Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Salary: BTCT Support Staff Band 8, Points 16 – 18 starting at Point 16. Actual starting Salary: £32,640.76 Required from: September 2026 Contract: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (Term Time plus INSET days) At Bridgwater College Academy, effective safeguarding extends beyond processes and procedures. It is about building strong relationships with children, families and staff, identifying concerns early and ensuring that support is delivered effectively. The successful candidate will work closely with the Trust Safeguarding Lead, academy leaders, pastoral teams and external agencies to ensure safeguarding practice remains robust, responsive and child-centred. This is a role within a large all-through academy and forms part of a wider safeguarding team. This role will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Primary Phase with 560 pupils on roll. We are seeking a committed and highly effective Deputy Safeguarding Lead to provide operational leadership for safeguarding and child protection across the Primary Phase (including online safety). The successful candidate will lead on day-to-day safeguarding operations, ensuring timely, appropriate and high-quality responses to concerns. This will include responsibility for safeguarding records, chronologies, case management and decision-making. You will deputise for the academy DSL when required, represent the academy at multi-agency forums as required, and contribute to multi-agency working to secure the best outcomes for children. This role offers genuine leadership responsibility and the opportunity to influence safeguarding strategy across the primary phase. The postholder will be expected to challenge practice, escalate concerns where necessary and influence decision-making in the best interests of children. You will also play a key role in supporting and advising staff, promoting a strong safeguarding culture, and ensuring all processes align with statutory guidance and best practice. Who We’re Looking