Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group

Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group

Voluntary Appointment

The Diocese of Bristol is committed to ensuring that every church community from Bristol to Swindon is a place of welcome, safety and trust. We are seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to serve as Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group (DSSG)—a vital role that strengthens our safeguarding culture and supports best practice across the Diocese.

About the Role

As Independent Chair, you will provide strong, objective leadership to the DSSG. The Group offers independent oversight, advice, and scrutiny in relation to safeguarding policies, procedures, and practice. Working closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, the Bishop of Bristol and senior clergy, you will help ensure that safeguarding standards are continually monitored, improved and embedded. The role receives an honorarium £4,000pa and expenses (10-12 days per annum).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate the DSSG, ensuring effective governance, strategic focus and high-quality scrutiny
• Provide independent advice and assurance to senior diocesan leadership
• Support accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice
• Build strong relationships with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and other key stakeholders
• Champion continuous improvement and a culture of safety across the Diocese

About You

We are seeking an individual who can bring independence, credibility and clarity of thought. You will have:

• Significant professional safeguarding experience at a senior level within a statutory, voluntary, or judicial agency
• Strong strategic leadership capability and experience of contributing to organisational governance
• A robust understanding of the current safeguarding legislative and regulatory framework
• The ability to influence, engage and challenge constructively with senior leaders
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in providing advice and assurance

You should also be able to demonstrate empathy with the mission and ethos of the Church of England and be supportive of the values of the Diocese of Bristol.

Informal Enquiries

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Geralyn Meehan, Director of people and Safeguarding
📞 0117 906 0100
📧 Geralyn.Meehan@bristoldiocese.org

Please send completed application forms to jobs@bristoldiocese.org 

Closing Date: 11 May 2026

Interviews: Early June

Application Form Applicant Guidance Notes Role Pack Privacy Notice    

The Diocese of Bristol is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check. 

Those with disabilities or those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in our diocese, so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.