Director of Safeguarding & Attendance

The Director of Safeguarding & Attendance is responsible for shaping and delivering the trust’s safeguarding vision, strategy and culture, whilst driving improvements in attendance and ensuring that every pupil is supported to attend regularly and thrive. Working across all academies, and in partnership with external agencies, they will ensure that safeguarding and attendance practice is consistent, robust and continually improving, and that children’s safety, wellbeing and engagement remain at the heart of every decision. The role requires close collaboration with primary and secondary schools, particularly around vulnerable pupils, transition, attendance, inclusion and wider pastoral systems. This is a significant role for a safeguarding professional who brings strategic insight, calm and confident leadership, and the ability to operate effectively in complex and fast-moving contexts. They will demonstrate a strong track record of safeguarding leadership, including strengthening systems, improving practice, and building staff capability. They will also have experience of raising attendance, reducing persistent absence, and implementing early-help approaches that remove barriers for pupils and families. They will need the tenacity, integrity and professional credibility to lead in challenging but rewarding circumstances, and the ability to communicate a clear safeguarding and attendance vision that inspires confidence in leaders, staff, pupils and families. They will be committed to working with our DSL’s from all our academies, and all relevant external agencies and stakeholders to secure the very best outcomes for children, ensuring that safeguarding and attendance are proactive, preventative and deeply embedded in everyday practice.