Post Introduction

We are seeking a Governance Support officer

The Church of England is continually striving to improve its safeguarding practices. The 2020 report by IICSA on the Church highlighted failures in respect of child sexual abuse and, more broadly, the challenges facing the Church to get safeguarding right. 

The Church’s aspiration is that safeguarding is not experienced and approached as a matter of administrative compliance. Rather, it should be what the Church is – something that flows from its core beliefs and values, part of its DNA. 

The Church has made important and positive strides over recent years. There is, however, still much to be done to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, and to promote their well-being. The Church is a complex collection of different bodies. Most of the safeguarding work is carried out locally within the 42 dioceses and cathedrals in England. This work is supported centrally by a National Safeguarding Team (NST). 

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support NSP meetings and events, including agenda-setting, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Manage financial processes (e.g., invoices, honoraria), budget administration, and supplier setup.
• Develop and maintain systems for data, decision-tracking, and confidentiality
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders through newsletters, SharePoint, and inbox management.
• Support recruitment, induction, and governance arrangements including working groups.
• Ensure consistency and alignment across safeguarding teams and National Church Institutions.

Key role requirements

• A basic DBS check will be required as part of our pre-employment checks.
• This is a hybrid role with the expectation to work from the office location 1-3 days per week.

We are looking for someone with:

• Proven ability to handle sensitive communications with tact and professionalism.
• Excellent digital literacy, confident across Microsoft 365 and a variety of web-based tools such as web-based applications (such as Asana, Zoom, SmartSurvey) and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including those who are survivors of abuse.
• Highly competent minute/note taker.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.  
• High attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach
• Empathy for the mission of the Church and a personal commitment to safeguarding.
• Experience in triaging and responding to communications of a sensitive nature.
• Strong administrative and organisational experience, ideally within a national team.

• A salary of £16,228.80 (FTE £40,572) per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity