Designated Safeguarding Lead

Witherslack Group Ltd.; Chorley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

School holidays

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing tools

Medical cover

Beautiful facilities

Referral bonus

Pension scheme

Job summary

Witherslack Group’s Westmorland School in the Chorley area is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the leadership team. You will lead safeguarding, liaise with agencies, parents and staff to promote wellbeing and child protection.

The role requires at least 3 years of DSL experience, a CPD portfolio in safeguarding, outstanding interpersonal and problem‑resolution skills, an empathetic approach, and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
• Comprehensive CPD portfolio in safeguarding/child protection.
• Outstanding interpersonal and problem-resolving skills.
• Empathetic approach is essential.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding within the school and liaise with agencies, families and staff.
• Collaborate with leadership to support pupils and ensure wellbeing.
• Promote safeguarding policies and CPD across the school.

Skills

DSL experience

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Empathy

Driving licence

Job description

This vacancy is to cover both sites, Moorland Campus, Chorley and Wood Campus, Leyland.

Please note : That applications for this role will close on 27th September 2026 with interviews scheduled for 5th October 2026

Important: You must provide your full employment history, both paid and unpaid, from the age of 16 onwards as part of your application, including roles that may not be relevant to the position.

Those Huge Small Victories

For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond and that’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence. Our aspirational homes, schools and ethos help us achieve the best possible outcomes. In short, we’re enhancing life opportunities. Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are a huge part of making sure our children and young people’s needs are fully recognised and comprehensively met.

Get out what you put in

You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher for this crucial role. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the Witherslack Group team in different locations to enable you to progress and develop your skills and knowledge.

As a Designated Safeguarding Lead you will take responsibility for safeguarding within the school, this means that on a daily basis you will be liaising with statutory and non-statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of wellbeing , child protection and safeguarding and will be a great source of support, advice and expertise in the team.

One of the best environments in SEND

Westmorland School is used to receiving awards, accolades and glowing praise from parents and professionals. However, what sets it apart is its unique ability to cater for two distinct areas of special educational need, in separate individualised and bespoke learning environments, all within one school. The development of two curriculum approaches for both ASD and SEMH pupil cohorts is successfully and harmoniously delivered through the school’s BEARS and CATS settings.

The success of Westmorland’s differentiated approach is evident from the schools continued development, external recognition, achievement of Ofsted outstanding verdicts in all areas, and, most significantly, the exemplary outcomes it realises for its pupils.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

Training: A full induction and on the job training

Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays

Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here

Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street
discounts

Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here

A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Contributory pension scheme – matched up to 5%

Bring your whole-self to work

Our young people and their families come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. As well as having at least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role, we will also look for:

Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to Safeguarding and Child Protection.

Outstanding interpersonal and problem resolution skills.

A genuinely empathetic approach is also essential

Full UK driving licence

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.