At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape safeguarding practices across 59 schools, ensuring every child feels safe and valued.
- Company: Join Lift Schools, a leading trust dedicated to safeguarding children in education.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, generous benefits, and lifestyle perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we embrace diversity and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of over 35,000 children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding within education or children's services is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Regional based positions within a defined Lift Schools geographical hub covering the North or the South. Regular travel to regional schools and occasional national travel will be expected.
Help shape the future of safeguarding across one of England's largest school trusts. At Lift Schools, safeguarding isn't simply a statutory responsibility, it's at the heart of everything we do. That's why we're looking for an experienced Deputy Head of Safeguarding to join our national safeguarding team and help strengthen safeguarding practice across our network of 59 schools, educating more than 35,000 children and young people. This is a rare opportunity to influence safeguarding at scale.
Working alongside our Head of Safeguarding, Regional Education Directors, Principals and Designated Safeguarding Leads, you'll provide professional support and constructive challenge that helps ensure every school delivers the very highest standards of safeguarding. If you're passionate about protecting children and want your expertise to make a difference far beyond a single setting, we'd love to hear from you.
Why this role matters
As Deputy Head of Safeguarding, you'll help shape the culture, systems and practice that keep thousands of children safe every day. You'll work alongside school leaders to strengthen safeguarding practice, build professional capability, identify emerging risks and ensure every school is confident, compliant and fully prepared for inspection. This role is about working alongside school leaders to strengthen safeguarding practice. You'll build trusted relationships, provide expert advice, coach colleagues through complex situations and help create a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. You’ll combine oversight with practical support, helping schools navigate complex safeguarding issues while ensuring children remain at the centre of every decision.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for a safeguarding professional who shares our belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported.
Potential backgrounds
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL
- Senior school leader with responsibility for safeguarding
- Local Authority Safeguarding Adviser or Education Safeguarding Officer
- Social Worker, Team Manager or Child Protection professional with extensive safeguarding expertise
- Safeguarding leader within a Multi‑Academy Trust or another education organisation
Key strengths you’ll bring
- Significant safeguarding experience within education, children's services or a related safeguarding environment
- Excellent knowledge of statutory safeguarding guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Experience working collaboratively with multi‑agency partners
- The ability to analyse information, identify risk and provide clear, evidence‑based advice
- The credibility and confidence to coach, influence and constructively challenge senior leaders
- A calm, compassionate and collaborative approach to supporting schools through complex safeguarding situations
Above all, you'll be someone who believes that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and who is passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.
We offer you
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals
Equal Opportunity
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job‑share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Recruitment process
Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Applicants will undergo online checks, an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Deputy Head of Safeguarding (North and South) employer: Meadsteadprimaryacademy
Meadstead Primary Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Early Years Educators. With a strong focus on professional development and community engagement, our nursery provides unique opportunities for growth while fostering meaningful relationships with children and families. Join us in making a positive impact in the lives of young learners in a vibrant and collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Safeguarding (North and South)
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Safeguarding (North and South)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Meadsteadprimaryacademy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Meadsteadprimaryacademy! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meadsteadprimaryacademy
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