At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and monitor safeguarding practices, ensuring compliance and best practices.
- Company: Join South Thames Colleges Group, a leading provider of post-16 education in London.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and Level 3 safeguarding qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 39678 - 47736 € per year.
Carshalton and Merton Colleges 1x 36 hours a week over 52 weeks a year - £39,678 - £47,736 per annum. South Thames College, Wandsworth 1x 15 hours a week over 38 weeks a year (Term Time Only - 0.42) - £14,655 - £17,631 per annum.
Please note that this post is funded for the 2026/27 academic year onwards so the successful candidate would not be expected to commence in post prior to August 2026.
You will work with the Centre Safeguarding Lead to coordinate, lead and monitor safeguarding practice, ensuring best practice and compliance. Acting as the Centre Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (CDDSL), you will take responsibility for safeguarding decision making, including making referrals to external agencies in line with statutory guidance.
The role will also involve deputising for the Centre Designated Safeguarding Lead (CDSL)/Group DSL where required, including leading on safeguarding escalations and critical incidents. You will act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, working closely with the CDSLs at each college and the Centre Safeguarding Lead as appropriate.
In addition, you will monitor and oversee safeguarding caseloads across the service to ensure effective, timely referral, assessment, support and safety planning in line with service standards, policies and procedures and provide guidance, support and informal supervision to Safeguarding Officers.
As our Safeguarding Coordinator, we would like you to hold a degree in a relevant discipline (Psychology, Social Work, Youth & Community, Counselling) or equivalent professional experience, along with a safeguarding qualification at Level 3 or above. You will have significant experience of managing complex safeguarding cases within a legislative framework, including experience of handling high-risk safeguarding concerns in an FE, education or similar setting.
You will have experience of working with external agencies such as Social Care, Police, YOS and Health alongside the ability to assess risk, analyse information and make sound safeguarding decisions. A demonstrable and current knowledge of safeguarding legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together and Prevent is essential.
The role requires excellent communication, interpersonal and record-keeping skills, including experience of using CPOMS or similar systems. Strong organisational skills are essential, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond to urgent safeguarding concerns. You will also have experience of supporting staff practice, providing advice on safeguarding cases, and/or offering informal supervision.
The successful candidate will be eligible for any increase in salary as a consequence of the annual cost of living review that will be implemented in the new academic year.
Closing date for the return of completed applications is 19th May 2026.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees' physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London's largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students' success at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to progress and achieve.
When you click on Apply, you will be forwarded to the application page which sits on a platform hosted by an external partner called Blue Octopus who support STCG throughout the recruitment process.
Safeguarding Coordinator in London employer: South Thames Colleges Group
At South Thames Colleges Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, which includes 27 days of annual leave, additional wellbeing leave, and a robust pension scheme. We also prioritise professional development, offering ample opportunities for growth and training, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in their safeguarding careers while contributing to the success of our diverse student community.
Contact Detail:
South Thames Colleges Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Coordinator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and safeguarding sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common safeguarding scenarios and think about how you would handle them. Practise your responses to behavioural questions, focusing on your experience with complex cases and collaboration with external agencies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in safeguarding. Include case studies (anonymised, of course) that demonstrate your decision-making and risk assessment abilities. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Safeguarding Coordinator. Keep an eye on our listings and don’t hesitate to submit your application early – it shows enthusiasm and commitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Coordinator in London
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 Coordinator. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with safeguarding and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you've handled complex cases and worked with external agencies, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Thames Colleges Group
✨Know Your Safeguarding Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding legislation, especially Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the legal context of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've managed complex safeguarding cases or worked with external agencies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a Safeguarding Coordinator, you'll need excellent communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their safeguarding practices to show your engagement.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle safeguarding concerns. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would respond, ensuring you emphasise your ability to assess risk and make sound decisions.
