Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead; DDSL

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Join to apply for the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) role at Guardian Jobs

About The Role
Reporting to:
Designated Safeguarding Lead

Location:

Ark Pioneer Academy

Contract:

Permanent
Working Pattern:
Term Time

Start date:

January 2026
Salary:
Band 9 of the Ark Support Scale: £38,440 to £46,134

The role
We are seeking to appoint an experienced, committed and highly organised DDSL to support the continued development of our strong safeguarding culture at Ark Pioneer Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to join a truly exceptional team and play a key role in ensuring that every child at Ark Pioneer is safe, supported and able to thrive. In this pivotal role, you will support the DSL with all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school.

You will act as a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, lead on casework, liaise with external agencies, and ensure robust, compliant safeguarding systems and processes are in place. Your work will be central to promoting pupil wellbeing, early help and effective intervention across the school.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns and referrals
• Manage safeguarding casework and maintain accurate, secure records
• Support the DSL with the implementation of statutory safeguarding duties
• Coordinate early help interventions and liaise with external agencies
• Contribute to multi‑agency meetings, reports and action plans
• Ensure compliance with “Keeping Children Safe in Education” and all Ark safeguarding policies
• Promote a culture of vigilance, professional curiosity and early intervention across the school

What we’re looking for

• Prior safeguarding experience, ideally in a school or similar setting
• A strong understanding of child protection, early help and statutory guidance
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• High levels of organisation, discretion and professional judgement
• Confidence in managing sensitive information appropriately
• The ability to analyse information, identify risks and act swiftly
• A proactive, solutions‑focused and compassionate approach

Benefits

• Read more about our school here
• to see our school in action
• to read our Ofsted report from September 2023

Ark employees also benefit from a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support, and a range of discounts and perks.