National Safeguarding Development Manager

The Scout Association

Hours
35 hours per week

About the Organisation

Scouts and everyone are welcome here - all genders, races, and backgrounds. We give over 400,000 4–25-year-olds the skills they need for school, college, university, and the job interview: the skills they need for life. Right across the UK, we’re helping young people gain skills for life and find their place in the world. We help them speak up, play their part, and shine bright. Scouts is the place to be yourself and find yourself.

These are young people who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, to do the right thing, and to think of others before themselves. At a time when communities sometimes feel divided, Scouts brings people together. We’re building stronger communities and contributing to a stronger society. All this is made possible by the generosity of our adult volunteers.

Now’s a challenging time for us all, but Scouts has never been more important - giving young people purpose, hope, and a place to belong. With the launch of Squirrels for 4–6-year-olds, and opening more units in even more areas of deprivation, we’re making more of a difference than ever.

About the role

As National Safeguarding Development Manager, you will lead the safeguarding development and vetting functions across The Scout Association, helping to protect young people, volunteers, and staff through strong, proactive safeguarding practice.

This is a senior leadership role with national reach, focused on embedding a positive safeguarding culture, ensuring effective policies and learning, and championing the victim and survivor voice across the movement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of safeguarding development and vetting functions
• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to managers and teams
• Shape and maintain national safeguarding policies and procedures in line with legislation and guidance
• Embed the victim and survivor voice into safeguarding practice
• Strengthen digital safeguarding and learning from cases and trends
• Use data and insight to improve processes, training, and resourcing
• Build effective external partnerships with statutory and safeguarding organisations

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

• Experience managing a safeguarding function, including vetting or safer recruitment
• Experience of victim and survivor engagement and trauma-informed practice
• Confidence in leading and developing teams
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to make sound, risk-based decisions and work proactively
• Experience developing or delivering safeguarding learning or training

Compensation & Benefits

• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 days after 2 years), plus extra days at Christmas
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of gross salary
• Generous family leave and support as a family-friendly employer
• Access to our Learning & Development hub for ongoing training
• Recognition as Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022)

Working locations

• Gilwell Park, Chingford, London (with hybrid working) 1 day present in office per week; that includes in-person Team Meetings/Trainings

How to apply

• Apply online

Interviews

• Interviews will be held in person at Gilwell Park, Chingford, on Wednesday, 18th February 2026.

Policies

The Scouts is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally.

We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

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