At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives to protect and support students at Nightingale Community Academy.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, committed to student welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only role, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a fulfilling role with a focus on community and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 35892 £ per year.
Nightingale Community Academy, Beechcroft Road, London, SW17 7DF
Inner London Grade PO4 (Point 41–44), Actual salary: £46,111.80 – £48,934.88 (FTE £51,223 – £54,359)
Term time only, Plus 2 Weeks, 36 hours
Application End Date: 10/09/2026
To apply for this role, please submit your application through our online Eteach portal. No CV applications will be considered.
Closing Date: Tuesday 10th September 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 24th September 2026
Safeguarding StatementOrchard Hill College & Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
In line with the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Trust reserves the right to request and review references prior to interview as part of our safer recruitment process. Any concerns raised will be followed up with the applicant before a recruitment decision is made.
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Nightingale Community Academy in London employer: OHC&AT
Nightingale Community Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Located in the vibrant community of London, we prioritise employee growth through continuous professional development and training opportunities, ensuring that our staff are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. Join us in our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Lead – Nightingale Community Academy in London
✨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 OHC&AT.
✨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 OHC&AT!
✨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 OHC&AT, 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 OHC&AT 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 Designated Safeguarding Lead – Nightingale Community Academy in London
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 OHC&AT:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to OHC&AT! 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 OHC&AT
✨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.
