Safeguarding Coordinator in Merton

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.

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.