At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding practices across schools, ensuring child protection and high standards.
- Company: Harbour Learning Trust, a values-driven community focused on care and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to continuous improvement and ethical practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your safeguarding expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and significant experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 45091 £ per year.
Are you a specialist in safeguarding looking to lead practice across a diverse Trust? Do you thrive on building high-standard procedures that protect children and support school leaders? If you are a resilient, ethically sound, and collaborative professional, then you could be the person we are looking for!
At Harbour Learning Trust, our success is built on a philosophy of care, inclusion, and high standards. We are a values-driven community where kindness, empathy, and ambition are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in providing an education that prepares every child to be a successful global citizen, and we are looking for a dedicated Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead to help us deliver on that vision.
You will be part of a supportive team that prioritises continuous professional development and a strong team ethos, working closely with the Head of HR & Safeguarding to share best practice and ensure consistent, sound advice throughout the Trust.
The Role
- Location: Harbour Learning Trust, Grimsby
- Salary Scale: PO1, point 30-34, £40,777 - £45,091 FTE
- Actual salary: £19,592 - £21,665
- Contract Type: Permanent - 20 hours per week - Term time plus 10 days
- Reports to: Head of HR & Safeguarding
- Closing Date: 1st June 2026
- Start Date: ASAP
As the Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead, you will hold responsibility for trust-wide operational safeguarding and child protection practice. You will act as a source of specialist expertise, ensuring our approach continuously adapts to support the vision and strategy of the Trust while remaining in strict accordance with statutory guidance.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Drive the development, implementation, and compliance of safeguarding across the trust, including policy development and senior-level advocacy.
- Quality Assurance & Audit: Complete annual safeguarding audits in each school and quality assure the work of academy safeguarding teams to ensure statutory compliance.
- Digital Strategy: Act as the Trust-wide ‘Super User’ for safeguarding software (e.g., CPOMS), auditing digital chronologies and ensuring consistent incident categorisation.
- Training & Development: Design and deliver specialist safeguarding training to all DSLs, chairing the Professional Learning Community to develop best-practice materials.
- Expert Advice: Provide a specialist response service to schools, offering coaching, mentoring, and bespoke support in the absence of a DSL.
- Data & Reporting: Analyse safeguarding data to provide timely, accurate reports to the Head of HR & Safeguarding, Trust Board and relevant committees.
The Person: What We Are Looking For
We are seeking an experienced practitioner who is organised, approachable, and committed to driving up standards of safeguarding service.
Essential Requirements
- Qualifications: Educated to degree level (or equivalent) with GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English and Maths; Safeguarding Level 3 or higher.
- Expertise: Significant experience as a DSL in an educational environment with detailed understanding of KCSIE and 'Working Together to Safeguard Children.'
- Technical Skills: Significant experience managing electronic recording systems (e.g., CPOMS) and using data to produce high-level analytical reports.
- Casework: Proven experience handling complex, high-risk cases and referring and challenging external agencies.
- Values: High integrity with an ethically sound approach and a deep commitment to the Harbour Learning Trust's DANCE values.
Harbour Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory background checks and enhanced DBS.
If you would like to hear more about the role please do not hesitate to contact Katrina Noon, Head of HR & Safeguarding.
Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead in Grimsby employer: Harbour Learning Trust
At Harbour Learning Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of care, inclusion, and high standards. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as a Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead, you will thrive in a supportive environment where your expertise is valued, and your contributions directly impact the safety and well-being of our students. Located in Grimsby, we offer a collaborative atmosphere that fosters growth and innovation, making it an ideal place for dedicated professionals looking to make a meaningful difference in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead in Grimsby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of care and inclusion, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their safeguarding practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We want to see your application shine, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it fits with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding.
We think you need these skills to ace Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead in Grimsby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our values at Harbour Learning Trust.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your safeguarding expertise! Share examples of your previous work, especially any experience with KCSIE and managing safeguarding systems like CPOMS. We want to see how you can bring your skills to our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value kindness, empathy, and ambition, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for safeguarding and your commitment to making a difference in children's lives.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour Learning Trust
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices, especially KCSIE and 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are truly committed to high standards in safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led safeguarding initiatives or training in your previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing policies or conducting audits, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive operational leadership across the Trust.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about handling complex cases or challenging situations. Think through some scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or advocate for a child’s welfare, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Harbour Learning Trust places a strong emphasis on kindness, empathy, and ambition. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work.
