Schools Safeguarding Officer North

Witherslack Group; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education and care provider is seeking a Safeguarding Lead. The role involves working closely with schools to ensure robust safeguarding practices and compliance with legislation. Applicants should have at least five years of experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and strong skills in training and communication. The position offers a salary of up to £50,000, along with generous benefits including 7 weeks of holiday, medical cover, and a flexible benefits package.

Benefits

Medical cover

High-street discounts

7 weeks holiday

Flexible benefits package

Wellbeing support

Recruitment bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience as a DSL in a school.
• Experience in delivering training and conducting audits.
• Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education and national safeguarding policy.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with DSLs and Head Teachers for safeguarding.
• Support compliance with safeguarding legislation.
• Conduct safeguarding audits and identify gaps.

Skills

Safeguarding practice

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Training delivery

Advisory skills

Job description

Salary: Up to £50,000

Closing Date: 9th November

Interviews: 21st November

Location: Remote; travel required across the North East and North West.

Overview

We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, celebrating the little things. For children with complex needs, the level of care and education we provide must go above and beyond – that is what drives us at Witherslack Group. With a high staff‑to‑child ratio and in‑house clinical teams, we take pride in being market‑leading and in the excellence of our OFSTED ratings.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Head Teachers to ensure robust safeguarding practice.
• Support schools in compliance with safeguarding legislation and deliver training for DSLs and staff.
• Conduct safeguarding audits, identify gaps, and support action plans arising from audit findings.
• Advise DSLs on safeguarding concerns and maintain robust record‑keeping.
• Collaborate with internal departments to strengthen partnership working across the Group.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum five years experience as a DSL in a school.
• Experience supporting DSLs/DDSLs, delivering training, and conducting audits.
• Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education, national safeguarding policy, and wider education legislation.
• Experience in early help or children’s social care is advantageous.
• Strong advisory, training, communication, organisational and reporting skills.

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000 – £50,000, dependent on experience.
• Medical cover and high‑street discounts.
• 7 weeks holiday (including bank holidays).
• Flexible benefits package (holiday allowance, pension, life insurance).
• Wellbeing support including employee assistance.
• State‑of‑the‑art working environments.
• Recruitment bonus scheme offering £1,000 each time a colleague is recommended.

Further Information

To view our ex‑offenders policy please click here.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (cost covered). We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Contact Mary Aurens, Head of Safeguarding, for more information.