Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Full Job Description

We’re reimagining work/life balance – and you could be part of it.

At OFG, we're proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial – a bold step toward giving our teams more time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy life outside of work.

That means you could be working 80% of your usual hours, while still earning 100% of your pay.

If the trial proves successful, we’ll roll out the 4DWW across the Group – making now the perfect time to join #TeamOFG and help shape the future of work.

Job Title:  Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Salary:      Up To £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications, not pro rata)

Location:  Home-based with travel to London sites 

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Hours:      40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About us

At Outcomes First Group, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment for success. As one of the world’s leading providers in our sector, we deliver exceptional, research-led education tailored to each individual, with smaller class sizes and personalised learning plans. 

Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning, our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity, and our promise is simple: we listen, we work together, and we are accountable to one another to make the remarkable happen.          

The role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to oversee safeguarding across our division. Reporting directly to your line manager, with a dotted line into the central safeguarding team, you will take the lead in ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding practice are embedded across the organisation.

What you'll do: 

• Lead on safeguarding and child protection matters across Momenta connect.
• Manage referrals, liaise with statutory agencies, and contribute to child protection strategy discussions and assessments.
• Support, advise and train staff on safeguarding and child welfare concerns.
• Oversee compliance with safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice.
• Deliver staff training and induction on safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding issues, maintaining accurate and secure records.
• Raise awareness of safeguarding policies, ensuring they are regularly reviewed, up to date, and understood across the school community.

What we're looking for: 

• Successful leadership and management experience within a school or relevant organisation.
• Strong track record in managing safeguarding, including working effectively with vulnerable children, families, and external agencies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire confidence and support colleagues.
• Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
• Outstanding record-keeping and IT skills, with experience handling sensitive data.
• Ability to prioritise effectively, remain calm under pressure, and act with integrity and confidentiality.
• Must hold a full driving licence with access to a car.

Qualifications:

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (essential).
• Degree in Social Work, Education, or related discipline (desirable).
• Relevant safeguarding and safer recruitment training.

Why join Outcomes First Group? 

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.

Our Vision

Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission

We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise

We Listen.
We never assume.

We work together.
To make the remarkable happen.

We are accountable.
To each other and for one another.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. 

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.