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- Tasks: Support students and ensure their safety in a vibrant school community.
- Company: The Portsmouth Academy, part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, training opportunities, and staff wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on inclusive education and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and contribute to their welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and knowledge of safeguarding procedures required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The Portsmouth Academy is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and highly motivated Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our pastoral and safeguarding team. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant, supportive school community, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and able to thrive. Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a central role in safeguarding practice across the Academy.
Responsibilities
- Supporting students subject to a Child Protection Plan, or those identified as Vulnerable or Looked After.
- Triaging safeguarding concerns, responding to incidents, and taking timely, appropriate action to meet statutory duties.
- Liaising with external agencies, attending multi‑agency meetings, and coordinating internal support pathways.
- Contributing to the development and delivery of engaging safeguarding training for staff and students.
- Maintaining accurate, confidential safeguarding records and supporting effective communication across the safeguarding team.
Qualifications
- Experienced in working with children, young people, and families / carers.
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and multi‑agency working.
- Organised, calm under pressure, and able to manage sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
- Confident in making referrals, guiding staff, and supporting students through challenging situations.
- A collaborative team player with a genuine commitment to student welfare.
If you are ready to take the next step in your safeguarding career and contribute to a school where every child matters, we would love to hear from you. The Portsmouth Academy is focused on providing an inclusive education for all children and ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities. The Portsmouth Academy's vision and ethos is rooted in developing aspirational and self‑reflective learners who are able to think for themselves and be valuable members of their community. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in both KS3 and 4, placing significant importance on cultural capital alongside academic achievement.
Benefits
- Competitive Pay Scales.
- Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
- Training: Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust‑funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- TSAT Benefits portal: a one‑stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Store Discounts: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Portsmouth employer: All Locations
Contact Detail:
All Locations Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios and how you would handle them. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also practical and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for student welfare during interviews. Share stories that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and how you've positively impacted students' lives. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding shine through! We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in students' lives. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to student welfare.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for at The Portsmouth Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at All Locations
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience where you've successfully triaged safeguarding concerns or supported vulnerable students.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, demonstrate your genuine commitment to student welfare. Share stories that highlight your compassion and ability to support students through challenging situations, as this role is all about making a real difference in their lives.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills under pressure. Think about how you would handle various safeguarding incidents and be ready to explain your thought process clearly and calmly.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
This role requires working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and external agencies. Be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments and how you’ve contributed to team efforts in safeguarding practices.