Jude Ward

Highly accomplished Safeguarding Lead bringing experience in both the strategic and operational delivery of safeguarding services. Results focused with a proven ability in managing high-risk safeguarding operations, leading multidisciplinary teams, and developing risk assessment protocols for high-harm disclosures. Continually demonstrates professionalism, approachability, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Strong commitment to delivering a people-centred service and using data analysis to continuously improve safeguarding practices while creating a culture of inclusivity and accountability.

Safeguarding Lead: Strategic & Operational at Holy Cross College, Bury (2022-05 – Present)

• Led a multidisciplinary safeguarding team, promoting continuous improvement through regular coaching, training, and reflective practice.
• Established a positive and collaborative working environment, accommodated the roles and needs of the team to promote a cohesive team-based culture, maximised potential and enhanced performance.
• Provided both clinical supervision and final decision-making on complex, high-risk cases, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and achievement of internal KPIs.
• Oversaw end-to-end safeguarding and vetting operations, ensuring the safety of 2,500 students and staff members across the organisation.
• Developed and implemented college-wide safeguarding policies and SOPs, ensuring compliance with evolving legislation and education best practices.
• Leveraged data analytics and trend mapping to identify operational gaps, implementing targeted interventions that enhanced safeguarding standards.
• Developed and implemented specialised risk assessment protocols for high-harm disclosures (RSA, HSB), ensuring trauma-informed responses and immediate safety for victims.
• Led organisational representation at multi-agency meetings, statutory reviews, and court proceedings, while building strategic relationships with government bodies and sector partners to align safeguarding frameworks with national standards.
• Provided expert advice and immediate guidance to staff during critical safeguarding incidents, ensuring effective response and resolution.
• Delivered senior clinical oversight on the implementation of safety plans for vulnerable service users, ensuring risk management was proportionate and legally compliant.
• Provided clinical supervision to the safeguarding team and Social Work students on placement, supporting professional development and ensuring best practice in safeguarding procedures.
• Created organisational procedures for managing Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) and Violence cases, ensuring cultural sensitivity and compliance with multi-agency protection protocols (MAPPA/MARAC).
• Developed and implemented a suicide prevention and safety planning framework, equipping staff and volunteers with evidence-based tools to manage high-risk emotional health crises.
• Delivered specialist safeguarding training on sexual violence, self-harm, and statutory compliance to staff and trainee teachers, enhancing operational teams' ability to manage acute risks and ensure adherence to legal requirements.

Pastoral Manager at Hazel Wood High School, Bury (2020-09 – 2022-05)

• Served as the primary point of contact for students with personal, emotional, or behavioural concerns, providing guidance and support both in and outside of school.
• Monitored and tracked students' well-being and personal development.
• Developed individual action plans to address students' specific needs, including those at risk of underachievement, exclusion, or disengagement.
• Acted as a liaison between students, staff, parents, and external agencies.
• Attended meetings with parents/carers to discuss concerns related to students' behaviour, well-being, or progress.
• Supported the delivery of pastoral lessons and workshops on personal development, mental health, and well-being.
• Reported any concerns regarding student welfare and safety in accordance with school and local safeguarding policies.

Senior Family Practitioner at Child Action North West, Bolton (2018-04 – 2020-09)

• Provided reflective supervision and professional guidance to practitioners, encouraging a culture of support, learning, and accountability.
• Delivered senior safeguarding oversight within services, collaborating with CAFCASS and the Family Court to ensure children's welfare was prioritised in all decisions.
• Collaborated with CAFCASS, social workers, courts, domestic abuse services, and voluntary sector partners, providing expert safeguarding analysis.
• Supported quality assurance, audits, policy development, and service improvement, deputising for the Service Manager when required.
• Led responses to complex safeguarding concerns, including domestic abuse and neglect, and made senior-level decisions on risk, thresholds, and referrals to Children's Social Care, CAFCASS, and the police, in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children and the Children Act 1989.
• Managed risk assessments, safety planning, and safeguarding measures, ensuring a balance between protection and positive, inclusive experiences for children.

Project Co-ordinator (Community and Volunteers) at Meadowfields Community Centre, Rochdale (2017-11 – 2018-02)

Assessment Co-ordinator at Tide House Family Residential Assessment Centre, Devon (2016-07 – 2016-12)

Intervention Services Co-ordinator (North Devon) at South West Intervention Services, Dartington (2016-03 – 2016-07)

Cover Supervisor at Woolacombe Primary School, Woolacombe (2016-01 – 2016-03)

Family Liaison Officer at Network Personnel, Antrim (2013-10 – 2015-09)

National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership in Intervention and Contexts for social work practice – Department for Education (2023 – 2025)

Graduate Coursework in MA Social Work – University of Salford (2017 – 2020)

P.G.C.E. in Primary Education – Qualified Teacher Status with a Physical Education specialism – University of Bradford (2003 – 2005)

B.A. (Hons) in Sport and Recreation – University of Bradford (2001 – 2002)

Part-time Diploma of Higher Education in Physical Education with English (KS3 and 4 Qualified Teacher Status) – Liverpool John Moores University (1996 – 2000)

A-Level in English – St. Aloysius' College (1989 – 1995)