At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts to protect and promote student welfare in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Abbeywood Community School, part of the Olympus Academy Trust, dedicated to exceptional education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible policies, and staff recognition awards.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to creating a safe and inspiring educational experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and proven experience in multi-agency collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 50269 - 53460 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and committed Designated Safeguarding Lead to play a vital role in protecting and promoting the welfare of our students. In this key role, you will lead on all safeguarding and child protection matters, helping to create and maintain a strong culture of vigilance, transparency, and effective information sharing across the school. You will respond promptly and appropriately to concerns and disclosures, ensuring robust actions are taken to manage risk and safeguard vulnerable children.
Working closely with staff, families, and external agencies, you will provide expert guidance, support, and challenge where needed to ensure best practice is consistently maintained. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate and confidential safeguarding records, and ensuring compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures
- Proven experience of multi-agency working and managing complex cases
- Excellent communication, organisational, and record-keeping skills
- The confidence and professional curiosity to challenge practice in the best interests of children
- A proactive and resilient approach, with a clear commitment to safeguarding excellence
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy and interview candidates ahead of the published closing date.
Benefits:
- Pension Scheme
- Flexible and Family Friendly policies
- Annual pay progression opportunities
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Corporate membership of Bristol Zoo Project at reduced rates
- Free onsite parking
- Coaching/Counselling services
- Termly and annual staff recognition and awards scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
The Olympus Academy Trust - Abbeywood Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants will be required to undergo security and vetting processes appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure & Barring Service. We have a suite of safeguarding procedures, policies and guidance for all of our staff and volunteers to ensure we actively promote children and young people’s welfare and safety.
We apply Equal, Diversity and Inclusion at all stages of recruitment and selection. We carry out shortlisting, interviewing and selection without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Those with disabilities meeting the minimum requirements for the post will be shortlisted and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure they are not disadvantaged during the interview process. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, as they are under-represented within the Trust.
We offer the opportunity of flexible working patterns where possible to assist with a work/life balance and welcome applications from people wishing to work on a part-time or job share basis for all roles including full time. We are happy to discuss flexible working from day one.
Designated Safeguarding Lead in Bristol employer: Olympustrust
Abbeywood Community School, part of the Olympus Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Bristol. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we offer competitive salaries, flexible working policies, and numerous professional development opportunities, ensuring that our staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values innovation and collaboration, and enjoy unique benefits such as corporate memberships and recognition schemes that celebrate your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Lead in Bristol
✨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 Olympustrust.
✨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 Olympustrust!
✨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 Olympustrust, 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 Olympustrust 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 in Bristol
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 Olympustrust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Olympustrust! 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 Olympustrust
✨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.
