Education Safeguarding and Assurance Advisor

Final date to receive applications: 18 October 2026

Department: Childrens Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £44,253 - £47,665 / year

Are you passionate about safeguarding children and young people? Do you have the expertise, confidence and influence to support education providers in maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding practice?

As Education Safeguarding and Assurance Advisor, you will provide expert advice, support and challenge to education providers on all aspects of safeguarding practice. Working closely with the Education Safeguarding Lead, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), and the Torbay Safeguarding Partnership, you will lead on safeguarding audits, quality assurance activities and the dissemination of learning from safeguarding reviews.

• Leading the Section 157/175 Education Act safeguarding audit across education settings.
• Delivering safeguarding audits within the private, voluntary, early years and post-16 sectors.
• Supporting schools and providers to meet statutory safeguarding requirements and achieve positive Ofsted outcomes.
• Analysing learning from safeguarding reviews and multi-agency audits, identifying improvements and sharing best practice across the sector.
• Developing model policies, procedures and guidance to strengthen safeguarding arrangements.
• Providing advice, support and training to education professionals and childcare providers.
• Building effective partnerships across education, social care and safeguarding services.

• Significant experience working within an education setting in a senior capacity.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance and statutory requirements.
• Experience of multi-agency working and quality assurance processes.
• Experience of the Ofsted inspection framework and implementing organisational change.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• A relevant Level 4/5 qualification (or equivalent) and a commitment to continuous professional development.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people across Torbay. You'll be joining a forward-thinking team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for families whilst supporting educational providers to deliver safe, effective and inclusive services. The role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements and the opportunity to work with a broad range of professionals across the education and safeguarding sectors.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and safeguarding vetting requirements. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Join us and help shape a safer future for children and young people across Torbay.

This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.

• Evidence of effective written, oral and inter-personal skills, including presentation, advocacy, negotiation and consultation skills.
• Ability to communicate at an appropriate level with children and young people.
• Ability to engage with children and families, education professionals and other stakeholders to obtain the information needed to develop and deliver effective services.
• Ability to work on own initiative and also as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and be confident to understand when information should be shared for safeguarding purposes.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Knowledge of the audit process for both the Section 157/175 and Section 11.
• Knowledge of the Ofsted Registration and Inspection process.
• Knowledge of the Welfare Requirements of the Childcare Act 2006.
• Knowledge of the Children Act 1989/ 2004.

• Evidence continued professional development.
• NVQ Level 4/5 or equivalent in a relevant subject area.
• Experience of working in an education establishment in a senior capacity.
• Experience of implementing…