Safeguarding Manager

Fixed Term 12 months coverage of a secondment

At the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod, safeguarding is more than compliance, it is a fundamental expression of our values and our commitment to creating safe, respectful and inclusive communities.

We are seeking an experienced and courageous Safeguarding Manager to lead our safeguarding function across a diverse and geographically dispersed organisation that includes congregations, schools, colleges, early learning centres, community services and faith communities throughout Queensland.

This is a unique opportunity to influence safeguarding practice at a strategic level while also supporting complex and sensitive case management, investigations and risk-based decision making.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer, you will be responsible for leading safeguarding and persons of concern matters across the Queensland Synod. You will provide expert advice to Executive decision-makers, oversee investigations, strengthen safeguarding culture and ensure robust compliance and assurance frameworks are in place.

You will work closely with congregations, presbyteries, agencies and other Church entities to build capability, improve safeguarding outcomes and support the implementation of best-practice safeguarding standards.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Managing safeguarding and persons of concern matters from initial triage through to investigation, reporting and resolution.
• Providing practical, risk-based advice to Executive leaders on complex safeguarding matters.
• Strengthening safeguarding capability across congregations, presbyteries and Church entities.
• Leading assurance, compliance and reporting activities for Synod governance bodies.
• Developing and delivering safeguarding training, resources and capacity-building initiatives.
• Building strong stakeholder relationships across Queensland and the broader safeguarding sector.
• Leading the Safeguarding Reference Group and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Managing and developing the Safeguarding Officer.

About you

You are a highly credible safeguarding, community services, social work or risk professional with experience navigating complex and sensitive matters. You combine sound judgement, empathy and professionalism with the ability to provide clear advice in high-stakes situations

You will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Services or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, including Child Safe Standards, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Blue Card requirements.
• Experience managing investigations relating to safeguarding, misconduct or vulnerable pesons.
• Understanding of the Royal Commission recommendations and their practical application within organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, educate and build capability across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Exceptional written communication, analytical and reporting skills.
• High levels of integrity, impartiality and professionalism.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference in communities across Queensland. This role and workplace offers:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible work hours
• Hybrid work location
• Free off-street parking at the office
• Employee Culture Club Activities
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading

If you are passionate about strengthening safeguarding culture, supporting vulnerable people and helping organisations navigate complex challenges with integrity and care, we would love to hear from you. Applications reviewed as received.

If you are a culturally &/or linguistically diverse, living with a disability or returning to the workforce after a period of time off raising children, we recognise you are less likely to apply for this position, however we strongly consider those who can meet most of the above and have a great work ethic to formalise their application.

Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod is committed to being a child safe, child friendly organisation and for all children who come into contact with our services we will provide welcoming, safe and nurturing services, prevent child abuse and neglect within our services and appropriately and immediately address child abuse and neglect if it does occur.

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