The Methodist Church is committed to ensuring its churches are safe spaces for all. We work hard to ensure compliance with legal requirements, maintain and develop good practice, provide professional advice and guidance and deliver effective training. We have an exciting opportunity to join our north east regional safeguarding team.

Hours of work per week: 15

Contract: Fixed term (18 months)

Disclosure and Barring Service: An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this position. The Methodist Church will cover the associated costs.

About You

The post holder will join a team of Regional Officers for Safeguarding who carry specific responsibility for individual cases, undertake risk assessments, lead training and provide advice and guidance to churches and church communities. The post will be aligned to Darlington and Newcastle Methodist districts and will include providing support to colleagues across the regional area. The role will involve regular travel.

The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification, experience in child and/or adult protection or significant demonstrable relevant work experience.

If you meet most of the requirements, we encourage you to apply; transferable skills and experience will also be taken into consideration.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing, a work-life balance augmented by:

• Generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year)

• Flexi-leave and or TOIL (where applicable)

• Access to an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service.

• A generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. 

Informal Enquiries

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Karen Allen, Regional Safeguarding Manager (North East) .

For questions or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email Hr Team.

Key Dates

Closing Date for Applications: 2 November 2026

Interviews (in person): Elm Ridge Methodist Church (Darlington), 23 November 2026

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient applications are received.