Designated Safeguarding Lead

Job Title:  Designated Safeguarding Lead

Actual Annual Salary: £33,951 - £36,222 (based on hours and weeks worked)

Full Time Equivalent Salary: £39,649 - £42,301 (CLF Grade F). Based on 37 hours per week, all year round Contract Type: Permanent Hours:  Full Time, 37 hours per week, Term Time Only Plus INSETS Provisional Start Date: September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre employment checks)

Make a meaningful difference by leading safeguarding and championing the wellbeing and protection of every child The Designated Safeguarding Lead will act as the main point of contact within the academy for all safeguarding and child protection matters, taking operational responsibility in line with statutory requirements. The role is pivotal in embedding a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring that policies, procedures and training are robust, compliant and consistently applied across the academy.

Bristol MET is a diverse Academy that celebrates students’ individuality and culture. Within this role, you will be working closely with staff, students and the wider community to ensure every learner feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

This role will lead on safeguarding strategy and practice: ensuring compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and local authority requirements, managing referrals and multi-agency work, and maintaining accurate records of all safeguarding concerns. The postholder will support vulnerable students and families, coordinate interventions, and work closely with internal teams and external agencies to secure positive outcomes and prevent harm.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will also play a key role in building a culture of vigilance and support; delivering training, advising staff, monitoring safeguarding trends, and ensuring that the voice of the child is central to all decision making.

About you:

You will:

Have in-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and current national and local priorities, including KCSIE and child protection procedures.

Be trained to an advanced level in safeguarding and child protection, with significant experience of working with children and young people.

Have demonstrable experience of multi-agency working, building effective relationships with external partners such as social care, local authorities and safeguarding boards.

Be confident in providing professional advice, guidance and training to staff, acting as a key source of expertise within the academy.

Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and complex information with professionalism and discretion.

Be highly organised, able to prioritise a demanding workload, manage safeguarding cases effectively, and maintain accurate and detailed records.

Demonstrate strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risk, resolve issues and coordinate appropriate safeguarding r