The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The Safeguarding and Welfare team has responsibility for Safeguarding, Prevent, management of the Report and Support system, oversight of student cases and procedures relating to issues such as sexual violence and harrassment, and oversees coordination of processes such as the Risk Assessment Panel.

The Safeguarding and Welfare Officers play an important role in the delivery of key services in the team as directed. The post-holder will have a caseload of safeguarding and welfare cases and support the Safeguarding and Welfare Managers and Section Lead with the delivery of their remits of managing processes within the team. The Safeguarding and Welfare Officer role involves liaising with staff and students as required to signpost key services and processes.

In addition, the post holder will support with administration related to key processes within the team.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage a caseload, referring staff and students to relevant processes and policies within the Safeguarding and Welfare team and across the University, including meeting with students to discuss their support needs as required.

• Undertake the duties of a sexual violence support officer (SVSO), supporting students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment.

• Support the Section Lead: Safeguarding and Welfare and the Safeguarding and Welfare Managers as directed to manage cases as required and directed.

• Work with the team Administrator to support the effective triaging of information and cases into the team.

• Prepare agendas and write minutes as required as directed.

• Take a lead in capturing feedback and data, and assist with coordinating service

reports.

• Create and maintain information relating to the Safeguarding and Welfare team.

• Provide support for complex cases and events as directed, including providing support to students in the event of a student death or critical incident.

• Support in the administration of key training for staff and students as directed, including consent training for students.

• Liaise with other departments to ensure support for students, in particular through the Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service, University Health Service, Residence Life, and Dyslexia and Disability Support Services.

• Ensure accurate record keeping and the correct and appropriate storage of information.

• Support the team’s delivery in creation of materials and processes as required, and by providing finance and recruitment support when needed.

• A flexible approach to duties is required as the job may change over time to reflect the

changing needs of the team.

• As a member of our Professional staff, you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the staff code of conduct.

• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role,

embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Tuesday 16th June 2026. This will consist of a written task and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage week commencing Monday 8th June. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact: interviews@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • access to menopause support in the workplace

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.