Designated Safeguarding Lead – Interim (Full‑Time)

About the role

We are looking for an experienced safeguarding professional to join a specialist educational setting as an interim Designated Safeguarding Lead. This full‑time position offers the chance to shape policy, guide practice and protect children across multiple sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all safeguarding and child‑protection activity across the provision.
• Act as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring swift and appropriate action.
• Manage referrals to Children’s Social Care, police, Channel and other agencies.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and staff on safeguarding matters.
• Line‑manage operational safeguarding colleagues and ensure consistency of practice.
• Maintain high‑quality, compliant records and reporting systems.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture through training, awareness and quality assurance.
• Build effective relationships with external agencies to secure positive outcomes for vulnerable children.

Required profile

• Significant experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL within an educational setting.
• Thorough knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Proven ability to manage complex child‑protection cases and multi‑agency working.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Capability to influence practice and champion a child‑centred culture.

Required skills

• In‑depth understanding of safeguarding risks such as exploitation, online safety, mental health and contextual safeguarding.

What we offer

• Opportunity to make an immediate impact in a specialist educational environment.
• Competitive daily rate and the support of a leading recruitment partner.