Safeguarding Officer

Role Summary

You will assist in delivering Hay’s Travel safeguarding function across both Head Office and Retail. Working alongside the Safeguarding Lead and in collaboration with other departments, the main aim of the role is to protect the wellbeing of Apprentices, under 18s and any vulnerable adults within the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage safeguarding incidents, concerns and allegations.
• Recognise and understand risk, ensuring that high risk incidents are discussed with the Safeguarding Lead at the earliest opportunity.
• Attend and take minutes of any meetings relating to safeguarding and chairing of the monthly safeguarding compliance meeting in the absence of the Safeguarding Lead.
• Manage any alerts from Smoothwall online monitoring software, addressing any safeguarding concerns that arise from this.
• Liaise with other agencies when required such as Police, Ambulance and Social Services.
• Assist the Safeguarding Lead to manage and improve the current Mental Health First Aider provision within Hays Travel.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and up to date records on all safeguarding incidents, concerns and allegations.
• Manage consent forms in relation to Apprentices and Colleagues under 18 attending events.
• Provide direction and guidance to all colleagues in respect of safeguarding incidents, concerns and allegations, advising how to respond appropriately to any welfare concerns they have.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead when required due to annual leave or absence.
• Work collaboratively with other departments such as Learning and Development.
• Continuous professional development.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Empathy and a genuine desire to support people. Essential
• Excellent communication skills across a range of audiences and circumstances. Essential
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to incidents and allegations in order of priority and risk level. Essential
• Knowledge and understanding of Prevent Duty Guidance. Essential
• Knowledge and understanding of key safeguarding legislation. Essential
• Designated Safeguarding Officer training at level 3 or above. Desired
• Experience of working with young or vulnerable people or those at risk of harm. Desired
• Experience in an educational setting or safeguarding role. Desired

General:

• A DBS will be required for this role, along with employment references.
• To undertake any other duties that fall into the job criteria.
• To conform with all Company policies and procedures including Health and Safety.
• To treat all colleagues, customers and suppliers with dignity and respect and adopting the Hays Travel SMILE values at all times.

About Us

As the UK’s largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel specialises in providing good value, quality holidays, alongside excellent customer service. We work with all leading suppliers and can package holidays that include hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. We have over 470 Branches throughout the UK and our Head Office based in Sunderland, is home to tour operator teams, finance, marketing, people/HR and IT, plus many more. We have been operating for over 40 years, and continue to grow each year.

Our values

Our SMILE values are embedded in to our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.

• Supportive
• Motivational
• Innovative
• Loyal
• Excellent

What it’s like to work for us?

Whichever location or department you work in, our people are always at the heart of everything we do. We offer a range of training programmes to help you progress personally and professionally, as we know the benefits of promoting and rewarding our hardworking colleagues are extremely important.

Of course, it's not all about work. We're very sociable and there are always lots of team nights-out and company parties. Plus, there are opportunities to travel abroad on educational trips, and you can also take advantage of our colleague discount when booking your own holidays.

Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.

This job role description is not intended as an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the role but simply reflects the key areas involved.