Job Introduction
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Safeguarding Officer to support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in maintaining and developing the College's safeguarding provision. This is a rewarding role focused on promoting student welfare, supporting vulnerable learners, and ensuring effective safeguarding processes are in place across the College.
The successful candidate will work closely with safeguarding, progression coaching, counselling and additional support teams to identify and support students who may be at risk. A key aspect of the role will involve supporting Looked After Children, working collaboratively with learners, care teams, parents/carers, social care professionals and the Virtual School.
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Manage and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate action and support is provided.
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Support students experiencing safeguarding, welfare or wellbeing issues.
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Act as a key contact and advocate for Looked After Children.
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Attend Personal Education Plan (PEP) reviews and other multi-agency meetings where required.
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Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records and case files.
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Lead on administration and monitoring of the College's safeguarding reporting system.
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Identify safeguarding risks and make referrals to Children's Social Care and other agencies as appropriate.
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Monitor and track high-risk learners and those subject to external agency intervention.
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Provide safeguarding advice, guidance and support to colleagues.
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Support the College's mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
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Liaise with external agencies, parents/carers and safeguarding partners to ensure positive outcomes for students.
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Ensure appropriate safeguarding and risk assessment processes are in place for student trips and visits.
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
Qualifications
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Minimum Level 3 qualification.
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Level 2 English and Maths.
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Relevant and up-to-date safeguarding training and continuing professional development (CPD).
Experience
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Experience of safeguarding children and/or vulnerable adults within education or a similar environment.
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Experience working with external safeguarding, social care or mental health agencies.
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Experience managing safeguarding concerns, investigations and referrals.
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Experience building positive relationships with young people, parents/carers and partner organisations.
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Experience using online safeguarding monitoring and case management systems.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
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Understanding of Looked After Children processes and procedures.
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Knowledge of the Prevent Duty.
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Understanding of Children's Social Care systems and Early Help processes.
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Strong awareness of student wellbeing, safeguarding and mental health support.
Skills and Attributes
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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Ability to manage challenging situations with professionalism and resilience.
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Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
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Ability to prioritise workloads and work independently.
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Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Positive, flexible and student-centred approach.
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Access to transport and ability to work across multiple sites.
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35 days annual leave + Bank Holidays.
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LGPS Pension Scheme with up to 17.5% employer contributions.
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Access to a Cash Healthcare Plan.
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Heavily discounted Gym Membership.
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Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity and Adoption leave.
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3 days paid emergency leave per year.
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Various Paid and unpaid leave for other needs.
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Funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD) where appropriate.
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Onsite restaurant, Canteen and Hair and Beauty Salon.
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Free onsite parking.
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On site Nursery facilities (up to 5 yoa).
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Cycle to work scheme and much more.
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Access to free Beamish Tickets.
Now is the perfect time to become part of our fantastic team at East Durham College! With recent investments enhancing our already outstanding teaching facilities and further development on the horizon, the College offers an excellent environment for both staff and students. We take pride in providing access to education for all, offering clear pathways through various stages of learning with a strong focus on employment opportunities across the North East region. We’re also thrilled to have earned our fifth consecutive ‘GOOD’ rating from Ofsted.
East Durham College operates across three campuses, delivering a wide range of courses from general further education and A-Levels to specialist land-based and technical programs, ensuring there is something for everyone. As a team member, you’ll enjoy a generous holiday entitlement, Local Government or Teachers Pensions, free gym access (Willerby Grove Campus), free parking, and much more.
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive community where everyone can be themselves and succeed. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our dynamic workforce.
As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, East Durham College operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria, as part of our status as a Disability Confident Employer.
At East Durham College, we uphold Safer Recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education standards. This role requires an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improves performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you’re interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.
For more information about the College, please visit our Creating outstanding futures | East Durham College.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
