ESS Safeguarding Officer in Gateshead

We’re looking for an ESS Safeguarding Officer. Interested? Do you want a role where you’re recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you’re just what we’re looking for!

The team…

Education, Schools and Inclusion covers a wide range of areas including school organisation and admissions, Adult Learning, the 0-5 Service, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities education support services and school improvement.

The Education Support Service is a busy, supportive team, working with families, children, young people and schools and is responsible for school organisation and admissions, fair access, EOTAS, exclusions, legal intervention, elective home education and the ethnic minority and traveller achievement service.

About the role…

A vacancy has arisen for a Safeguarding Officer to work within the Education Support Service to provide vision and direction to those engaged in working with vulnerable children and young people by providing oversight, support and guidance to schools in relation to the safeguarding of children, in line with national and local policies and procedures.

We are looking for an experienced teacher who has worked in a lead role in education safeguarding, with extensive experience of ensuring inclusion and a strong knowledge of school safeguarding procedures and safeguarding within the curriculum. The successful candidate will have demonstrable and successful experience in providing advice and challenge to senior colleagues across a wide range of educational settings and will be able to develop and deliver a bespoke safeguarding offer to schools as part of an SLA.

Key responsibilities

• Oversight of safeguarding in schools by providing advice, support and training.
• Represent the Education, Schools and Inclusion Service at safeguarding meetings.
• Work closely with the Education Support Service Manager to support the safeguarding, welfare and inclusion of vulnerable pupils.
• Develop pathways for safeguarding advice to DSLs and senior leaders.
• Audit safeguarding practices in schools.

A bit about Gateshead Council…

Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community.

We’re truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector-leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll be paid a competitive salary £39,152 to £41,771 per annum.
• We’ll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.
• You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
• You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the Council’s Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.
• We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.
• A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
• You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support and the ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities – Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better.
• You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping.

It’s time to apply!

We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link: JOB PROFILE. It’s important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we’ll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.

If successful, you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Melanie Maitland on 0191 433 8622 or 07786 747511.

Applicants please note: Shortlisting will take place on Monday 5th January 2026. Interviews to be held on Monday 12th January 2026.