About 1st Staff
1st Staff is an alternative education provider dedicated to supporting young people and providing high-quality, inclusive education and therapeutic support. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.
The Role: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
This is a senior, operational position responsible for the day-to-day management of safeguarding and child protection across the organisation.
You will ensure effective safeguarding practice across the organisation, promoting the welfare of all pupils, and fulfilling statutory duties under 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (KCSIE) and 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'. Additionally, you will oversee pupil attendance, working proactively with staff, pupils, families, and external agencies to promote high levels of attendance and punctuality, reducing persistent absence and supporting pupils at risk.
Core Purpose: To be responsible for creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all children, managing all operational safeguarding practices, and acting as a key point of contact for child protection concerns.
Location
Based in Epping, Essex, with required travel to various sites as needed. (CM16 4BZ)
Salary
£35,000 - £45,000 per annum.
Hours
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Flexibility is essential to respond immediately to urgent safeguarding concerns outside of core hours.
Reports To
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Key Responsibilities
As the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will be primarily responsible for the following areas:
1. Operational Support and Management
* Deputise for the DSL and take full responsibility for safeguarding processes and decisions when the DSL is unavailable.
* Establishing and maintaining a culture of vigilance and proactive safeguarding across the organisation.
* Serve as a key point of contact for all staff regarding safeguarding concerns, ensuring concerns are logged.
* Manage the day-to-day record-keeping, information sharing, and timely referrals for all safeguarding cases, reporting progress and outcomes.
* Lead complex case reviews and the development of support and safety plans for children.
2. Intervention and Case Work
* Respond promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns.
* Prepare and make referrals to external agencies (e.g., social services, police) ensuring protocols are followed.
* Maintain accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns and actions taken, adhering to data protection principles.
* Coordinate the creation and review of risk assessments for safe practice.
* Liaise with external agencies and professionals as required, ensuring clear and concise communication.
3. Policy, Training, and Compliance
* Implement and reinforce the organisation's safeguarding policies and procedures.
* Review and update safeguarding policies to ensure full compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
* Deliver statutory safeguarding training and raising awareness among staff and children.
* Conduct regular monitoring and audits to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements.
* Ensure that all staff members are aware of and have access to relevant safeguarding information.
Person Specification (Essential Requirements)
* Minimum of 5 years of demonstrable experience working in a dedicated safeguarding role within an education or young person-focused setting.
* Level 3 Safeguarding training is essential, with a higher level of qualification highly preferred.
* Expert knowledge of child protection and safeguarding legislation, policy, and guidance (e.g., 'Keeping Children Safe in Education').
* Strong interpersonal, communication, and empathetic skills, particularly when dealing with disclosures and sensitive information.
* Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage complex cases and maintain accurate, confidential records.
* Ability to work with flexibility and respond to urgent concerns outside of standard hours.
* Willingness to undertake travel as required for the role.
* Experience utilising safeguarding management systems such as MyConcern and/or the school management system Arbor is a significant advantage.