Head of Safeguarding Excellence

Child Development, Psychologist or Social Worker with child protection, safeguarding or risk management expertise needed to lead cultural transformation. 

• Help us stand out from the crowd and gain a reputation for excellence 

• Competitive salary and benefits package + flexible hybrid work environment 

• Professional development to stay one step ahead of latest trends, technologies, and practices 

Help drive cultural transformation from safeguarding compliance to excellence. 

The Y NSW is a vibrant, not-for-profit organisation that believes in the power of inspired young people. We are proud to be part of the oldest and one of the largest youth organisations in the world, YMCA, and to deliver cause-driven programs that help strengthen young people’s lives, their families and the communities in which they live. 

The Risk & Innovation Team drives innovative digital enablement for young people, and leads the risk, safety and safeguarding areas, developing leading-edge capability that sets Y NSW apart from its competitors.  

About the role 

Reporting directly to the Chief Risk and Innovation Officer (CRIO) the Head of Safeguarding Excellence is a leadership position dedicated to enhancing the safety and wellbeing of children and young people across all programs and initiatives at The Y NSW.  

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with child protection requirements and Y Safeguarding licensing standards by driving innovative yet practical approaches to uplift and continuous improvement across the Y NSW staff and communities.

• Lead the cultural transformation of Y NSW Safeguarding practices, focusing on empowering, inspiring, and uplifting capability of staff at all levels across the organisation  

• Motivate and inspire staff at all levels to deliver standards of excellence regarding safeguarding practices.  

• Work collaboratively with other member Y’s to create positive impact across the movement 

• Lead the development, implementation, and review of safeguarding policies and procedures in line with innovative best practice including the Y Safeguarding standards. 

• Monitor and translate adherence to child protection legislation and child safety standards to ensure excellence across all areas of the organization in line with state and federal changes. 

• Develop and deliver outcomes-based training programs for staff and volunteers on child protection, safeguarding policies, and best practices.  

• Track and report on outcomes measurement based on targeted initiatives across the business. 

• Work collaboratively with each business unit to translate best practice into tangible implementation strategies and skills development for all staff. 

• Advocate for and implement innovative practices and solutions to enhance safeguarding measures 

• Stay informed of emerging trends and research and translate into practical, tangible action and process. 

To be successful in the role you will ensure all staff feel empowered and inspired to set and uphold a standard of excellence by aligning organisational cultural transformation goals and milestones with Child Protection and Safeguarding policy development and compliance.  

About you 

You are a strategic thinker able to translate child protection / safeguarding compliance needs into effective operational initiatives and programs. You are passionate about uplifting people and equipping everyone with skills, resources, and ability to deliver safeguarding best practice.  

You have developed a suite of skills and knowledge essential for driving business success, not least technology innovation, human centered design, and data-driven decision-making as well and knowing how to engage different audiences and influence at all levels of an organisation..  

• Tertiary qualified in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology, or related field. 

• Demonstrated commitment to professional training and development in child protection, safeguarding or risk management. 

• Proven record of accomplishment in leading the child protection and safeguarding function and/or delivering related projects. 

• Proven record of driving a positive, inspired, and motivated culture around Safeguarding empowering excellence at all levels. 

• Expert knowledge of child protection legislation, best practices, and current trends in safeguarding. 

What sets you apart is your collaborative and inclusive leadership style and passion for developing others to create a positive and productive work environment.  

Who What Y? 

The Y NSW is a profit-for-purpose organisation focused on healthy living, social impact and empowering young people. We operate 18 recreation centres, 47 out-of-school-hours care services, and two camping locations which employ 1,500 staff across NSW – and fund our diverse range of enriching community programs. 

We believe in building a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities and cultures, including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, to apply. 

Commitment to Safeguarding 

At the Y, we are committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. As such, we embed Safeguarding into everything that we do to make sure Children and Young People are kept at the front of our minds in all our programs and services. We also ensure that all our candidates are appropriately screened to make sure that the right people are in the right roles to keep our children and young people safe.  

To learn more about our Commitment to Safeguarding Statement and our screening processes, click here.