Strategic Education Safeguarding Lead

The Methodist Church in Britain; Bradley Stoke; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Annual leave

LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme)

Career development and qualification

Regular supervision

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work

Employee networks

Job summary

Gloucestershire County Council seeks a permanent leader to head the Education Safeguarding Team, overseeing safeguarding across schools, academies, early years and alternative provision. The post holder will guide complex, high-risk safeguarding responses and contribute to multi-agency arrangements, inspections and statutory reviews.

The role requires broad experience in education safeguarding, with a track record of leadership and high professional standards.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level.
• Relevant qualification in education, safeguarding, social care, youth work or teaching.
• Substantial experience of education safeguarding.
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead in an appropriate setting, or extensive experience of working with schools, vulnerable children and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead the education directorate's response to complex, high-risk safeguarding concerns involving education settings.
• Ensure investigations and improvement activity are robust, timely and effective.
• Provide strategic leadership and professional oversight across schools, academies, early years settings and alternative provision.
• Use audit, performance information and learning from reviews to strengthen practice across the education system.
• Lead education's contribution to multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, statutory reviews and inspections.
• Work closely with education leaders, Children's Social Care and safeguarding partners.
• Manage and develop the Education Safeguarding Team.
• Oversee safeguarding arrangements for children in entertainment and employment.
• Provide authoritative advice in complex situations.
• Produce clear reports and deliver training.
• Represent the council at strategic boards, statutory reviews and inspections.

Skills

Safeguarding legislation

Leadership

Professional judgement

Influence partners

Communication skills

Education

Degree required

Relevant qualification

Job description

Gloucestershire County Council seeks a permanent leader to head the Education Safeguarding Team, overseeing safeguarding across schools, academies, early years and alternative provision. The post holder will guide complex, high-risk safeguarding responses and contribute to multi-agency arrangements, inspections and statutory reviews.

The role requires broad experience in education safeguarding, with a track record of leadership and high professional standards.