We are looking to recruit an experienced and dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our children's residential home and play a pivotal role in promoting the safety, welfare, and protection of the children and young people in our care.
This is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, supporting staff teams, and ensuring the highest standards of child protection are maintained throughout the service. The successful candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and referrals, ensuring that all safeguarding procedures are effective, compliant with current legislation, and focused on the needs, wishes, and best interests of the children.
Depending on organisational requirements and the successful candidate's circumstances, this role may be offered on a self-employed contractor basis. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, and external professionals to ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to safeguarding.
Key ResponsibilitiesSafeguarding and Child Protection Leadership
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the residential home.
- Ensure full compliance with statutory safeguarding guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
- Provide expert advice, guidance, and decision-making support in relation to safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential safeguarding records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Make appropriate and timely referrals to Local Authorities, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the police, and other relevant agencies.
- Lead or support safeguarding investigations and ensure outcomes and learning are embedded into practice.
- Keep abreast of legislative developments, safeguarding guidance, and local safeguarding procedures.
Staff Training, Support and Development
- Deliver safeguarding induction training, refresher sessions, and ongoing learning opportunities for staff.
- Provide safeguarding supervision, professional support, and expert guidance to team members.
- Promote a culture of professional curiosity, vigilance, and early identification of safeguarding risks.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
- Monitor and review safeguarding records, documentation, and practices to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance.
- Prepare safeguarding reports and evidence for internal audits, monitoring activities, and Ofsted inspections.
- Lead the development, implementation, and review of safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Support the home's ongoing compliance with the Children's Homes Quality Standards and other regulatory requirements.
Multi-Agency Working
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with social workers, police, education providers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies.
- Represent the home at strategy meetings, child protection conferences, professionals' meetings, and multi-agency reviews.
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed through effective partnership working and coordinated interventions.
Child-Centred Safeguarding Practice
- Ensure the welfare, rights, wishes, and voice of the child remain central to all safeguarding decisions.
- Foster an environment where children feel safe, valued, listened to, and confident in raising concerns.
- Advocate on behalf of children and ensure their experiences and perspectives inform care planning and practice.
Person SpecificationEssential Requirements
- Current and recognised Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
- Minimum of three years' experience within children's residential care.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and child protection procedures.
- Excellent record-keeping, risk assessment, report-writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to make sound and confident decisions in complex safeguarding situations.
Desirable Requirements
- Additional safeguarding qualifications, such as NSPCC or Local Authority DSL training.
- Experience leading or managing safeguarding investigations.
- Experience supporting or contributing to Ofsted inspections.
- Professional background in social work, psychology, youth justice, education, or a related field.
Core Competencies
- Safeguarding Leadership
- Professional Curiosity
- Sound Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Confidentiality and Ethical Practice
- Effective Multi-Agency Partnership Working
- Strong Communication and Influencing Skills
Salary and Benefits
Pay Rate:
Salary or consultancy rates will be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies relevant to the role.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive. Duties may be amended or expanded in line with the evolving needs of the service. The successful candidate may be required to undertake additional responsibilities to support the safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes of the children living within the home.
If you are passionate about safeguarding children, driving best practice, and supporting teams to deliver exceptional standards of care, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £20.00-£30.00 per hour
Experience:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: 2 years (required)
- Ofsted Children's Home: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
