Manager – Safeguarding

Location: Belfast (with travel across Northern Ireland as required; hybrid working policy in place)

Salary: £36,294 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (evening and weekend work may be required at times to fulfil the obligations of the post)

About the Organisation

Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Volunteer Now, Northern Ireland’s leading organisation promoting, developing and supporting volunteering. As an Investors in People Gold accredited employer, Volunteer Now offers flexible and hybrid working, alongside a supportive and inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to innovate and collaborate.

Volunteer Now works across communities to promote volunteering, support organisations, and strengthen safeguarding practice for children, young people and adults at risk. Their safeguarding team delivers training, consultancy, and support services across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.

The Role

Volunteer Now is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager – Safeguarding to lead and develop the organisation’s safeguarding function.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible for shaping safeguarding strategy, driving high-quality training and support services, influencing policy development, and identifying opportunities for growth and business development. As part of the Leadership Team, you will play a key role in contributing to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.

You will lead a specialist safeguarding team, oversee contracts and service delivery, and work with a wide range of stakeholders to promote best practice and ensure high standards across the sector.

This role may also suit candidates who have worked as a safeguarding manager, safeguarding lead, head of safeguarding, safeguarding and quality manager, or safeguarding consultant.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for Volunteer Now’s safeguarding function, shaping strategy and service delivery

• Contribute as an active member of the Leadership Team, supporting organisational planning, decision-making, and performance monitoring

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing safeguarding team, including performance management and staff development

• Manage safeguarding contracts, services and training provision, ensuring high-quality delivery

• Identify and develop new business opportunities, including tenders, funding applications and partnership initiatives

• Strengthen relationships with statutory, community and voluntary sector partners

• Represent Volunteer Now externally, enhancing credibility and influence in safeguarding practice

• Monitor changes in policy, legislation and practice (including online safety) and adapt services accordingly

• Contribute to budget planning and financial management within the service area

• Promote and champion best practice in safeguarding and volunteering across the organisation

About You

You will be an experienced safeguarding professional with strong leadership capability and a strategic mindset. You will bring:

• A relevant third-level qualification or equivalent experience within the last 3 years

• Experience managing safeguarding cases, including making referrals and working with safeguarding agencies

• Proven experience managing teams, with strong leadership, planning and relationship-building skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability

• Excellent organisational and time management skills

• The ability to work at both strategic and operational levels

• A full driving licence and/or access to transport to meet the requirements of the role

A social work qualification, training qualification, or leadership experience within a safeguarding context would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Generous annual leave, rising with service (starting at 22 days plus statutory/public holidays)

• Pension contributions of 4.5% after probation

• Training and professional development opportunities

• Supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture

How to Apply

If you’re ready to lead and shape safeguarding practice at a strategic level, we’d love to hear from you.

Simply apply now with your CV to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will be in touch to discuss your application and guide you through the next steps of the process.

Closing Date: Monday 18th May 2026 at 12 noon

Interviews: 29th May 2026 (subject to change)

Volunteer Now is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Applications are particularly welcome from male applicants and individuals from minority communities who meet the criteria.

This role requires an Access NI Basic Disclosure Check.

Charity Jobs NI is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this vacancy.

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Manager – Safeguarding