At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure robust safeguarding practices and support schools in compliance with legislation.
- Company: Join the highest-rated provider for special education and care in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, medical cover, 7 weeks' holiday, and high-street discounts.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a DSL with strong safeguarding expertise and training skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you currently working as a DSL in school or have wider DSL/Safeguarding responsibilities within a Multi Academy Trust? If so, are you ready to take the next step and join a team of likeminded people who are passionate about safeguarding children? We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.
The Schools Safeguarding Officer will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Head Teachers to ensure that practice is robust and defensible in relation to safeguarding within the school. You will work with the Head of Safeguarding to support schools and ensure compliance in accordance with safeguarding and wider legislation and in the development and delivery of training for DSLs and school-based staff. You will contribute to effective partnership working between different teams and departments within Witherslack Group.
You will undertake safeguarding audits in schools to ensure compliance within current frameworks and support schools in any action plans resulting from findings within safeguarding audits. You will also support DSLs in schools and give advice to ensure that safeguarding concerns are managed in line with Local Safeguarding Partnership procedures and thresholds. You will work with DSLs in schools to ensure that safeguarding record keeping is robust and in line with best practice and will give advice and guidance in relation to safeguarding cases.
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years experience as a DSL in a school and has worked in a variety of different agencies. Experience of giving advice to and supporting DSLs/DDSLs in their work, developing and delivering training, and undertaking audits in relation to safeguarding is essential.
Key Qualifications
- Extensive safeguarding expertise – significant experience (5+ years) managing safeguarding and child protection cases, ideally as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or in a similar senior role.
- Strong policy knowledge – up-to-date understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education, national safeguarding policy, wider education legislation, and partnership arrangements.
- Proven advisory and training skills – ability to provide expert safeguarding advice to schools, support the resolution of safeguarding deficits, and design and deliver effective training.
- Ongoing professional development – a comprehensive portfolio of CPD in safeguarding and child protection, with evidence of applying learning from reviews and developments into practice.
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational abilities – strong communication, problem-solving, and report-writing skills, with the flexibility to manage competing priorities and support schools in high-pressure situations.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost). We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
We know you're going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you'll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people.
Benefits
- Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 dependent on experience
- Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
- Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 7 weeks’ holiday
Schools Safeguarding Officer - North in Ulverston employer: The Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
The Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools Safeguarding Officer - North in Ulverston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who are already working as DSLs or in safeguarding roles. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge and recent legislation changes. We want you to be able to discuss how you can contribute to the team at Witherslack Group confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported DSLs or managed safeguarding cases. This will help us see how you can make a positive impact in our schools.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools Safeguarding Officer - North in Ulverston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience as a DSL or in safeguarding roles. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Witherslack Group!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your advisory and training skills! We’re looking for someone who can effectively support DSLs and deliver impactful training, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your safeguarding expertise and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Safeguarding Policies
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest safeguarding policies and legislation, especially 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about child welfare.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed safeguarding cases or supported DSLs. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability and readiness for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think through potential safeguarding dilemmas and how you would handle them, as this will showcase your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively collaborated with others in the past, particularly in training or advisory capacities. This will illustrate your ability to foster partnerships and support schools effectively.