Location
South East London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£41,033 per annum

About the Role
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for a college region, overseeing safeguarding issues affecting children and vulnerable adults. You will provide guidance and support to students and staff, engage with families, liaise with the Local Authority, collaborate with external agencies, and maintain accurate records of safeguarding activities. Key responsibilities include developing strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, and carers to ensure they feel supported and empowered; facilitating access to external services such as health professionals, social workers, and local community support; regularly reviewing student attendance and implementing measures and strategies to support and improve attendance, including home visits; promoting a positive, inclusive college culture that values family engagement and well-being; and acting as the lead for overseeing complex safeguarding cases while working alongside internal and external teams and agencies.

Rewards & Benefits
Orchard Hill College is a forward-thinking organisation offering a range of benefits to support and retain staff. These include pathways for progression within the trust to help you grow in a supportive and inclusive environment; enrolment in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both providing life cover and financial protection for your family; salary sacrifice schemes such as the Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme; comprehensive employee wellbeing support including counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, enhanced parental leave, Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym discounts, and Corporate Eyecare Scheme; employee discounts including Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, and discounts for teachers; as well as additional benefits like Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme.

Experience
Experience working with children and families, preferably within an educational or social care setting.

Qualifications
Training in safeguarding and child protection is required. Additional qualifications in SEND, mental health, or family intervention are desirable.

About you
You will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, able to build strong relationships with students, parents, and carers, and work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies. You should be proactive, empathetic, and dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive college culture that supports wellbeing and family engagement.