Assistant Head - Safeguarding

The Dean Close Foundation are looking to appoint exceptional Assistant Head (Safeguarding) to join our Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role provides strategic leadership for safeguarding and child protection across the school, ensuring that the highest standards of safeguarding practice, compliance and pastoral care are embedded throughout our community.

The Assistant Head (Safeguarding) is a senior leadership position with designated responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school. Reporting directly to the Head, the successful candidate will lead safeguarding strategy, policy and practice, ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements and fostering a culture where safeguarding remains everyone's responsibility.

As the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a vital role in shaping a culture of vigilance, trust and wellbeing, working alongside colleagues, families and external agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of every pupil.

The successful candidate will have significant experience and expertise in safeguarding and child protection, within a independent school.

As part of the Dean Close Foundation, you would be joining an organisation driven by Christian values, that encourages all members of our community to live out our Foundation values of Love, Courage, and Contribution, enabling everyone to flourish. We seek colleagues who demonstrate compassion, collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking in their daily work.

Early applications are encouraged, and applicants may be invited to interview prior to the closing date. We encourage any applicants with the correct competencies to apply and if reasonable adjustments are needed to apply or undertake the role, please let us know.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date. We will request references for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Internal applicants

Please contact the Recruitment Team requesting the internal candidate application form link before starting your application.