Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) supports the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in ensuring that safeguarding and child protection arrangements across the school are effective, compliant with statutory guidance, and promote the welfare of all pupils. The DDSL will act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns and may deputise for the DSL in their absence. This role is open to both qualified teachers and non‑teaching safeguarding professionals. Applicants who are qualified teachers may undertake a teaching timetable alongside the role, whilst applicants from non‑teaching backgrounds may undertake the position as a full‑time safeguarding role without a teaching commitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguarding and Child Protection
  • Support the DSL in leading and managing safeguarding and child protection across the school.
  • Act as a deputy to the DSL, taking responsibility for safeguarding matters when the DSL is unavailable.
  • Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and allegations, ensuring timely action in line with school policy and statutory guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education).
  • Make referrals to Children’s Social Care and other external agencies as required, in consultation with the DSL.
  • Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential safeguarding records using the school’s agreed system (e.g. CPOMS).
  • Monitor and track vulnerable students, including those with Child Protection Plans, Child in Need Plans, or other safeguarding concerns.
  • Attend and contribute to multi‑agency meetings (e.g. strategy meetings, child protection conferences, core groups) as required.
• Student Support and Welfare
  • Work closely with pastoral staff, SEND staff, attendance teams, and the Leadership Group to ensure effective support for vulnerable students.
  • Contribute to the development, review, and monitoring of individual support plans and risk assessments.
  • Support students who are subject to safeguarding concerns, ensuring their voice is heard and their welfare prioritised.
• Staff Support and Training
  • Provide advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding and child protection issues.
  • Support the DSL in delivering safeguarding training and updates to staff, including induction for new staff and volunteers.
  • Promote a strong safeguarding culture where staff feel confident to report concerns.
• Policy, Compliance, and Quality Assurance
  • Support the DSL in reviewing and updating safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
  • Ensure safeguarding practices are in line with statutory requirements and local authority guidance.
  • Contribute to safeguarding audits, inspections, and reports (including Ofsted preparation).
  • Support the monitoring of safeguarding‑related data, patterns, and trends to inform early intervention.
• Partnership Working
  • Liaise effectively with parents/carers, external agencies, and professionals while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
  • Work collaboratively with local safeguarding partners and attend relevant training and briefings.
• Other Duties
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher or DSL that are consistent with the role.
  • Uphold the school’s ethos, values, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding Statement

The postholder has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is expected to share this commitment.

Person Specification

• Essential
  • Qualified Teacher Status is essential.
  • Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection legislation and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
  • Ability to respond calmly, sensitively, and appropriately to safeguarding concerns and disclosures.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate, confidential records.
  • Willingness to undertake DSL/DDSL safeguarding training (or already trained).
• Desirable
  • Previous experience as a DDSL or DSL.
  • Experience of working with external safeguarding agencies.
  • Knowledge of contextual safeguarding, early help processes, and multi‑agency working.
  • Experience using safeguarding recording systems (e.g. CPOMS).

Training and Development

The postholder will undertake initial and refresher DSL/DDSL safeguarding training in line with statutory requirements. Ongoing professional development will be supported.

Application Process

For further information about the school, please visit https://www.northbrentschool.co.uk/ or contact us at reception@northbrentschool.co.uk. Early applications are encouraged and the Trust reserves the right to appoint before the closing date. Wembley Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. The closing date is 09:00am on Tuesday 30th June 2026.