Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

We seek a passionate advocate for children to join our exemplary inclusion team. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in advocacy for vulnerable children and some experience of working with families and partner agencies. This role is student-facing, involving significant teamwork; we seek an optimistic professional who is resilient and committed to securing the best outcomes for children.

You will be required to work term time plus 3 weeks. We are looking for someone to start in September or sooner if possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis therefore early applications are encouraged.

• An externally recognised progression route with the support of a nationally recognised network
• Training and development opportunities
• A fully accessible, well-resourced, multi-million pound building in which to practice, accessible via various transport links, including train, tube and bus services from Elephant and Castle, as well as bus links from London Bridge and Tower Bridge
• A school community with a genuine family ethos, investing in staff wellbeing with sports and events
• A dedicated Employee Assistance and benefits package from Ark Rewards

We are a thriving school in the heart of central London. We serve a vibrant, diverse community in Zone 2, with excellent access to all the city has to offer for students and staff alike. We believe in the immense potential of each of our pupils and we are committed to giving them every possible opportunity to succeed. Every student should leave the academy with real choices: to continue into further and higher education or pursue the career of their choice.

Our academy is shaped by its culture of inclusion and mutual respect, which encourages a close working relationship between students and staff. We are working hard to provide an inspirational and secure environment which recognises and celebrates success whilst challenging students to realise their full potential.

• Committed, enthusiastic practitioners seeking to support excellent progress for our students
• Educators who aspire to the highest standards of behaviour, academic success, and wellbeing for all in our community
• Resilient, reflective and thoughtful professionals, seeking to develop themselves with us

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.