Designated Safeguarding Lead

Croydon College; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Croydon College Group is seeking an experienced Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead to provide strategic and operational oversight of safeguarding, wellbeing, Prevent, and student protection across the College Group.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Student Services, you will lead safeguarding strategy, oversee complex and high-risk cases, and ensure compliance while supporting staff and learners across multiple campuses.

Qualifications

• Substantial operational experience leading safeguarding within FE/HE/college settings.
• Advanced proficiency with CPOMS and safeguarding record-keeping.
• Strong knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding strategy across the College Group and oversee risk assessments.
• Oversee safeguarding records and CPOMS system usage.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders, governors and external agencies.
• Drive quality assurance, audits, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

CPOMS

Job description

At Croydon College Group, our staff are passionate and committed to achieving the very best outcomes for our students. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset, and through their expertise, dedication, and commitment, we deliver an outstanding student experience that positively impacts our local community. Our values of being Caring, Collaborative, Courageous and Creative underpin everything we do, ensuring we create an inclusive, supportive and ambitious environment for both students and staff. We are seeking an exceptional safeguarding professional to join our Student Services leadership team as our Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for providing strategic and operational oversight of safeguarding, wellbeing, Prevent, and student protection across the College Group. As the College's lead safeguarding professional, you will ensure the highest standards of safeguarding practice, compliance, and culture, while leading a dedicated safeguarding team across both campuses. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced safeguarding leader to shape and strengthen safeguarding provision within a dynamic and student-centred FE environment. The Role Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Student Services, you will act as the College's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements and providing expert advice to senior leaders, governors, staff and external agencies. You will lead safeguarding strategy, oversee complex and high-risk cases, drive quality assurance and continuous improvement, and promote a culture where students feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. Key Responsibilities:

• Operational & System Management: Managing safeguarding records and ensuring full, effective use of our CPOMS system.
• Compliance & Best Practice: Ensuring overall team compliance with regulatory standards, covering both reactive management and proactive safeguarding initiatives.
• Case & Team Leadership: Overseeing incoming disclosures, managing risk assessments, and supporting team members in day-to-day safeguarding operations.

In addition, you will:

• Lead safeguarding, Prevent and contextual safeguarding strategy across the College Group.
• Provide expert oversight and decision-making for complex safeguarding and risk cases.
• Act as the key safeguarding adviser to senior leaders, governors and external partners.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Children's Social Care, Adult Social Care, CAMHS, Police, Prevent partners and other agencies.
• Lead safeguarding quality assurance, audits, thematic reviews and compliance activity.
• Manage and develop the safeguarding team, ensuring high standards of practice and performance.
• Lead safeguarding training, awareness and culture across the organisation.
• Prepare safeguarding reports, trend analysis and assurance updates for senior leaders and governors.

We are looking for an experienced and highly credible safeguarding leader who brings extensive expertise, sound judgement, and the ability to lead with confidence in a complex educational environment.

Key Requirements:

• Substantial operational experience leading safeguarding within a FE / HE / college setting.
• Advanced proficiency with CPOMS and safeguarding record-keeping.
• Strong knowledge of current statutory guidance and compliance requirements.

You will also demonstrate:

• Significant safeguarding leadership experience within Further Education, education, or a comparable multi-site environment.
• Experience managing complex safeguarding and high-risk cases.
• Experience leading safeguarding teams and driving improvements in practice.
• Expert knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), safeguarding legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of Prevent, contextual safeguarding, vulnerable adults, mental health and inclusion.
• Excellent leadership, communication, partnership-building and decision-making skills.
• The professional resilience, integrity and commitment required to safeguard and promote the welfare of learners.