Apply: Safeguarding lead
Background
Bike Worcester is a community cycling campaign group working to make cycling safer, easier and more accessible for everyone in Worcester. We work with residents, volunteers, partner organisations and local decision-makers to promote active travel and safer streets.
As our activities and volunteer base grow, we are strengthening our safeguarding arrangements and are seeking an experienced Safeguarding Lead to guide and support the organisation. Significant progress has been made by many on a voluntary basis and we want to ensure that our processes are fit for purpose as the group grows.
Purpose of the Role
The Safeguarding Lead will take responsibility for developing, maintaining and embedding Bike Worcester’s safeguarding policies. This includes oversight of DBS checks for volunteers.
We are particularly keen to hear from people with safeguarding expertise who can not only administer processes, but also provide informed advice and guidance to the trustees and wider group.
Key Responsibilities
Safeguarding Policy & Practice
Define, maintain and regularly review Bike Worcester’s safeguarding policy and related procedures
Ensure safeguarding practices are appropriate, proportionate and aligned with current legislation and best practice
Act as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns and advise trustees on appropriate responses and escalation
Support a positive safeguarding culture across the organisation, including clarity on roles, responsibilities and expectations
DBS Administration
Manage and administer DBS checks for volunteers, including records, renewals and compliance
Ensure data is handled securely and in line with data protection requirements
Advise trustees on DBS requirements for different roles and activities
Advice & Governance Support
Provide safeguarding guidance to the Bike Worcester trustees to support good governance and risk management
Identify areas where safeguarding arrangements could be strengthened as the organisation evolves
Where appropriate, recommend training, resources or improvements to systems and processes
Other comments
We recognise that safeguarding expertise comes in different forms. Applicants are encouraged to:
Apply jointly with other volunteers if that suits their availability or experience
Suggest refinements or additions to the role scope based on their professional judgement and experience
We are open to shaping the role around the right person (or people).
Skills and Experience
Essential:
Demonstrable experience or training in safeguarding (professional, voluntary or lived experience)
Good understanding of safeguarding principles and best practice
Ability to work sensitively, discreetly and with sound judgement
Confidence advising trustees or senior volunteers
Desirable:
Experience working with volunteer-led or community organisations
Familiarity with DBS processes
Knowledge of safeguarding in settings involving children, young people or vulnerable adults
Values and Approach
We are looking for someone who:
Shares Bike Worcester’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and community engagement
Is pragmatic and proportionate in their approach to safeguarding
Can communicate clearly with volunteers, trustees and partners
Other key information
Location: Worcester (hybrid / flexible working)
Pay: National Living Wage
Hours: Part time and to be agreed as part of the application process - we do not envisage time required to exceed 1 day per month.
Contract length: 12 months
Reporting to: Bike Worcester Trustees
How to Apply
To apply, please e-mail rob@bikeworcester.org.uk with:
A short statement outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role
Your availability and whether you are applying individually or you would prefer to work with others
Any suggestions you may have for how this role could best support Bike Worcester
Applications will be reviewed by the Bike Worcester trustees. The deadline for application is Friday 23rd January.
