Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Welfare Officer

Nene Park Academy; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in England is seeking a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Welfare Officer. This rewarding position entails safeguarding and child protection, supporting families, and promoting student welfare within a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will hold a degree and possess DSL training and experience, alongside excellent communication skills. The role offers numerous benefits including mental health support and a cycle to work scheme, with a strong commitment to diversity and wellbeing.

Benefits

Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities

Initial Teacher Training Team support

Support for mental health and wellbeing

Cycle to work scheme

Defined benefit pension scheme

Healthcare benefits including free eye tests

Free on-site parking

Discounts on various benefits

Qualifications

• Trained DSL with relevant experience of being a DSL.
• Experience of working with children across all key stages.

Responsibilities

• Be designated safeguarding lead for the school, overseeing the child protection work.
• Support families to be the best parents they can be.
• Promote Child Protection Awareness within the Academies.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of the education system

Enthusiastic approach to work

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Trained DSL

Job description

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Welfare Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week, 41 weeks per year (Term time plus 5 training days, and 10 additional days) 8am - 4pm, Monday-Thursday and until 3.30pm on a Friday.

We are looking for a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Welfare Officer to join Nene Park Academy. This is an incredibly rewarding role, working within a supportive team and a part of the wider Meridian Trust family. You will be responsible for safeguarding and child protection across the Academy by recording and attending professional meetings and making referrals where necessary.

The successful candidate will have a positive, enthusiastic approach to work, have excellent communication skills and a good understanding of the education system.

The Opportunity

• Support families to be the best parents they can be so that they are able to support their child’s learning and wellbeing.
• Responsible for working with wider pastoral teams in school to support the welfare and wellbeing of students.
• Be designated safeguarding lead for the school, overseeing the child protection work and cause for concern records for the whole academy.
• To action caseloads as assigned by the DSL.
• Promote Child Protection Awareness within the Academies, offering guidance on the Framework for Assessment of Need.

The ideal candidate

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Trained DSL with relevant experience of being a DSL.
• Experience of working with children across all key stages.

About Meridian Trust

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Benefits

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

Closing date for applications

9am Monday 15th December 2025

Interviews dates TBC

Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced. Applications will be reviewed as received so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.