Safeguarding Lead

Salford City Academy; Salford; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Salford City Academy is seeking a Senior Safeguarding Lead to drive safeguarding practice and culture across the school, ensuring every child is protected and supported. You will collaborate with staff, families and external agencies to secure strong outcomes for students and champion a child-centred approach.

The role involves leading safeguarding strategies, developing staff, and working within United Learning to align with trust-wide initiatives, while remaining flexible to meet students’

Qualifications

• Senior safeguarding professional with leadership experience.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with families and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding practice across the academy to secure the best outcomes for students.
• Work with staff, families and external partners to keep children safe and well.
• Line manage safeguarding staff and shape safeguarding priorities within the academy and trust.

Job description

This role is about much more than compliance and procedures. It is about building trusted relationships, advocating relentlessly for young people and ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. We are looking for someone who genuinely cares, who is prepared to go the extra mile for students and families, and who understands that the impact of great safeguarding can change lives.

As the operational lead for safeguarding, you will work closely with staff across Salford City Academy, families and a wide range of external agencies to secure the very best outcomes for our students. You will play a central role in strengthening safeguarding practice, developing a culture where every member of staff understands their responsibility to keep children safe, and ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of our students remains our highest priority.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for someone who puts children at the centre of every decision they make. Someone who understands that safeguarding is not simply part of the job, it is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

The successful candidate will be a highly skilled safeguarding professional, but just as importantly they will be compassionate, resilient and driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of children and young people. They will be someone who builds strong relationships, earns the trust of families and colleagues, and is prepared to challenge when necessary to ensure the right support is in place.

We are seeking a leader with a real "do what it takes" mentality. Someone who is tenacious when advocating for vulnerable students, solutions-focused when faced with challenges, and committed to securing the very best outcomes for every child, especially those who need us most. They will understand that no concern is too small, no child should be overlooked, and that effective safeguarding requires persistence, professionalism and care in equal measure.

Career Development

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership career within a highly ambitious and supportive school. You will have the opportunity to line manage and develop staff, influence strategic safeguarding priorities and play a significant role in shaping the culture and provision across the academy.

Whether you are an experienced safeguarding professional ready for a broader leadership role, or an aspiring leader looking to take the next step in your career, we will provide the support, challenge and development opportunities to help you grow.

At Salford City Academy, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for a dedicated and passionate Senior Safeguarding Lead who shares our unwavering commitment to putting children first., Part of United Learning

As part of United Learning, you will benefit from being part of one of the country's largest and most successful academy trusts. You will have access to a wealth of expertise, professional networks and career development opportunities, alongside the support of highly experienced safeguarding leaders across our cluster of schools.

For less experienced candidates, this provides an outstanding opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, develop leadership skills and grow your expertise within a supportive network. For experienced safeguarding leaders, there are opportunities to contribute to wider trust initiatives, support developments across our family of schools and explore future leadership opportunities beyond the academy.

Working Hours and Flexibility

Safeguarding is about responding to the needs of children and young people, and we recognise that those needs do not always fit neatly within a traditional working day.

We are therefore looking for someone who is flexible, adaptable and committed to doing what is needed when children require support. Equally, we recognise that the best safeguarding professionals need balance and flexibility in their own lives. We are committed to working with the successful candidate to provide flexibility where possible, recognising that professional trust works both ways.

This is a role for someone with a strong sense of purpose, a child-centred approach and a commitment to making a difference. In return, you will join a supportive team, a caring school community and a trust that is invested in your success and development.

Salary: United Learning Band 4 Management £47,790 - £55,563 (Points 8 - 16)