Trust Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

37 hours per week | Permanent Contract
Salary: SCP32–39 £43,421 – £51,334
Closing Date: 6 April 2026

Do you have the expertise, resilience and compassion to lead safeguarding practice across a thriving secondary school? Have you successfully supported vulnerable children and influenced whole‑school safeguarding culture?

Astrea Academy Trust is a forward-thinking, values-driven family of schools committed to delivering an exceptional education for every child. With a strong emphasis on inclusion, high expectations and collaboration, the Trust provides extensive professional development, clear systems, and a supportive network of safeguarding professionals working to protect and empower young people across all academies.

Cottenham Village College is a high‑performing, inclusive secondary school with a warm community ethos and a strong commitment to ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive. Our staff team is dedicated, skilled, and passionate about providing exceptional education and pastoral care.

This role will be based initially at Cottenham Village College, but the successful postholder will also be required to support and visit our other academies across Cambridge as needed, ensuring consistent and robust safeguarding practice across the wider Astrea network.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and proactive Trust Designated Safeguarding Lead to take a strategic and operational lead in safeguarding, child protection and early help across the school and our other academies. The DSL will ensure that effective systems, policies and practices are in place to safeguard all students and will work closely with the senior leadership team, Trust safeguarding leads, external agencies and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all safeguarding and child protection arrangements in line with statutory guidance and Trust policy.
• Oversee and coordinate referrals, risk assessments and multi‑agency work, ensuring timely, accurate and thorough documentation.
• Provide expert advice, support and training to staff, strengthening the safeguarding culture across the school.
• Monitor, review and evaluate safeguarding processes to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.
• Liaise with external agencies, including social care, police, health professionals and safeguarding partners.
• Ensure safeguarding provision is consistently strong across other Astrea academies in Cambridge through regular visits, support and professional collaboration.

What We’re Looking For

• A highly skilled safeguarding professional with substantial experience working with vulnerable children and leading safeguarding practice in an educational or similar setting.
• Someone with strong knowledge of statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and a clear understanding of safeguarding risks and contextual challenges.
• A reflective, calm and resilient individual who can make sound decisions, act decisively, and manage sensitive situations with integrity and empathy.
• A collaborative leader who can communicate effectively with students, colleagues, parents and external agencies.
• A committed professional who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and driving a strong safeguarding culture.

Interested in Applying?

If you are passionate about education, looking for a fresh opportunity, or simply want to make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you. Take a look at the job description and candidate pack to find out more about the role and how to apply or contact our recruitment team at recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!