents should be managed. Provide practical and fit-for -purpose advice relevant for the Church environment.
• Ensure the Safe Church/Safeguarding/Person of Concern strategy and related frameworks align with relevant legislation and regulations, and that it focuses on safeguarding all vulnerable persons including children, young people, and adults at risk.
• Manage a suite of on-line tools to support safeguarding efforts of a diverse range of audiences
• Conduct annual audits of Registers of Workers, safeguarding training, and screening processes across congregations, faith communities, Presbyteries, and Synod Agencies to ensure robust implementation of safeguarding practices.
• Support and build capacity within Presbyteries, congregations and other entities to administer comprehensive Risk Management Strategies that protect all vulnerable persons, through the provision of shared resources and guidance.
• Liaise with agencies, regulated businesses, colleges, and schools of the Church to monitor and support alignment of their safeguarding strategies with the broader Policy Framework and Safe Church /safeguarding standards.
• Facilitate and support the implementation of safeguarding strategies by Congregational Councils throughout Queensland, providing expert compliance advice and ensuring alignment with State and national legislative compliance and Assembly frameworks/practices and guidelines.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of training frameworks, modules, and documentation tailored for diverse audiences, including volunteers in congregations.
• Engage actively with partner organisations and communities of practice to share knowledge and collaborate and to build a network of support and resources.
• Convene and lead the Safeguarding Reference Group (comprising representatives from entities and agencies across the Synod, meeting at least annually) to promote continuous improvement in safeguarding strategy and resources.
• Work with Synod communications to enure clear, consistent messaging on safeguarding
responsibilities and updates across Congregational Councils, Presbyteries, the Synod office, and other Synod Agencies.
• Develop and implement assurance checks and reports to provide Synod Executive with confidence that safeguarding and persons of concern frameworks are being complied with.
• Maintain a deep understanding of cultural values and behaviours that support safeguarding and consistently model these values in all interactions and leadership practices.
• Uphold the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod, in all professional conduct and relationships with managers, lay staff, ministry agents, clients, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Queensland Synod policies, procedures, and all relevant legislation related to safeguarding and risk management.
• Compliance with Queensland Synod policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Comply with Health and Safety directions and Public Health directions.
• Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent.
• Manage the Insurance and Risk Administration Officer
Key performance indicators:
• Safeguarding and Person of Concern incident reduction. - work with congregations and presbyteries to help codesign risk reduction strategies
• Improvement in Safeguarding and Persons of Concern risk culture and compliance
• Positive relationships and positive feedback from a broad range of stakeholders
• Compliance with Child Safety and other relevant regulations – liaise with congregations and presbyteries and other stakeholders to enhance legislative compliance
• Incident Response management – ensure that incidents are accurately recorded in Protecht, acknowledged and responded to in a timely manner
• Accurate, insightful and well drafted communications and reports
• Comply with delegations of the Office of Synod where delegations have been permanently or temporarily assigned to the position.
• Maintain alignment with the Office of Synod purpose, culture and values (values referenced under additional requirements).
Reporting relationship and delegations:
• This position reports to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer
Selection criteria:
Qualifications and Experience:
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Early Learning, Community Services or another related field
• Bluecard
• 8+ years safeguarding experience
• Strong investigations skills – including experience interviewing children and vulnerable people
• Thorough working knowledge of Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards
• Demonstrated understanding of the recommendations of Royal Commissions and other Government bodies into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and its application across a geographically and culturally diverse faith-based organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate the requirements of safeguarding legislation into policies, processes and tools which resource and support the mission and ethos and training programs of the Uniting Church.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement capacity development strategies, including training and development.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analytical reviews, identify findings and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, timeliness, analytical and focussed on outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing with others and manage competing views.
• Demonstrated ability to act with impartiality and honesty
• Commitment to working within the purpose and values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and adhering to the policies, organisational requirements and processes
Additional requirements:
• Some travel within Queensland
• The successful applicant must be eligible to legally work in Australia and proof of eligibility may be requested.
• Behave in accordance with the values of the Office of the Synod.