Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Witherslack Group; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated educational organization in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils with diverse needs. The candidate will work closely with agencies and staff while being part of the leadership team. With at least three years of experience, strong interpersonal skills, and an empathetic approach, you will play a key role in creating an inclusive environment for children. The position offers extensive training and a supportive workplace.

Benefits

Full school holidays

Flexible benefits such as life insurance

Employee wellbeing tools

Medical cover for optician and dentist

Pension scheme matched up to 5%

£1,000 bonus for recommending a friend

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
• Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to Safeguarding and Child Protection.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for safeguarding within the school.
• Liaise with parents, agencies, and staff on wellbeing and protection.
• Work with the leadership team and report to the Head Teacher.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem resolution

Empathetic approach

Job description

Role Overview

For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond. With our high staff‑to‑child ratio and in‑house clinical teams, we are proud to have won a reputation for excellence. Our aspirational homes, schools and ethos help us achieve the best possible outcomes. In short, we are enhancing life opportunities. Opening in Spring 2026, Felden Hall School is a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school for up to 115 pupils. The school provides education for pupils aged 5‑16 and caters for children with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.

Responsibilities

As a Designated Safeguarding Lead you will take responsibility for safeguarding within the school. On a daily basis you will liaise 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. You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher. 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.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
• 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.

What we do for you

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. At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and truly belongs. 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. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search.

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:

• Training: A full induction and on the job training.
• Holiday: Full school holidays.
• Flexible benefits: life insurance and other benefits.
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.
• Medical cover: claim back the cost of optician or dentist appointments.
• Beautiful working environments with the best facilities.
• 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.