Designated Safeguarding Lead

Keys Group; Stockport; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading safeguarding organization in Stockport is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to oversee child protection duties. The ideal candidate must possess relevant training and extensive experience in safeguarding within educational settings. You will be responsible for developing policies, managing disclosures, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards. This role comes with a competitive salary and offers numerous benefits, including a pension scheme and life assurance.

Benefits

NEST enhanced pension scheme

Staff Referral Scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Fully funded training and qualifications

Employee benefits scheme

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safeguarding and child protection leadership in a school or educational setting.
• Ability to lead safeguarding culture and manage complex cases.
• Commitment to professional conduct, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of safeguarding policies.
• Ensure staff receive regular safeguarding training.
• Manage and respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures.

Skills

Safeguarding and child protection leadership

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of statutory safeguarding guidance

Resilience

Empathy

Education

Relevant safeguarding or child protection training

Job description

Designated Safeguarding Lead – Stockport SK6 7NN

£30,000 - £38,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week)

Good Ofsted Rating

Good Ofsted Rating

Purpose of the Role

To take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the school, ensuring that all pupils, particularly those who have experienced trauma or challenging circumstances, are protected from harm.

The DSL will lead the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, promote a culture of vigilance, and ensure staff adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct as outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct.

About Acorns Marple

Welcome to Acorns School, where we empower young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Our school is built on a foundation of support, care, and a dedication to nurturing each pupil’s unique journey.

With a strong history of helping children who have faced difficult periods in their lives, Acorns School provides a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every child can thrive, regardless of gender, disability, or background.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Ensure all staff receive regular, high-quality safeguarding training and understand their responsibilities under the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Manage and respond to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and allegations promptly and in line with statutory guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024).
• Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records and ensure timely
  referrals to external agencies.
• Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding matters within the
  school and liaise with Local Authorities, police, and other relevant
  bodies.
• Work collaboratively with staff, pupils, families, and external agencies to ensure effective safeguarding arrangements.
• Embed trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches in safeguarding practice

Requirements

• Relevant safeguarding or childprotection training (e.g., DSLtraining).
• Proven experience in safeguarding and child protection leadership in a
  school or educational setting.
• Deep understanding of statutory safeguarding guidance (KCSIE 2024)
  and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to lead safeguarding culture and manage complex cases,
  modelling the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and external
  agencies.
• Commitment to professional conduct, confidentiality, and safeguarding as per the Staff Code of Conduct
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor safeguarding policies and systems.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
• Resilience, empathy, confidentiality, and a passion for protecting
  vulnerable pupils.

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

Safeguarding

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is accountable to the Headteacher and Proprietor Body for the effective leadership and management of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and the Staff Code of Conduct. Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and reference verification.