Impactful Safeguarding Specialist (DDSL) – School

Ark Pioneer Academy; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Ark Pioneer Academy in Barnet, London, is recruiting a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to support safeguarding and child protection across the school. You will be the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, lead on casework, and work with external agencies to ensure robust safeguarding systems.

The role focuses on pupil wellbeing, early help, and effective intervention. The successful candidate will collaborate with the DSL, pastoral teams and senior leaders to uphold

Qualifications

• Prior safeguarding experience, ideally in a school or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of child protection, early help and statutory guidance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• High levels of organisation, discretion and professional judgement.
• Confidence in managing sensitive information appropriately.
• The ability to analyse information, identify risks and act swiftly.
• A proactive, solutions-focused and compassionate approach.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns and referrals.
• Manage safeguarding casework and maintain secure records.
• Support the DSL with statutory safeguarding duties.
• Coordinate early help interventions and liaise with external agencies.
• Contribute to multi-agency meetings, reports and action plans.
• Ensure compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and Ark safeguarding policies.
• Promote vigilance and early intervention across the school.

Skills

Safeguarding experience

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Discretion

Professional judgement

Risk analysis

Compassionate approach

Job description

Ark Pioneer Academy in Barnet, London, is recruiting a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to support safeguarding and child protection across the school. You will be the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, lead on casework, and work with external agencies to ensure robust safeguarding systems.

The role focuses on pupil wellbeing, early help, and effective intervention. The successful candidate will collaborate with the DSL, pastoral teams and senior leaders to uphold