Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead

Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead - Harbour Learning Trust Are you a specialist in safeguarding looking to lead practice across a diverse Trust? Do you thrive on building high-standard procedures that protect children and support school leaders? If you are a resilient, ethically sound, and collaborative professional, then you could be the person we are looking for! At Harbour Learning Trust, our success is built on a philosophy of care, inclusion, and high standards. We are a values-driven community where kindness, empathy, and ambition are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in providing an education that prepares every child to be a successful global citizen, and we are looking for a dedicated Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead to help us deliver on that vision. You will be part of a supportive team that prioritises continuous professional development and a strong team ethos, working closely with the Head of HR & Safeguarding to share best practice and ensure consistent, sound advice throughout the Trust. The Role Location: Harbour Learning Trust, Grimsby Salary Scale: PO1, point 30-34, £40,777 - £45,091 FTE £19,592 - £21,665 Actual salary Contract Type: Permanent - 20 hours per week - Term time plus 10 days Reports to: Head of HR & Safeguarding Closing Date: 1st June 2026 Start Date: ASAP As the Trust Operational Safeguarding Lead, you will hold responsibility for trust-wide operational safeguarding and child protection practice. You will act as a source of specialist expertise, ensuring our approach continuously adapts to support the vision and strategy of the Trust while remaining in strict accordance with statutory guidance. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership: Drive the development, implementation, and compliance of safeguarding across the trust, including policy development and senior-level advocacy. Quality Assurance & Audit: Complete annual safeguarding audits in each school and quality assure the work of academy safeguarding teams to ensure statutory compliance. Digital Strategy: Act as the Trust-wide ‘Super User’ for safeguarding software (e.g., CPOMS), auditing digital chronologies and ensuring consistent incident categorisation. Training & Development: Design and deliver specialist safeguarding training to all DSLs, chairing the Professional Learning Community to develop best-practice materials. Expert Advice: Provide a specialist response service to schools, offering coaching, mentoring, and bespoke support in the absence of a DSL. Data & Reporting: Analyse safeguarding data to provide timely, accurate reports to the Head of HR & Safeguarding, Trust Board and relevant committees. The Person: What We Are Looking For We are seeking an experienced practitioner who is organised, approachable, and committed to driving up standards of safeguarding service. Essential Requirements: Qualifications: Educated to degree level (or equivalent) with GCSE Grade C or equi