Senior Safeguarding Officer & Deputy DSL

Job Title: Senior Safeguarding Officer & Deputy DSL

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people? E-ACT Bristol Academy South is seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Safeguarding Officer & Deputy DSL to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all students. Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will lead day-to-day safeguarding across the academy, manage complex safeguarding cases, coordinate interventions and deputise for the DSL when required.

You will work collaboratively with students, families, staff and external agencies to safeguard vulnerable children, promote positive outcomes and ensure the academy meets all statutory safeguarding responsibilities. The role includes leading safeguarding referrals, monitoring safeguarding practice, maintaining high-quality records, contributing to attendance and inclusion strategies, and helping to foster a strong culture of vigilance across the school.

We are looking for an individual with extensive safeguarding knowledge, experience of managing complex child protection cases, and the confidence to provide advice, support and challenge to colleagues. You will have a thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, multi-agency working and best practice, alongside a commitment to ensuring every student feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day safeguarding function across the academy, ensuring concerns are identified, managed and escalated appropriately.
• Deputise for the Designated Safeguarding Lead, making safeguarding decisions in line with statutory guidance when required.
• Manage complex safeguarding and child protection cases, maintaining accurate, confidential and compliant records.
• Work closely with students, families and external agencies to coordinate interventions and achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable children.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture through staff guidance, training, compliance monitoring and safeguarding improvement activities.

Pay range:

• SCP28-32
• £35,571.45 - £38,921.56 - FTE: £40,444.00 - £44,253.00
• 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
• Permanent

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL (DDSL) in a school environment
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• DSL or Deputy DSL safeguarding training.
• Experience of leading safeguarding interventions and managing complex safeguarding cases.
• Strong communication, decision-making and case management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with students, families and external agencies

E‑ACT Bristol Academy South Secondary - Ambition, Community, Opportunity

E‑ACT Bristol Academy South is a welcoming, ambitious all‑through school serving the heart of South Bristol. Spanning Nursery to Year 11, the academy provides a strong sense of continuity and community, offering children and young people a supportive, inclusive environment in which to learn and grow.

With a dedicated Primary and Secondary phase, our academy provides a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to work hard, embrace challenges, and develop the confidence they need to succeed. Our staff team is committed to delivering a broad and aspirational curriculum, enriched by strong pastoral care and a focus on personal development.

Want to make a difference to young people?

Joining Bristol Academy South means becoming part of a collaborative, values‑driven educational community. As an E‑ACT colleague, you’ll also have access to excellent professional development, supportive networks, and the chance to help shape the future of a school committed to raising aspirations and celebrating excellence.

If you are ready to support and inspire children and young people across a diverse and vibrant school community, we would love to hear from you.

Find out more: E-ACT Bristol Academy South Website

What are we about?

We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and nationally, providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Most recently, E-ACT was named Large Trust MAT of the Year 2026 at the MAT Excellence Awards. Our achievements are further recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, as well as the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024.

E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour. In addition, Greenfields Academy has been designated as a RISE Reception Network Lead School. This is a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.

Benefits: 

Financial and Lifestyle

We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.

Professional Growth and Development

We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.

Culture and Wellbeing

Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.

Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.

How to apply:

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.