Safeguarding Adviser ) - Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The Registry support all aspects of the student journey, right from initial enquiry and application, all the way through to final award and student completion. We strive to provide an outstanding service to all our users and to be thought leaders in our fields of expertise, developing research informed practise. Registry teams work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver a high-performance culture that promotes wellbeing, diversity and opportunity for all, supporting excellent student experience.
About Student Services
Student Services at the University of Derby is committed to providing the best possible support services to our students, to enhance the student experience, to help students achieve their full potential and to meet the strategic aims of the University. These services are central to the student experience they are visible, seamless, effective and tailored to the needs of our student community. As part of this commitment, a transformational programme of work is underway in Student Services to ensure that the support we deliver meets the needs of our students. We are excited for this next chapter in our service and welcome applicants with vision, drive and a passion for supporting student success.
About the Role
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding and supporting students, helping to create a safe, inclusive and supportive university environment in which all students can thrive. As Safeguarding Adviser, you will work collaboratively across Student Services, academic departments and external agencies to provide specialist support to students with complex needs, those at risk, and individuals experiencing crisis or vulnerability. Acting as a central point of contact for safeguarding and child protection concerns, you will manage a varied caseload, coordinate effective interventions, and ensure the delivery of key safeguarding, Prevent and student support processes.
The successful candidate will build strong relationships across the University and with partner organisations to promote best practice, support student wellbeing and remove barriers to learning and participation. You will contribute to the development of proactive, student-centred services through case management, training delivery, awareness campaigns and preventative initiatives, helping students remain safe, engaged and successful throughout their studies.
Working within a robust legislative and policy framework, you will maintain accurate records, monitor service effectiveness and use data and student feedback to drive continuous improvement. The role also offers the opportunity to influence institutional practice by contributing to committees, working groups and service development projects, while maintaining a visible presence across campus and championing a culture of safety, wellbeing and inclusion for all students.
This role is part time, 18.5 hours per week. The role is primarily based at our Buxton campus with occasional travel to our Kedleston Road campus in Derby.
About You
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting vulnerable young people, including children in care and care leavers, individuals in crisis, those at risk of child criminal exploitation, and students working with specialist support services. You will be comfortable operating in a complex environment, working collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver effective, coordinated support.
You will possess a sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection, alongside experience gained in education, social care, youth work, community support or a related field. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will be able to build trusted relationships, advocate for students, maintain accurate case records, and work sensitively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing mental health difficulties.
Most importantly, you will demonstrate resilience, sound judgement and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, managing competing priorities while delivering a high-quality, student-focused service. A commitment to safeguarding best practice, strong IT skills and a passion for improving outcomes for students are essential.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Claire Tabberer, Deputy Head of Student Services via
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here .
Closing Date: 25 Aug 2026
Area: Administrative Support
Salary: £32,942 to £36,977 per annum pro rata
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £42,523.55 per annum, pro rata)
Safeguarding Adviser (0217-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in IT service delivery. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities and a generous benefits package, all while contributing to a vibrant academic community dedicated to enhancing user systems and maintaining high security standards.
