Designated Safeguarding Lead


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Darlington, DL3 7AU
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	2 Oct 2026
Closing date:	15 Oct 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and highly motivated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our college and play a central role in ensuring the safety and welfare of our students.

As the College's lead safeguarding professional, you will coordinate and oversee all aspects of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance and promoting a strong culture of safeguarding across the organisation. This is a strategic leadership role, supported by an experienced safeguarding team. You will provide line management to the Safeguarding Manager and Safeguarding Officers, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to supporting students.

Working closely with senior leaders, members of the safeguarding team, external agencies and families, you will lead on safeguarding referrals, provide expert advice and guidance to staff, and drive the continuous development of safeguarding policies and practices. As the College's Senior Mental Health Lead, you will also play a key role in promoting positive wellbeing and ensuring vulnerable students receive the support they need to thrive.

The successful candidate will have significant safeguarding experience, ideally within an educational setting, together with a thorough understanding of current safeguarding legislation and multi-agency working. You will be a confident leader, an excellent communicator and committed to achieving the very best outcomes for young people.

What the school offers its staff

Why Join Us?

At our College, every role matters.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive pay

• Local Government Pension Scheme

• Generous annual leave

• Training and ongoing support

• A friendly and collaborative working environment

• The opportunity to contribute to a successful and thriving College community

Commitment to safeguarding

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post and the successful applicant will either need to apply for a DBS or give the Trust consent to check their status if they are registered with the Update Service. An online search will be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with KCSIE. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and candidates will have the chance to discuss any issues of concern at interview.

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