Lead Designated Safeguarding Lead (Non-Teaching)
The Sittingbourne School, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4NLThis job expired on 22 June 2026 – see similar jobs
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
22 June 2026 at 3pm
Date listed
5 June 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
- Pastoral, health and welfare
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week.
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £39,260 - £43,132 FT
Pay scale
- Swale Academies Support Staff Pay Scale (SAT G)
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional, resilient, and inspiring Lead Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our fantastic safeguarding and pastoral team. You will lead a dedicated team committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and protection of every student, creating a secure environment where they can thrive.
You will join a talented team with a strong teamwork ethic and a passionate commitment to child protection and student welfare. This post offers an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal, leadership role in the school’s exciting upward journey. Applicants will show enthusiasm for joining our dynamic and supportive team, and will be able to demonstrate the highest standards of safeguarding practice in order to support student outcomes across the school.
Please note that we reserve the right to bring forward the application deadline if we feel we have a strong field of applicants early on. Therefore, early application is advised.
Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.
What the school offers its staff
The successful candidate will join a school with a strong and supportive senior leadership team for whom staff wellbeing is a priority. We appreciate the challenges teachers face and we do all we can to reduce unnecessary workload and cut down on bureaucracy. We take a zero tolerance approach to rudeness and defiance to staff and we make sure that no teacher feels alone when things are tough. Staff also benefit from a wide ranging programme of ongoing staff development.
Potential candidates with children who are of (or are approaching) secondary school age, may be interested to know that children of our staff are given priority in our Admissions Policy.
If you think The Sittingbourne School could be the school for you, email Sarah Scott-Drysdale (sarah.scottdrysdale@swale.at) for more information and to arrange a visit.
Join us to benefit from:
- Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme
- Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
- Access to training and development
- On-site Parking
- Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
- Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
- Cycle to Work scheme
Flexible working opportunities
We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. .
Further information about the job
Ready to join us?
If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Orla Wheeler, at orla.wheeler@swale.at.
Applications should be made via Kent Teach or by submitting a SAT Application Form to sarah.scottdrysdale@swale.at. Please note, we cannot accept CVs.
If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact Recruitment@swale.at.
We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.
In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.
Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.
Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure
Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.
Commitment to safeguarding
Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Sittingbourne School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 19
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1587 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Sittingbourne School website
- Email address
- recruitment@swale.at
The Sittingbourne School is a large, oversubscribed school built on a strong sense of community, making us a warm and very special place to be part of. Our staff work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of every child. However, we are not a school where we allow ourselves to be defined or limited by the pastoral care we offer. We never forget that teaching and learning is our core business. Our motto is “Empowered through learning” because we believe that through excellent teaching and a fantastic curriculum every child can succeed, be happy and change their lives. Therefore, we are driving to ensure every child consistently receives high quality teaching and learning in every lesson and engages in a challenging and relevant curriculum.
This was reflected in our March 2023 Ofsted inspection report that states how, “Staff have high aspirations for what all pupils can learn and achieve. This level of ambition is evident throughout the school”. They also commented on how, “Pupils are proud of how tolerant and supportive their school is” and that, “The vast majority of pupils behave well in school”. The school was graded as “Good” for the third successive inspection.
The successful candidate will join a school with a strong and supportive senior leadership team for whom staff wellbeing is a priority. We appreciate the challenges teachers face and we do all we can to reduce unnecessary workload and cut down on bureaucracy. We take a zero tolerance approach to rudeness and defiance to staff and we make sure that no teacher feels alone when things are tough. Staff also benefit from a wide ranging programme of ongoing staff development.
Arranging a visit to The Sittingbourne School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@swale.at.
School location
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