Operational Safeguarding Manager

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.
  
  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 delivering safeguarding training and preparing professional reports, referrals, and case documentation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills.
• High-level organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in a relevant discipline and safeguarding training (Level 3 or above).
• Ability to build strong, professional relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Confidence to challenge and direct staff at all levels in relation to safeguarding practice.
  
  What we offer
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Full NJC terms and conditions for support staff in sixth form colleges.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where safeguarding is a core priority.
• Access to TCAT+, our Reward, Recognition and Wellbeing platform, including access to retailer discounts and benefits, car lease scheme, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, and other online resources to support physical, emotional, professional, financial and social wellbeing.
• Access to a comprehensive CPD framework through 'Education Connect', our professional development arm, and online resources from the National College'.
• An environment where employee health and wellbeing are actively supported and promoted.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where safeguarding is a core priority