Safeguarding Officer, Leeds

Safeguarding Officer, Leeds

Full-Time 32870 - 35912 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Leeds City College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Ensure student safety and wellbeing through expert safeguarding advice and support.
  • Company: Join Leeds City College, a leading further education institution committed to student welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Level 2 Safeguarding trained with experience in educational settings.

The predicted salary is between 32870 - 35912 £ per year.

We are looking for a new Safeguarding Officer (known as Stay Safe Officer in the Group) to join us at Leeds City College within the Sixth Form department. You will work closely with the curriculum-based department to ensure arrangements are in place and maintained to effectively safeguard our students and vulnerable adults. We are seeking an individual who embraces a restorative approach and places student welfare and safeguarding at the heart of everything they do. Across all our campuses, we are committed to creating an environment where students and staff feel welcomed, valued, safe, and secure. Our safeguarding arrangements are robust and effective, with safeguarding officers responding promptly and appropriately to identify and mitigate risks. Our most recent Ofsted inspection recognised our personal development programmes as outstanding. As part of our team, you will help build on this success, contributing to a culture of vigilance, support, and excellence in safeguarding, while continuing to promote the wellbeing and development of all students. The role will be based at the Park Lane Campus, but occasional travel to other Leeds City College campuses will be required.

What You Will Do

  • Provide specialist safeguarding advice, guidance, and training to pastoral, curriculum, and support staff.
  • Manage a caseload of students with safeguarding concerns, ensuring timely action, accurate recording, and appropriate safety plans.
  • Deliver both formal and informal supervision to designated safeguarding officers, including case discussions and documentation.
  • Plan, chair, and record safeguarding meetings, ensuring clear actions and effective case management.
  • Deliver safeguarding training across induction, staff development days, and ongoing professional development.
  • Liaise with external agencies and internal teams, contributing to risk assessments, support plans, and safeguarding monitoring systems.

About You

  • Level 2 Safeguarding trained.
  • A recognised qualification in at least one area of expertise in safeguarding, health and care to a minimum of NVQ 3 or equivalent, or substantial experience.
  • Recent experience working as a designated safeguarding officer.
  • Experience of working with vulnerable groups in an educational setting.
  • Up to date knowledge and experience of a range of safeguarding issues.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, a good listener who is non-judgemental and able to be adaptable to the needs of staff and students.

Benefits

  • Annual leave: Curriculum and Management: 44 days plus bank holidays; Curriculum support and business support: 39 days plus bank holidays.
  • Pension schemes with generous employer contributions: Teachers Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, Peoples Pension Scheme.
  • CPD opportunities: Annual staff conference plus 2 additional staff development days. Qualifications including PGCE, Apprenticeships, Leadership and Management courses.
  • Employee wellbeing initiatives: Family Friendly Policies, discounted onsite spa (Printworks) and gym (Park Lane).
  • Travel and commuting: Discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to work schemes.
  • Flexible and hybrid working opportunities: Please speak to the recruiting manager regarding flexible opportunities as these differ between roles.

About Us

Leeds City College is one of the largest further education institutions in the country and is one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships regionally. We provide a vibrant and diverse learning environment, delivering excellent and innovative education which is supportive, inspiring and life changing. Leeds City Colleges values put students first and are at the heart of everything the college does. We are committed to lifelong learning and investing in our staff. You will have access to a broad variety of training and professional development designed to help you continually develop and grow. We offer a wide range of job vacancies, and our large size means there are always exciting opportunities to progress. Join us on the journey to being the best that we can collectively be for our students, apprentices, staff and our stakeholders.

SAFEGUARDING

At Luminate Education Group we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our students including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow the Safer Recruitment requirements and best practice as set out within Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, online checks and must have two satisfactory references. Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in recruitment is key to our Groups values. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion in all its forms, where every candidate is treated with fairness, respect, and equity. Our recruitment processes are designed to ensure equal opportunities, remove bias, and promote a diverse talent pool. We continually assess and improve our practices to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has an equal chance to succeed. By championing EDI, we aim to create a workforce that reflects the richness of our communities and drives innovation through diverse perspectives.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not forward any unsolicited CVs in relation to any of our advertised roles or speculatively. If we require support with any of our vacancies we will get in touch with agencies directly. We do not recognise submissions of unsolicited or speculative CV applications from recruitment agencies. We shall not be liable for any fee / commission in the event we employ a candidate that may have been submitted as an unsolicited/speculative application from an uninstructed recruitment agency.

Safeguarding Officer, Leeds employer: Leeds City College

Leeds City College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and students. With generous annual leave, comprehensive pension schemes, and extensive professional development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Leeds, the college fosters a dynamic environment where safeguarding and student welfare are at the forefront, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful educational outcomes.

Leeds City College

Contact Details:

Leeds City College Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer, Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in safeguarding. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios and how you would handle them. This shows you're not just book-smart but also practical!

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there, tailored for you.

We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Officer, Leeds

Safeguarding Knowledge
Interpersonal Skills
Case Management
Risk Assessment
Training Delivery
Communication Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Safeguarding Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our commitment to student welfare and safeguarding.

Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience, especially if you've worked with vulnerable groups in an educational setting. We love to see examples of how you've made a difference in safeguarding before!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications and passion for safeguarding.

Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Leeds City College.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds City College

Know Your Safeguarding Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific issues that affect students and vulnerable adults in an educational setting, as this will show your commitment to their welfare.

Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills

During the interview, highlight your excellent listening skills and adaptability. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with staff and students in the past, especially in sensitive situations.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios related to safeguarding. Think through how you would handle various situations, such as managing a caseload or liaising with external agencies, and be ready to discuss your thought process.

Embrace the Restorative Approach

Since the role emphasises a restorative approach, be prepared to discuss how you would implement this in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully used restorative practices to support students and resolve conflicts.