Safeguarding Children Advisor

Job Summary:

This role involves leading and supporting high-quality safeguarding practice across the Trust, ensuring staff are equipped to identify and respond to risks to children and young people. Working closely with safeguarding leads, the post holder will provide expert advice, contribute to the management of complex cases, and collaborate with partner agencies to ensure effective, coordinated responses.

The role also focuses on improving standards through training, audits, and implementing learning from reviews, while contributing to reporting and governance processes. It requires strong safeguarding expertise, excellent communication and influencing skills, sound judgement under pressure, and the ability to build effective working relationships. The ideal candidate will be organised, resilient, and able to work both independently and as part of a team to drive continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

About South West NHS Trust:

Expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

Skills/Experience Required:

Essential

• Educated to degree level in relevant discipline e.g. Registered Social Work qualification, RGN, RMN, OT, psychology
• Current professional registration in relevant clinical subject/practice e.g. RMN, OT, Social Work, psychology
• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
• Competent IT skills

Desirable

• Professional management or leadership qualification at diploma level or above
• Project Management qualification e.g. PRINCE2 foundation level

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable post registration experience of working in a role involving safeguarding children's responsibilities
• Experience of taking a lead on safeguarding children's issues in a service or team
• Experience of working in or with a health provider.
• Experience of working alongside a range of providers, commissioners and Local Authorities.
• Experience of working independently and as part of a team
• Experience of being involved in safeguarding children investigations

Desirable

• Experience of working in Mental Health setting within the NHS
• Experience of writing reports
• Experience of contributing to policy and procedure development and implementation
• Experience of involvement in relevant audit projects
• Experience of developing and delivering teaching and training courses.
• Experience of monitoring and evaluating services.
• Experience of chairing meetings and following up agreed actions.