Regardless of what industry you work in, having appropriate safeguarding measures in place is crucial. Safeguarding involves protecting the health, wellbeing, and rights of individuals, especially vulnerable people like children, the elderly and those with disabilities.
Working within safeguarding can be a rewarding career path, where you would have a chance to help those around you. If you are passionate about helping others and you want to make a difference, a career in safeguarding might be the perfect path for you.
Safeguarding is quite a unique career path that many may not be aware of its possibilities or where to begin when first starting out. In this article we’ll discuss the various ways you can enter a career in safeguarding.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding describes protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights. When you follow safeguarding best practices, you are working to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect.
Safeguarding works to protect those who are considered vulnerable in society which includes children and young people but also vulnerable adults (elderly or those with physical or learning disabilities and mental health issues). Anyone can be subject to neglect and abuse regardless of their age or background, which is why it is vital that safeguarding is addressed within any workplace.
Why Choose a Career in Safeguarding?
A career in safeguarding can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to have a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals. By having a safeguarding job within an organisation, you can make a difference from within by influencing policy and procedures to ensure everyone’s rights and wellbeing is protected.
Safeguarding is a varied field with numerous roles that transcend sectors. You can choose to work within education, healthcare, or in a corporate role all giving you a different experience and allow you to work with different individuals. Safeguarding is also becoming an in-demand role as more businesses work to put a stronger emphasis on the importance of safeguarding in the workplace.
The variety in a safeguarding career will help you to develop strong transferable skills which will help you to develop not only in your chosen safeguarding role but will open doors to a range of other roles.
How to get into a career in safeguarding
There are different ways through which you can start a career in safeguarding each offering its own unique journey.
Safeguarding apprenticeship
You can kick off a safeguarding career through a safeguarding apprenticeship. On this path you will take on a safeguarding job while you study for a safeguarding certification.
This path is great for those who are looking to break into the safeguarding field and do not have prior experience. A safeguarding apprenticeship will give you experience within the field while helping you gain the necessary qualifications for the job. Apprenticeships also allow you to get your foot in the door with many apprentices getting hired for a full time job at their current organisation at the completion of their apprenticeship.
LMP Education have recently introduced a brand new Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship. This Level 3 course takes place over 18 months through online blended learning where you will learn all you need to know about working within safeguarding. The first cohort for this course starts in January 2025 and learners can sign up to the waiting list now.
Current job
You may find that your current place of work could offer opportunities within safeguarding through other roles. For example, those who work within education could enquire about transitioning into their school’s existing safeguarding team. For others, roles within HR or management may offer an opportunity to support their company’s safeguarding policies which could lead to a safeguarding role.
The main barrier many find when transitioning internally within an organisation is a skills gap where you may be lacking the needed qualifications or knowledge to be able to transition or adequately perform a safeguarding role.
In this case, you too could benefit from a safeguarding apprenticeship. While many see apprenticeships as a way to enter into the working world, you can also use them for continuous professional development (CPD). Thanks to the Apprenticeship Levy your employer may not need to pay for your training, allowing you to receive a safeguarding qualification while working in your current job.
If you are interested in upskilling to a Safeguarding Support Officer while working please sign up the waiting list and add a note saying “I am looking to upskill at my current job”.
Career Paths in Safeguarding
There are various career paths within the safeguarding field, allowing you to work in different settings and with diverse populations. Some common roles include:
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
A Designated Safeguarding Officer or DSO is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns. DSOs will have an in-depth knowledge about safeguarding and the business policies and procedures to be able to adequately address concerns. DSOs also help to coordinate and oversee safeguarding procedures including setting up the organisation’s safeguarding policy.
Child Protection Officer
Child protection officers work to ensure the safety and well-being of children at risk of abuse or neglect. They may work in schools, social services, or non-profit organisations, assessing the needs of children and developing plans to protect them.
Adult Safeguarding Officer
Adult safeguarding officers focus on protecting vulnerable adults, such as those with disabilities or mental health issues. They work to identify and prevent abuse, ensuring that adults receive the support and care they need.
Safeguarding Trainer
Safeguarding trainers educate professionals on safeguarding policies and procedures. They develop training programs and workshops to ensure that staff members are knowledgeable about safeguarding practices and can effectively protect vulnerable individuals.
Working within safeguarding can be an incredible career path, one that will allow you to have a significant impact on people’s lives. A career in safeguarding can open many doors through the various skills and experience on the job. If you are ready to start your safeguarding journey sign up to the Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship today!
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