Safeguarding Lead – Job Description

Job Title

Safeguarding Lead

Purpose of the Role

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people across the provision. The postholder will lead on safeguarding matters, ensure statutory requirements are met, support staff with safeguarding concerns, and work closely with external agencies to ensure pupils receive the support they need.

The role requires a proactive, child-centred approach, ensuring that safeguarding is embedded throughout the organisation and that vulnerable pupils, particularly those with SEND, SEMH, and complex needs, are protected and supported effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding Leadership

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) across the provision(s).
• Lead the safeguarding culture and ensure safeguarding remains a priority across all sites.
• Promote the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all pupils.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented consistently.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date safeguarding records.
• Monitor safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate actions are taken.

Child Protection

• Manage referrals to Children’s Services, Early Help, the Police, and other external agencies where appropriate.
• Attend and contribute to Child Protection Conferences, Strategy Meetings, Core Groups, Team Around the Family meetings, and other safeguarding-related meetings.
• Liaise with social workers, virtual school teams, health professionals, and other agencies.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are followed up promptly and effectively.

Supporting Pupils

• Provide support and guidance to vulnerable pupils.
• Work with students experiencing SEMH needs, trauma, anxiety, exploitation risks, school avoidance, or challenging behaviour.
• Help develop support plans and risk assessments where required.
• Ensure students feel safe, listened to, and supported.

Staff Support and Training

• Provide safeguarding advice and guidance to staff.
• Deliver safeguarding training and updates.
• Ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and reporting procedures.
• Support managers and staff in handling safeguarding concerns appropriately.
• Maintain records of safeguarding training across the organisation.

Attendance and Welfare

• Monitor attendance concerns and identify safeguarding risks linked to persistent absence.
• Support interventions for pupils who are vulnerable, disengaged, or at risk.
• Work collaboratively with families to improve attendance and engagement.

Compliance and Record Keeping

• Maintain safeguarding records using the school’s recording systems.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Prevent Duty
  • Local Authority safeguarding procedures
• Support safeguarding audits and inspections.
• Ensure safer recruitment procedures are followed where required.

Multi-Site Working

• Travel between provisions as required.
• Build positive relationships with staff teams across multiple sites.
• Ensure consistency of safeguarding practice across all settings.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience working with children and young people.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and understanding of current legislation.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH, trauma, or complex needs.
• Experience working with external agencies and professionals.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information confidentially.
• Strong report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
• Previous experience as a DSL, Deputy DSL, Safeguarding Officer, Family Support Worker, Attendance Lead, Inclusion Lead, or Pastoral Manager.
• Experience within alternative provision, SEND schools, SEMH settings, or children’s services.
• Knowledge of Early Help, CIN, CP, and EHCP processes.

Key Skills and Qualities

• Calm and professional under pressure.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Empathetic and child-centred approach.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Resilient and solution-focused.
• Able to challenge professionally when required.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Hours

Typically Monday–Friday during school hours, with travel between provisions where required.

Safeguarding Statement

The Safeguarding Lead plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pupils. The postholder must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion and will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and all relevant safer recruitment checks.