Head of Safeguarding and Investigations

At Uniting, we strive to make a difference in the lives of the most disadvantaged by creating an organisation of influence. Join us as the Head of Safeguarding and Investigations, where you’ll lead critical initiatives that uphold the safety, integrity, and wellbeing of the communities we serve.

About the Role

This position is part of the Uniting Leadership team, contributing to the development of organisational strategy and its incorporation into the business plan of your Directorate. Based at our beautiful North Parramatta campus with free parking available, this full-time permanent role requires travel throughout NSW and ACT.

As the Head of Safeguarding and Investigations, you will oversee the operation of all aspects of the Investigations and Safeguarding team, including staff management and development, business planning, budgeting, and reporting. Your responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and maintaining best-practice frameworks for the investigation of statutory reportable matters.
• Serving as the Whistleblower Disclosure Officer and overseeing whistleblower complaints.
• Embedding effective Safeguarding systems and Child Safe Standards across Uniting’s services.
• Promoting a culture of reporting and safeguarding through training and confidential, timely reporting mechanisms.
• Collaborating with Executive and senior managers to leverage the Investigations Unit’s expertise for organisational improvement.
• Developing positive relationships with regulators and ensuring statutory reporting obligations are met.
• Leading the end-to-end process for reportable conduct investigations, maintaining internal standards, and driving continuous improvement.
• Reporting on investigations and safeguarding outcomes to the Executive and Board, providing detailed analysis and insights.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an empathetic, sensitive, and confidential leader who can navigate complex environments with professionalism and integrity.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Postgraduate or Bachelor qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• At least 8 years of senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex investigations, ideally within a regulatory discipline.
• Expertise in contemporary investigation approaches, legal application, and preparing briefs of evidence for prosecution.
• Proven ability to lead and build the capability of teams, driving high-performance outcomes.
• Passion for social change and advocating for disadvantaged communities.
• Skilled at relationship-building, influencing, and managing within a complex organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience in the human services sector.

Why Join Uniting?

Uniting is a values-driven organisation committed to challenging the status quo. You’ll enjoy a supportive and inclusive workplace culture with opportunities to lead impactful work that genuinely makes a difference.

To review the role responsibilities in greater detail please review the Position description.

For all questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Louise Massie via email at [email protected], using the subject line: Head of Safeguarding and Investigations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

What We Offer You

• A rewarding career with a leading human services organisation.
• Up to $18,550 NFP salary packaging available.
• Access to our U rewards program with exclusive discounts.
• Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• Access to Fitness Passport – Live your best life.
• A supportive and inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Purchase of additional leave.

How to apply:

Submityour CV and a brief cover letter highlighting why this role appeals to you – Applications reviewed upon receipt.

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.

We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present, and emerging – and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work. 

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Employment with Uniting is subject to satisfactory background checks which may include a national police check, reference checks, working with children checks, and NDIS checks.