Operational Safeguarding Lead

Posting date:	13 January 2026
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	Competitive
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	12 February 2026
Location:	Rochdale, OL16 4RX
Company:	inploi
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	75778084

Summary

Post Title: Operational Safeguarding Lead

Responsible to: Designated Safeguarding Lead

Location: St. Cuthbert’s RC High School

Salary: Grade 7 scp 25 29 Actual Salary £31,554.49 - £34,590.79 (£36,363- £39,862 FTE)

Term of Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Term Time Only TTO + 5 days

Hours per week: Full Time (37 hours per week)

Start date: ASAP

Closing date: Sunday 25th January 2026

St. Cuthbert's RC High School is currently seeking an Operational Safeguarding Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to join the school at the beginning of a journey of transition, development, and growth within the multi-academy trust.

The successful candidate will assist the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in all matters of safeguarding and child protection, including online safety. You will act as a first point of contact for staff raising safeguarding concerns, support pupils and families in need, and contribute to creating a safe and welcoming learning environment. This role involves working closely with staff, parents, external agencies, and the governing board to ensure the highest standards of child welfare are maintained. Daily tasks include managing referrals, attending child protection meetings, maintaining accurate records, and supporting educational outcomes for vulnerable pupils.

Our Mission

Our Trust Mission is simple, it is to make Christ known, making lives better for our communities, our children and young people.

Our Values - One of Hope

Inspired by St Teresa of Calcutta, we are people of hope. We have a complete belief in the future we will build together. By offering our children, staff and schools’ opportunities to grow and flourish, we make aspiration and ambition a reality. Our people, just like St Teresa are relentless and fiercely ambitious. We will always reach for that which seems to be just out of our grasp.

One of Courage

As modelled for us by St Teresa of Calcutta, we will have the courage to do what is right. As a community, we will not shy away from making decisions that ensure our communities thrive. We will be brave in our actions. As a truly Catholic organisation this courage will be most apparent in how we collectively support the most vulnerable.

One of Innovation

St Teresa of Calcutta changed the world. Together, we will always be pursuing new ideas and best practice in all areas of our work. We will prepare our children and young people for the world that awaits them. A world which they will shape and change.

We are seeking an individual who has:

• Significant experience working effectively with vulnerable pupils and their families.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies, child protection procedures, and inter-agency working.
• The ability to contribute to or lead Early Help Assessments and child protection cases.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organisational skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with a professional and proactive approach.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with flexibility to attend meetings outside normal hours where required.
• Relevant qualifications in safeguarding and child protection, with a willingness to undertake further training.
• Desirable: First aid certification and a current driving licence.

We can offer:

• A supportive and dedicated Local Governing Body and Staff
• Highly effective safeguarding procedures.
• A working environment where all feel valued and respected.
• Supportive colleagues and governors with a clear vision and high aspirations for the school.
• A highly dedicated and inspirational team.
• A commitment to relevant, personalised Continuous Professional Development.
• A happy, calm and welcoming working environment.
• Opportunities to work within the wider STOCCAT team
• Generous 22.7% Local Government Pension scheme employer contribution
• Recognition of continuous Local Government service (where applicable)

The Trust is committed to welcoming individuals regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status or whether you are pregnant or on parental leave or from a socio-economic background. We welcome applicants from all communities and from people that identify with those characteristics.

To apply, follow the link - https://ce1057li.webitrent.com/ce1057li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=38983700Dm&VACANCY_ID=0993891Nzi

Commitment to Safeguarding:

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1074 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check including Children’s barred list check and satisfactory references, including your suitability to work with children. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Applications will only be considered from individual applicants on our standard application form, and not via CV alone or agencies. An online search will be performed on all shortlisted applicants in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding procedures and Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a form for self-disclosure of cautions and convictions.

Shortlisting date: Monday, 26th January 2026

Interview date: w/c 26th January 2026

*Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website*

Supporting Documents

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