Safeguarding Investigator

Role Overview

The Safeguarding Investigator will lead the execution of safeguarding investigations of varying complexity, addressing issues from minor concerns to intricate, high-risk, and sensitive cases. This role demands professional curiosity, prudent judgment, and comprehensive risk evaluations. Collaborating closely with operational leaders, HR, Legal, Regulatory experts, and external organizations, the investigator ensures detailed and effective investigative processes, safeguarding children by identifying and managing risks while capturing insights to enhance safeguarding practices across the company. All steps and conclusions are recorded meticulously with evidential support and rationale.

Key Responsibilities

• Promptly identify safeguarding concerns and take necessary actions.
• Make referrals as required to Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Children’s Services, Police, or Ofsted.
• Continuously assess and mitigate risks impacting children's safety throughout investigations.
• Incorporate the child’s perspective and experience in planning, decision-making, and recommendations.
• Recognize any bias affecting safeguarding culture and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain precise documentation and transparent reasoning for all decisions.
• Ensure leadership stays informed and takes suitable steps regarding concerns.
• Derive learning lessons to enhance safeguarding procedures.
• Conduct thorough safeguarding investigations, applying professional curiosity to explore all relevant leads.
• Understand and work within the LADO process to escalate allegations or concerns promptly.
• Apply internal and external criteria to determine investigative approaches.
• Create clear, evidence-based reports with substantiated findings and recommendations.
• Keep comprehensive, well-structured case records compliant with legal and regulatory standards.
• Participate in quality assurance reviews to ensure investigative thoroughness and compliance.
• Collaborate with Head of Investigations on complex or high-risk cases and manage escalations as necessary.
• Coordinate regulatory notifications with accurate and clear information.
• Identify recurring themes and share findings to support continuous safeguarding improvements.
• Provide transparent updates on investigation status, risks, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Work closely with Operations, HR, and Legal teams to align approach and maintain consistency in managing safeguarding cases.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience handling safeguarding investigations or overseeing complex cases.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding principles and processes.
• Ability to evaluate risks and effectively manage active cases.
• Competence in producing detailed, clear case documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple investigations.

Desirable Experience and Attributes

• Background in early years, education, childcare, healthcare, or related safeguarding environments.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies, Local Authorities, or compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with employment investigation procedures such as disciplinary processes.

Preferred Qualifications and Personal Traits

• Training or certification related to safeguarding or investigative practices is advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with dedication to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Sound judgment and capability to make well-informed decisions.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues professionally and calmly.
• Strong communication and teamwork capabilities.
• Efficient organizational skills for managing concurrent cases.
• Embodies HEART principles—Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

Employment Details

This is a remote part-time role with flexible working arrangements, although some travel to nursery locations and company offices in Northampton and London is required. The position typically involves full-time hours of 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday. The salary starts from £43,000 annually. Applicants must provide an updated CV for consideration. The closing date for applications is 15 August 2026.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules and holiday allowances.
• Discounted childcare services.
• Quarterly weeks dedicated to employee appreciation.
• A glamorous annual award ceremony.
• Extensive discounts with popular retailers, grocery outlets, cinemas, holidays, and more.
• Access to a variety of wellbeing resources to support employees through life’s challenges.

Additional Notes

The employer is committed to safeguarding children and young people. As part of the recruitment process, a thorough safer recruitment procedure will be followed, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to confirmation. Diversity and inclusion are valued, and candidates of all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to apply. Reasonable adjustments for applicants will be considered to ensure equitable participation. The company has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for 20 consecutive years.