At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and advocate for students' wellbeing.
- Company: Salford City Academy, part of United Learning, dedicated to child safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for leadership growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through effective safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Experienced safeguarding professional with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 47790 - 55563 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent all year round.
Salary: United Learning Band 4 Management £47,790 - £55,563 (Points 8 - 16)
At Salford City Academy, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for a dedicated and passionate Senior Safeguarding Lead who shares our unwavering commitment to putting children first. This role is about much more than compliance and procedures. It is about building trusted relationships, advocating relentlessly for young people and ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
As the operational lead for safeguarding, you will work closely with staff across Salford City Academy, families and a wide range of external agencies to secure the very best outcomes for our students. You will play a central role in strengthening safeguarding practice, developing a culture where every member of staff understands their responsibility to keep children safe, and ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of our students remains our highest priority.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for someone who puts children at the centre of every decision they make. Someone who understands that safeguarding is not simply part of the job, it is the foundation upon which everything else is built. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled safeguarding professional, but just as importantly they will be compassionate, resilient and driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of children and young people. They will be someone who builds strong relationships, earns the trust of families and colleagues, and is prepared to challenge when necessary to ensure the right support is in place.
We are seeking a leader with a real "do what it takes" mentality. Someone who is tenacious when advocating for vulnerable students, solutions-focused when faced with challenges, and committed to securing the very best outcomes for every child, especially those who need us most. They will understand that no concern is too small, no child should be overlooked, and that effective safeguarding requires persistence, professionalism and care in equal measure.
Career Development
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership career within a highly ambitious and supportive school. You will have the opportunity to line manage and develop staff, influence strategic safeguarding priorities and play a significant role in shaping the culture and provision across the academy. Whether you are an experienced safeguarding professional ready for a broader leadership role, or an aspiring leader looking to take the next step in your career, we will provide the support, challenge and development opportunities to help you grow.
Part of United Learning
As part of United Learning, you will benefit from being part of one of the country's largest and most successful academy trusts. You will have access to a wealth of expertise, professional networks and career development opportunities, alongside the support of highly experienced safeguarding leaders across our cluster of schools. For less experienced candidates, this provides an outstanding opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, develop leadership skills and grow your expertise within a supportive network. For experienced safeguarding leaders, there are opportunities to contribute to wider trust initiatives, support developments across our family of schools and explore future leadership opportunities beyond the academy.
Working Hours and Flexibility
Safeguarding is about responding to the needs of children and young people, and we recognise that those needs do not always fit neatly within a traditional working day. We are therefore looking for someone who is flexible, adaptable and committed to doing what is needed when children require support. Equally, we recognise that the best safeguarding professionals need balance and flexibility in their own lives. We are committed to working with the successful candidate to provide flexibility where possible, recognising that professional trust works both ways. This is a role for someone with a strong sense of purpose, a child-centred approach and a commitment to making a difference. In return, you will join a supportive team, a caring school community and a trust that is invested in your success and development.
Senior Safeguarding Lead (Non-teaching role) in Manchester employer: Salford City Academy
Salford City Academy is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on student support and safeguarding, employees are encouraged to grow professionally through ongoing training and development opportunities, all within a vibrant community dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Safeguarding Lead (Non-teaching role) in Manchester
✨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 Salford City Academy.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨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 Salford City Academy 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 Senior Safeguarding Lead (Non-teaching role) in Manchester
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 Salford City Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Salford City Academy! 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 Salford City Academy
✨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.
