Safeguarding & Wellbeing Manager

Itchen Sixth Form College; Southampton; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

On-site gym

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

Staff wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Itchen Sixth Form College is seeking a dynamic Safeguarding & Wellbeing Manager to support students’ personal and academic development and prepare them for life beyond college. You will lead safeguarding activities, develop policies, and provide targeted interventions to improve attendance and wellbeing.

The role requires experience with young people, DSL responsibilities in a Post 16 setting, and strong interpersonal and organisational skills; permanent contract, 37 hours/week, term-time only.

Qualifications

• Experience with safeguarding in education settings.
• DSL responsibilities and risk assessment knowledge.
• Ability to lead CPD and staff training.

Responsibilities

• Line manage safeguarding and wellbeing staff (DSL, Counsellor, Wellbeing Practitioner).
• Lead safeguarding strategy, policy creation and continuous improvement.
• Deliver safeguarding training as part of staff CPD and college-wide awareness.
• Support safeguarding audits, inspections and Ofsted requirements.
• Ensure safeguarding and wellbeing policies are implemented and reviewed.
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to support leadership.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Experience with diverse needs

Organisational skills

Education

GCSE/Level 2 Maths & English

Child-facing professional qualification

Job description

Safeguarding & Wellbeing Manager

Application Deadline: 5 November 2026

Department: Student Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Itchen Sixth Form College

Reporting To: Adrian Waters

Compensation: £44,203 - £46,326 / year

Description

Are you passionate about helping young people realise their potential and take confident steps toward their future? We are looking for a dynamic and student-centred Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager to join our inclusive and supportive college community.

About the Role As our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, you will play a vital role in supporting students in their personal and academic life and preparing them for life beyond college.

You will:

• Develop a calendar of activities, workshops and events that actively promote safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Monitor and analyse the progression and attainment of vulnerable and disadvantaged students.
• Develop safeguarding and wellbeing policies and strategy that are embedded in good practice and disseminated through a programme of continuous CPD.
• Contribute to the Tutor programme of activities so that safeguarding and wellbeing are central to the college experience.
• Support day‑to‑day safeguarding concerns, disclosures, referrals, and casework in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and local safeguarding procedures.
• Manage and develop targeted interventions for students experiencing personal, social, or emotional difficulties.
• Work alongside other colleagues to develop plans which support student attendance by identifying and removing barriers to poor attendance. This is a rewarding opportunity to support learners in building confidence, resilience and positive work habits that contribute towards successful outcomes at college.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience of working with young people with diverse needs, including emotional, social, and mental health challenges
• Experience of the DSL role in a Post 16 educational setting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with young people.
• A proactive, flexible approach and strong organisational skills.

Contract Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term-time only)

Salary: SFCA Support Scale Range 26-28 (£44,203-£46,326) Actual Salary: £37,912 - £39,733 per annum

Closing Date: Thursday 5th November 2026 at 16:00

Interview Date: Monday 16th November 2026

Start Date: Monday 4th January 2027

Itchen College is a thriving Sixth Form College with a broad curriculum offer to meet the needs of the local community. The college is situated in pleasant surroundings to the east of Southampton with excellent local transport links. Ofsted inspected the college in September 2024, grading overall provision as Outstanding with Outstanding Quality of Education, Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes, Outstanding Leadership and Management, Outstanding Education Programmes for Young People and Outstanding Provision for Learners with High Needs.

The college is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development. The college has an excellent in house CPD programme for all teaching and support staff including a dedicated programme for Early Career Teachers. The college also has close links with the Southampton Education Forum, the Wessex Group and the SFCA, including subject groups and CPD opportunities at all levels. The college offers a wide range of benefits for staff including free parking, an onsite nursery, occupational pension schemes, an Employee Assistance Programme and free use of the college gym.

Key Responsibilities

• Line management of safeguarding and wellbeing staff: DSL, Counsellor and Wellbeing Practitioner
• Lead on the development of safeguarding strategy (including PREVENT), policy creation and continuous improvement.
• Deliver a measured and whole college approach to safeguarding training and updates as part of staff CPD.
• Lead and support the College’s response to safeguarding audits, inspections, and Ofsted requirements.
• Ensure safeguarding and wellbeing policies are implemented effectively and reviewed regularly.
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting the strategic and operational leadership of safeguarding.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• GCSE/ Level 2 equivalent Maths and English
• Professional development relevant to post – including Designated Safeguarding Lead training
• Experience of working with young people with diverse needs, including emotional, social, and mental health challenges
• Experience of successfully managing the performance of others, including setting objectives, line management supervision, and coaching to meet agreed targets
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up-to-date with best practices in the field of student wellbeing and mental health
• Desirable:
• Professional qualification related to working with children or young people e.g. Teaching,
• Evidence of continuous relevant CPD: examples: FGM, CSE, Mental Health First Aid, On-line Safety, Prevent, Safer Recruitment
• Relevant professional qualification at degree level or above

Workplace Benefits

• Values-driven culture - we're really proud of our culture. We're looking for someone who is as driven by our college values as we are!
• Learning and Development - access to support and resources to drive your own development.
• Free parking - free on-site parking, as well as good public transport links.
• Eyecare Scheme
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Free On-site Gym & Sports Facilities Free Flu Jabs
• Free Hot Drinks for Staff
• Canteen - freshly prepared food with plenty of choice.
• 1 Life Event Day - to recognise life's big moments like a wedding, graduation, moving house.
• Staff Discount Schemes - discounts and deals on national attractions, entertainment, days out, theme parks, holiday insurance and many national retailers.
• Employee Loyalty Celebration Reward Scheme - cash and rewards to acknowledge and celebrate staff commitment and loyalty to the College.
• On-Site College Nursery with priority given to college staff
• Access to College Library
• Free College WiFi
• Compassionate Leave - up to 5 days paid time off to attend to matters relating to the death or serious illness of a loved one.
• Counselling Service - Access to qualified therapy-based support.
• Pension Scheme - Enrolment to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) (eligibility criteria applies).
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Enhanced Family Leave