At a Glance
- Tasks: Support safeguarding and welfare services, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
- Company: Oldham College, a leading further education provider in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: 49 days holiday, pension contributions, free wellbeing support, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding or student welfare and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About Oldham College
Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future. We work closely with local employers, universities, and community partners to deliver education and training that meets the needs of our region. Our staff play a vital role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students and colleagues can thrive. Every role at the College contributes to helping people achieve their potential.
About The Role
We are seeking a committed Safeguarding & Welfare Officer to support the effective delivery of College services and priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day‑to‑day delivery of safeguarding across the college, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to concerns.
- Assess and manage safeguarding referrals, maintaining accurate records on CPOMS.
- Act as a key point of contact for staff, promoting a strong safeguarding culture and providing guidance.
- Case‑manage learners, delivering ongoing support and developing safety/action plans.
- Work closely with internal teams and external agencies to coordinate effective support for vulnerable learners.
- Deliver safeguarding training and briefings to staff, including inductions.
- Represent the college at external meetings and contribute to multi‑agency working.
- Contribute to service improvement and the development of safeguarding processes and systems.
- Carry out duties in line with College policies and procedures, including safeguarding and equality commitments.
Skills And Experience
- Experience working in safeguarding or student welfare, including referrals, advocacy, and multi‑agency liaison.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with young people, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to manage caseloads independently, including risk assessment, action planning, and accurate record‑keeping.
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and relevant protocols, with a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Confident using digital systems (e.g. databases, Microsoft/Google tools) to maintain clear and compliant records.
Why Join Us
We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress. Benefits include:
- 49 days’ holiday, supporting work–life balance, including 30 bookable days plus bank holidays, efficiency days, and Christmas closure.
- Pension contributions of 16.8%.
- Free counselling and wellbeing support.
- Retail discounts through our benefits platform.
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies.
- Paid special leave.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Free breakfast Fridays.
- On‑site facilities including canteens and a day nursery.
- Free parking and electric car scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Inclusion and Flexibility
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We support the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving personnel, veterans, and military families. Flexible working options may be available depending on the role.
Safeguarding
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to pre‑employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, DfE barred list check, online searches, and references. It is a criminal offence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to apply for regulated activity roles if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Safeguarding & Welfare Officer in Oldham employer: onlyFE
Oldham College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. With generous benefits such as 49 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Greater Manchester, the College actively collaborates with local partners to ensure that every role contributes meaningfully to the community and the future of its students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding & Welfare Officer in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding and welfare. Attend local events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for safeguarding! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and commitment to creating a safe environment for students. Let them see how dedicated you are!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on safeguarding policies and procedures. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios and how you'd handle them. This will show you're not just knowledgeable but also practical!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding & Welfare Officer in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Safeguarding & Welfare Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give examples of how you've used them in previous roles. Whether it's managing caseloads or delivering training, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in safeguarding or student welfare.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our community at Oldham College!
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and procedures. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with young people, staff, and external agencies in the past. Think about specific situations where you built positive relationships or resolved conflicts, as these will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Case Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing caseloads, including risk assessments and action planning. Use real-life examples to illustrate how you've successfully supported vulnerable individuals and maintained accurate records.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the college's safeguarding culture and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the college is the right fit for you.
