Assistant Head of Safeguarding and University Residential Life/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

37.5 hours a week, flexibility required including evenings and weekends, Live-in role: on-campus accommodation provided (mandatory occupancy)

Permanent

About the Role

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to play a pivotal role in shaping a safe, inclusive, and vibrant residential community. This is a unique opportunity to lead, influence, and support student wellbeing while living at the heart of campus life. You will blend safeguarding expertise, operational leadership, and community building to ensure students thrive both personally and academically.

You will:

• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, managing and responding to complex safeguarding cases
• Lead a dynamic residential life programme that promotes belonging, wellbeing and engagement
• Oversee day-to-day residential operations, ensuring a safe and high-quality student living experience
• Build strong relationships with students, staff and external agencies
• Drive continuous improvement through data, feedback and sector insight to keep the student experience fresh, relevant and engaging
• Deliver training and raise awareness across the university community
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies (including police and social services)
• Lead initiatives that support student transition, retention, and success
• Use insight and feedback
• Manage incidents, behavioural issues, and student support needs

About You

• Experience in safeguarding, and/or student services and residential life
• Experience in a university setting is desirable
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and case management
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Confidence in handling sensitive situations with professionalism and care
• A proactive and resilient approach, with excellent communication skills

We offer a fantastic package of staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
• 35 days annual leave entitlement
• Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous pension scheme (LGPS)
• Employee Discounts Scheme
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Support for continuous professional development
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, launching in 2026

About Us

Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas.  A passionate and innovative business culture and exceptional support networks make Hartpury an ideal career choice.

Hartpury is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We particularly welcome applicants that we are underrepresented in, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and those living with disabilities. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, please click here.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. 

For further information and to apply online please click on the Apply Now button or call the number to the right of this advert to request documents by post.

Please note we do not accept CVs.

It is our policy that we do not notify candidates who have been unsuccessful with their application. Therefore if you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, we regret that you have not been successful on this occasion.