We seek to appoint a passionate, committed, experienced individual to lead on all aspects of safeguarding within the school. Working with students, staff, SLT, Governors and relevant outside agencies acting as a source of support, advice and expertise with the school. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will play a key role in supporting and ensuring that all safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented. You will be a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns. Responsibilities Working directly with children in need and their families in the community, the post-holder will promote, strengthen and develop the potential of parents/carers and their children in order to prevent children becoming looked after and/or suffering significant harm. The Designated Safeguarding Lead reports directly to the Headteacher and/or Deputy Head Teacher (Outcomes) and is the school’s prominent support staff professional; at times reporting to the Senior Leadership Team and assisting the Headteacher in their duty to ensure the school meets its educational and safeguarding aims, whilst maximising the efficient and effective use of its available resources. The post-holder will also report indirectly to the Governing Body, to ensure the school complies with the Local Safeguarding Board procedures and delivers timely and accurate reports, policy updates and other requirements for the school to meet its statutory and regulatory obligations, including those pertaining to the DfE ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. Qualifications Relevant professional qualifications which support the expertise of safeguarding field (ie, social services, Police, NHS or working with children) Degree or Higher Education qualification (or equivalent) Evidence of appropriate professional development for the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead Evidence of recent experience of working with the field of safeguarding Has successfully undertaken appropriate statutory Child Protection Training (Level 2) Has successfully undertaken Child Protection Training at Level 3 (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Professional Development Evidence of appropriate professional development for the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead Evidence of recent experience of working with the field of safeguarding Has successfully undertaken appropriate statutory Child Protection Training (Level 2) Has successfully undertaken Child Protection Training at Level 3 (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Skills/Knowledge Good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practice in the education sector to secure welfare of children To be able to advise, challenge and persuade colleagues and superiors effectively to a high level To be able to respond to challenge from superiors effectively to a high level To investigate complex cases and explain complex information to governors and other audiences to a high level To be able to effectively use school systems and policies to monitor and support the safety and welfare of all students and staff at the school To have experience/training in MyConcern To be able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the students at their school and how these could be met To have excellent written and oral communication skills Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge students Excellent understanding of SEND policies and procedures Fulfil wider professional responsibilities Working knowledge of ICT packages such as MS Office Working knowledge of school procedures Good organisational and time management skills Experience of liaising and planning with staff Personal Qualities Continue to promote the school’s strong educational philosophy and values Inspire trust in the school community Demonstrate personal enthusiasm and commitment to leadership aimed at making a positive difference to children and young people Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, including modelling values and vision Prioritise, plan and organise yourself and others Think analytically and creatively and demonstrate initiative in solving problems Be aware of own strengths and areas for development and listen to, and reflect constructively and act upon as appropriate, feedback from others. Manage and resolve conflict Think actively and creatively and demonstrate initiative to solving problems Promote good progress and outcomes by students Able to communicate well with others Flexible approach to people and situations Demonstrate a capacity for sustained hard work with energy and vigour Excellent attendance and punctuality record Personal presence and high expectations Good sense of humour