E+ Safeguarding Lead

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations. Pay Band: Grade 8 Salary: £38,820 gross per annum plus £3,300 per annum London Market Allowance for those in the London area only. Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension Location: Anywhere within the UK Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications. Closing Date: Applications will close on 30 July at 22:59 UK Time We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds. Role Purpose: The Erasmus+ Safeguarding Lead will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for safeguarding across the programme and its associated activities. The role is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the British Council Safeguarding Framework and compliance with the safeguarding requirements of the Department for Education (DfE), the European Commission (EC), and relevant UK legislation. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to promote a strong safeguarding culture across the Erasmus+ programme. This includes raising awareness, building safeguarding capability, providing expert advice and support, and ensuring that safeguarding concerns are handled promptly, appropriately, and in accordance with best practice. Main Responsibilities: * Leading the development and implementation of safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance, and resources in line with the British Council Safeguarding Framework. * Providing expert safeguarding advice and guidance, ensuring appropriate escalation of concerns to the British Council Safeguarding Team and external partners where required. * Designing and delivering safeguarding training, awareness initiatives, and capacity-building activities for programme staff and participating organisations. * Ensuring compliance with UK safeguarding legislation, Department for Education (DfE) and European Commission (EC) requirements, and safeguarding best practice. * Leading safeguarding quality assurance activities, including risk assessments, safeguarding reviews, and assessments of partner organisations' safeguarding capacity. * Embedding safeguarding principles throughout the design, delivery, and evaluation of programme activities and services. * Managing safeguarding cases and referrals in accordance with British Council safeguarding policies, procedures, and case management processes. * Working closely with the British Council Global Safeguarding Service to ensure effective reporting, case management, and compliance with safeguarding frameworks. * Establishing and maintaining clear safeguarding reporting, escalation, and governance processes across the programme. * Monitoring safeguarding risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and using insights from incidents, trends, and feedback to drive continuous improvement. Role Specific Knowledge & Experience: Essential * In depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation – UK and international * Understanding of safeguarding within grant funding, compliance, and due diligence frameworks * Experience supporting safeguarding across large-scale, multi-partner programmes or portfolios * Safeguarding in mobility or education programmes * Experience in delivering safeguarding upskilling and awareness content * Understands the principles of ‘do no harm’ and the victim/survivor-centred approach Desirable * Experience in government-funded programmes * Experience working with DfE / EC or similar regulatory bodies * Experience of safeguarding audits or inspections Specific Requirements * A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field or equivalent work experience * Level 3 or higher in Safeguarding or equivalent * DSL or DSO Designated Safeguarding Officer Training British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. #LI-Hybrid A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org