Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer in Sunderland

Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer in Sunderland

Sunderland Full-Time 34434 - 36363 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
North East Combined Authority

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Enhance student wellbeing and safeguard their welfare through collaboration with parents and agencies.
  • Company: Join Northern Education Trust, a leading charitable education Trust in the North of England.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free flu vaccinations, and onsite parking.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and flexible working arrangements.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and contribute to their success and wellbeing.
  • Qualifications: Passion for student welfare and experience in safeguarding practices.

The predicted salary is between 34434 - 36363 £ per year.

Northern Education Trust - Hetton Academy is seeking to appoint a highly motivated Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer who truly wants to enhance the life chances of the children and young people under our care. The successful candidate will actively work jointly with parents / carers and other agencies through joint planning, training and monitoring of their arrangements for the safeguarding of students.

You will ensure there are policies, procedures, systems, structures, resources and personnel in place to promote the welfare and protection of students and support vulnerable families.

The Academy has undergone rapid and continuous improvement since joining NET in 2022 and we have celebrated KS4 results that are well above the national average as well as being amongst the top performing schools in the North East. If you are hard-working and passionate about the wellbeing of students we would love to hear from you. Visits to the Academy are welcomed so that you can meet our amazing students and our inspirational teachers.

Northern Education Trust offers:

  • The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
  • The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
  • The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
  • A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
  • A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.

Employee benefits include free flu vaccinations and free onsite parking.

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process.

The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests and safer recruitment practice. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.

For more information, please contact Lisa Ridley, Vice Principal, at l.ridley1@northerneducationtrust.org

Closing date: 10am, Tuesday 18th August 2026.

Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer in Sunderland employer: North East Combined Authority

Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.

North East Combined Authority

Contact Details:

North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer in Sunderland

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at North East Combined Authority.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from North East Combined Authority!

Showcase Your Passion and Expertise

Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like North East Combined Authority, will notice your enthusiasm!

Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at North East Combined Authority or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer in Sunderland

Safeguarding Knowledge
Wellbeing Support
Collaboration with Parents and Carers
Policy Development
Monitoring and Evaluation
Child Protection Procedures
Communication Skills

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 North East Combined Authority:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Combined Authority! 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 North East Combined Authority

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.