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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and safeguard students, managing concerns and collaborating with staff and external agencies.
- Company: Join a supportive team at University College Birmingham, a TEF Silver rated institution.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, subsidised healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of safeguarding practices and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 34610 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Salary: £31,236 - £34,610 per annum
Job type: Permanent, Full-time
UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.
The Role:
As our student community continues to grow, University College Birmingham is looking for a proactive and experienced Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our friendly and dedicated safeguarding team, who are part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students aged 16+ across our FE college, Sixth Form, University and Apprenticeship programmes.
Reporting directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead & Head of FE Pastoral Support, you will manage safeguarding concerns effectively and sensitively, providing direct 1:1 support to students while working collaboratively with parents and carers, academic departments and external agencies.
About you:
- Respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely and professional manner
- Support and advise staff who raise safeguarding concerns
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including participation in multi-agency meetings
- Make referrals to relevant external organisations where appropriate
- Help ensure UCB maintains a strong culture of safeguarding and student wellbeing
You will have:
- A strong understanding of safeguarding practices for both children and adults
- Knowledge of local and national safeguarding procedures and agencies
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- The ability to remain calm, professional, and effective when managing sensitive or crisis situations
- A student-centred and compassionate approach
Please take the time to read the Job Description and Person Specification carefully to ensure you meet the weighted criteria before applying.
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be required to complete a short case study immediately prior to your interview which will form part of the assessment process.
Benefits:
- Generous allocation of annual leave
- 29 days' paid leave per year
- 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
- Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Employer Contributions - 20.9%
- Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service
- Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
- Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
- Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
- A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology home and cycle
- Heavily-subsidised on-site car parking in central Birmingham
- Free on-site gym membership
Extra Information:
All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to commencement. All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.
Closing Date - Sunday 31st May 2026
Interview Date - 17th June 2026
The University is an equal opportunities employer.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form. Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of Student Safeguarding Manager, Student Support Manager, Student Safeguarding Officer, Safeguarding Lead will also be considered for this role.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in Birmingham employer: University College Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University College Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your knowledge of local and national safeguarding procedures. We recommend practising common interview questions related to safeguarding scenarios to show you're ready for anything.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for student wellbeing! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team you'll be joining.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and how it relates to the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our student community!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a DDSL, excellent communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, whether it's through clear writing or by sharing examples of how you've successfully liaised with stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure 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 to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at University College Birmingham
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and local procedures. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled safeguarding concerns in the past, as this will show your understanding and experience in the field.
✨Prepare for the Case Study
Since you'll be completing a case study before the interview, take some time to practice similar scenarios. Think about how you would respond to various safeguarding situations, and be prepared to explain your thought process and decision-making.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a DDSL, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. During the interview, demonstrate your excellent communication skills by being clear and concise in your answers. Use examples that highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for a role that involves crisis management. Practice staying calm and composed while answering questions. If you're asked about a challenging situation, focus on how you managed it effectively and what you learned from the experience.