Job Description: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL-non teaching)
School: Sacred Heart Catholic Academy
Trust: Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust
Responsible to: Headteacher
Salary: NJC Scale 30 (£41,511 –per annum) Fixed Term contract till 31.08.27
Responsible For : Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads and safeguarding administration functions as applicable
Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage all aspects of safeguarding and child protection across Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, ensuring that all students are safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of safeguarding, child protection, attendance, early help and multi-agency working, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
The postholder will support the Catholic mission and values of the Academy and promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements and best practice guidance.
- Advise the Headteacher, Governors and Senior Leadership Team on safeguarding matters.
- Maintain an effective safeguarding culture throughout the Academy.
- Prepare safeguarding reports for Governors and Trust leaders as required.
Child Protection
- Act as the Academy’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Manage referrals to Children’s Social Care, Early Help, the Police and other agencies.
- Coordinate responses to child protection concerns and monitor outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date safeguarding records.
- Attend and contribute to child protection conferences, strategy meetings and core groups.
- Support students who are subject to child protection plans, child in need plans or who are looked after.
Early Help and Student Welfare
- Lead early help assessments and interventions.
- Coordinate support for vulnerable students and families.
- Develop positive working relationships with external agencies and professionals.
- Ensure appropriate support is provided for students experiencing mental health difficulties, attendance concerns, exploitation risks or other safeguarding vulnerabilities.
Staff Training and Development
- Deliver safeguarding training and updates to staff.
- Ensure all staff receive safeguarding induction and ongoing professional development.
- Provide safeguarding advice and guidance to staff on emerging concerns.
- Maintain records of safeguarding training.
Attendance and Vulnerable Learners
- Work closely with attendance staff and pastoral leaders to address persistent absence and safeguarding-related attendance concerns.
- Monitor attendance and welfare of vulnerable groups.
- Coordinate safeguarding support plans where required.
Record Keeping and Information Management
- Maintain safeguarding records in line with statutory requirements and GDPR.
- Ensure secure transfer of safeguarding records when students move schools.
- Monitor safeguarding data and trends to inform improvement planning.
Safer Recruitment
- Support the Academy’s safer recruitment processes.
- Participate in recruitment panels where appropriate.
- Contribute to maintaining the Single Central Record.
General Responsibilities
- Uphold and promote the Catholic ethos and values of Sacred Heart Catholic Academy.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training (or willingness to undertake immediately upon appointment).
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding and child protection.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience of safeguarding and child protection work with children and young people.
- Experience of working with external agencies including Children’s Social Care, Police and Health services.
- Experience of managing complex safeguarding cases.
- Experience of maintaining confidential records and producing reports.
- Experience of delivering training or professional development to staff.
Essential Knowledge
- Excellent understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
- Understanding of child protection processes and thresholds.
- Knowledge of contextual safeguarding, exploitation, online safety and mental health.
- Understanding of data protection and information sharing requirements.
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with students, families and professionals.
- Strong organisational and case management skills.
- Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions.
- Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- High level of confidentiality and professional integrity.
- Strong ICT and record-keeping skills.
Personal Qualities
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Commitment to the Catholic ethos and mission of the Academy.
- Resilient, empathetic and approachable.
- Professional, trustworthy and reliable.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Qualification in social work, youth work, education, counselling, psychology or a related field.
- Previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Safer Recruitment training.
- Experience of working within a secondary school setting.
- Experience of leading attendance or pastoral support services.
Safeguarding Statement
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake all relevant safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list clearance.
Safeguarding Statement
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy and the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.
Catholic Ethos and Mission
- Support and actively promote the Catholic ethos, values and mission of the school in all aspects of professional conduct.
- Contribute to the prayer life, collective worship and liturgical celebrations of the school.
- Demonstrate, through professional example, a commitment to Gospel values.
Closing date – Friday 3rd July 2026 Interview’s W/C 6th July
How to apply:
Please use the relevant CES staff application form(Support) for your application.
You will also need to complete and return each of the following forms:
rehabilitation of offenders,
recruitment monitoring
consent to obtain references.
Your completed application and accompanying forms should be email to [email protected] by the deadline detailed above and within the job pack.
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy - Vacancies
Pay: £41,511.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
