Safeguarding Lead GP

Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder will be required to uphold the six principles of safeguarding on behalf of Health and Beyond at corporate level:-

1. Empowerment - People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.

2. Prevention - It is better to take action before harm occurs.

3. Proportionality - The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.

4. Protection Support and representation for those in greatest need

5. Partnership Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.

6. Accountability - Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice.

At corporate level the postholder(s) will act in the capacity of designated safeguarding lead for the organisation (adults/children) on behalf of H&B Board/partners.

The named point of contact(s) for safeguarding matters both within and external to the organisation.

Maintain strong liaison with Hub/practice level named safeguarding GP(s) to ensure they are actively achieving the standards and arrangements detailed in H&Bs policies/supporting guidance.

Liaison not only with internal professionals but also external stakeholders including Commissioner Designated Safeguarding Professionals and Safeguarding Board representatives, LEDER, Coroner and other relevant professionals/agencies.

Policy & Procedure Oversight

Develop, implement, and regularly review the practices safeguarding policies and procedures.

Provide guidance and support to hub/practice safeguarding lead GPs, meeting periodically with them to discuss the overall status of the hub/practice and particular cases where peer to peer discussion is benficial and in respone to learning opportunities arising from invetigations undertaken.

Promote a positive culture across the organisation, as the advocate for safeguarding the postholder will strive to ensure H&B practices are upheld as practices who safeguard their patients, stakeholders and, actively embed learning in policies, processes and systems of work.

Actively engage in audits/reviews, where necessary represent the organisation at multi agency forums, investigations etc.

Liaise with local safeguarding boards/partnerships to keep practice policy aligned with local and national guidance (e.g., Working Together to Safeguard Children, Care Act 2014).

Training & Awareness

Ensure all staff (clinical and non-clinical) are trained to the appropriate level in safeguarding (Level 13 depending on role).

Organise regular refresher training and updates on safeguarding developments.

Promote a safeguarding culture that encourages conversations about safeguarding concerns, ensure staff feel confident in raising concerns.

Ensure the correct training levels are being achieved, and that safeguarding protocols are being followed.

Case Management & Escalation

Provide support and guidance to staff managing safeguarding concerns.

Lead or support the documentation, escalation, and referral of safeguarding concerns to appropriate agencies (e.g., social services, police).

Attend or provide information for case conferences, multi-agency meetings, or serious case reviews when needed.

Information Sharing

Ensure appropriate confidentiality and information sharing in safeguarding cases, in line with GDPR and safeguarding best practices.

Maintain accurate safeguarding records and ensure they are securely stored and accessible only to authorised personnel.

Ensure a clear overview of learning is obtained and shared across the organisation via a quarterly summary document confirming the outcome of learning events/ opportunities & feedback from external stakeholders

Maintain a central record of key cases requiring support and monitoring for each hub/practice lead, providing guidance where necessary and obtaining assurance where further action has been identified

Keep the board appraised of the overall position of the organisation, through close and ongoing liaison with colleagues at hub/practice level.

Review safeguarding information incoming to the organisation, identifying and responding to actions that are required by H&B.

Where necessary, convene specific meetings pertaining to safeguarding.

Monitoring & Quality Improvement

Regularly audit safeguarding processes and case handling.

Report on safeguarding to peers and the board.

Identify and act on any gaps or risks in safeguarding arrangements.

Additional Responsibilities (Optional but Recommended)

Liaise with local Designated Safeguarding Professionals (e.g., Designated Safeguarding Lead for Primary Care).

Stay updated with national and local safeguarding developments, including changes to legislation and guidance.

Support staff wellbeing in relation to managing difficult or distressing safeguarding cases.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• /

Desirable

• /

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Health and Beyond

Address

Parkfield Medical Centre

255 Parkfield Road

Wolverhampton

WV4 6EG

Employer's website

https://healthandbeyond.healthcare/ (Opens in a new tab)