Associate Director: Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing

DN Colleges Group; Swineshead; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Swineshead seeks an Associate Director for Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing, responsible for leading student support services. You will ensure students have access to high-quality safeguarding and wellbeing support while managing teams and developing strategies. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in educational settings. The role offers a competitive salary, 30 annual leave days, and various benefits including professional development, on-site facilities, and wellness initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive salary

30 annual leave days

Professional development opportunities

Access to same-day GP appointments

On-site gym & florist

Discounted hair and beauty treatments

Cycle to Work and electric car scheme

Free eye care vouchers

Qualifications

• Proven experience of leading teams within an educational setting.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding or counselling roles.

Responsibilities

• Act as the College's Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Lead and manage the Safeguarding, Counselling, Wellbeing and Learning & Behaviour teams.
• Develop and implement robust strategies, policies and quality assurance processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree or equivalent in Safeguarding, Counselling, Social Work

GCSE Maths & English (Grade A-C or equivalent)

Job description

Are you passionate about creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for students? DN Colleges Group is seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Director: Safeguarding, Counselling & Wellbeing to lead and shape our student support services across Further and Higher Education. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring students have access to high‑quality safeguarding, counselling and wellbeing support. You will work closely with senior leaders and manage dedicated teams to deliver impactful interventions that enhance the student experience and promote a culture of safety, resilience and personal growth.

Responsibilities

• Act as the College's Designated Safeguarding Lead and represent the organisation on external safeguarding bodies.
• Lead and manage the Safeguarding, Counselling, Wellbeing and Learning & Behaviour teams.
• Develop and implement robust strategies, policies and quality assurance processes across all areas of responsibility.
• Provide strategic leadership and contribute to the College's planning, reporting and inspection readiness.
• Deliver staff development, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Safeguarding, Counselling, Social Work or a related subject.
• Proven experience of leading teams within an educational setting.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding or counselling roles.
• Strong communication, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• GCSE Maths & English (Grade A‑C or equivalent).

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 30 bookable annual leave days, bank holidays, and 2 weeks off at Christmas.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to same‑day GP appointments, high street discounts, discounted hair and beauty treatments, electric car scheme.
• On‑site gym & florist (site dependent).
• Access to our in‑house Food Hall & Coffee Shops.
• All employees enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, as well as an additional 2 weeks closure over the Christmas period.
• Health and wellbeing provisions exclusive to employees.
• Vivup – Employee Wellbeing and Benefits platform.
• Wellness initiatives onsite, including health visitors, financial advisers, and physiotherapy specialists.
• On‑site fitness classes at lunchtime or after work.
• Cycle to Work and electric car scheme.
• Free eye care vouchers.
• Discounted hair and beauty services.
• On‑site nursery.
• Online access to Remploy, a 24/7 confidential mental health and counselling resource.
• In‑house counselling/safeguarding specialists to assist in wellbeing.