Example Role Description: Board Safeguarding Champion

It is important to be clear from outset as to the expectation of the role. For example, are they there in an advisory capacity or with governance responsibility.

Board Safeguarding Champion Role Description Example

Skills and Attributes of a Board Champion

• Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding adults and the legislation in order to ensure the organisation is compliant.
• Have a commitment to learn about and understand the organisation’s structure and how safeguarding is implemented throughout it.
• Be able to engage and lead discussion at a strategic level.
• Be able to give the appropriate time and commitment to the role
• Work well as part of a team

Role of a Board Champion

• Be a critical friend and support to the Chair, CEO and Lead Safeguarding Officer in order to drive, develop and embed good safeguarding practice across all divisions of the organisation.

Working closely with the Chair, CEO and Lead Safeguarding Officer, the Board Champion should:

• be a strong advocate for creating a safer culture and encouraging change. Be available to listen to staff, volunteers and members; challenge any poor practice and learn from case reviews in order to strive for improvement.
• take responsibility for reviewing the safeguarding risk register ensuring that it is current.
• be responsible for monitoring the progress of the safeguarding implementation plan, bringing any areas of concern to the attention of the rest of the Board members
• ensure that policies and procedures are reviewed and brought to the Board for adoption as required
• maintain regular contact with the CEO and Lead Safeguarding Officer, so as to provide support and keep up-to-date with progress and areas of concern.
• seek to identify further training opportunities for you and Board members to continue develop your collective safeguarding knowledge.
• support the Chair and other board members with their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding adults by encouraging questions and dialogue.
• prepare in advance safeguarding papers and reports as required by the Board
• present, lead discussion and engage others in conversations at Board meetings regarding the organisation’s safeguarding priorities
• attend meetings, and events to meet stakeholders and better understand the organisation.
• be a point of contact of contact for staff and volunteers should someone wish to make a safeguarding complaint directly to the Board
• be part of the Communications Team should a serious incident occur.

Remember, while this role takes a lead on safeguarding, safeguarding is collective responsibility of all Board members. Therefore, all must have an understanding and support the implementation of creating a safer culture.

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