Safeguarding Officer in Southampton

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and knowledgeable Safeguarding Officer to join our central safeguarding team. Working under the direction of the Head of Safeguarding, the role will support and further embed a strong culture of safeguarding across the Trust, where high-quality practice and shared responsibility are firmly established in all our schools.

The postholder will work alongside school leaders and Designated Safeguarding Leads to provide professional advice, challenge and support, promoting high-quality safeguarding procedures and consistently strong practice. They will help maintain a culture of vigilance underpinned by the understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that "it could happen here". As a member of the central safeguarding team, the successful candidate will play an active role in safeguarding reviews, training, policy development and quality assurance. They will work with colleagues to ensure that pupils and adults are protected from harm and that statutory safeguarding responsibilities are met to a consistently high standard across the Trust.

Responsibilities

• Embed a strong safeguarding culture and promote shared responsibility across all schools.
• Provide professional advice, challenge and support to school leaders and Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Promote high-quality safeguarding procedures and ensure consistent strong practice.
• Support safeguarding reviews, policy development, training and quality assurance activities.
• Ensure pupils and adults are protected from harm and statutory safeguarding responsibilities are met consistently.

Qualifications

• Has strong safeguarding knowledge and experience managing safeguarding concerns.
• Is confident providing clear advice, support and professional challenge.
• Understands the importance of effective safeguarding procedures, accurate recording and timely reporting.
• Can work calmly and sensitively with complex and confidential cases.
• Communicates well and builds positive working relationships.
• Is organised, resilient and able to manage effectively competing priorities.
• Works well as part of a team and is committed to high safeguarding standards.

Benefits

• An opportunity to be part of a collaborative managed services team with a shared vision of excellence.
• Flexible working approach, where possible.
• Wellbeing day (trial for 2025/26).
• Excellent training and development programmes and opportunities.
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service.
• Access to our benefits portal offering a full range of discounts available through Lifestyle Savings.
• Access to Wellbeing Support through our Employee Assistance Programme, including free confidential telephone and face-to-face counselling for employees and family members.
• Access to financial wellbeing support through a company that provides comprehensive guidance on all things mortgage related.
• Eligible for a Blue Light card.