Operational Safeguarding Manager

PRIESTLEY COLLEGE - OPERATIONAL SAFEGUARDING MANAGER Contract Type: Full Time (37 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 8.30-4.30, Friday 8.30-4.00), 42 weeks per year Salary: £41,129 to £43,103 per annum (Point 26 to Point 28 on the SFCA NJC Support Staff Pay Scale - £44,204 to £46,326 per annum FTE)) Closing Date: Midday, Wednesday 17th June 2026 This is a role for someone who thrives on making a tangible difference to the safety and wellbeing of young people. As Operational Safeguarding Manager, you will take day-to-day leadership of safeguarding practice across the College, ensuring that every student—particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk—feels safe, supported, and able to succeed. This is a critical position for a confident safeguarding professional who can lead with authority, build trust, and drive a culture of safeguarding excellence. You’ll work closely with the Assistant Principal (Student Services/DSL), Pastoral Heads, the Inclusion Manager (SEND), and the Lead Progress Tutors. You’ll also line manage the Wellbeing Practitioner and College Counsellor, ensuring their work supports the College’s safeguarding priorities. Collaboration is at the heart of this role, and you’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to student welfare. What you'll be doing Leading the College’s operational safeguarding response, including managing day-to-day safeguarding concerns, triaging risks, and escalating issues appropriately. Acting as a key source of safeguarding expertise, providing clear guidance and professional challenge to staff at all levels. Coordinating multi-agency interventions, attending strategy meetings, and preparing professional reports, referrals, and court documentation. Overseeing safeguarding training for all staff, ensuring it is high-quality, up-to-date, and meets statutory requirements. Supporting the implementation of the College’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy, working closely with internal teams and external agencies to ensure joined-up support for students. Line managing the Wellbeing Practitioner and College Counsellor, ensuring their work aligns with the College’s safeguarding framework. Promoting a culture of safeguarding awareness through both formal training and informal guidance, ensuring safeguarding is consistently prioritised and understood by all staff. Supporting students on modified timetables, reintegration plans, or behaviour/welfare monitoring, and delivering targeted safeguarding interventions where needed. Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team on safeguarding matters, producing detailed reports and ensuring compliance with statutory guidance such as *Keeping Children Safe in Education* and the *Prevent Duty*. What we're looking for Proven experience in safeguarding practice, child protection procedures, and multi-agency working. Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, contextual safeguarding, and post-16 pastoral systems. Experience delive