At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools in safeguarding and collaborate with multi-agency teams for child protection.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, committed to transforming children's social care.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Temporary position until March 2027, with potential for extension based on funding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through safeguarding and early intervention.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Leader or Deputy with relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
The Families First Partnership (FFP) programme is a £2.4 billion 2026–2027 government initiative transforming children's social care in England toward a multi‑agency, preventive model. It mandates that local authorities implement Multi‑Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs), integrating social work, health and education to improve safeguarding and reduce reliance on high‑level, reactive services.
As a Safeguarding Advisor for Schools and Education you will play a vital role in supporting the transformation and implementation of the MACPT, representing education as a core statutory partner alongside health, care and police colleagues. The education role involves ensuring schools, early‑years providers and colleges are integrated safeguarding partners that actively collaborate with the MACPT for early intervention and child protection.
The post holder will also contribute to workforce development through training, coaching, mentoring and networking, helping to build confidence and capability across the system. This position is part time, 2 days a week (14.48 minutes), office based at Howden House, Sheffield, S1 2SH. This is a temporary position until 31 March 2027, with possible extension dependent on funding.
We are looking to recruit a current or recent Designated Safeguarding Leader or Designated Safeguarding Deputy, who has a relevant professional qualification and experience of work related to vulnerable children and safeguarding in a school, college or early‑years setting, with experience of multi‑agency work in relation to children aged 0‑19 years.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade. Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our Sheff news page.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and, where appropriate to the role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Safeguarding Advisor Education and Schools employer: Beighton
Sheffield City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and families. As a Safeguarding Advisor in Sheffield, you will benefit from professional development opportunities, including training and mentoring, while working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to make a meaningful impact in the community. The part-time nature of this role allows for a balanced work-life dynamic, making it an attractive option for those seeking rewarding employment in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Advisor Education and Schools
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education and safeguarding. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Families First Partnership programme. Understand its goals and how your experience aligns with their mission. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to multi-agency work and safeguarding. We can help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Advisor Education and Schools
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Safeguarding Advisor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work with vulnerable children and multi-agency collaboration. We want to see how you've made a difference in safeguarding in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your passion for safeguarding shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beighton
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices, especially those related to multi-agency work. Familiarise yourself with the Families First Partnership programme and how it impacts schools and education. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also committed to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles as a Designated Safeguarding Leader or Deputy. Highlight your experience working with vulnerable children and your involvement in multi-agency collaborations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the MACPT implementation and how the role of Safeguarding Advisor fits into the bigger picture. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific safeguarding scenarios. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would respond. This will help you convey your critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are crucial for this position.