Safeguarding Associate

About the job

Key information

Closing date: Wednesday, 11 November
Salary: £35 p/h
Weekly hours: TBC
Contract type: Associate contract
Location: Across Somerset, Hybrid, Hambridge if required

At Spark Somerset, we’re looking for an experienced and approachable Safeguarding Associate to join us and help organisations across Somerset create and maintain safe, inclusive environments for the people they support. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong safeguarding knowledge who enjoys working collaboratively, building confidence in others and making a positive impact across the sector.

We’re on a mission to help change lives and build healthy, resilient communities in Somerset.

We do this by supporting and championing voluntary and community organisations and providing a range of services, training and advice. We also believe that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and so we work with local partners to provide volunteering opportunities for all.

Pivotal to our success in this mission is our talented team, who work proactively to support local organisations and residents, driving quality across the sector and influencing local developments creating opportunities for the VCFSE to grow and thrive.

What will I be doing?

To provide safeguarding expertise, advice, guidance, and practical support to groups, organisations, charities, community groups, and the wider VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) sector.

The role will lead on promoting safe working practices, supporting organisations to meet safeguarding responsibilities, and ensuring that the welfare and protection of vulnerable adults, children, and young people remains paramount in all activities and services delivered across the sector.

The postholder will act as a trusted source of safeguarding and DBS knowledge, helping organisations build confidence, compliance, and best practice through tailored advice, training, resources, and ongoing support.

Some travel across Somerset will be required to support meetings, events and community activity.

Key responsibilities

• Safeguarding Advice, Support and Administrative Guidance
• Review, develop and advise on safeguarding policies and procedures
• DBS Advisory Service
• Training, Education and Awareness both internal team members and for the wider sector
• Sector Development and Partnership Working
• Quality Assurance and Compliance
• Mentoring and Coaching – both internal team members and for the wider sector

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We are looking for somebody who is organised, approachable and comfortable working across community, voluntary sector and research environments.

You will bring:

• Expertise of Safeguarding Adults, Children and Young People
• Understanding of DBS
• Excellent oral and written presentation and communication skills which are clear, easily understood and relevant to a range of audiences
• A creative, lateral way of thinking and finding solutions

Diversity and inclusivity:

A diverse voice is a more powerful voice. Diversity in our people brings new viewpoints; driving debate, encouraging creativity, and helping us to engage with new audiences to achieve the greatest impact in our communities. As such, we encourage applications from people who belong to groups which are often marginalised in society.

Supporting documents and information

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role to recruitment@sparksomerset.org.uk.

For more information about the role or an informal chat, please contact Anna Temblett (Head of Development) on anna.temblett@sparksomerset.org.uk.

Closing date: 11 November 2026

Interviews: TBC