Safeguarding Manager

The Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17.5% annual leave loading

Paid parental leave

Free off-street parking

Job summary

The Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod, is seeking an experienced Safeguarding & Investigations Manager to lead the state-wide safeguarding function, provide expert advice on safeguarding and child safety, and drive regulatory compliance across Queensland.

You will report to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer and oversee investigations, risk management and continuous safeguarding improvements.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Services, Human Services, Early Childhood, Psychology, Law, Criminology, Risk Management or a related field.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear reports and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and persons of concern investigations.
• Conduct interviews and gather evidence in a trauma-informed and procedurally fair manner.
• Prepare investigation plans, findings and recommendations for Executive decision-makers.
• Manage Reportable Conduct Scheme notifications and regulator reporting.
• Develop, implement and monitor safeguarding frameworks, policies and assurance activities.
• Deliver training and build safeguarding capability across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Conduct audits and compliance reviews to strengthen safeguarding practices.

Job description

Safeguarding & Investigations Manager | Lead Child Safety, Investigations & Compliance Across Queensland

Lead safeguarding, investigations and child safety across a diverse statewide organisation. Drive compliance, manage complex investigations and help create safer communities for all.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly skilled safeguarding professional who is passionate about protecting children, and vulnerable adults while working within a values-driven organisation.

We are seeking an experienced Safeguarding & Investigations Manager to lead the Queensland Synod's safeguarding function and provide expert advice on safeguarding, child safety and persons of concern matters.

Reporting to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer, this senior role is responsible for leading investigations, managing reportable conduct matters, advising Executive decision-makers, and strengthening safeguarding culture and compliance across the Church.

About Us

The Uniting Church in Australia is one of Australia's largest Christian denominations, serving communities through worship, education, early childhood services, community services and social justice initiatives. In Queensland, the Uniting Church includes approximately 250 congregations, schools, colleges and significant community service organisations, including UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission Queensland. We are deeply committed to reconciliation with First Peoples, celebrating the multicultural and intercultural nature of our Church, and using our people and resources wisely in the service of God's mission in the world.

Why Join Us?

Make a meaningful impact protecting children and vulnerable people.

Lead safeguarding strategy and investigations across a statewide organisation.

Flexible and supportive workplace culture.

17.5% annual leave loading

Paid parental leave

Free off-street parking at the office

Opportunity to influence organisational improvement and best practice.

Professional development and ongoing learning opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage safeguarding and persons of concern investigations.

Conduct interviews and gather evidence in a trauma-informed and procedurally fair manner.

Prepare investigation plans, findings and recommendations for Executive decision-makers.

Manage Reportable Conduct Scheme notifications and regulator reporting.

Provide expert advice on Child Safe Standards, safeguarding obligations and risk management.

Develop, implement and monitor safeguarding frameworks, policies and assurance activities.

Deliver training and build safeguarding capability across diverse stakeholder groups.

Conduct audits and compliance reviews to strengthen safeguarding practices.

Prepare reports and insights for leadership and governance bodies.

Build strong relationships across congregations, presbyteries, agencies and external partners.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen safeguarding culture and compliance.

Manage and support the Insurance and Risk Administration Officer.

About you:

You are a skilled investigator and safeguarding professional with sound judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive matters with professionalism and integrity.

You will bring:

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Services, Human Services, Early Childhood, Psychology, Law, Criminology, Risk Management or a related field.

Current Blue Card eligibility.

Extensive experience in safeguarding, child protection, investigations, misconduct management, compliance or risk-related roles.

Strong investigation experience, including conducting interviews and preparing evidence-based findings.

Demonstrated knowledge of Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and sensitive matters.

Excellent written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear reports and recommendations.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

The ability to work independently while influencing outcomes across a large and diverse organisation.

A commitment to fairness, integrity, accountability and safeguarding best practice.

Additional Information

Some travel throughout Queensland is required.

The successful applicant must have the right to work in Australia.

Employment is subject to screening requirements, including Blue Card eligibility and other relevant checks.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, experiences, genders and identities.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
If you are a culturally &/or linguistically diverse, living with a disability or returning to the workforce after a period of time off raising children, we recognise you are less likely to apply for this position, however we strongly consider those who can meet most of the above and have a great work ethic to formalise their application.

Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod is committed to being a child safe, child friendly organisation and for all children who come into contact with our services we will provide welcoming, safe and nurturing services, prevent child abuse and neglect within our services and appropriately and immediately address child abuse and neglect if it does occur.

Check https://ucaqld.com.au/synod-services/policies/ to see our Privacy Policy, including the use and storage of information we collect.