West Thames College is one of the most exciting and successful colleges of further and higher education in London and our vibrant campuses in Isleworth and Feltham have some of the best facilities in the country. We have a reputation for giving excellent support to our diverse student population. Staff are well supported within a culture of continuous professional development and are encouraged to take on new and more senior roles within the college. Facilities across our campuses in Isleworth and Feltham are state-of-the art with good public transport links and free staff parking. We are a values-based and highly inclusive college, serving a vibrant and diverse area, and making a positive contribution to wider social and economic agendas. We offer courses from pre-entry through to Higher Education, Apprenticeship and Traineeship programmes to meet the skills needs of our students aged 14 upwards. At West Thames College we are committed to safeguarding our students. The safety of students continues to be a primary focus. We practice safe staff recruitment and check the suitability of staff and volunteers that work with young students or vulnerable adults. Please note that it is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The purpose of the post is: To act as a College Designated Safeguarding Officer serving as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and disclosures providing immediate and frontline responses to safeguarding issues, ensuring prompt and appropriate actions are taken. To ensure effective utilisation of college reporting system (MyConcern), quality control and continuous improvement of safeguarding reporting in all aspects of this post in keeping with Keeping Children Safe in Education and College Safeguarding and Prevent policy. Develop effective relationships externally with professionals and stakeholders and internally delivering appropriate staff training, student workshops and advocating for students as appropriate. Full details of the post can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification. Person Specification Please study the items in this person specification carefully and when completing your application form try to describe your knowledge, skills and experience in terms of those particular items: 1. A relevant degree or a relevant professional qualification in social work, education or a related field. 2. Extensive experience in a safeguarding role within an educational setting, demonstrating a thorough understanding of safeguarding principles and legislation. 3. Strong knowledge of safeguarding policies, procedures, and best practices, with the ability to interpret and apply relevant guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance. 4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to deliver training to staff. 5. Proven experience and understanding of Educational legislation in relation to safeguarding, child protection and PREVENT. 6. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and maintain professional relationships with students, staff, parents/carers and external agencies. 7. Demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to handle sensitive and complex safeguarding cases with sensitivity, discretion and confidentiality. 8. Proficient in maintaining accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns, investigations, and outcomes, adhering to data protection regulations. 9. Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments, external agencies, and partner organisations to promote safeguarding best practices and facilitate joint working arrangements. 10. Experience in delivering safeguarding training and conducting risk assessments, with a commitment to continuous professional development. Experience & Knowledge 1. Demonstrated understanding of issues pertaining to the personal and social development of young people/adults, including awareness of ethical, professional, and confidential boundaries. 2. Familiarity with local external agencies/partners and their services, facilitating effective collaboration and referral processes. 3. Proven experience in developing and implementing support plans, as well as monitoring progress with young people/adults to support mental health recovery. 4. Proficiency in relevant IT skills essential for the role, or willingness to undergo training to acquire necessary technical competencies. 5. Commitment to ongoing training and development to enhance skills and knowledge in the role. 6. Strong oral and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 7. Demonstrated ability to work methodically and efficiently to meet deadlines and achieve objectives. 8. Excellent teamwork skills, with the capacity to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders. 9. Self-motivated and capable of working autonomously without direct supervision. 10. Awareness and understanding of equal opportunities principles, ensuring fair and inclusive practices in all aspects of work.