Safeguarding Officer – Secondary School – Exeter

Start Date: As soon as possible

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Paid to scale

An ambitious secondary school in Exeter is seeking a dedicated, compassionate and highly organised Safeguarding Officer to join its pastoral and safeguarding team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional who is passionate about promoting the welfare of young people and ensuring every student feels safe, supported and able to succeed.

Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSLs, senior leaders and external agencies, you will play a key role in supporting the school's safeguarding provision. You will help coordinate safeguarding processes, provide direct support to vulnerable students, maintain accurate records and contribute to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

This is a rewarding role where you will make a genuine difference to the lives of young people while becoming part of a collaborative and highly supportive school community.

School Information

This is an 11 to 18 secondary school that is committed to providing an inclusive, caring and aspirational learning environment where every student feels safe, respected and supported. The school has built a strong reputation for its high standards, excellent pastoral care and commitment to helping every young person achieve their full potential.

Students benefit from a broad curriculum alongside extensive pastoral support, while staff work within a collaborative culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The leadership team actively promotes staff wellbeing, professional development and continuous improvement across all areas of the school.

Support staff are highly valued and recognised for the important contribution they make to the daily life of the school.

Safeguarding Team

The safeguarding team plays a central role in ensuring the wellbeing of every student. Working collaboratively with pastoral staff, teaching colleagues and external professionals, the team provides timely intervention and ongoing support for vulnerable students while ensuring safeguarding procedures are implemented effectively across the school.

As Safeguarding Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead with day-to-day safeguarding matters.

• Acting as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

• Working directly with students who require additional pastoral support.

• Liaising with parents, carers and external agencies.

• Maintaining accurate, confidential safeguarding records.

• Monitoring safeguarding referrals and ensuring appropriate follow-up actions.

• Supporting attendance, welfare and child protection procedures.

• Attending safeguarding meetings and contributing to multi-agency discussions where appropriate.

• Promoting safeguarding awareness across the school community.

• Supporting staff with safeguarding procedures and best practice.

• Assisting with safeguarding audits and compliance requirements.

• Contributing to the school's wider pastoral and wellbeing initiatives.

The successful candidate will become an integral member of a highly respected safeguarding team that is committed to ensuring every student receives the care, protection and support they need to flourish both academically and personally.

Requirements

• Previous experience within safeguarding, pastoral care or student support is desirable.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information professionally.

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families and external agencies.

• Calm, compassionate and resilient approach.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and child protection procedures is desirable.

• Commitment to promoting inclusion, wellbeing and student success.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Application

To apply for this Safeguarding Officer position, please send your CV as soon as possible.