Appendix A - Model role descriptions/person specification for Designated Safeguarding Person
Appendix A – Model role description/person specification for Designated Safeguarding Person
The community’s Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) is the key link between the diocese and the community concerning safeguarding matters.
Person specification
- Willingness and aptitude to undertake the role, attend the relevant training and undertake their own development in the field of safeguarding Ability to challenge in an appropriate, supportive manner
- Ability to challenge in an appropriate, supportive manner
- Able to demonstrate why safeguarding is intrinsic to the Christian faith
- Experience of being able to instigate difficult conversations
- Able to articulate the need for culture change with regard to safeguarding in the Church as a whole, and in particular to their community
- Demonstrate an empathetic and professional attitude when dealing with possible allegations of abuse
Role Description:
- Be familiar with community’s safeguarding policy and how it is implemented in local practice
- Establish positive working relationships with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
- Discuss regularly with the Leader any safeguarding concerns or emerging issues
- Determine which staff need which level of training and liaise with the DSA to ensure this happens
- Have an awareness of all activities involving children and vulnerable adults, keep a record of them and assist with the safeguarding risk assessment of these activities.
- Where appropriate, help the community develop protocols to keep themselves and their visitors safe.
- Be the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns the community may have.
- Help facilitate discussions about what the community sees as a safe culture, what the current barriers are and how they may be resolved.
Download a Word version of the model role description