Safeguarding Support Officer & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Job Description

Safeguarding Support Officer & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Maternity Cover
November 2026

South Lincolnshire Academies Trust are seeking to appoint a highly organised, compassionate, and proactive Safeguarding Support Officer to join our safeguarding team on a one-year maternity cover contract, at Cowley Academy. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of our students while supporting the school's safeguarding procedures and culture.

As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL), you will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, senior leaders, staff, external agencies, students, and families to help identify, monitor, and respond to safeguarding concerns. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

The successful candidate will have:

Essential:

• Experience of working with young people in a school, education, social care, safeguarding, or pastoral setting.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Experience of managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when managing complex or sensitive situations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• Experience working within a secondary school setting.
• Previous experience as a Deputy DSL, Safeguarding Officer, Family Support Worker, Pastoral Lead, or a similar role.
• Relevant safeguarding qualification or training.
• Knowledge of safeguarding recording systems such as MyConcern.
• Experience of attending child protection conferences and multi-agency meetings.

The Trust offers exceptionally pleasant working environments. Our school sites offer a calm and safe place, where staff and students work hard, achieve a great deal and enjoy excellent working relationships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre-employment checks undertaken are in line with “Keeping Children Safe in Education”. All post holders are subject to satisfactory clearances prior to taking up an offer of employment. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date for applications is 8am Wednesday 9th September 2026

Our reference: AGS681

Vacancy: Safeguarding Support Officer & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Location: Donington

Salary: GLEA Grade 6, £27,650 to £30,697 per annum

(Actual salary dependent on skills and qualifications)

Hours: 37 hours per week / 42 weeks per annum

Smart Hire are advertising on behalf of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust