Vetting Manager and Child Safeguarding Officer This role is a pivotal leadership position with overarching responsibility for ensuring Bus ireanns full compliance with all legislative, regulatory and policy requirements relating to vetting, child safeguarding and welfare. It demands a high level of integrity, sound judgment and the ability to lead, influence and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct across the organisation. As the mandated Designated Liaison Person (DLP), the Manager is the primary point of contact with external statutory agencies including the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Sochna, Tusla Child and Family Agency and Meitheal Multiagency Intervention Support Groups, while providing professional guidance and support to staff in all safeguarding matters. The Manager must demonstrate a deep understanding of Bus ireanns policies, procedures and statutory obligations and champion the organisations commitment to the safety, protection and welfare of all children and vulnerable persons under its care. The post holder will lead, manage and develop the vetting and safeguarding team to ensure effective service delivery, continuous professional growth and a culture of accountability and excellence. As Vetting Manager and Child Safeguarding Officer, you will play a central role in safeguarding the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults, directly influencing national standards in protection, welfare and ethical compliance. This is a unique opportunity to lead a specialist team within one of Irelands most trusted organisations. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership, people management and compliance Lead, manage and continuously improve Bus ireanns vetting and child safeguarding frameworks, ensuring full compliance with statutory obligations and internal governance standards. Manage, coach and develop the vetting and safeguarding team, setting clear objectives, providing ongoing performance feedback and promoting professional development and succession planning. Serve as Mandated Person and Designated Liaison Person (DLP) with external agencies, ensuring all mandatory reporting obligations are fulfilled in a timely, accurate and professional manner. Interpret, implement and communicate legislative changes, ensuring that policies and practices remain current and robust. Vetting and risk management Oversee the full vetting process and risk assessment of disclosures, making informed, balanced decisions on the suitability of individuals to work with children and vulnerable persons. Evaluate and manage complex and sensitive cases, showing professional judgment, resilience and discretion when reviewing potentially distressing or graphic information. Ensure secure handling and storage of all confidential information in line with GDPR and organisational policies. Policy, strategy and continuous improvement Lead the review, development and implementation of safeguarding and vetting policies, codes of conduct/misbehaviour and operational procedures to reflect best practice and legal updates. Monitor operational effectiveness, identify emerging trends or risks and design innovative approaches to enhance efficiency, quality and consistency of service delivery. Develop and maintain a register of Mandated Persons and ensure the appointment and training of Relevant Persons in line with legislative requirements. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including An Garda Sochna, Tusla, the Department of Education and CI Group departments. Represent Bus ireann at formal safeguarding meetings, conferences and strategy discussions, ensuring organisational responsibilities are clearly communicated and upheld. Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for staff, providing expert guidance on complex vetting and safeguarding issues. Operational excellence Oversee administration of the e-Vetting system, ensuring data integrity and compliance with process requirements. Lead or participate in strategic projects, audits and initiatives that enhance Bus ireanns safeguarding framework. Demonstrate flexibility, creativity and resilience in managing change and achieving high standards in challenging circumstances. KEY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Proven leadership experience in vetting, safeguarding, compliance or related fields within a complex or regulated environment. Experience in people management, including leading high-performing teams, conducting performance reviews and developing staff capability. Comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding frameworks, with ability to interpret and apply them effectively. Strong capability in risk assessment, decision-making and policy implementation relating to child protection and vulnerable persons. Exceptional interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, empathy and authority. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance operational demands with ethical and legal considerations. Proven ability to manage and develop high-performing teams, fostering trust, accountability and professional growth. High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and e-Vetting systems, with excellent attention to detail and awareness of data governance. Unquestionable integrity, sound judgment and a commitment to the highest ethical and moral standards. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES Customer focus Actively listens to build and deliver solutions that meet customer expectations, recognising internal and external stakeholder needs and going the extra mile to exceed them. Safety Demonstrates thorough understanding of safety regulations and consistently adheres to them, promoting a strong safety culture within the team and organisation. Collaboration Collaborates effectively with others to achieve common goals, demonstrating strong communication in one-to-one and small-group settings, actively listening and valuing all perspectives. Versatility Recognises that different situations require different approaches and adjusts accordingly, seeking information from various sources when solving problems and scanning for new skills and knowledge that can enhance performance. Driving results Focuses intentionally on achieving objectives and performance targets, committed to continuous improvement with a goal-oriented mindset and effective problem-solving. Sustainable practice Displays strong awareness of environmental and social responsibility principles, emphasising ethical actions and understanding of industry trends and best practices that drive positive impact. WHY JOIN BUS IREANN Joining Bus ireann offers the opportunity to work for a respected national transport company that plays a vital role in connecting communities across Ireland. Employees benefit from stable, long-term careers with competitive pay, pension schemes and comprehensive training and development, a supportive work environment, career progression opportunities and the chance to contribute to a sustainable public transport system. HOW TO APPLY If you are ready to shape the future of talent at Bus ireann, apply by close of business on 16 January 2026. Bus ireann is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can achieve their potential.