At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and monitor safeguarding practices, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- 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 community impact.
- 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.
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.
Safeguarding Coordinator employer: South Thames Colleges Group
South Thames Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to equality of opportunity, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and the local community. Join us in a role where your expertise in safeguarding will be valued and where you can contribute to shaping a safe and nurturing educational atmosphere.
Contact Details:
South Thames Colleges Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at South Thames Colleges Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge. Familiarise yourself with KCSIE and recent legislation changes. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but also passionate about safeguarding!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. Talk about specific cases where you made a difference in safeguarding. This will help us see your skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at South Thames Colleges Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Coordinator
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 work history, 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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our colleges 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, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Safeguarding Coordinator, communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with staff, students, and external agencies in the past. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely to make a great impression.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the safeguarding practices at the colleges, the team you'll be working with, and any challenges they currently face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
