Designated Safeguarding Lead

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a proactive, highly organised, and empathetic Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to take a central role in a thriving London secondary school.

Working directly alongside the Senior Leadership Team and pastoral staff, you will lead on all child protection and safeguarding matters, maintaining the highest standards of pupil welfare, safety, and wellbeing across the school community.

• Strong Pastoral Ethos: A school community built on high expectations, inclusivity, and holistic care for every student.

• Proactive Culture: Excellent systems and record-keeping infrastructure already in place, supported by a dedicated team of Deputy DSLs and pastoral managers.

• Supportive SLT: Highly visible Senior Leadership Team that prioritizes pupil safety, staff well-being, and continuous professional development.

• Accessible Transport: Convenient central location with excellent London Underground, Overground, and bus connections.

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will take overall responsibility for child protection issues, statutory compliance, and multi-agency collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the main point of contact for all safeguarding and child protection concerns across the school.

• Manage referrals and liaise effectively with external agencies, including Children’s Social Care (MASH), LADO, police, and mental health services (CAMHS).

• Oversee and maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records using software systems (e.g., CPOMS or MyConcern).

• Design and deliver comprehensive safeguarding and child protection training for all school staff in alignment with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

• Support vulnerable students, coordinate early help plans, and participate in multi-agency meetings (TAC, CIN, CP conferences).

• Competitive Remuneration: Highly competitive salary reflecting the significant responsibility of the role.

• Dedicated Pastoral Resources: Well-staffed safeguarding and pastoral hub with experienced Deputy DSLs to manage workload distribution.

• Continuous Professional Development: Access to advanced Level 5 DSL training, mental health first-aid certification, and local authority network briefings.

• Generous Benefits: Local Government or Teachers' Pension Scheme, employee assistance programmes, and generous term-time arrangements.

• Qualifications: Advanced Level 4 or Level 5 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification (or willingness to complete prior to start).

• Experience: Proven track record in a DSL, Deputy DSL, or senior safeguarding role within a UK school or educational setting.

• Knowledge: Expert, up-to-date knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children, and local child protection procedures.

• Attributes: Exceptional communication, discretion, emotional resilience, and the ability to handle complex, sensitive situations with calm authority.

• Compliance: Enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or willingness to process one).