Designated Safeguarding Lead

Hollingworth Academy, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL16 3DR

17 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  5 October 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  18 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership role
  • Pastoral, health and welfare
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £48,738 - £53,051

What skills and experience we're looking for

• The DSL will take lead responsibility for all child protection matters arising at the School and will support all other members of staff in relation to any safeguarding or child protection concerns that arise.
• The DSL will undergo appropriate and regular training in order to fulfil their duties.
• The DSL has the status and authority within the School to carry out the duties of the post including committing resources, arranging training, supporting and directing other staff to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• The DSL is responsible for maintaining an overview of safeguarding within the school, to maintain open channels of communication with local statutory agencies and to monitor the effectiveness of policies and procedures in place.
• The DSL is responsible for receiving and reviewing child protection files from the Schools of pupils arriving at Hollingworth Academy, and for liaising with the DSL from those Schools, when appropriate, for the best care and the smooth transition of a pupil.
• The DSL is responsible for keeping detailed, accurate, secure records of concerns, allegations and referrals for any Child Protection issues.
• The DSL will communicate regularly with the Governor responsible for Safeguarding and will discuss with them any cases of concern. They will meet annually for a formal review of Safeguarding.
• The DSL will attend the relevant Governors’ Committee / meetings to discuss Safeguarding practice in the School.
• The DSL will keep the Headteacher informed of all concerns and allegations relating to Safeguarding and Child Protection.

What the school offers its staff

Why Choose Hollingworth Academy?

• Voted ‘Most Inspirational School in Rochdale’ in 2024, and the only school in Greater Manchester and Lancashire with ‘World Class Schools’ status.
• Conveniently located just off the M62, we offer an easy commute from Stockport, Central Manchester, Leeds, Blackburn, Warrington, and Burnley – all within 40 minutes or less.
• We value our staff and provide time off for important family events, such as school nativity plays and first days at school etc.
• Our department prides itself on its staff retention and staff development. External positions in this department are rare – this is your chance to join a truly outstanding team.
• Free access to our onsite gym.
• Free Simply Health membership that includes money off prescriptions, dental check-ups, physiotherapy, opticians, and GP appointments.
• 20 additional PPA hours per year beyond government guidelines.
• Opportunity for free lunches available.
• Work in an environment where Ofsted say that our pupils are ‘proud to attend this school’ and ‘can learn in lessons without disruption’. With a ‘behaviour system which allows [leaders] to respond to any uncommon instances of pupils’ poor behaviour rapidly’.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
Childcare Disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Medical
Online and Social Media
Prohibition from Teaching
Right to Work
Satisfactory References
Suitability to Work with Children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Hollingworth Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1331 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Hollingworth Academy website
• Email address: applications@hollingworthacademy.co.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/hollingworth-academy

In 2023, Hollingworth Academy was awarded the World Class Schools Quality Mark; the only school in Greater Manchester and Lancashire out of 463 to achieve this world class status.

Hollingworth Academy is now one of two academies in the recently formed Hollingworth Learning Trust, along with Newhouse Academy. Hollingworth Learning Trust’s core purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of its children. Its role, as a sponsor of both academies, is to provide the support, challenge, expertise and resources necessary to significantly improve the provision for education.

Here at Hollingworth Academy, we believe that everyone excels everyday. This ethos is built on our core values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RESILIENCE and these values are at the heart of everything we do. We want considerate and confident young adults who are respected within their community, capable of successfully entering further education, employment and training. We will always have the highest expectations for all of our students, as their success is our success. We are extremely proud of our students and their achievements. Indeed, visitors frequently comment that they are confident, respectful, thoughtful and articulate young people.

We heavily invest in our staff as we understand that they are our greatest asset. There are many ‘formal‘ CPDL opportunities including NPQs and a variety of leadership pathways. However, at Hollingworth we ensure that our colleagues are continuously developed throughout their career via our bespoke provision. In addition, we actively look to develop leadership skills and ensure that the best leaders stay within our school and Trust. This role is excellent preparation for the post holder to secure promotion in the future

Arranging a visit to Hollingworth Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email applications@hollingworthacademy.co.uk.

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