Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in Northampton

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) (DDSL) Northampton, England

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) - Secondary School in Northampton, Northamptonshire

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to support our safeguarding team in promoting the welfare and safety of our students. The successful candidate will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Safeguarding

• Assist in tracking and ensuring the quality of information related to Cause for Concerns, Disclosures, and open cases.
• Maintain up-to-date records and chronologies of safeguarding actions.
• Investigate discrepancies in CPOMS logs during the school day.
• Liaise with staff to gather information for agency requests.
• Attend safeguarding team meetings.
• Conduct emergency safeguarding home visits as needed (use of own car with business insurance required).
• Undertake relevant safeguarding training.
• Perform other duties as required by the DSL.

Record Keeping & Checks

• Ensure CPOMS chronologies meet quality assurance standards.
• Assist the DSL with arranging induction slots for new staff and tracking appropriately.
• Help maintain the safeguarding program mapping document for students and staff.
• Ensure accurate student data entry on Arbor.
• Conduct phone call checks for information from agencies.

Referrals and Wider Duties

• Refer cases of suspected abuse to social care and/or MASH.
• Complete Early Help Assessment (EHA) work as directed by the DSL.
• Log, track, and monitor causes for concern, escalating as necessary.
• Manage a caseload of open cases, ensuring robust tracking and support.
• Make effective referrals to social care, MASH, and other external agencies.
• Refer cases involving radicalization concerns to the Channel program.
• Refer cases to external agencies and the police as directed by the DSL.

Working with Staff and Other Agencies

• Alongside the DSL, provide training and support to staff on safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Keep the DSL and relevant staff informed of disclosures, inquiries, and investigations.
• Develop and monitor behaviour and safeguarding risk assessments.
• Liaise with case managers and local authorities in cases of child protection concerns.
• Act as a source of support, advice, and expertise for staff.
• Understand and contribute to the targeted early help and intervention assessment process.
• Attend and contribute effectively to child protection case conferences.
• Analyse safeguarding records and trends, presenting findings to the governing body.
• Collaborate with the governing body to review the school’s child protection policy.

Data & Information

• Assist in identifying key trends and data related to safeguarding issues.
• Support the transfer of safeguarding information for new students.
• Ensure student records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist the DSL with data returns, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Gather information on vulnerable Year 6 students transitioning to the school.

Administration

• Liaise with external agencies to submit information on behalf of the safeguarding team.
• Coordinate with external agencies and key workers on case management and closures.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a safeguarding role within an educational setting.
• Excellent knowledge of child protection policies and procedures.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and work effectively with external agencies.
• Willingness to undertake training and continuous professional development.
• Use of own car with business insurance for emergency safeguarding visits.

Join our team to make a significant impact on the lives of our students by ensuring their safety and well-being.