Safeguarding Officer (Lived & Living Experience Panel) - REC2015

In Scotland two people die by suicide every day. That’s two too many. At SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) we support the national ambition of the Scottish Government and COSLA that any child, young person or adult who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, should be able to get the help they need and feel a sense of hope.

Around since 1923, we are Scotland’s national mental health charity. We are a committed member of the Suicide Prevention Scotland delivery collective, ensuring that lived and living experience is at the forefront of delivering Scotland’s national suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

Post: Safeguarding Officer (Lived & Living Experience Panel)

Ref: REC2015

Location: Hybrid working with offices based in Glasgow and Edinburgh Hours: 15 per week

Salary: Pro Rata £38,722.00 to £40,512.00 (Salary points 34* - 36)

*Whilst this is a scale for progression, the starting salary is point 34

Contract: Fixed Term – 2 years

About the Role

The Lived and Living Experience Panel (LLEP) is a group of people from across Scotland who have lived experience of suicide. Some are people who have been bereaved by suicide. Others are people who have been suicidal in the past, or have been or are currently carers for family members or friends living with suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

The purpose of the LLEP is to ensure that the voice of people with experience of suicide is at the heart of the Creating Hope Together strategy. The panel plays a central role in co-producing Suicide Prevention Scotland’s programme of work.

SAMH hosts the LLEP on behalf of Suicide Prevention Scotland. The work of the panel is supported by the Lived and Living Experience Panel Coordinator and this role, the Safeguarding Officer.

In this role you will manage safeguarding processes and activities that support people with lived experience to be directly involved and influence positive change in suicide prevention work. You will provide safeguarding guidance and support to LLEP members, and build and maintain relationships across the Suicide Prevention Scotland delivery collective.

What we are looking for:

To be successful in this post you will need a significant level of experience in safeguarding, alongside either a qualification in a related area, or experience of supporting people with lived or living experience.

You will have experience of supporting people in crisis, and providing emotional support, guidance and advice. You will also have solid interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with a wide range of people.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

· Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.

· Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions

· 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)

· 4 public holidays (pro rata)

· 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)

· Team wellbeing budgets

· Workplace pension scheme

· Life Assurance policy

· Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date for applications will be Monday 24th August 2026 at 12 noon.

To apply please visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us

This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria detailed in the Role Profile.

PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared in your application will be required.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of applicants and would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

SAMH is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to represent the communities we are here to support. We aim to have a truly diverse organisation – diversity of thought, background, experience and of all protected characteristics. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experienced mental health problems and individuals from minority communities.

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