Safeguarding Officer

LeighAcademiesTrust; Strood; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Virtual GP Service

MAT network collaboration

LAT benefits

Job summary

Leigh Academies Trust is seeking a Safeguarding Officer to champion vigilance and elevate safeguarding standards across our growing network. You will partner with Trust leaders, co-chair the DSL Forum, and deliver expert guidance across academies.

You will conduct reviews, analyse data, and help schools implement targeted improvement plans while upskilling staff and governors in online safety and safeguarding CPD.

Qualifications

• Proven safeguarding experience, preferably in education.
• Knowledge of KCSIE, trauma-informed practice, and statutory guidance.
• Strong 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

KCSIE knowledge

Case management

GCSE Maths & English

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.

Passionate about child protection and building safe, thriving school communities? Leigh Academies Trust is looking for a Safeguarding Officer to champion a culture of vigilance, deliver expert guidance, and elevate safeguarding standards across our growing network.

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.