Designated Safeguarding Lead

Job Title: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Location: Oxford

Salary: £30000 - £35000 per annum

Do you have experience working with children and young people?

Are you a passionate individual with strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures?

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Designated Safeguarding Lead to oversee the school's safeguarding provision and ensure that the safety and wellbeing of all pupils remain a priority. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is committed to protecting children and young people, promoting positive outcomes and creating an environment where every pupil feels secure, valued and supported. You will take ownership of safeguarding procedures across the school, providing advice and guidance to colleagues while working collaboratively with senior leaders, pastoral staff, healthcare professionals, families and external organisations.

The successful Designated Safeguarding Lead / DSL will play a key role in managing safeguarding concerns, coordinating referrals, completing risk assessments and maintaining accurate and confidential records. You will also be responsible for promoting best practice, supporting staff development and ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are consistently followed.

Alongside your strategic responsibilities, you will provide practical support to pupils and families facing a range of challenges, including attendance difficulties, family circumstances, child protection concerns and wider welfare needs. You will champion early intervention, ensuring concerns are identified promptly and the right support is put in place.

This is a rewarding position for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people, helping to create a safe, inclusive and supportive school community.

Key Responsibilities of the successful Designated Safeguarding Lead / DSL

• Taking the lead on safeguarding arrangements and ensuring effective child protection practices are embedded throughout the school.

• Coordinating and progressing safeguarding referrals, working with social care, police, Prevent and other specialist services where appropriate.

• Building positive relationships with parents and carers, offering guidance and support with empathy, professionalism and understanding.Working alongside clinical colleagues to review and manage pupil risk assessments, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to safeguard individual needs.

• Keeping oversight of safeguarding concerns, agreed interventions, child protection plans and follow-up actions to ensure timely progression.

• Providing leadership, guidance and ongoing support to the wider safeguarding team, including Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.

• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding documentation and ensuring school policies, procedures and statutory requirements are consistently met.

• Liaising with external agencies and multi-disciplinary professionals to coordinate support and achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people

The successful Designated Safeguarding Lead / DSL will have:

• Safeguarding experience working with children and young people.
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures.
• Can confidently manage complex safeguarding cases and multi-agency partnerships.
• Builds positive, professional relationships with students, families and external agencies.
• Has excellent communication, record-keeping and organisational skills.
• Is passionate about promoting the welfare, safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Holds, or is willing to undertake, relevant safeguarding and DSL training.
• Driving licence required

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is central to our recruitment practices, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safer recruitment checks before being cleared to work.