Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

University College Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 29 days

Bank holidays 12

Private healthcare

Employee assistance programme

Health MOTs

Staff development opportunities

Salary sacrifice schemes

Car parking

Gym membership

Job summary

University College Birmingham is seeking a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our safeguarding team within the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. This fixed-term post (up to 12 months) provides maternity leave cover, commencing February 2027, and covers safeguarding for students aged 16+ across FE college, Sixth Form, University and Apprenticeship programmes.

The role reports to the Designated Safeguarding Lead & Head of FE Pastoral Support and involves managing

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of safeguarding practices for both children and adults.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Support and advise staff who raise safeguarding concerns.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including participation in multi-agency meetings.
• Make referrals to relevant external organisations where appropriate.
• Help ensure UCB maintains a strong culture of safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Skills

Safeguarding practices

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Crisis management

Job description

Job Title: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £31,236 - £34,610 per annum - SS4

Job type: Full time, Fixed Term for up to 12 months

UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.

The Role:

University College Birmingham is looking for a proactive and experienced Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our friendly and dedicated safeguarding team, who are part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. This is a fixed-term post of up to 12 months to provide maternity leave cover, commencing in February 2027.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students aged 16+ across our FE college, Sixth Form, University and Apprenticeship programmes.

Reporting directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead & Head of FE Pastoral Support, you will manage safeguarding concerns effectively and sensitively, providing direct 1:1 support to students while working collaboratively with parents and carers, academic departments and external agencies.

The successful candidate will:

• Respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Support and advise staff who raise safeguarding concerns
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including participation in multi-agency meetings
• Make referrals to relevant external organisations where appropriate
• Help ensure UCB maintains a strong culture of safeguarding and student wellbeing

You will have:

• A strong understanding of safeguarding practices for both children and adults
• Knowledge of local and national safeguarding procedures and agencies
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and effective when managing sensitive or crisis situations
• A student-centred and compassionate approach

Please take the time to read the Job Description and Person Specification carefully to ensure you meet the weighted criteria before applying.

If you are shortlisted for interview you will be required to complete a short case study immediately prior to your interview which will form part of the assessment process.

Benefits:

• Generous allocation of annual leave
  • 29 days' paid leave per year
  • 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
• Excellent Local Government Scheme
  • Employer Contributions - 20.9%
• Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service.
• Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
• Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
• Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
• A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology home and cycle.
• Heavily-subsidised on-site car parking in central Birmingham
• Free on-site gym membership

Extra Information:

All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.

Closing Date - Sunday 25th October 2026.

Interview Date - Wednesday 11th November 2026.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, DDSL, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Safeguarding Lead, Safeguarding Manager, Safeguarding Officer, Senior Safeguarding Officer, Safeguarding Practitioner, Safeguarding Specialist, Student Safeguarding Officer, Student Safeguarding Lead, Student Welfare Officer, Student Welfare Lead, Student Support Officer, Student Support Lead, Safeguarding and Welfare Officer, will also be considered for this role.