Chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel

Chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel

The Diocese of Winchester is seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to serve as Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP). A vital role helping ensure the highest standards of safeguarding across our diverse communities.

The Diocese serves a population of 1.27 million people across 230 parishes, blending rural and urban contexts. Safeguarding is at the heart of our mission, and this role offers a unique opportunity to influence practice and accountability at a strategic level.

The role at a glance

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the DSAP, offering independent oversight and constructive challenge on safeguarding practice within the Diocese. You will work closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to ensure robust systems, effective risk management and a strong culture of safeguarding.

About the Diocesan Safeguarding Team

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team supports parishes and senior clergy to safeguard children and adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect, and those in abusive relationships. We work in partnership with statutory agencies, promote safer recruitment, deliver high-quality training and support to volunteers and staff, and help create safe environments through clear policies and procedures aligned to legal requirements and Church of England guidance.

What you ll do

Lead and chair DSAP meetings, including agenda setting, oversight of minutes and monitoring actions

Ensure the DSAP operates effectively in line with its terms of reference

Offer professional challenge and advice to senior leadership and the Diocesan Bishop

Support strong governance, including panel membership, recruitment and succession planning

Represents the DSAP in national and regional safeguarding forums

What we re looking for

Senior-level expertise within statutory, voluntary or judicial sectors (e.g. local authority, police, national charities)

Experience of case review, risk management and multi-agency partnership working

A commitment to promoting safe environments and supporting those affected by abuse

Proven ability to strategically plan, manage meetings effectively and influence people to build capacity and confidence in safeguarding practice

The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 12th June 2026. Interviews will take place on the 29th June 2026