At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support wellbeing for students aged 6-19.
- Company: The Secret Garden School, a supportive and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Full school holidays, flexible benefits, and wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values every member's contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: The Secret Garden School, Solihull, serves pupils aged 6‑19 years and currently has 76 enrolled students.
Responsibilities:
- Lead safeguarding across the school, liaising daily with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers, and staff.
- Provide expert advice and support to teams on wellbeing, child protection, and safeguarding matters.
- Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented and reviewed.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to safeguarding and child protection.
- Outstanding interpersonal and problem‑resolution skills.
- Empathetic approach to working with children, families, and colleagues.
- Full UK driving licence.
Inclusion:
Working at Witherslack Group means you will be part of an inclusive community that values diversity, respects all identities, and supports every team member to thrive. We provide accessibility adjustments whenever needed during recruitment and in the workplace.
Benefits:
- Full induction and on‑job training.
- Full school holidays.
- Flexible benefits such as life insurance and other scheme options.
- Wellbeing resources and employee assistance.
- Medical cover with discounts for optician and dentist appointments.
- State‑of‑the‑art facilities across all school sites.
- Refer‑a‑friend scheme offering a £1,000 bonus per referral.
- Contributory pension scheme, matched up to 5% of your contribution.
Designated Safeguarding Lead in Solihull employer: The Witherslack Group
At The Secret Garden School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for our staff. Located in Solihull, we offer comprehensive training, flexible benefits, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, ensuring that our Designated Safeguarding Lead can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. With state-of-the-art facilities and a culture that values diversity, you will find ample opportunities for professional growth and development within our dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Lead in Solihull
✨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 The Witherslack Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Witherslack Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Witherslack Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨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 The Witherslack Group 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 Designated Safeguarding Lead in Solihull
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 The Witherslack Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Witherslack Group! 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 The Witherslack Group
✨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.
