Designated Safeguarding Lead and Welfare Officer

Job overview

Salary: Grade 8, Point 19 - 24 £28,049 - £30,981.58 Actual Salary (£31,067 - £34,314 FTE)

Hours: 37 hours per week, 41 weeks per year.

We are looking for a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Welfare Officer to join Swavesey Village College. This is an incredibly rewarding role, working within a supportive team and a part of the wider Meridian Trust family. You will be responsible for safeguarding and child protection across the Academy by recording and attending professional meetings and making referrals where necessary.

The successful candidate will have a positive, enthusiastic approach to work, have excellent communication skills and a good understanding of the education system.

The Opportunity

• Support families to be the best parents they can be so that they are able to support their child's learning and wellbeing.
• Responsible for working with wider pastoral teams in school to support the welfare and wellbeing of students.
• Deputise as designated safeguarding lead for the school, overseeing the child protection work and cause for concern records for the whole academy.
• To action caseloads as assigned by the DSL.
• Promote Child Protection Awareness within the Academies, offering guidance on the Framework for Assessment of Need.

The ideal candidate

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
  
• Trained DSL with relevant experience of being a DSL.
• Experience of working with children across all key stages.

About Swavesey Village College -

Swavesey Village College was judged to be Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in May 2024. Ofsted report that ‘Swavesey Village College is a welcoming, inclusive school with high ambitions for all', and that ‘Leaders have created a vibrant, successful school where all are welcome and all can succeed'. Moreover, they feel ‘The curriculum for personal development is exemplary'. The achievements of our students are remarkable, both academically in examination success, and across an incredibly wide range of sports, arts and other co-curricular areas.

Swavesey is a village community school located close to Cambridge with excellent transport links to Cambridge and the pretty market town of St Ives, however, we have a considerable local and national reputation for academic excellence and innovation as part of our Academy Trust - Meridian Trust.

About Meridian Trust -

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher's pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: 4th September 2025 9am

Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced. Applications will be reviewed as received so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.