Job Description

The Role

The Head of Safeguarding post sits within the General Counsel Directorate. The postholder is responsible for developing safeguarding practice across the Commission including the delivery of a Safeguarding Strategy, the coordination of a duty safeguarding service, matrix management to safeguarding operational points of contact, development and delivery of training and the provision of expert advice and consultation throughout the life of the Commission.

The Commission wide post will engage with all business areas to inform procedures, develop a culture of best practice and support staff across the Commission by providing professional advice to promote the best safeguarding practice and mitigate the risks of harm to people engaging with the Commission.

The postholder will implement Quality Assurance measures to ensure that the safeguarding practice is aligned with the Safeguarding Policy and the Trauma & Resiliency informed Model (TRIM) of practice.

Key Responsibilities

To advise on and implement the Commission's Safeguarding Strategy To ensure all the key components for best practice, TRIM safeguarding are in place and apply learning and improvement principles To quality assure safeguarding practices, implementing a process for assessing practice standards against the Safeguarding Policy and the TRIM. To matrix manage the operational management responsible for safeguarding decision making To lead the investigation of serious allegations and incidents, including implementing lessons learned reviews of such incidents occurring within the Commission. To be the lead professional for any external investigations, such as serious case reviews or domestic homicide reviews. To be responsible for ensuring the organization's safeguarding policy and procedures are up to date, compliant with legislation and guidance and implemented effectively. To inform the development of management information systems which support performance improvement in safeguarding quality and impact. To ensure safeguarding training is in place for all staff and is appropriately monitored by HR To develop additional, bespoke training packages as required, including staff development training for robust and informed practice across different work areas, To support collaboration with other specific work areas including where crimes are suspected and require reporting To support all staff in their delivery and ongoing awareness of safeguarding and safeguarding related matters Ensuring that any safeguarding specific risks are visible to the Executive team and Board To hold the risk of safeguarding on the corporate risk register and to ensure those risks are reviewed and mitigated To work across all areas of the business, ensuring that safeguarding is considered in all policy and practice development. To establish effective communication mechanisms with key colleagues such as those in Intelligence, Investigations, Case Support, TRIM and HR
We are happy to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for an informal conversation about the role and our organisation.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Degree in a relevant field and Safeguarding Accreditation to Level 7 or equivalent qualification (Diploma in Social Work) Registration with a Professional Body, for example the HCPC, Social Work England or NISCC Experience of leadership and management with proven ability to successfully lead teams to achieve agreed goals and objectives Experience leading the development and implementation of safeguarding framework and policy in complex organizations Expert knowledge of relevant UK legislation and government guidance related to children and adults on a UK wide basis Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills, both verbal and written, across a range of internal and external stakeholders. Proven ability to challenge others and deliver safe outcomes for RIs, staff and members of the public Demonstrate the values set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance, if not already cleared.

Desirable Criteria

Experience of working within an organization with a Trauma Informed Approach Experience of working in an organization working in the context of the Troubles/Conflict
We are happy to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for an informal conversation about the role and our organisation. We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.

Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.

Please also provide a statement of suitability (max 1000 words) setting out your key skills and experience against the essential criteria listed in the person specification by no later than 5pm, Monday 28th July 2025 to

recruitment@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk

. Where appropriate, please indicate your location preference for the role - either Belfast or London.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 70,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/07/2025