Safeguarding Manager
| Posting date: | 09 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | 45000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 February 2026 |
| Location: | Oxford, OX2 0QH |
| Company: | RABI |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 66 |
Summary
Job Advert
RABI is the farmers charity.
RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all
year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to
the unique challenges of farming life.
At the heart of RABI’s mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and
better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where
farming people can thrive.
Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost £250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst
the charity’s professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2022. RABI’s wrap-around
support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year.
RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.
Key Purpose
The Safeguarding Manager is a pivotal leadership position at RABI, responsible for spearheading the organisation’s dedication to
safeguarding and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone connected to our work. You will lead the operational development,
implementation, and oversight of RABI’s safeguarding policies and procedures, while line-managing and mentoring the Safeguarding
Officer.
This role also serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), assuming all DDSL responsibilities when the Senior
Service Delivery Manager (DSL) is unavailable.
You will play a key role in embedding a trauma-informed, person-centred safeguarding culture across the organisation, ensuring
that staff, volunteers, and partners understand how trauma affects behaviour, engagement, and recovery, and that this
understanding underpins every safeguarding response.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
* Provide clear, supportive, and developmental line management to the Safeguarding Officer, overseeing daily tasks, case
management, and professional growth.
* Act as the primary escalation point for complex or high-risk safeguarding concerns, applying a trauma-informed approach that
prioritises safety, empowerment, and dignity.
* Oversee referrals to RABI’s counselling and wellbeing services, ensuring a compassionate and responsive approach in line with
internal and external SLAs.
* Foster a reflective team culture that values emotional safety, supervision, and professional resilience.
Policy, Compliance & Training
* Lead the development and continuous enhancement of RABI’s safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure alignment
with current legislation, trauma-informed best practice, and regulatory expectations.
* Ensure consistent compliance across all departments, embedding safeguarding and trauma awareness as core organisational values.
* Design and oversee delivery of a comprehensive annual safeguarding training programme that includes trauma-informed principles,
empowering the Safeguarding Officer to deliver foundational sessions and personally conducting advanced training.
* Maintain expert knowledge of safeguarding practice changes, trauma theory, and statutory guidance, ensuring RABI’s approach
remains sector leading.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
* Translate complex safeguarding data and trends into actionable insights, providing trauma-aware analysis and recommendations to
the DSL and senior leadership team.
* Monitor and evaluate safeguarding processes, identifying lessons learned and opportunities to strengthen trauma-informed
practice.
* Promote safeguarding and trauma-informed best practices through reflective learning and cross-team collaboration.
External Engagement & Collaboration
* Build and maintain strategic relationships with safeguarding bodies, regulatory authorities, and sector partners.
* Represent RABI at external safeguarding forums, networks, and working groups.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues in Volunteering, Fundraising, Partnerships, and Service Delivery to embed safeguarding
into all projects and services.
* Ensure staff and volunteers fully understand escalation routes and safeguarding expectations.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
* Significant experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in a complex
organisation.
* Proven experience in leading, managing, and developing a team within a safeguarding or related operational context.
* Up-to-date specialist safeguarding training for adults and children.
* Comprehensive knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and trauma-informed approaches to practice.
* Strong risk assessment skills, with ability to manage complex cases and make sound judgments.
* Excellent communication, report-writing, and record-keeping skills.
* Experience providing safeguarding support and guidance to staff and volunteers working with at-risk adults, children, and
families.
* Proficiency with safeguarding data recording systems.
* Highly organised, with ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
* Demonstrated leadership qualities, capable of influencing and engaging diverse stakeholders.
Desirable:
* Relevant degree or equivalent demonstrable experience in safeguarding, social work, or a related field.
* Qualification or CPD in trauma-informed practice.
* A background or knowledge of the farming community.
Personal Attributes:
* Empathetic, emotional intelligent. approachable, and able to build trust quickly.
* High levels of integrity, discretion, and professional judgement.
* Resilient, flexible, and solution focused.
* Committed to inclusivity, equality, and ethical practice.
* Proactive and self-motivated, with a drive for continuous improvement.
Additional Requirements
* Full driving licence with willingness to travel nationally when required.
* Commitment to ongoing safeguarding and professional development training.
This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments
at RABI.
Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve
the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline
BENEFITS
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (based on full time working).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life
where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
• Life assurance from day one.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site parking.
RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices promote equality, diversity and
inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect, and no employee or
applicant receives less favourable treatment because of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin,
disability, marital status, or any other characteristic that cannot be justified. Recruitment and development decisions are made
solely on the basis of skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.
RABI is the farmers charity.
RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all
year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to
the unique challenges of farming life.
At the heart of RABI’s mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and
better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where
farming people can thrive.
Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost £250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst
the charity’s professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2022. RABI’s wrap-around
support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year.
RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.
Key Purpose
The Safeguarding Manager is a pivotal leadership position at RABI, responsible for spearheading the organisation’s dedication to
safeguarding and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone connected to our work. You will lead the operational development,
implementation, and oversight of RABI’s safeguarding policies and procedures, while line-managing and mentoring the Safeguarding
Officer.
This role also serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), assuming all DDSL responsibilities when the Senior
Service Delivery Manager (DSL) is unavailable.
You will play a key role in embedding a trauma-informed, person-centred safeguarding culture across the organisation, ensuring
that staff, volunteers, and partners understand how trauma affects behaviour, engagement, and recovery, and that this
understanding underpins every safeguarding response.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
* Provide clear, supportive, and developmental line management to the Safeguarding Officer, overseeing daily tasks, case
management, and professional growth.
* Act as the primary escalation point for complex or high-risk safeguarding concerns, applying a trauma-informed approach that
prioritises safety, empowerment, and dignity.
* Oversee referrals to RABI’s counselling and wellbeing services, ensuring a compassionate and responsive approach in line with
internal and external SLAs.
* Foster a reflective team culture that values emotional safety, supervision, and professional resilience.
Policy, Compliance & Training
* Lead the development and continuous enhancement of RABI’s safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure alignment
with current legislation, trauma-informed best practice, and regulatory expectations.
* Ensure consistent compliance across all departments, embedding safeguarding and trauma awareness as core organisational values.
* Design and oversee delivery of a comprehensive annual safeguarding training programme that includes trauma-informed principles,
empowering the Safeguarding Officer to deliver foundational sessions and personally conducting advanced training.
* Maintain expert knowledge of safeguarding practice changes, trauma theory, and statutory guidance, ensuring RABI’s approach
remains sector leading.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
* Translate complex safeguarding data and trends into actionable insights, providing trauma-aware analysis and recommendations to
the DSL and senior leadership team.
* Monitor and evaluate safeguarding processes, identifying lessons learned and opportunities to strengthen trauma-informed
practice.
* Promote safeguarding and trauma-informed best practices through reflective learning and cross-team collaboration.
External Engagement & Collaboration
* Build and maintain strategic relationships with safeguarding bodies, regulatory authorities, and sector partners.
* Represent RABI at external safeguarding forums, networks, and working groups.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues in Volunteering, Fundraising, Partnerships, and Service Delivery to embed safeguarding
into all projects and services.
* Ensure staff and volunteers fully understand escalation routes and safeguarding expectations.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
* Significant experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in a complex
organisation.
* Proven experience in leading, managing, and developing a team within a safeguarding or related operational context.
* Up-to-date specialist safeguarding training for adults and children.
* Comprehensive knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and trauma-informed approaches to practice.
* Strong risk assessment skills, with ability to manage complex cases and make sound judgments.
* Excellent communication, report-writing, and record-keeping skills.
* Experience providing safeguarding support and guidance to staff and volunteers working with at-risk adults, children, and
families.
* Proficiency with safeguarding data recording systems.
* Highly organised, with ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
* Demonstrated leadership qualities, capable of influencing and engaging diverse stakeholders.
Desirable:
* Relevant degree or equivalent demonstrable experience in safeguarding, social work, or a related field.
* Qualification or CPD in trauma-informed practice.
* A background or knowledge of the farming community.
Personal Attributes:
* Empathetic, emotional intelligent. approachable, and able to build trust quickly.
* High levels of integrity, discretion, and professional judgement.
* Resilient, flexible, and solution focused.
* Committed to inclusivity, equality, and ethical practice.
* Proactive and self-motivated, with a drive for continuous improvement.
Additional Requirements
* Full driving licence with willingness to travel nationally when required.
* Commitment to ongoing safeguarding and professional development training.
This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments
at RABI.
Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve
the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline
BENEFITS
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (based on full time working).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life
where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
• Life assurance from day one.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site parking.
RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices promote equality, diversity and
inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect, and no employee or
applicant receives less favourable treatment because of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin,
disability, marital status, or any other characteristic that cannot be justified. Recruitment and development decisions are made
solely on the basis of skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.