Homes Safeguarding Officer - South

Job Details

Salary:
Up to £50,000

Closing date: 15th March

Interview Date: 26th March

Remote role – travel required across the South West and South East.

We are the highest Ofsted‑rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. For children with complex needs the level of care and education we provide must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group.

With our high staff‑to‑child ratio and in‑house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market leading OFSTED ratings.

• Work closely with the Homes Managers and others to ensure that their practice is robust and defensible in relation to safeguarding.
• Support Homes Managers to develop a robust safeguarding culture within their homes.
• Work with the Head of Safeguarding to support homes and ensure compliance in accordance with safeguarding and wider legislation.
• Develop and deliver training for DSLs and home‑based staff.
• Contribute to effective partnership working between different teams and departments within Witherslack Group.
• Provide day‑to‑day advice and guidance to Homes Managers and others in relation to safeguarding cases and undertake safeguarding audits in homes.
• Ensure compliance within current frameworks and that safeguarding concerns are managed in line with Local Safeguarding Partnership procedures and thresholds and that record‑keeping is robust and in line with best practice.
• Manage safeguarding data and produce safeguarding data reports as required.

To be successful for this role you will have at least 5 years’ experience of working in a role where managing and dealing with safeguarding cases relating to children and young people was a key responsibility, ideally in a children’s home.

Here’s what we need from you:

• Substantial safeguarding expertise – at least 5 years’ experience managing safeguarding and welfare cases, particularly for looked after children, ideally as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or in a senior children’s home role.
• Strong regulatory and policy knowledge – thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and safeguarding partnership arrangements.
• Proven leadership and advisory skills – experience working at a senior level, supporting children’s homes to resolve safeguarding deficits, and acting as a trusted source of advice, guidance, and expertise for staff.
• Training and development experience – ability to design, deliver and evaluate safeguarding and child protection training, underpinned by a strong portfolio of CPD and evidence of embedding learning from practice reviews into practice.
• Excellent professional skills – strong communication, critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities, with the flexibility to prioritise competing demands, produce clear reports, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Salary: £45,000 – £50,000, dependent on experience.

Medical cover to claim back the cost of things like an optician or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts.

Holiday: 7 weeks (including bank holidays).

Flexible benefits package: increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance – check out our benefits here.

Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.

Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities.

Recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time you refer a suitable candidate.

If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Mary Aurens, Head of Safeguarding.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost). We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.