Designated Safeguarding Lead

Protocol Education Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational support organization is seeking an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in Clifton to enhance safeguarding practices and provide leadership in child protection. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in a school environment focused on the safety and well-being of pupils. The ideal candidate will demonstrate previous DSL experience and a strong grasp of safeguarding legislation.

Benefits

Immediate start available

Opportunity to influence whole-school practice

Supportive leadership team

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of KCSIE and safeguarding policies.
• Experience in a leadership role related to safeguarding.
• Commitment to creating a safe environment for pupils and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead on safeguarding and child protection across the school.
• Review and strengthen safeguarding policies in line with Ofsted.
• Provide practical training and guidance to staff.

Skills

Previous experience as a DSL

Strong understanding of current safeguarding legislation

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Ability to build trust

Job description

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Location: Clifton
Salary: Up to UPS1

About the Role

A Clifton-based school is seeking an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to provide vital guidance and leadership in safeguarding practice. Following recent Ofsted feedback, the school is prioritising stronger safeguarding systems and is looking for a confident, proactive DSL to support them in embedding new strategies.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on safeguarding and child protection across the school
• Review and strengthen safeguarding policies in line with Ofsted recommendations
• Provide staff with clear, practical training and guidance
• Work closely with SLT to embed consistent safeguarding practices
• Be the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a DSL (essential)
• Strong understanding of current safeguarding legislation and KCSIE
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to build trust and provide calm, informed guidance
• Commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment for pupils and staff

Why This Role Matters

Safeguarding isn’t a box-ticking exercise, it’s the heart of school life. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact—helping a school strengthen its safeguarding culture and ensuring pupils are safe, supported, and able to thrive.

What’s On Offer

• Salary up to UPS1
• A chance to lead change and influence whole-school practice
• Supportive SLT ready to work collaboratively with the right DSL
• Immediate start available

Apply today to step into a role where your expertise can shape safer futures for children in Clifton.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, which may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see the Protocol Education website.