Job Description

Job Advert: Safer Recruitment Officer

Parish of Church St Helens, Merseyside

Location:

St Helens, Merseyside

Contract:

Part-time, 20 hours per week

Salary:

12.60 per hour

Responsible to:

Support Services Manager

About Us

Church St Helens is a large, active single parish within the Diocese of Liverpool, serving a diverse and vibrant community. Our church is home to worship, pastoral care, community outreach, and children's and youth activities throughout the week.

We are committed to ensuring that all who engage with our church -- whether as staff, volunteers, or visitors -- do so in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. To help us achieve this, we are seeking a Safer Recruitment Officer to lead on the implementation and oversight of safer recruitment practices across the parish.

About the Role

The Safer Recruitment Officer will ensure that all recruitment and vetting processes for staff and volunteers meet the standards set out in the Church of England's Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance (2021).
This includes managing DBS checks, references, role descriptions, and training records for everyone in positions of trust or responsibility.

The role also supports the wider safeguarding function of the parish -- including taking minutes at subcommittee meetings and, once trained, assisting with parish-based safeguarding training delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Implement and oversee all aspects of safer recruitment for paid staff and volunteers within the parish. Ensure compliance with Church of England and Diocese of Liverpool safeguarding guidance. Maintain accurate and secure records of DBS checks, references, and recruitment documentation. Liaise with the Support Services Manager, Parish Safeguarding Officer, and PCC to ensure that safer recruitment policies are applied consistently. Monitor and renew DBS checks in accordance with diocesan policy. Support line managers and ministry leaders through each stage of recruitment, from advertising roles to induction. Take minutes and maintain accurate records of Safeguarding Subcommittee meetings, ensuring follow-up actions are tracked and implemented. Undertake "Train the Trainer" training (as provided by the Diocese of Liverpool) to enable them to deliver parish-based safeguarding and domestic abuse training modules for staff and volunteers. Provide reports to the PCC and safeguarding committee as required. Assist with safeguarding audits and respond to diocesan requests for information. Promote a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability throughout the parish community.

Person Specification

Essential:

Understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment principles. Excellent administrative and record-keeping skills. Strong attention to detail and confidentiality. Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with a range of people. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, ChurchSuite, and SharePoint. Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Desirable:

Experience in HR, safeguarding, or volunteer management. Familiarity with the Church of England's Safer Recruitment & People Management Guidance (2021)*.
Knowledge of DBS processes, GDPR, and record-keeping in a safeguarding context. Experience taking minutes or providing administrative support to committees.
We Offer

A supportive parish environment with a strong commitment to safeguarding. Full training and support in church safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures. Opportunity to complete Diocese of Liverpool Train the Trainersafeguarding course. Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm (20 hours per week). The opportunity to play a key role in ensuring a safe and welcoming church community.

How to Apply

To apply, please

email recruitment@churchsthelens.org

and request an

application form

. Completed applications should be returned to the same email address.

Applications close:

1st November 2025

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: 12.60 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime
Work Location: In person