Designated Safeguarding Lead

£150 - £240 per day, depending on experience | PAYE only
Full - time | Start ASAP until October half-term

Premier Education is recruiting an experienced candidate to work as the Designated Safeguarding Lead at a secondary school in Manchester.

This is a full-time, temporary position starting immediately and continuing until the October half-term. The successful candidate will take operational responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, working closely with the headteacher, senior leaders, pastoral staff and external agencies.

The daily rate will be between £150 and £240, depending on the successful applicant's experience, training and suitability for the responsibilities of the role.

As the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will provide a visible and trusted point of contact for pupils, staff, families and external professionals.

You will respond to safeguarding concerns promptly, make informed decisions about appropriate action and ensure that accurate records are maintained. You must be confident handling sensitive information and managing concerns involving children with a wide range of needs and circumstances.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Acting as the school's lead professional for safeguarding and child protection

• Receiving, assessing and responding to concerns raised by pupils or staff

• Managing safeguarding referrals and ensuring appropriate action is taken

• Making referrals to children's social care and other agencies where necessary

• Liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officer when appropriate

• Working with social workers, police, healthcare professionals and other services

• Attending child protection conferences, strategy discussions and multi-agency meetings

• Maintaining accurate, confidential and up-to-date safeguarding records

• Monitoring vulnerable pupils and coordinating appropriate support

• Supporting pupils who disclose abuse, neglect or other safeguarding concerns

• Advising staff on safeguarding procedures and reporting responsibilities

• Delivering safeguarding updates or briefings where required

• Ensuring staff follow the school's safeguarding and child protection policies

• Supporting safer recruitment processes where appropriate

• Promoting a strong culture of vigilance and professional curiosity

• Keeping senior leaders informed of significant concerns, trends and actions

• Supporting the school's responsibilities relating to online safety, attendance and Prevent

• Ensuring safeguarding practice reflects current statutory guidance

This role requires a calm, knowledgeable and highly organised professional who can make sound decisions in sensitive and sometimes urgent situations.

We would like to hear from candidates who:

• Have substantial safeguarding or child protection experience

• Have worked in a school, education, social care, youth service or similar setting

• Understand safeguarding procedures and referral pathways

• Have a strong working knowledge of current statutory safeguarding guidance

• Can manage disclosures and concerns sensitively and professionally

• Are confident working with external agencies and local authority services

• Can maintain detailed and confidential records

• Can prioritise a busy safeguarding caseload

• Communicate effectively with pupils, parents, staff and professionals

• Can provide clear guidance and appropriate challenge to colleagues

• Are resilient, discreet and able to remain calm under pressure

• Are available full-time for an immediate start

• Can commit to the role until October half-term

Recognised Designated Safeguarding Lead training is desirable but not essential. Applications are also welcomed from experienced safeguarding professionals who have the relevant knowledge and transferable experience and are willing to complete or refresh DSL training promptly.

Previous experience in a secondary school, pastoral leadership, family support, social care or multi-agency safeguarding would be particularly beneficial.

If you are an experienced safeguarding professional who can provide confident leadership and effective support from the outset, we would like to hear from you.

Click Apply and send your CV to Michaela at Premier Education today. Please ensure your CV clearly outlines your safeguarding experience, relevant training and work with children, families or external agencies.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received due to the immediate start date.

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work checks, and safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this role.

INDMW