Safeguarding Officer (Maternity Cover)

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Employee Reward Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site gym

Retail discounts platform

Job summary

Brymore Academy in Somerset is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding Officer to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all students. Working with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will be a trusted point of contact for safeguarding concerns and help ensure vulnerable children receive the support.

You will collaborate with staff, families and external agencies to coordinate referrals, maintain confidential records and contribute to safeguarding training, policy development and an inclusive

Qualifications

• Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience.
• Excellent communication with staff, families and partners.
• Ability to manage safeguarding records confidentially.
• Experience in multi-agency safeguarding meetings.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Manage referrals to external agencies and attend meetings.
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records.
• Work with families and partners to secure positive outcomes.
• Provide guidance to staff on safeguarding matters.
• Support pupils with emotional wellbeing challenges.
• Contribute to safeguarding training and policy development.

Skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Record keeping

Collaboration

Job description

Brymore Academy is a unique and highly regarded day and boarding academy set within the Somerset countryside. Combining academic learning with exceptional opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, engineering and outdoor education, the Academy provides an inspiring environment where students are encouraged to thrive, achieve and develop lifelong skills. Staff are proud to be part of a close-knit community committed to delivering outstanding experiences for every young person.

37 hours per week | 36 weeks per year (term-time only + INSET days) | Fixed-term Contract until 3rd January 2028 or sooner if original postholder returns | BTCT Points 13-15, starting from £27,214.79 per annum (actual).

Brymore Academy is a unique and highly regarded day and boarding academy set within the Somerset countryside. Combining academic learning with exceptional opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, engineering and outdoor education, the Academy provides an inspiring environment where students are encouraged to thrive, achieve and develop lifelong skills. Staff are proud to be part of a close-knit community committed to delivering outstanding experiences for every young person.

About The Role

Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people? We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Safeguarding Officer to play a key role in promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all students at Brymore Academy. Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will be a trusted point of contact for safeguarding concerns, helping to ensure that vulnerable children receive the support and protection they need.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with strong safeguarding knowledge, excellent communication skills and a commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for young people. You will work collaboratively with staff, families and external agencies to coordinate support, manage safeguarding records and contribute to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for every student.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for staff and students regarding safeguarding concerns.
• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in leading safeguarding and child protection practices across the academy.
• Manage referrals to external agencies and attend multi-agency meetings, including Child Protection Conferences and review meetings.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date safeguarding and child protection records.
• Work closely with families, school staff and partner agencies to secure positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
• Provide guidance and support to staff on safeguarding and child protection matters.
• Support pupils experiencing emotional wellbeing challenges, including low mood and anxiety.
• Contribute to safeguarding training, policy development and the promotion of a strong safeguarding culture throughout the academy.

What We Offer

We care about our staff and are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment. In addition to salary, we offer:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of over 19%
• Employee Reward Scheme, including high street discounts and access to a staff wellbeing centre
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to on-site gym facilities at selected locations
• The opportunity to work in a unique and highly regarded day and boarding academy.

Closing date for applications: 9th November 2026, at 11:59pm

Anticipated interview date: 17th November 2026

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, generous employer pension contribution, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding Statement

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).