Assistant Head of Safeguarding and University Residential​/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Assistant Head of Safeguarding and University Residential Life / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

£40,547 per annum

A minimum of 37.5 hours a week, flexibility required including evenings and weekends, Live-in role: on-campus accommodation provided (mandatory occupancy)

Permanent

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to play a pivotal role in shaping a safe, inclusive, and vibrant residential community. This is a unique opportunity to lead, influence, and support student wellbeing while living at the heart of campus life. You will blend safeguarding expertise, operational leadership, and community building to ensure students thrive both personally and academically.

You will:

• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, managing and responding to complex safeguarding cases
• Lead a dynamic residential life programme that promotes belonging, wellbeing and engagement
• Oversee day‑to‑day residential operations, ensuring a safe and high‑quality student living experience
• Build strong relationships with students, staff and external agencies
• Drive continuous improvement through data, feedback and sector insight to keep the student experience fresh, relevant and engaging
• Deliver training and raise awareness across the university community
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies (including police and social services)
• Lead initiatives that support student transition, retention, and success
• Use insight and feedback to inform decisions and enhance support services
• Manage incidents, behavioural issues, and student support needs

• Experience in safeguarding, and/or student services and residential life
• Experience in a university setting is desirable
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and case management
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Confidence in handling sensitive situations with professionalism and care
• A proactive and resilient approach, with excellent communication skills
• Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
• 35 days annual leave entitlement
• Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts Scheme
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Support for continuous professional development
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, launching in 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.