Safeguarding Officer

Are you passionate about keeping children safe and supporting schools to deliver outstanding safeguarding practices? Join our dedicated Education Safeguarding Advisory Service (ESAS) as a Safeguarding Officer, where you’ll play a vital role in shaping the safeguarding culture across Buckinghamshire’s schools and colleges.

This is a unique opportunity to influence safeguarding standards, deliver impactful training, and provide expert guidance to educational settings. You’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.

This is a permanent, part time role working 29.6 hours per week. The salary advertised will be pro rata.

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively neworganisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previousfive councils in the countytocreate positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to providestronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.

We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.

As a Safeguarding Officer, you’ll support schools and the local authority in fulfilling their statutory safeguarding responsibilities under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002. You’ll deliver high-quality training, develop policies, and offer expert advice to Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and education professionals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering DSL training, refresher courses, and whole-school safeguarding sessions.
• Leading DSL forums and supporting multi-agency working, including MARAC and MACE processes.
• Providing targeted support to schools identified as vulnerable or underperforming.
• Monitoring safeguarding performance and conducting school safeguarding reviews.
• Advising on policy development and ensuring compliance with national guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together.
• Supporting schools in preparing for Ofsted inspections and developing action plans to improve safeguarding standards.

Please see the job description for a full list of responsibilities.

You’ll be a confident communicator with a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and child protection processes. Your ability to influence, guide, and support education providers will be key to your success.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has at least 2 years’ safeguarding experience working with children in education or social care.
• Holds a teaching or social work qualification (or equivalent).
• Demonstrates excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Understands how schools operate and can tailor support accordingly.
• Is IT literate and able to manage workload and priorities effectively.
• Is passionate about safeguarding and committed to continuous professional development.

A full driving licence is required, and you must be comfortable conversing with members of the public in accurate spoken English.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the…