At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and wellbeing initiatives to enhance student support services.
- Company: Join Doncaster College, a modern institution focused on student growth and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping a culture of safety and resilience.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in educational leadership required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on personal growth and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The vacancy
Are you passionate about creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for students? DN Colleges Group is seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Director: Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing to lead and shape our student support services across Further and Higher Education.
This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring students have access to high-quality safeguarding, counselling and wellbeing support. You will work closely with senior leaders and manage dedicated teams to deliver impactful interventions that enhance the student experience and promote a culture of safety, resilience and personal growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the College\’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and represent the organisation on external safeguarding bodies.
- Lead and manage the Safeguarding, Counselling, Wellbeing and Learning & Behaviour teams.
- Develop and implement robust strategies, policies and quality assurance processes across all areas of responsibility.
- Provide strategic leadership and contribute to the College\’s planning, reporting and inspection readiness.
- Deliver staff development, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks.
Essential Criteria
- Degree or equivalent in Safeguarding, Counselling, Social Work or a related subject.
- Proven experience of leading teams within an educational setting.
- Demonstrable experience in safeguarding or counselling roles.
- Strong communication, analytical and interpersonal skills.
- GCSE Maths & English (Grade A*–C or equivalent).
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary
- 30 Bookable annual leave days, bank holidays, and 2 weeks off at Christmas.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Access to same-day GP appointments, high street discounts, discounted hair and beauty treatments, electric car scheme.
- On-site gym & florist (site dependent).
- Access to our In-house Food Hall & Coffee Shops.
Important Information
As part of the recruitment process and in line with keeping children safe in education, we will conduct social media checks on shortlisted candidates. Additionally, before commencing employment, all employees undergo safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS.
Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Closing date: 5th January 2026
To apply for this post click \’Apply Now\’
For further information about the role, please contact staff.recruitment@dncolleges.ac.uk.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today and help us shape a safer, healthier future for our students.
About Us
Here at Doncaster College and University Centre we understand that choosing what to do next can be a huge decision. It\’s not just about the course you choose to study, it is about the tutors, the experiences and the friends you meet along the way.
We have over 120 courses at full and part-time, from entry level right up to university level. As well as the vast amount of courses on offer, we ensure all our students get the right support and guidance whether it is through our careers service, our additional learning support, counselling, student finance and many other services all tailored to each individual.
Our exciting and modern campus is in a central location, packed with workspaces designed to industry standard. We work directly with employers allowing you real work experience and industry insight that you will not get from sitting behind a desk.
The Benefits
All employees at DN Colleges Group enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, as well as an additional 2 weeks closure over the Christmas period. We encourage all our teams to take regular breaks, no longer than 3 weeks, to enjoy a healthy work life balance.
DN Colleges Group are committed to Health and Wellbeing of all our employees. We have an increasing number of provisions exclusive to our employees, designed to help you stay at your best or to assist and provide support when you need it.
Health and fitness suite
Generous annual leave
2 weeks off at Christmas
Electric car scheme
- Vivup – Employee Wellbeing and Benefits platform
- Wellness initiatives, onsite during your working week. This could include health visitors, financial advisers, or physio specialists.
- Onsite fitness classes, at lunchtime or after work in conjunction with our Sports colleagues.
- Cycle to Work and Electric car scheme
- Free Eye Care Vouchers
- Discounted Hair and Beauty services
- On site nursery
- Online access to Remploy which is our 24/7 confidential mental health and counselling resource.
- In house counselling/safeguarding specialists to assist in Wellbeing
Lets Teach Programme
Let\’s Teach The LET\’s teach programme supports new members of teaching staff in terms of college systems and key teaching and learning areas including new staff lesson visits and postcard peeps. Each new member of staff has an allocated Lead Practitioner who works closely with them throughout the programme.
Let\’s Bloom
The LET\’s Bloom Programme aims to connect our experienced and qualified teachers to share best practice and support continued risk-taking as we continue to add depth to our teaching craft. Teachers volunteer on this one year programme, working closely with the Learning Enhancement Team, capturing their experimentation in a journal.
Our gallery
Associate Director: Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing employer: Doncaster College
Contact Detail:
Doncaster College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director: Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Doncaster College through LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your past experiences in safeguarding and counselling, and how they relate to the role. We recommend practising your answers with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams in the past and the impact you made. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to enhance student wellbeing and safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director: Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safeguarding, counselling, and wellbeing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills: As this is a leadership role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your experience in managing teams and driving impactful interventions. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in educational settings and the positive outcomes that resulted.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our college culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Doncaster College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in safeguarding, counselling, and wellbeing practices. Brush up on relevant policies and frameworks, as well as the latest trends in student support services. This will show that you’re not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in an educational setting. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this is crucial for the Associate Director position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your responses and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific safeguarding scenarios or team dynamics. Prepare by thinking through potential situations and your approach to resolving them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness to tackle real-world challenges.