Safeguarding Manager

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

The Safeguarding Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Safeguarding Strategies, Policies and Procedures across the South Western Railway / Wessex Network, and ensuring safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of operations. The role will act as the lead for safeguarding within SWR and on a collaborative platform with Network Rail, BTP, Healthcare Providers, including NHS and the local authority to co-ordinate a strategic multi agency response for the prevention of safeguarding related incidents. One key aspect of this approach will be to build closer relationships with local authority and NHS mental health service providers, so that we can support initiatives and continue to raise awareness both externally and with our own managers and colleagues. The implementation of a targeted safeguarding role will align with SWR's first objective, to make our railway safe and more secure for colleagues and customers.  

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead the development and implementation of safeguarding policies, procedures and strategy. 

• Provide mechanisms for training and support to all staff on safeguarding issues. 

• Lead initiatives jointly between SWR, NR, BTP, local health authorities and charities to decrease the number and severity of incidents involving self-harm, suicide and trespass on the railway. 

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the safeguarding team. 

• Guide the strategic direction for safeguarding on the rail scheme. 

• Develop and deliver initiatives to improve colleague support following incidents. 

• Work in communities to increase awareness of railway risks and improve relationships with  community groups. 

• Work with other agencies to ensure that a consistent approach to safeguarding is adopted  across the network. 

• Develop the workplace violence safeguarding strategy. 

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our safeguarding arrangements and develop strategies for improving our multi agency approach. 

• Support the influencing of external agencies to improve overall mental health provision. 

• Represent the agencies at national safeguarding forums. 

You'll need to be:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in a safeguarding role or extensive experience in dealing with operational safeguarding incidents.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and the current demands affecting the safeguarding industry 

• Experience of working in a multi-agency setting 

• The ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• The ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Desirable Knowledge/Skills/Experience? 

• Significant experience in a public health setting, such as mental health provision or social work
• A proven track record of success in developing and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures. 

Working pattern

Typically Monday to Friday office hours, 0900 - 1700, however there will be occasional requirements to support safeguarding operations and engagement at weekends and on late shifts

Main working location would be South Bank Central London, with scope to work at other strategic locations across the SWR Network to suit individual and business needs.

 The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary (range between £45,000-£47,000 per annum) and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity