Designated Safeguarding Lead

Full Job Description

At OFG we believe in creating a better work life balance

Job Title:  Designated Safeguarding Lead
Location:  Hemlock Stone School, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, NG9 8GA
Hours:       37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:      Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:          October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Hemlock Stone School, safeguarding isn’t just a responsibility — it’s at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for an experienced, confident and compassionate Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to take a pivotal leadership role in protecting and promoting the welfare of our pupils.

This is your opportunity to lead with purpose, influence whole-school culture and ensure every child feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

As DSL, you’ll take both strategic and operational leadership of safeguarding and child protection across the school. You’ll be the trusted expert — supporting staff, working with families and external agencies, and ensuring safeguarding practice is robust, proactive and embedded in everything we do.

No two days are the same — but every day, your work will make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading safeguarding and child protection across the school, ensuring full compliance with statutory duties
• Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns, providing expert advice and guidance
• Supporting and challenging staff to maintain high standards of safeguarding practice
• Working closely with senior leaders to embed a strong safeguarding culture
• Representing the school in multi-agency meetings, strategy discussions and assessments
• Building strong partnerships with local authorities, social care, police and external agencies
• Monitoring and reviewing safeguarding processes to ensure continuous improvement

About You

You are a knowledgeable and resilient safeguarding professional who leads with integrity, empathy and confidence.

You will have:

• Proven leadership and management experience in a school or relevant setting
• Strong experience managing safeguarding and child protection processes
• Excellent ability to build relationships with children, families and professionals
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance
• Confidence working with external agencies and multi-disciplinary teams
• A proactive, calm and solution-focused approach

No two days will ever be the same — but every day you’ll know the difference you’re making. With strong support, a collaborative culture and opportunities to grow, this role offers a fulfilling pathway into a meaningful career in education.

About Us

Hemlock Stone School in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire opened in March 2026, and caters for up to 66 pupils, providing a specialist learning environment for young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Complex Needs.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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.

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