Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Portsmouth Academy, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5PF13 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
1 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
13 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Pastoral, health and welfare
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- TSAT Pay Group 4 - £26,937 - £31,081 for hours and weeks stated (£29,885 - £34,482 FTE)
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Portsmouth Academy is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and highly motivated Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)to join our pastoral and safeguarding team. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant, supportive school community, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.
Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a central role in safeguarding practice across the Academy.
Your responsibilities will include:
Supporting students subject to a Child Protection Plan, or those identified as Vulnerable or Looked After
Triaging safeguarding concerns, responding to incidents, and taking timely, appropriate action to meet statutory duties
Liaising with external agencies, attending multi-agency meetings, and coordinating internal support pathways
Contributing to the development and delivery of engaging safeguarding training for staff and students
Maintaining accurate, confidential safeguarding records and supporting effective communication across the safeguarding team
This is a highly visible, hands-on role where your expertise and judgement will directly influence the safety and wellbeing of our students.
About You
- Experienced in working with children, young people, and families / carers
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and multi-agency working
- Organised, calm under pressure, and able to manage sensitive information with professionalism and integrity
- Confident in making referrals, guiding staff, and supporting students through challenging situations
- A collaborative team player with a genuine commitment to student welfare
If you are ready to take the next step in your safeguarding career and contribute to a school where every child matters, we would love to hear from you.
What the school offers its staff
The Portsmouth Academy is focused on providing an inclusive education for all children and ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities. The Portsmouth Academy’s vision and ethos is rooted in developing aspirational and self-reflective learners who are able to think for themselves and be valuable members of their community. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in both KS3 and 4, placing significant importance on cultural capital alongside academic achievement.
‘Pupils are happy at school and proud to be members of its community’ – Ofsted
What our Trust will offer you:
- Competitive Pay Scales
- Pension Scheme Membership:Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Collaborative Support:Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
- Training:Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing:Our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- Cycle2Work Scheme:Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition:You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- TSAT Benefits portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Store Discounts:Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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)About The Portsmouth Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1243 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Portsmouth Academy website
- Email address
- nicky.brown@tpa.tsat.uk
“Leaders have dramatically improved the quality of teaching, learning and assessment… consequently, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is consistently good and continues to improve.” – Ofsted, April 2017 -
The Academy is focused on providing an inclusive education for all children and ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities. The Portsmouth Academy’s vision and ethos is rooted in developing aspirational and self-reflective learners who are able to think for themselves and be valuable members of their community. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in both KS3 and 4, placing significant importance on cultural capital alongside academic achievement.
Arranging a visit to The Portsmouth Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email nicky.brown@tpa.tsat.uk.
School location
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