Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - CS12217

This role is pro rata so the salary you will be receiving is £32,030.02 per annum. For any roles that start part way through the Academic year, the annual salary will be pro rata to the remaining months. Travel between sites as required, prior safeguarding experience is essential. Start date TBC with the successful candidate, but expected late Aug 2026.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS (THE CHILDREN’S ACT 1989) Any offers of appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly CRB), a certificate of good conduct if applicable, plus receipt of satisfactory references, Occupational Health clearance, an understanding of safeguarding and qualifications verification. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position as you will be working within 'Regulated Activity' within a specific place (i.e. the College). This role is classed as working within Regulated Activity. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. By applying for this position, you agree to an Enhanced DBS check in line with DBS regulations.

BACKGROUND TO THE POST The Designated Safeguarding Lead will support across all matters of Safeguarding, Child Protection and Prevent. This ensures that WCG complies with legal requirements and best practices. The post holder will advise staff, liaise with external agencies, and contribute to assessments of students. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will report to the Director of Safeguarding and Security (DSL) and work closely with curriculum areas, support departments and through reporting to the campus college’s leadership team. The post holder will be familiar with and work within inter‑agency child protection procedures developed by the local child protection agencies and issues relating to child protection and abuse, and keep up to date with new developments in this area.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing Referrals and reporting systems: Managing internal and external referrals related to safeguarding concerns, providing appropriate support to students. Management of triaging and assessing reports made through the My Concern system, providing trauma‑informed support to students, including making onward referrals to relevant agencies.
• Providing Advice and Guidance: Offering advice, support, and guidance to other staff on safeguarding, child protection and Prevent. Organising and chairing meetings with internal Safeguarding colleagues and appropriate academic colleagues.
• Liaising with External Agencies: Working with, and building positive working relationships with local authorities, schools, police, health services, and other relevant agencies on safeguarding and Prevent matters.
• Respond to information that may constitute a safeguarding concern including: Assessing and clarifying the information. Making referrals to statutory organisations as appropriate. Consulting with, and informing the relevant members of the organisation’s management following appropriate policies and procedures.
• Participating in Assessments: Contributing to the assessment of students’ needs and well‑being, including participation in strategy discussions and inter‑agency meetings.
• Maintaining Records: Ensuring accurate and organised records of all safeguarding concerns are kept and appropriate reports prepared.
• Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding: Encouraging a culture of listening to professional curiosity and support and championing views of students. Ensuring staff receive appropriate training on safeguarding and promoting their well‑being, including online safety. Supporting the writing of Policies including Safeguarding and Prevent.
• In order to support during busy exam periods, you may be asked to undertake exam invigilator duties. The College will provide training. The list of duties is not exhaustive but outlines the main features of the post at appointment and may vary as the job evolves without affecting the nature of the duties or the responsibility level.

OFFERS OF WORK For the successful candidate a conditional offer of work will be made. Our offer of work will be conditional upon a number of mandatory pre‑employment checks, to include but not limited to: DBS, Barred List check, right to work check, internet search, TRA check (academic posts).

ESSENTIAL ATTAINMENTS

• A professional, academic or vocational qualification at Level 3 or above.
• English language qualification at Level 2 (e.g. GCSE) or above or a willingness to undergo personal skills development to achieve Level 2 English/Maths during the first 12 months of the post.
• Experience of working with and supporting young people within the broad context of education.
• Experience of leading on Safeguarding in a secondary school, Further education, or other relevant setting.
• Experience of building relationships with students and their parents.
• Knowledge of legislation and guidance on Safeguarding and working with young people, including knowledge of the responsibilities of further education providers and other agencies.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted framework and application of Safeguarding requirements within further education and skills settings.
• Ability to make own travel arrangements to all sites of WCG.
• A recent DSL training certificate / record of training or qualification or significant experience in this area.
• Effective administration skills and the ability to maintain accurate records, and excellent use of IT packages.