Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College; West of England; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution in the UK is seeking an experienced Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to oversee safeguarding practices. The role involves managing a team, training staff, and collaborating with agencies to ensure student wellbeing. Candidates must have significant experience in safeguarding and advanced training in the field. This full-time, permanent position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including a pension scheme and generous leave entitlement.

Benefits

Competitive Pension Scheme

Generous Annual leave

Professional development support

Family friendly policies

Access to discounted shopping benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience in safeguarding, child protection, and vulnerable adult support in education or similar.
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding legislation, Prevent Duty, and pastoral care best practices.
• Professional, resilient, and committed to safe inclusive environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for safeguarding referrals and concerns.
• Line-manage and support Education & Wellbeing Mentors.
• Deliver safeguarding training and CPD sessions for staff.

Skills

Leadership and management ability

Excellent communication

Decision-making under pressure

Education

Advanced safeguarding training (DSL level)

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Role Information

• Reference: REQ001390
• Location: WISE Campus
• FTE Salary: Up to £35,586.00 (Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week

At SGS, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Term‑Time Only Contracts will incur a salary adjustment if the start date is after 1st September.

Financial Rewards and Benefits

• Opportunity to make a positive impact within the community and on learners’ lives
• Competitive Pension Scheme – Corporate and support roles have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a flexible pension accessible from the age of 55, with generous employer contributions of 16%.
• Generous Annual leave entitlement plus the 8 bank holidays – 25 days for corporate and support functions, increasing to 30 days after 5 academic years of service (Full‑Time Equivalent).
• Two weeks leave during the Christmas closedown period largely supported by the discretionary closure days provided by the College.
• Extensive professional development with ongoing support for your personal & professional development, including 25% tuition discount for immediate family of SGS employees.
• Family friendly policies and a proven commitment to supporting flexible working practices.
• Access to ‘My Lifestyle’ discounted shopping benefits, cycle to work scheme and a Technology Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Free Annual Eye test.
• All staff members can buy a TOTUM card (formerly known as NUS Extra cards), as part of being an affiliate member of the Students' Union.
• Staff have access and support to be part of inclusive or sustainable staff networks and communities.
• Free car parking at all campuses (Except Queens Road Art School).
• Access to a wide variety of external health and wellbeing resources.
• Subsidised onsite catering services including Costa Coffee.

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College has an excellent reputation for delivering further education and work‑based programmes across a range of subjects – from business to sport, construction to media, GCSE’s and A Levels to Honour Degree level programmes.

Our experienced and passionate staff work hard to help students and colleagues achieve their personal challenges and career goals. We are proud of SGS and committed to making the College the best it can be. We are currently working hard to achieve “Outstanding” status after being classified as “Good” in our last inspection.

For more information, please visit https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/.

About the Role

Are you an experienced safeguarding professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have the leadership skills and expertise to make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of learners? We’re looking for a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our Wellbeing Services team and play a pivotal role in protecting and empowering young people across our college community.

As Deputy DSL, you’ll deputise for the Designated Safeguarding Lead and lead safeguarding practice across the college. You’ll manage and support a team of Education & Wellbeing Mentors, oversee safeguarding referrals, and act as a trusted source of advice and expertise for staff. This is a high‑profile role where your decisions and leadership will directly influence learner safety, wellbeing, and success.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding referrals and concerns, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Line‑manage and support a team of Education & Wellbeing Mentors, driving best practice and high standards.
• Deliver safeguarding training and CPD sessions for staff, promoting a culture of vigilance and care.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to safeguard learners and provide holistic support.
• Represent the college at multi‑agency meetings and panels, advocating for learners’ needs.
• Lead on policy development, audits, and compliance to maintain excellence in safeguarding provision.

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

• Qualifications: Advanced safeguarding training (DSL level) and a relevant degree or equivalent.
• Experience: Significant experience in safeguarding, child protection, and vulnerable adult support, ideally within education or a similar setting.
• Skills: Strong leadership and management ability, excellent communication, and sound decision‑making under pressure.
• Knowledge: In‑depth understanding of safeguarding legislation, Prevent Duty, and best practice in pastoral care.
• Attributes: Professional, resilient, and committed to creating safe, inclusive environments for learners.

Please apply online by: Thursday 5th February 2026.

Expected Interview Date: To be confirmed.

If you have any queries please contact [e-mail].

SGS College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, and additional checks and online searches in accordance with KCSIE guidance.