Pastoral Lead & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in Bournemouth

This is not a compliance role. It’s a frontline leadership role. At Storyy, safeguarding is not a box to tick. It is the foundation everything else is built on. We work with young people whose education has become fragile, disrupted or complex. That means safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and emotional wellbeing are not separate threads; they are the work. We are looking for a Pastoral Lead & DSL who can hold that complexity, lead from the front, and build systems that actually protect and support young people in real life, not just on paper. If you lead with clarity, consistency and care, and you’re prepared to be visible, accountable and hands‑on, keep reading.

About Storyy Group: Storyy Group is a growing education and care organisation supporting children and young people with SEMH needs across alternative provision, outreach and specialist settings. We work alongside schools, local authorities and families to restore stability, rebuild confidence and create the conditions where learning can move forward again. This is fast-moving, real‑world work. Safeguarding and pastoral leadership sit at the centre of it.

The Purpose of the Role: As Pastoral Lead & DSL, you will own safeguarding, pastoral systems and referral pathways across our Bournemouth & Wiltshire region. You will ensure that:

• Safeguarding is rigorous, consistent and lived day to day
• Staff feel confident, trained and supported to act
• Young people are known, understood and protected
• Referrals into the provision are handled efficiently, safely and with the right level of scrutiny

You will be the person who sees what others miss, acts early, and holds the line when it matters.

What You Will Be Accountable For:

• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead across the provision
• Owning safeguarding strategy, systems and culture
• Ensuring full compliance with statutory guidance (KCSIE, Working Together, Children’s Act)
• Managing safeguarding concerns, making timely referrals to external agencies, and coordinating multi‑agency protection planning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all learners
• Attending and contributing to multi‑agency meetings, case conferences and core groups
• Building and embedding a strong pastoral culture across all settings
• Ensuring every young person has a clear, personalised risk management plan
• Driving attendance, engagement and daily oversight of pupil wellbeing

Referral & Admissions Process:

• Owning all inbound referrals into the area
• Reviewing referrals from schools, local authorities and partners
• Assessing suitability, risk and required support levels
• Coordinating with operations and leadership to make clear, timely decisions
• Managing onboarding, ensuring all safeguarding and documentation is complete before admission
• Acting as the gatekeeper for quality, ensuring the right young people are placed in the right setting with the right support

This is not admin. This is judgement, accountability and risk management.

Leading and supporting Deputy DSLs and pastoral staff:

• Delivering safeguarding training and ongoing development
• Ensuring staff understand how safeguarding, behaviour and education outcomes connect
• Fostering a vigilant safeguarding culture where concerns are recognised at the earliest opportunity, reported without delay, and responded to in a timely and effective manner.

Systems, Reporting & Compliance:

• Owning CPOMS and safeguarding records, ensuring accuracy and quality
• Producing weekly and termly reports for senior leadership
• Ensuring all records are clear, compliant and inspection‑ready
• Reviewing and improving safeguarding processes continuously

Partnership & Communication:

• Working closely with schools, local authorities and external agencies
• Submitting referrals to children’s social care and early help
• Supporting staff with Intel referrals
• Acting as a trusted, credible point of contact for safeguarding matters

Who This Role Is For:

• Experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance
• Proven experience working with children and young people with SEMH and complex needs
• Experience managing staff within a child‑focused setting
• Strong judgement, able to assess risk and make decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication skills across multiple stakeholders
• Background in Alternative Provision, SEND, SEMH or specialist education
• Leadership or training qualifications

More important than credentials is how you operate:

• Calm under pressure
• Relentless on standards
• Human in how you show up

What We Offer:

• Full‑time role (39 or 52 weeks)
• Based in Bournemouth or Wiltshire
• A visible leadership role with real responsibility
• The opportunity to shape safeguarding and pastoral systems properly
• A purpose‑led organisation doing meaningful work

Safeguarding & Compliance: Storyy Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes. This role requires a strong commitment to safeguarding, professional integrity and compliance with all relevant legislation, including GDPR and health and safety.

Final Word: This role is not for someone who wants to maintain systems. It’s for someone who wants to own them, improve them, and be accountable for them when it matters most. If you take safeguarding seriously, think commercially about referrals, and care deeply about getting this right for young people, we want to hear from you.