Job overview

The Named Midwife for Safeguarding is a senior, specialist role responsible for leading and developing safeguarding practices that are compassionate, effective and legally sound  across maternity services at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.

The work will focus on protecting vulnerable children and families, while guiding and supporting staff in meeting their statutory responsibilities under the Care Act, Children’s Act, and Mental Capacity Act.

The post holder will ensure that pregnant women, babies, and families are protected from harm through robust safeguarding systems, inter-agency collaboration, and a strong culture of early intervention. This role acts as the key point of contact for safeguarding within maternity services and provides expert advice, supervision, training, and support to midwives and other health professionals.

You will need to have experience in children’s safeguarding and knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to safeguarding as it supports women, birthing people, families  and children. The role also requires leadership and supportive change management skills. In your role you will work collaboratively with the Named Nurse and Doctors for Safeguarding within the Trust in order to help ensure the safety and dignity of those most at risk.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will act as the lead professional for safeguarding within maternity. Providing expert advice, guidance & support on safeguarding concerns related to maternity care. They will demonstrate advanced skills & competencies to influence the pathways of care within safeguarding , work closely with named professionals  to ensure that the Trust meets its statutory responsibilities to protect the welfare of children, women, birthing people & families.
• The post-holder, as part of the safeguarding team, will take a lead to ensure the requirements set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) are met within the maternity service. This work will also incorporate the key elements of the Children Acts 1989 & 2004 & CQC Core Standards.
• They will support with delivering safeguarding training & supervision to midwives & maternity staff & support staff in identifying, managing & escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately. Including promoting a culture of learning & improvement in safeguarding practice.
• The post holder will work closely with local partnerships & relevant agencies, representing the maternity service in multi-agency forums & audits. They will ensure that women & birthing people with safeguarding needs receive appropriate care, risk assessments & referrals & advocate for the needs of vulnerable women & birthing people, children & families,  including those experiencing domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health issues or exploitation.

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