At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in protecting children's welfare and ensuring effective safeguarding practices.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Ark, committed to child safety and well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous training days, pension scheme, and discounts on gym memberships.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your safeguarding skills.
- Qualifications: Enhanced DBS check required; experience in safeguarding is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30414 - 36989 £ per year.
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) plays a key role in supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The DDSL helps ensure that effective safeguarding policies, procedures and practices are in place and consistently applied across the school. The DDSL will act as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns and contribute to a strong culture of vigilance and child protection.
Location & Working Pattern
- Location: Enfield – easily accessible from central, north, and east London, as well as surrounding areas.
- Salary: Support Band 5-7 (Outer London) ranging from point 5-24 (£29,432‑£38,734) term time only. Depending on experience.
- Working pattern: Term Time only, Mon‑Fri 8am‑5pm.
- Contract: Permanent.
- Start date: 1st September 2026.
- Closing Date: Friday 19th June 12pm. Applications will be reviewed on an on‑going basis and the role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response.
Responsibilities
As DDSL, you will support the DSL in safeguarding leadership, ensure policies and procedures are effectively applied, act as a primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns, and foster a vigilant culture of child protection throughout the school.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required: Undertake an enhanced DBS check before appointment; disclose any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. Disclosure of a criminal background will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Benefits
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Twice as many training days as standard.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark rewards – savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
- Interest‑free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts – up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential counselling, legal advice and range of support.
Safeguarding Statement
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check and will conduct a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
Primary Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead ( DDSL) employer: ARK
Ark is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and professional development for its staff. Located in Enfield, easily accessible from central London, employees benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a generous pension scheme, alongside unique perks such as gym discounts and interest-free loans. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and a focus on employee well-being, Ark provides a meaningful and rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead ( DDSL)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at ARK.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from ARK!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like ARK, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at ARK or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead ( DDSL)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to ARK:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ARK! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
