Director of Safeguarding (UK)

Full Job Description

Director of Safeguarding (UK)

Home based | UK – National with Travel
Permanent | 37.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri)
Salary: Up to £90,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)

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

In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running. We’re proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial, giving our teams more time to recharge while still earning 100% of their pay.*

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education and care in the UK. We deliver research-led, personalised education that helps every child thrive.

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, work together, and hold each other accountable to make the remarkable happen.

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

The Role

We are seeking a Director of Safeguarding to provide strategic and operational leadership across safeguarding, behaviour, Health & Safety, and policy. You will ensure safe practice is embedded across the organisation, act as the senior safeguarding authority, and advise the executive team, board, regulators, and external agencies. This is a system-wide role, shaping strategy, compliance, and culture across a multi-site, highly regulated organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the UK safeguarding strategy and ensure alignment with statutory requirements and regulatory expectations
• Oversee operational safeguarding, including complex, high-risk cases and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) across all settings
• Provide strategic oversight of Health & Safety, policy development, audits, and risk management
• Advise and support the CEO, Executive Team, and Board on safeguarding, behaviour, and Health & Safety risks and performance
• Lead training, coaching, and culture initiatives to embed safeguarding and positive behaviour practices
• Represent the organisation in multi-agency forums, inspections, and external reviews
• Monitor trends, drive improvement plans, and embed lessons learned from incidents, inspections, and national developments

Essential Experience & Skills

• Senior safeguarding leadership experience in UK education or care
• Director-level experience in complex organisations
• Deep knowledge of child protection legislation and statutory guidance
• Proven management of high-risk, complex safeguarding cases
• Experience working with regulators, inspectors, and multi-agency partners
• Skilled at advising and influencing executive and board-level stakeholders
• Strong judgment, credibility, and strategic decision-making
• Professionally qualified (e.g., social work, education)

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with contribution options
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” mental and physical health support
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible benefits via Vista (discounts, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Scheme, critical illness cover and more)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

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 statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.