Safeguarding Officer

We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and proactive Safeguarding Officer to join our team and play a vital role in supporting the safety and welfare of all our pupils.

Salary: Band 7, points 13 to 15, starting at point 13. Actual starting salary: £28,540.33 per annum
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week, term time plus INSET days (39 weeks per year)

The Role

The Safeguarding Officer will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and wider pastoral team to ensure that safeguarding procedures are effectively implemented and that all staff are supported in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing safeguarding and child protection issues with Bridgwater College Academy.
• Maintaining accurate, confidential safeguarding records and supporting case management.
• Liaising with external agencies including social care, health, and police services.
• Providing guidance, support, and training to staff on safeguarding and child protection matters.
• Supporting the wellbeing of students and promoting a culture of safety and trust across the academy.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience working in safeguarding, social care, education, or a related field.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills.
• Has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Can manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Is passionate about improving the lives of young people and committed to promoting equality and inclusion.
• A relevant qualification in safeguarding, child protection, or social work would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

As part of the Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust, you will benefit from:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of over 24%
• Access to an employee reward scheme, including high-street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre.

Closing date for appliations: Tuesday 25th November at 11:59pm

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 23%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).