Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Location: WiEducate, 8 Cheyne Walk, Northampton (travel across North and West Northamptonshire)
Reports to: Directors
Contract: Full time- Permanent
Salary: £38 000
Requirements: Business insurance/access to a car (expenses will be paid)
WiEducate offers alternate education for 16-24 years who have been unable to access other education provision in the area. WiEducate works 1:1 and in small groups to support our young people to achieve their aspirations and successfully transition into adulthood.
Purpose of the Role
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for leading and managing all safeguarding and child/adult protection matters within WiEducate. The DSL will ensure that learners are safeguarded effectively, and that statutory responsibilities are met in line with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.
Key Responsibilities
Safeguarding Leadership
- Act as the lead professional for safeguarding across the provision.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review safeguarding policies and procedures in line with current legislation including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
- Promote a strong culture of safeguarding and learner welfare across the organisation.
Managing Safeguarding Concerns
- Receive, record, and assess safeguarding concerns raised by staff, learners, or external agencies.
- Make informed decisions on appropriate actions, ensuring timely and effective responses.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and secure safeguarding records and case files.
- Monitor ongoing cases to ensure appropriate support and outcomes for learners.
Referrals and External Liaison
- Make referrals to external agencies, including children’s social care, adult safeguarding teams, police, and other relevant services.
- Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding partners and attend strategy discussions where appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with local safeguarding partnership protocols.
Attendance at Meetings
- Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings such as:
- Child Protection Conferences
- Core Group Meetings
- Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings
- Adult safeguarding reviews (where applicable)
- Advocate for learners and ensure their views and needs are represented.
- Carry out and lead Family Help Conversations/Early help assessments
Training and Staff Development
- Deliver safeguarding training and briefings to all staff, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
- Provide updates on emerging safeguarding risks and local/national developments.
- Support staff in understanding safeguarding procedures and responding appropriately to disclosures.
Support and Advice
- Provide expert advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding concerns, thresholds, and appropriate actions.
- Support staff following disclosures or complex safeguarding situations.
- Promote safe working practices and professional boundaries.
Monitoring and Quality Assurance
- Audit safeguarding practices and records regularly to ensure compliance and quality.
- Identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement, reporting these to senior leadership.
- Contribute to safeguarding reports for governors.
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
- Contribute to wider organisational priorities, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- Relevant safeguarding qualification or willingness to undertake DSL training.
- Experience of managing safeguarding cases in an education or care setting.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance.
- Experience working with vulnerable young people, including those with Social, Emotional and Mental health needs.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with multiple agencies.
Desirable
- Experience in a post‑16 or specialist provision setting.
- Training delivery experience.
- Knowledge of adult safeguarding processes.
- Leadership or management experience.
Safeguarding Statement
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01604 389075
Pay: £38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
