Designated Safe Guarding Lead

[This is a remote working position] Are you a highly experienced safeguarding professional ready to lead in a specialist education environment? Our client is seeking an exceptional Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis from September 2025.

Our client works with vulnerable and high-need learners in an Alternative Provision (AP) setting, offering bespoke support outside of traditional school environments. As DSL, you will take strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the provision, ensuring the highest standards of practice and compliance.

This is a pivotal leadership role for an individual who is calm under pressure, skilled in managing complex safeguarding issues, and passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and manage all safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures

* Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with statutory guidance and best practice

* Work closely with the senior leadership team to embed a safeguarding-first culture

* Provide advice and training to staff regarding safeguarding matters

* Liaise with external agencies including social care, health, and police

* Oversee the management of safeguarding records and reporting

* Respond swiftly and effectively to disclosures and safeguarding concerns

* Contribute to risk assessments and safety planning for individual learners

Qualifications and Experience

* Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL in an education or youth setting

* Strong understanding of KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education), statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks

* Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills

* Experience working with high-need or vulnerable learners is highly desirable

* Up-to-date safeguarding qualifications and advanced training

* Ability to manage sensitive and complex cases with professionalism and discretion

* A commitment to the welfare and protection of children and young people

SENDirect is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and will be subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks. Sponsorship is not available.

If you're ready to lead safeguarding with compassion and rigour, apply today.

Not quite the right fit? Reach out to Karla to explore other current leadership roles in the region.