Safeguarding Officer

LeighAcademiesTrust; Rochester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Progression opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Virtual GP service access

MAT network collaboration

LAT benefits

Job summary

Leigh Academies Trust is seeking an experienced safeguarding specialist to partner with Trust leaders and co-chair our Designated Safeguarding Lead Forum.

You will conduct reviews, analyse trust-wide data, and help academies build targeted improvement plans while advising on online safety and curriculum integration for vulnerable pupils, including Looked After Children.

This role demands strong communication, analytical thinking and dedication to safeguarding best practice across the MAT.

Qualifications

• Proven background in safeguarding (preferably within education).
• Strong knowledge of KCSIE, trauma-informed practice, and statutory guidance.
• Top-notch communication, analytical, and case-management skills.
• GCSE Maths & English (A*-C/4-9) + ongoing safeguarding CPD.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Trust leaders and co-chair our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Forum to drive best practice.
• Conduct reviews, analyse trust-wide data, and help academies build targeted improvement plans.
• Help upskill staff and governors while advising on online safety and curriculum integration.
• Share strategies to help vulnerable and Looked After Children (LAC) flourish.

Skills

Safeguarding expertise

Data analysis

Communication

Case management

LAC awareness

Education

GCSE Maths & English (A*-C/4-9)

Job description

• Competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

What You'll Do

• Partner with Trust leaders and co-chair our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Forum to drive best practice.


• Conduct reviews, analyse trust-wide data, and help academies build targeted improvement plans.


• Help upskill staff and governors while advising on online safety and curriculum integration.


• Share strategies to help vulnerable and Looked After Children (LAC) flourish.

What You'll Bring

• Proven background in safeguarding (preferably within education).


• Strong knowledge of KCSIE, trauma-informed practice, and statutory guidance.


• Top-notch communication, analytical, and case-management skills.


• GCSE Maths & English (A*-C/4-9) + ongoing safeguarding CPD.

Interviews will be taking place on Friday 16th October 2026.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.