Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Ampleforth Abbey Trust is looking to appoint a strong performance-focused leader to take up the pivotal position of Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk is of paramount importance at Ampleforth Abbey and safeguarding all vulnerable groups from harm is a key strategic priority. The Trust’s charitable beneficiaries and safeguarding responsibilities include both vulnerable adults and children. Ampleforth Abbey is home to a large Benedictine community and its main works include the provision of guided and individual retreats and the operation of a Visitor Centre, Tea Room and shop. Monks of the community also serve in local parishes and a small number are resident in a dependent monastery in Zimbabwe. 

As Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, you will ensure the highest standards of safeguarding arrangements are in place across Ampleforth Abbey Trust, that these are robustly maintained and that the charity meets its legal duties and obligations in relation to the same, demonstrating all due care for all relevant legislation and carrying out duties in the most cost-effective and efficient way.

In this role you will have a clear vision of success with a passion for significant and complex challenge, and a track record of developing and delivering effective safeguarding policy and practice. You will possess exceptional influencing and communication skills to help drive a culture of collaborative continuous improvement which motivates and empowers others within the organisation.  You will forge strong and effective partnerships, in particular with our statutory and regulatory partners.  You will conduct yourself in a way befitting our culture: acting with integrity, leading by example, with enthusiasm and strong ambition. You will have the experience, skills and abilities to be able to make an instant impact at the highest-level, in this high-profile role in a demanding and complex environment.

Key Dates

Closing date:        Midday Thursday 21 November 2024

Interviews:            Week commencing 2 December 2024

Start Date:             March 2025

Ampleforth Abbey Trust adheres to safer recruitment as part of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding for children and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All offers of employment will be subject to checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) along with other relevant pre-employment checks and the receipt of employment references.

To apply please send

·        A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements, tailored to job description and person specification.

·         A Statement of Suitability explaining your motivation for applying for this role and how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role.