At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support vulnerable students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join the CLIC Trust, dedicated to changing lives through collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity and inclusion in a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting a strong safeguarding culture.
- Qualifications: Degree or social care qualification with safeguarding experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38510 - 42123 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Number of Positions: 1
Qualifications Required: Degree/Social Care qualification
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Salary: £38,510 - £42,123 per annum
About the role
The Governors of the CLIC Trust and Chorlton Park wish to appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our Safeguarding team. Chorlton Park is a vibrant inner‑city school that is part of the CLIC Co‑operative Trust with six other primary schools. The core vision of CLIC is Changing Lives In Collaboration: ‘Together We Make The Difference’ and our values underpin everything that we do (Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Kindness, Fairness and Empathy).
Key responsibilities
- Lead on all safeguarding and Child Protection and act as the main point of contact for all safeguarding concerns
- Provide expert advice and support to staff on safeguarding issues
- Lead the development and review of safeguarding policies, ensuring compliance with the latest statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Manage referrals and maintain safeguarding records and systems, including CPOMS, with accuracy and confidentiality
- Work closely with staff, students, parents/carers and external agencies such as social services, GMP, Early Help, CAMHS, and the Local Authority to safeguard children and promote their welfare
- Deliver relevant training and development for staff to build capacity and embed best practice across the school
- Work directly with vulnerable students to provide early intervention and pastoral support
- Monitor academic progress and attainment of LAC students
- Lead the creation, review, and quality assurance of Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the school community
What you’ll bring
- Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, with experience of leading safeguarding in a school or similar setting
- Excellent communication skills, able to build trust and positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail in record-keeping and data management
- Resilience and calmness under pressure, managing sensitive situations with integrity and discretion
- A willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including DSL refresher training and safeguarding updates
- A commitment to inclusion, diversity and student wellbeing
- A relevant safeguarding qualification and DSL experience are desirable.
Equal opportunities
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The post is subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice can be viewed. This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre‑employment checks where applicable. We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Designated Safeguarding Lead in Manchester employer: Chorlton Park Primary
At CLIC Trust and Chorlton Park, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our vibrant inner-city school offers a collaborative culture where staff are encouraged to grow professionally through ongoing training and development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of 'Changing Lives In Collaboration'.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Lead in Manchester
✨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 Chorlton Park Primary.
✨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 Chorlton Park Primary!
✨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 Chorlton Park Primary, 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 Chorlton Park Primary 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 Designated Safeguarding Lead in Manchester
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 Chorlton Park Primary:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Chorlton Park Primary! 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 Chorlton Park Primary
✨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.
