Designated Safeguarding Lead

Skilled Worker Sponsorship
You must already have a valid right to work in the UK documentation, as we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Are you an experienced school Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) looking to influence safeguarding outcomes across the whole of Manchester?

Manchester is seeking an outstanding safeguarding professional from the education sector to join our new Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs) during this exciting period of transformation. This is a unique opportunity to bring your school-based safeguarding expertise into a city-wide role, helping to shape decisions for children at risk of significant harm and ensuring that the education voice is fully embedded within child protection practice.

As Manchester implements the Families First Partnership reforms, education is a critical safeguarding partner. The MACPT Education DSL will work alongside Children's Social Care, Health, Police and Family Help colleagues to ensure that children's educational experiences, attendance, inclusion and lived experiences are central to safeguarding decision-making.

The role sits at the heart of multi-agency safeguarding and child protection activity.

You will:

• Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to schools and partner agencies.
• Act as the key conduit for safeguarding information sharing between schools, education services and the MACPT.
• Review and analyse safeguarding concerns, education intelligence, attendance information and inclusion data.
• Contribute directly to multi-agency child protection decision-making where there are concerns about significant harm.
• Liaise with schools, academies, colleges, alternative provision, SEND, Attendance, Children Missing Education (CME) and Elective Home Education (EHE) services.
• Support strategy discussions, child protection conferences and safeguarding planning.
• Identify patterns, risks and emerging safeguarding issues affecting children and communities.
• Help strengthen relationships between schools and safeguarding partners across Manchester.
• Contribute to safeguarding quality assurance, audits, learning reviews and inspection readiness.

Who are We Looking For?

An exceptional safeguarding leader who has:

• Significant experience as a school Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Extensive safeguarding expertise and a strong track record of working with children, young people and families.
• Experience of complex child protection decision-making and multi-agency working.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Strong analytical skills, professional curiosity and sound judgement.
• Experience of attending and contributing to Child Protection Conferences and safeguarding processes.
• The credibility and confidence to work effectively with senior leaders, social care, health and police colleagues.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Influence safeguarding practice and decision-making across the city.
• Develop strategic and operational expertise in child protection and multi-agency safeguarding.
• Be part of Manchester's transformational Families First programme.
• Help shape how education contributes to child protection in the future.
• Work within a highly skilled multi-agency environment focused on achieving better outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

If you are passionate about safeguarding, have substantial DSL experience, and want to make a difference for some of Manchester's most vulnerable children, we would love to hear from you.

For queries about the role, please contact Raamona Johnson Statutory Lead for Safeguarding and Community Education team on raamona.johnson@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for vacancy related enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.

Pre-employment Checks

If you are successful, your appointment will be subject to completing the relevantpre-employment checks. These checks will be carried out as part of our recruitment process and may include:

• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Clearance - This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced DBS check as appropriate. Information provided by you or the DBS will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice. We have policies covering the secure handling of DBS information and the recruitment of ex-offenders, which are available on request. - If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years, or 12 months or more in the last 10 years (while aged 18 or over), please refer to GOV.UK guidance on obtaining overseas police checks or Certificates of Good Character.

• Significant experience as a school Designated Safeguarding Lead, including oversight of child protection and safeguarding records
• Extensive safeguarding experience knowledge of safeguarding practice as well as a strong track record of working with children, young people and families
• Experience of attending and contributing to Child Protection conferences and multi-agency decision-making

If you're invited to assessment, we'll look at a wider range of the role requirements. For more detail, please see the role profile.

Use of AI

You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else's experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Applicants who meet the essential shortlisting criteria and are eligible under the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme will be progressed to the assessment stage.

Support and Adjustments
If you're successful in securing a role, we'll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we'll consider adapting aspects of the role. Find out more about our inclusion and wellbeing.