We are looking for a relational, child-centred, and resilient leader to join our team, ensuring that children’s rights and quality are at the heart of the Safeguarders Panel. The Safeguarders Panel Team (SPT) recruit, support, provide learning opportunities, manage complaints and monitor Safeguarders. We collaborate with partner agencies and deliver all other operational tasks associated with Safeguarder appointments.
The Safeguarders Panel Team at Children 1st is established as an integral feature of the Children’s Hearing landscape, contracted by the Scottish Government until at least June 2026 (potentially 2028) to manage the national Safeguarders Panel.
In the role of Service Manager, you will work as part of our leadership team, to support, and develop the Safeguarders Panel Team to be the best they can for children and for Safeguarders. The role will require travel to our bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow, to meet in person as a leadership team, therefore it would be preferable for you to be based in the Central Belt. You will have particular responsibility to:
This is an exciting time for SPT, with a changing landscape including the implementation of the Care and Justice Bill and the improvement activity flowing from the Hearings for Children report.
You must have a sound working knowledge of the Children’s Hearing System, be passionate about improving the experience of children in the Children’s Hearing System and be skilled in leading, managing and supporting people through change. Particular experience and/or skills which relate to manging complaints and consultation processes will be valuable. We welcome applicants who are, or have been, Safeguarders. (Current Safeguarders would be required to resign from the Safeguarder Panel but could apply to be reappointed, when leaving this post.)
There will be occasional working out with normal office hours, and potentially travel and overnight stays. Children 1st operates flexible working guidelines to facilitate flexible working within Service needs and you will enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement.
Additional information
The position is funded until June 2026, with a possible extension until 2028.