Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Secondary Academy in Warrington (ASAP Start)

A forward-thinking secondary academy in Warrington, Cheshire, is seeking an experienced, full-time non-teaching Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to lead student welfare, safeguarding protocols, and multi-agency operations for an immediate (ASAP) start. Job Overview The DSL holds operational and strategic accountability for keeping all children safe across the school campus. Operating as an integral non-instructional member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will manage statutory safeguarding referrals, lead child protection investigations, and liaise directly with external statutory agencies. You will act as the principal point of contact for staff reporting welfare concerns, line-manage a team of Deputy DSLs and pastoral managers, and ensure compliance with statutory guidance (KCSIE and Working Together to Safeguard Children). Key Responsibilities Take lead responsibility for whole-school child protection, early help interventions, and safeguarding compliance Manage CPOMS logging systems, triaging incoming concerns and taking appropriate statutory escalation actions Make timely referrals to the Local Authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), social care, and law enforcement Deliver comprehensive whole-school safeguarding induction and annual refresher training for all staff Represent the school at Child Protection (CP) conferences, Child in Need (CIN) reviews, and TAC meetings Conduct statutory audits, maintain the Single Central Record (SCR) safeguards, and report directly to the Governing Body Role Overview & Specifications Start Date: Immediate (ASAP) Contract Type: Full-time, permanent (52-week or Term-Time + 4 weeks) Location: Warrington, Cheshire Salary / Pay Rate: PO3–PO5 / Leadership Scale equivalent (Dependent on experience) Key Legislation: Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) / Working Together to Safeguard Children Candidate Requirements Substantial experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL in a secondary school, alternative provision, or youth social care setting Advanced Multi-Agency DSL Certification (Level 3 or higher accredited by local safeguarding children partnerships) Deep understanding of statutory thresholds, the Children Act, contextual safeguarding, and trauma-informed practices Exceptional emotional resilience, clear report-writing skills, and court/conference presentation experience An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply) How to Apply: Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this DSL position in Warrington for an immediate start.