Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Harris Academy Merton, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 1BP11 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
24 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
13 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Pastoral, health and welfare
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: Actual salary £33,468 - £33,970
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £39,807 - £40,404
Pay scale
- Grade 7 (Inner London)
Additional allowances
Performance and Loyalty Bonus + Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan + Pension Scheme (LGPS) + Additional Harris Benefits
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to join Harris Academy Merton, to support the DSL working with at-risk students and their families.
The actual salary for this role will be £33,468 - £33,970 (38 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week).
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
- A clear and good understanding of safeguarding issues, theory and practice, with particular regard to:
- refer cases of suspected abuse to the local authority children's social care as required;
- support staff who make referrals to local authority children's social care;
- refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern as required;
- support staff who make referrals to the Channel programme;
- refer cases where a person is dismissed or left due to risk/harm to a child to the Disclosure and Barring Service as required; and
- refer cases where a crime may have been committed to the Police as required.
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft software with knowledge of using a management Information system for input and export of student data
- Knowledge of the range of agencies that work with students and their families.
- Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
- Knowledge of many of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Good understanding of a range of welfare issues that may be affecting students and their families
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
What the school offers its staff
At Harris Academy Merton we promote the ethos ‘'Achievement is Success'' and believe every student has the right to the highest standard of education so that they can accomplish their aspirations. Our aim is to give every student an educational experience that is enjoyable and holistic so that they develop into responsible, articulate and successful young people.
We combine the traditional values of strong discipline, good manners, respect and pride in appearance with contemporary best practice in teaching and technology. With these core values embedded, we develop our students into confident and capable individuals that have a desire to excel academically and personally now and in the future.
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.
Flexible working opportunities
Harris Federation is committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.
Our approach to flexibility includes a range of solutions, from tailored working hours to part-time arrangements, where appropriate, ensuring that we maintain our high standards of education while supporting the wellbeing of our staff. Whether you are a classroom teacher, support staffor part of our senior leadership team, we work together to find solutions that align with both the operational needs of the academy and your professional development.
Harris Federation and our academies are dedicated to creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, where every member of staff can thrive and feel valued in their role.
Further information about the job
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is expected to be experienced in this role and to:
- Refer cases of suspected abuse to the local authority children's social care as required;
- Support staff who make referrals to local authority children's social care;
- Refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern as required;
- Support staff who make referrals to the Channel programme;
- Refer cases where a person is dismissed or left due to risk/harm to a child to the Disclosure and Barring Service as required; and
- Refer cases where a crime may have been committed to the Police as required
- Whole school Safeguarding training
- Prepare and present information to present information to present to the Academy Governors, ALG and Ofsted
- Management of CPOMS; ensuring that Academy Staff are using it correctly and training if required
Commitment to safeguarding
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Harris Academy Merton
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1341 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Harris Academy Merton website
- Email address
- careers@harrisfederation.org.uk
- Phone number
- 020 8623 1000
About Harris Academy Merton
Harris Academy Merton serves students from Year 7 to Sixth Form, and has twice been judged Outstanding by Ofsted. The current student roll is 1200, with a planned increase in our Year 7 intake over the next two years taking our numbers from 180 to 240 students. Applications for places greatly exceed the places available. The academy is set in seven acres of land, containing five teaching blocks, a sports hall, a full size floodlit all weather pitch plus four full size floodlit tennis courts and our own playing fields as well as an administration building containing the assembly hall and dining hall. We are favourably located for public transport with good local access to bus, mainline train and underground links, as well as on-site parking for vehicles and bicycles.
Come and see us in action: visits to Harris Academy Merton are strongly encouraged and very welcome. Please call 0208 623 1000 or info@harrismerton.org.uk to arrange a time to come in or an informal conversation with the Principal.
Arranging a visit to Harris Academy Merton
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email careers@harrisfederation.org.uk.
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