Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Acorn Care and Education; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the UK seeks a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to ensure high standards of safeguarding practice. You will manage referrals, train staff, and lead on child protection matters. Successful candidates will have strong experience in safeguarding, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to children's welfare. This role offers a salary of up to £40,000, home-based with travel to London sites, and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Flexibility in benefits package

Qualifications

• Successful leadership and management experience within a school or relevant organization.
• Strong track record in managing safeguarding effectively.
• Must hold a full driving license with access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Lead on safeguarding and child protection matters across the organization.
• Manage referrals and liaise with statutory agencies.
• Deliver staff training and induction on safeguarding policies.

Skills

Leadership and management experience

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation

Outstanding record-keeping and IT skills

Ability to prioritize effectively

Education

GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths

Degree in Social Work, Education, or related discipline

Job description

We’re reimagining work/life balance – and you could be part of it. At OFG, we're proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial – a bold step toward giving our teams more time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy life outside of work. That means you could be working 80% of your usual hours, while still earning 100% of your pay. If the trial proves successful, we’ll roll out the 4DWW across the Group – making now the perfect time to join #TeamOFG and help shape the future of work.

Job Title: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Salary: Up To £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications, not pro rata)

Location: Home-based with travel to London sites

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About us

At Outcomes First Group, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment for success. As one of the world’s leading providers in our sector, we deliver exceptional, research-led education tailored to each individual, with smaller class sizes and personalised learning plans. Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning, our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity, and our promise is simple: we listen, we work together, and we are accountable to one another to make the remarkable happen.

The role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to oversee safeguarding across our division. Reporting directly to your line manager, with a dotted line into the central safeguarding team, you will take the lead in ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding practice are embedded across the organisation.

What you’ll do:

• Lead on safeguarding and child protection matters across Momenta connect.
• Manage referrals, liaise with statutory agencies, and contribute to child protection strategy discussions and assessments.
• Support, advise and train staff on safeguarding and child welfare concerns.
• Oversee compliance with safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice.
• Deliver staff training and induction on safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding issues, maintaining accurate and secure records.
• Raise awareness of safeguarding policies, ensuring they are regularly reviewed, up to date, and understood across the school community.

What we’re looking for:

Successful leadership and management experience within a school or relevant organisation. Strong track record in managing safeguarding, including working effectively with vulnerable children, families, and external agencies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire confidence and support colleagues. Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. Outstanding record‑keeping and IT skills, with experience handling sensitive data. Ability to prioritise effectively, remain calm under pressure, and act with integrity and confidentiality. Must hold a full driving licence with access to a car.

Qualifications:

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (essential).
• Degree in Social Work, Education, or related discipline (desirable).
• Relevant safeguarding and safer recruitment training.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including: a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits; 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad; Cycle to Work schemes; Electric Car Purchase Scheme; Critical illness cover.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.