Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (Deputy DSO)

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (Deputy DSO) supports the Designated Safeguarding Officer in day-to-day safeguarding activities, including the management of concerns, record keeping, and referral to external agencies.

The Deputy DSO acts as a first point of contact for staff and volunteers, ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed and that cases are escalated appropriately to the DSO and external agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Safeguarding

• Support staff and volunteers in recognising, reporting, responding to, and recording safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain accurate, current, confidential, and secure safeguarding records.
• Manage referrals to statutory agencies (children’s/adult social care, police) in consultation with the DSO.
• When appropriate, support staff meeting with at-risk adults to gather information and offer signposting or gain consent for onward referrals.
• Uphold safeguarding culture and standards by contributing to ministry meetings to provide a safeguarding perspective and considerations.
• Support staff induction processes, acting as a point of contact and source of knowledge on safeguarding, assisting staff in accessing or interpreting material, and signposting to internal training and resources.
• Monitor day-to-day adherence to safeguarding policies and culture across activities, escalating concerns promptly to the DSO when identified.

Training & Support

• Provide guidance to staff and volunteers on safeguarding procedures and processes, in line with Soul Church Safeguarding Policy.
• Promote safeguarding awareness and culture, ensuring staff/volunteers know how to contact the DSO and Deputy DSO.
• Attend safeguarding training and refreshers as required to maintain and update current knowledge.
• Meet with DSO regularly for Safeguarding Supervision and oversight of current cases or concerns.

Escalation

• Act as the first point of escalation for safeguarding concerns, using knowledge and training to determine risk and actions that may be required.
• Refer complex or serious safeguarding concerns to the DSO without delay.
  
   

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working within a safeguarding role, or with associated safeguarding responsibility.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles, legislation, and procedures for children and adults at risk.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, act with integrity, and handle sensitive or distressing situations calmly.
• Organisational skills, including accurate record-keeping and tracking of actions. Including the use of safeguarding software.
• Ability to advise and support staff and volunteers effectively through empowering approaches.
• Commitment to Soul Church’s Christian ethos and values.

Desirable

• Previous safeguarding experience in a church, charity, or community setting.
• Confidence and experience in liaising with external agencies (social services, police, healthcare) when required.

Experience in creating guidance, resources or supporting training initiatives.