Purpose

The post holder will work as part of the Central Safeguarding team and under the line management of the Head of Safeguarding.  The purpose of the role is to drive the continued improvement of safeguarding practices across the Trust and to provide vital advice and support to schools.  The postholder will support safeguarding leaders across the Trust through upskilling, high quality training and quality assurance. The Trust safeguarding officer will support the Head of Safeguarding across a range of responsibilities as required and will deputise for them as required. This role will be Trust based with regular travel to Sheffield and will support our Secondary schools in Cambridgeshire

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Giving expert safeguarding advice to schools and central colleagues, including case mapping

Under the direction of the Head of Safeguarding undertake safeguarding quality assurance activities, advising on or implementing remedial actions

To provide DSL upskilling sessions as directed by the Head of Safeguarding

With the Senior Safeguarding Manager, to convene and facilitate safeguarding community network and events, including talent mapping and supporting succession planning 

To support the implementation of the framework for post-incident and post-investigation reflection and improvements, ensuring that “lessons learned” inform practice across the Trust 

To act as second-in-department, providing support and advice to the Senior Safeguarding Manager deputising where necessary 

To support the development and delivery of consistent, high-quality safeguarding training across the Trust 

To support the Senior Safeguarding Manager in their reporting accountabilities to the executive board and Trustees through data collection, analysis and insights, including high-quality written reports and presentations 

To support the Senior Safeguarding Officer in ensuring that all safeguarding policies and procedures are kept up-to-date and that relevant review tools and risk logs are completed in a timely manner.  

To support the Senior Safeguarding Manager, Principals, DSLs, and others in forging partnerships with agencies and parents/carers 

To support the Senior Safeguarding Manager in all duties as required 

To keep informed of current legislation, statutory and other guidance with regards to safeguarding, child and adult protection.  

To keep informed of current legislation, statutory and other guidance relating to data protection and the appropriate sharing of information.  

To establish and maintain positive working relationships with relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies.  

To act in accordance with Trust policies at all times, ensuring a high standard of professionalism

Willingness to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks

Skills and Knowledge & experience

Designated Safeguarding Lead experience   

Extended knowledge of safeguarding issues and how to respond accordingly  

Extended knowledge of safeguarding legislation, practices, and procedures both at local and national      level 

Evidence of supporting and advising other professionals on safeguarding matters  

Experience of working effectively with multi-agency safeguarding partners  

An extended knowledge of relevant legislation including, but not limited to Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together Safeguard Children, and Teaching online safety in schools.  

Knowledge of the CPOMs recording system  

Knowledge of Safer Recruitment procedures, including maintaining a compliant Single Central Record 

Excellent communication, presentation, and ICT skills   

Excellent interpersonal skills    

Ability to anticipate and solve problems   

Creative and flexible thinker    

To create and promote positive working relationships  

Understand the importance of inclusion and the ability to ensure that all staff adopt inclusive practices   

Ability to travel between sites

Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people    

Motivation to work with children and young people    

Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people   

Have a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Trust ethos   

Have a confident and diplomatic approach and an awareness of the importance of confidentiality