Welfare and Safeguarding Officer

The Henley College; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

On-site cafes

Proximity to Henley-on-Thames

Wellbeing support (EAP)

Professional development

Job summary

The Henley College seeks a compassionate Welfare and Safeguarding Officer to join our Welfare Team in Henley-on-Thames. You will support safeguarding, wellbeing and student welfare, maintain records, and liaise with parents, carers and external agencies to secure timely support.

You will work closely with the Director of Welfare and Welfare Coordinators, develop safeguarding practice, contribute to enquiries and data analysis, and benefit from ongoing training and professional development.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• Experience with young people aged 14–19 in educational/youth settings.
• Experience providing guidance or support to individuals facing personal or social challenges.

Responsibilities

• Support safeguarding and welfare provision for learners.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and analyse safeguarding data.
• Liaise with parents, carers and external agencies to support positive outcomes.
• Contribute to safeguarding enquiries and promote student wellbeing.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Record-keeping

Education

Level 3 qualification

GCSE English & Maths (C/4+)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital record-keeping systems

Job description

The Henley College is seeking a compassionate, organised and proactive Welfare and Safeguarding Officer to join our dedicated Welfare Team. This is an exciting developmental opportunity for someone looking to build a career in student welfare, safeguarding or pastoral support. Working closely with the Director of Welfare (Designated Safeguarding Lead), Welfare Coordinators and wider College teams, you will play a key role in supporting the College's safeguarding provision and promoting student wellbeing. You will support the identification, recording, monitoring and follow-up of safeguarding and welfare concerns, ensuring students receive the right support at the right time. You will work with vulnerable learners, contribute to safeguarding enquiries, maintain accurate records, analyse safeguarding data, and liaise with parents, carers and external agencies to support positive student outcomes. The successful candidate will receive ongoing training, supervision and practical experience across safeguarding, mental health, multi-agency working and student welfare, making this an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to develop within the sector.

We are looking for a caring and resilient individual with a genuine passion for supporting young people committed to being a Welfare and Safeguarding Officer. The ideal candidate will have: Level 3 qualification or equivalent. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). Experience working with young people aged 14-19 in an educational, youth work, community, pastoral or support setting. Experience providing advice, guidance or support to individuals facing personal, emotional or social challenges. Experience maintaining accurate and confidential records. Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and welfare principles. Knowledge of mental health and wellbeing issues affecting young people. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. Ability to build positive relationships whilst maintaining professional boundaries. Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital record-keeping systems. Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure. A compassionate, approachable and student-centred approach.

The Henley College is a leading sixth form college, serving young people and adult learners from across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire. Located in the heart of Henley-on-Thames, we are a vibrant and inclusive organisation with around 250 dedicated staff, committed to achieving educational excellence.

Our values - High Expectations, Enterprise, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork, (HEART) - are central to everything we do. As part of our team in this role, you'll benefit from:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• On site cafes
• 5 mins walk from the beautiful market town of Henley-on-Thames, on the banks of the River Thames
• 24/7 support for your physical, mental and financial health through our EAP provider
• We actively support our staff with continuing professional development

The Henley College is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

The Henley College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff to share this commitment.

This position is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.