Are you passionate about safeguarding children and young people? Do you have the strategic vision and operational expertise to lead statutory safeguarding duties across Inclusion & Learning, alongside Children’s Social Care in Devon?
This is an exciting time to be part of the development of a new service supporting the education of our children and young people in Devon.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced partner to take on the role of Lead for Education Safeguarding. This is a pivotal position within Devon, working at the heart of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements with the Devon Safeguarding Children's Partnership, Inclusion & Learning, Social Care and Health, supporting families, schools, colleges and education providers to keep children safe.
This strategic role is required to work effectively across Inclusion & Learning and Children’s Social Care (CSC) as a Lead for Education Safeguarding in ensuring statutory safeguarding duties are delivered and fulfilled.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership on safeguarding in education across Devon.
- Support and challenge schools and settings to meet statutory safeguarding duties.
- Represent education in multi-agency safeguarding forums and panels.
- Lead on safeguarding audits, training, and policy development.
- Offer expert advice on complex safeguarding cases, complaints and allegations management.
The role will also focus on these areas
- Building strong interagency relationships; Develop mutual understanding of each other’s roles, pressures, and statutory duties.
- Embedding education in Multi-Agency Safeguarding Processes; Advocate for the voice of the school and the child’s educational experience to be considered in all planning.
- Sharing and using Information Effectively; Promote timely and proportionate information sharing between schools and CSC. Use data from CSC number of children on CP/CiN plans) to inform safeguarding priorities in education.
- Providing Professional Challenge and Support; Where necessary, challenge decisions that may not fully consider the child’s educational needs or safeguarding risks. Offer consultation to social workers on school dynamics, attendance, and behaviour as indicators of risk.
- Delivering Joint Local Authority Training and Development; Promote shared language and understanding of safeguarding thresholds, trauma-informed practice, and contextual safeguarding. Work alongside the Devon Social Work Academy.
- Participating in Strategic Forums; ensure education’s role is visible in local safeguarding audits, reviews, and learning events.
- Supporting Schools in navigating CSC Systems: Help DSLs understand: How to make effective referrals / What to expect from CSC responses/ How to elevate concerns if levels of need aren’t met.
About You
- A qualified partner with significant experience in safeguarding within education or Children’s Services.
- Deep understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and statutory local safeguarding procedures.
- Strong leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills.
- Able to influence, challenge, and support at all levels.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a passionate and committed team making a real difference.
- Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Help shape the future of safeguarding in education across our community.
Lead for Safeguarding in Education Devon, UK
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Lead For Safeguarding In Education employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional development. As a Lead Approved Mental Health Professional, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health services while benefiting from a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being in a vibrant community setting.
