Safeguarding Officer - London

About Us

Our core values of determination, integrity, curiosity and empathy inspire and nurture a passion for learning and success with a strong sense of inclusivity, individuality and responsibility. We use our voices purposefully as global citizens. The foundations of achieving our vision are:

• Outstanding curriculum, with outstanding quality and breadth of education
• Exceptional teachers who support students' passion for learning with the tools for success for every individual
• Relationships, routines and recognition that lead to a sense of belonging, wellbeing, mutual respect and exemplary behaviour both within Harris Lowe Academy Willesden and in our local community
• Post-16 excellence with a broad range of pathways, sporting academies and inspiring student leaders
• Arts and sports specialisms that embed essential skills and enable exceptional performance

Our moral purpose is to ensure our students and staff have access to the best possible futures and contribute positively to society through an outstanding careers/development programme, excellent leadership, and coaching. From its origins as the first city academy, the exceptional education we provide takes advantage of the opportunities offered by our privileged location and facilities in the most vibrant, multi-cultural city in the world. The enthusiasm, discipline and ambition of our students combined with the high expectations, outstanding teaching and creative dedication of our staff makes our vision a reality.

Summary

Do you have experience overseeing safeguarding at a school level? We are looking for a Safeguarding Officer to join our dedicated academy team at Harris Lowe Academy Willesden. The actual salary for this role will be £28,752.53 (39 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week).

Main Areas of Responsibility

As safeguarding officer, you will be expected to:

• Refer cases of suspected abuse to the local authority children's social care
• Support staff who make referrals to local authority children's social care
• Refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern
• Support staff who make referrals to the Channel programme
• Refer cases where a crime may have been committed to the Police as required
• Prepare information to present to the Principal, Academy Governors, ALG and Ofsted
• Manage CPOMS
• Update and maintain student safeguarding files
• Attend safeguarding meetings
• Help co-ordinate the collection of information for children's services and other agencies
• Be a point of contact for issues of child protection
• Where students leave the school, ensure their child protection file is transferred securely to the new school as soon as possible and for new admissions, request files
• Ensure the staff physical intervention and pupil search log is maintained and accurate
• Help to monitor safeguarding training for all staff and specifically for Designated Persons and status of training including refresher course

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Qualifications to degree standard or equivalent
• A clear and good understanding of safeguarding issues, theory and practice
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft software with knowledge of using a management Information system for input and export of student data
• Knowledge of the range of agencies that work with students and their families
• Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
• Knowledge of many of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience in improving attendance or managing welfare cases in an educational setting
• Experience of coordinating alternative provision or working with external providers
• Proven track record of working with families and external agencies to address barriers to learning
• Knowledge and understanding of attendance legislation and alternative provision standards
• Awareness of barriers to attendance and engagement, particularly in disadvantaged communities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage students, families, and professionals
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and meet deadlines effectively
• Competence in data analysis and using management information systems to track attendance and provision outcomes

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.