Safeguarding & Welfare Officer

Oldham College and University Campus Oldham; Oldham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

48 days holiday

Pension contributions

Free counselling & wellbeing support

Free parking

Cycle to work

Training & development

Job summary

Oldham College is seeking a committed Safeguarding & Welfare Officer to support safeguarding protocols, liaise with external agencies, and provide wrap-around support to vulnerable learners.

The role involves risk assessment of referrals, maintaining accurate records, and delivering inductions to staff. A strong focus on equality, diversity, and collaboration with faculties is essential.

Qualifications

• Safeguarding Level 3 (or working towards) with training supported.
• Experience in advocacy, referrals and working with agencies to support welfare.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with young people and adults to create action plans.
• Strong report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Proactive team player who respects equality and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Support the DSLO with safeguarding protocols and liaise with external agencies.
• Risk assess referrals and ensure prompt action and review.
• Provide wrap-around support to vulnerable learners and create safety plans.
• Represent the College at external meetings and build agency relationships.
• Deliver safeguarding inductions and promote collective responsibility.
• Log contacts, report on CPOMS, and maintain auditing records.
• Collaborate with faculties to improve vulnerable learners’ experience and pursue training.
• Adhere to College policies including safeguarding and equality commitments.

Skills

Safeguarding Level 3

Advocacy & referrals

Building relationships

Clear communication & reporting

Time management & independence

Job description

About Oldham College

Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future.

About Oldham College

Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future.

About The Role

We are seeking a committed Safeguarding & Welfare Officer to support the effective delivery of College services and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the DDSLO/DSLO with day-to-day safeguarding protocols, advising staff and students and liaising with external agencies.
• Risk assess incoming referrals, act on them promptly, and ensure they are actioned and reviewed.
• Provide ongoing, wrap-around support to vulnerable learners, including Care Experience learners, and agree action and safety plans with them.
• Represent the College at statutory external meetings and build relationships with agencies across the Borough.
• Be a point of contact for staff, deliver safeguarding induction briefings, and promote that “safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility”.
• Log every contact and report on CPOMS, keep accurate records for auditing, and produce management information.
• Work with faculties and support teams to improve vulnerable learners’ experience, contribute to service improvement, and keep up with your own training.
• Carry out duties in line with College policies and procedures, including safeguarding and equality commitments

Skills And Experience

• Safeguarding Level 3, or a willingness to work towards it, with training and development supported.
• A track record in advocacy, referrals and working with agencies to support student welfare, with knowledge of LSCB protocols.
• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people and adults and help them move forward through individual action plans.
• Confident communicating with a wide range of people, writing clear reports and keeping accurate records.
• A proactive team player who manages their own time, works well without close supervision and champions equality and diversity in a multicultural, multi-faith college.

WHY JOIN US

We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress. Benefits include:

• 48 days’ holiday, supporting work-life balance, including 30 bookable days plus bank holidays, efficiency days, and Christmas closure
• Pension contributions of 16.8%
• Free counselling and wellbeing support
• Retail discounts through our benefits platform
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Paid special leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Free breakfast Fridays
• On-site facilities including canteens and a day nursery
• Free parking and electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

INCLUSION AND FLEXIBILITY

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

We support the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving personnel, veterans, and military families.

Flexible working options may be available depending on the role.

SAFEGUARDING

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

This role is subject to pre-employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, DfE barred list check, online searches, and references.

It is a criminal offence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to apply for regulated activity roles if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

USE OF AI IN APPLICATIONS

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. If you do use AI, please ensure the information you submit accurately reflects your own skills, experience, and achievements. You may be asked to discuss your application during the recruitment process.