Safeguarding Partner

Safeguarding Partner | Journey Early Learning

At Journey Early Learning, safeguarding children is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating environments where children feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced and passionate Safeguarding Partner to join our Quality, Compliance and Safeguarding team.

This is a unique opportunity for an early childhood professional with strong compliance and quality expertise to influence practice across multiple services, mentor leaders and play a key role in strengthening child-safe cultures throughout our Victorian network.

About the Role

Reporting to the National Safeguarding and Compliance Manager, you will partner with Centre Leadership Teams to drive best practice in safeguarding, compliance and quality improvement across our Victorian centres.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys coaching and mentoring others, can build strong relationships, and understands that meaningful change comes through support, collaboration and continuous improvement rather than enforcement.

You'll work autonomously while being part of a highly collaborative team that values open communication, shared learning and collective accountability.

This role is based from our Thomastown Support Office, with regular travel required throughout Victoria and occasional interstate travel as needed.

Your Key Responsibilities

Lead annual safeguarding, quality, and compliance audits across Victorian centres

Develop clear audit reports with actionable insights, recommendations, and improvement plans

Conduct follow-up desktop reviews to monitor progress and ensure sustainable outcomes

Partner with Centre Leadership Teams to embed policies and procedures into daily practice

Coach and mentor leaders to strengthen proactive, child-safe cultures

Support investigations into complaints, incidents, and regulatory notifications

Review documentation and practices to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements

Collaborate with operational teams to identify risks and drive continuous improvement aligned to the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards

About You

You are a relationship-focused professional who knows how to bring out the best in people. You lead through influence, curiosity and coaching, helping others understand the "why" behind quality practice.

You'll also bring

Extensive experience within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector

Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, National Law and Regulations in practice

Demonstrated experience in quality assurance, compliance, auditing or operational support roles

Extensive knowledge of Child Safe Standards and safeguarding practices

Experience supporting services through quality improvement and compliance initiatives

Exceptional written communication and report-writing skills

Strong attention to detail and ability to analyse complex documentation

Confidence managing sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion

The ability to work autonomously while remaining highly collaborative

Flexibility to travel regularly throughout Victoria, including occasional overnight stays

Why Join Journey?

At Journey, we believe our people are our greatest strength. When you join our team, you'll become part of a values-led organisation committed to supporting, developing and empowering its people.

You'll enjoy

Car allowance

Travel expenses and meals covered when travelling

Access to professional development and leadership growth opportunities

A collaborative and supportive national leadership team

The opportunity to influence practice across multiple services

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Birthday leave

Travel expenses and meals covered when travelling

A workplace culture built on connection, trust and continuous improvement

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Journey Early Learning is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their safety, wellbeing and inclusion. We expect all employees to share this commitment and uphold our Child Safe Environment Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct.

Valid Working with Children Check

Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications

National Child Safety Certificate

Relevant qualifications and clearances required for the role

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're passionate about safeguarding, quality practice and supporting leaders to create exceptional outcomes for children, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape safe, high-quality learning environments across Journey Early Learning.