Safeguarding Officer/Deputy DSL in Loughborough

Safeguarding Officer/Deputy DSL in Loughborough

Loughborough Full-Time 25119 - 25119 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Charnwood College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Promote student welfare and safety, supporting safeguarding practices in our Academy.
  • Company: Charnwood College, a thriving 11 to 18 school with a positive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, CPD opportunities, and health & wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating an inclusive learning space.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of safeguarding legislation required.

The predicted salary is between 25119 - 25119 £ per year.

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Safeguarding Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in promoting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all students, ensuring that safeguarding remains at the heart of our Academy's culture and practice.

Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), senior leaders, staff, parents/carers and external agencies, you will support the identification, assessment, and management of safeguarding concerns; maintain accurate and confidential records; contribute to safeguarding interventions; and help ensure that the school meets its statutory safeguarding responsibilities.

The role requires excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills, together with a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and multi‑agency working. You will provide advice and guidance to staff, support vulnerable students, and help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every young person can thrive.

This is a permanent, term‑time only post, working 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year.

Charnwood College is an oversubscribed 11 to 18 school that has seen significant improvements over the last five years. The most recent Ofsted inspection rated the school as Good in all areas, noting a culture of respect and positivity and an inclusive, calm environment for learning. The well‑maintained 40‑acre site offers excellent facilities in sports, arts, and technology. Our curriculum, supported by the David Ross Education Trust, provides broad and balanced opportunities, with teachers following a common lesson rubric and embedded routines. All classrooms are equipped with visualisers.

We are dedicated to developing and supporting staff, offering a bespoke CPD programme and encouraging professional development, including NPQs and Masters. Enrichment opportunities cover sport, arts, music, and adventurous visits, with a varied calendar of events that staff are encouraged to support.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: NJC12 £28,598 FTE (actual salary £25,119 per annum, pro‑rate)
  • Access to Local Government Pension Scheme
  • CPD including Senior Leader and Knowledge Development Courses
  • Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education
  • Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme
  • Awards and Recognition Scheme
  • Flexible working patterns
  • Benefits Platform: Health & Wellbeing Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme

Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust. All pre‑employment checks are in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.

Safeguarding Officer/Deputy DSL in Loughborough employer: Charnwood College

Charnwood College is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for both students and staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, including bespoke CPD programmes and opportunities for further qualifications, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to a positive school culture. The Academy's focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working patterns, and a collaborative atmosphere makes it an attractive place for those passionate about safeguarding and education.

Charnwood College

Contact Details:

Charnwood College Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer/Deputy DSL in Loughborough

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 Charnwood College.

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 Charnwood College!

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 Charnwood College, 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 Charnwood College 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 Safeguarding Officer/Deputy DSL in Loughborough

Safeguarding Legislation
Child Protection Procedures
Multi-Agency Working
Communication Skills
Organisation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Record Keeping

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 Charnwood College:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Charnwood College! 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 Charnwood College

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.