Safeguarding & Welfare Officer

Oldham College; Shaw; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Free counselling and wellbeing support

On-site facilities including canteens/

Free parking and electric car scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

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

The role involves advising staff and students on safeguarding, risk assessment of referrals, and providing ongoing support to vulnerable learners, including Care Experience students. You will represent the College externally and maintain accurate records while promoting safeguarding as everyone’s responsibility.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Safeguarding

Advocacy

Agency liaison

Relationship building

Report writing

Equality & diversity

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.

We work closely with local employers, universities, and community partners to deliver education and training that meets the needs of our region. Our staff play a vital role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students and colleagues can thrive.

Every role at the College contributes to helping people achieve their potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role you will:

• 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

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• 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:

• 48days' 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.