Public Health Wales
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated General Practitioner to join the National Safeguarding Service (NSS) within Public Health Wales as a National Safeguarding GP.
This is a strategic, national leadership role, working across NHS Wales and partner agencies to strengthen safeguarding practice, influence policy, and drive quality improvement across primary care. The post holder will play a key role in shaping the safeguarding agenda in Wales and providing expert advice at the highest levels.
The National Safeguarding Service (NSS) is a national team focused on improving safeguarding leadership, collaboration and outcomes across NHS Wales. You will help drive innovation, influence national policy, and support system-wide improvement in safeguarding practice.
The NQIG Directorate brings together three key divisions: Nursing and Quality, Integrated Governance, and the National Safeguarding Service. Our shared mission is to enhance quality and capability across public health services in Wales. We do this by engaging with, enabling, and empowering those we work with and serve, helping to build a healthier future for all.
Main duties of the job
The National Safeguarding GP will:
- Provide professional and system leadership for safeguarding across primary care in NHS Wales.
- As part of the National Safeguarding Service, advise Welsh Government, Health Boards, and senior clinicians on safeguarding policy, legislation, and best practice.
- Within the scope of an agreed workplan, lead and support the development of national safeguarding policy, guidance, and improvement programmes in relation to primary care.
- Act as a key link between primary care, National Safeguarding Service, NHS Wales Safeguarding Network, and multi-agency partners.
- As part of the team, influence and support quality improvement, assurance, and learning from safeguarding reviews.
- Analyse and present complex safeguarding data and reports at national and Board level.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC Registration
- Licensed to practice
- On GMC GP register
- On a UK Medical Performers List
- Practicing as a GP under GMS
- Member of Royal College of General Practitioners
Desirable
- Quality Improvement qualification
- Training experience or Teaching qualification
- Leadership development
Experience
Essential
- Substantial recent experience working at a practice or strategic level in Safeguarding and Public Protection within a healthcare setting
- Able to demonstrate effective leadership style, able to build confidence and motivate staff including the ability to encourage self-initiative, good practice and completion of projects in the team
- Experience of contributing towards practice or policy developments at local level
- Experience in service or practice improvement using quality improvement methodology
- Experience of working with vulnerable children and families
- Experience of working with adults at risk
Desirable
- Experience in education and training Experience of carrying out research and / or working in an academic department and development of practice
- Published research
- Experience of contributing towards practice or policy developments at regional or national level
- Experience of participating in the process of Child/Adult practice reviews and Domestic Homicide Reviews
- Experience in regional or national quality improvement projects
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to manage conflict, challenge poor practice and negotiate difficult issues with stakeholders, often in sensitive or challenging environments
- Demonstrates effective leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication skills – oral, written and presentation
- Ability to think, plan, make decisions and deliver strategically
- Ability to analyse highly complex issues and produce succinct, clear advice for a wide range of stakeholders
- Ability to challenge poor practice across all disciplines and develop strategies to enable practitioners to change practice
- Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when working with others
- Skills and ability to prioritise, plan and manage own time and that of others to meet deadlines
Desirable
- Ability to speak Welsh
- Research methodology and critical appraisal skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of continued professional development and learning
- Clear understanding and knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, Children Acts 1989 and 2004, VAWDASV Act and related statutory guidance and regulations
- Knowledge and understanding of Children’s Rights, and Human Rights legislation
- Knowledge of the process of Single Unified Safeguarding Reviews
- Knowledge of Regional Safeguarding Boards and Partnership working
- Ability to demonstrate a body of expert knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in abuse and protection of vulnerable children, and adults at risk, underpinned by research and practice
- Able to convey a clear understanding of the concept of multiagency working and to recognise potential barriers
- Clear understanding and working knowledge of governance frameworks, which support the delivery of safeguarding services
- Knowledge and understanding of organisational structures in health and other agencies
- Knowledge and understanding of the research process and the application of evidence-based practice
- Knowledge of equal opportunities and anti- discriminatory practice
- Knowledge of the legal framework for information sharing and access under Freedom of information
Desirable
- Clear understanding and working knowledge of quality improvement science, relevant literature, and legislation relating to quality and safety of patient care and aligned frameworks
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills that build personal and professional credibility both within and outside the organisation, reflecting and promoting the values of the Trust
- Clear thinking and articulate with ability to deal with problems in calm manner
- Collaborative and collegiate style when working with others
- Acts with integrity, objectivity and sensitivity to a wide range of influences and situations
- Self-motivated and competent working with a high degree of autonomy
- Able to accommodate flexible and varied working patterns including overnight stays away from home
- Able to provide highly professional role modelling
- At all times adhere to the professional standards set out by the GMC in ‘Good Medical Practice’ and other relevant GMC guidance
Desirable
- Welsh Speaker
- IT/technology competence
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel to sites across Wales and the UK on a regular basis
- Able to work hours flexibly to deliver agreed outcomes
Closing Date: 16 July 2026
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.