Head of Safeguarding

Are you a safeguarding expert ready to make a real difference in the lives of autistic young people with complex needs?

At Prior's Court, we exist to transform the lives of autistic young people by enabling them to reach their full potential in health, happiness, independence, and work. As our Head of Safeguarding, you will play a vital senior leadership role in creating and maintaining a safe and empowering environment where every young person can thrive.

Salary: £58,000 to £65,000 depending on experience

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will be accountable for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of safeguarding strategies across the organisation - for both children and adults. You'll lead a dedicated team of Deputy DSLs, manage safeguarding investigations, and ensure safeguarding remains a golden thread through everything we do.

You'll be responsible for ensuring that policies, training, and systems are robust, current, and effective. You'll work closely with internal teams and external agencies to promote a culture of vigilance, "professional curiosity," and strong governance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead safeguarding policy development and ensure compliance with key legislation (KCSIE, LPS, Prevent, MCA, etc.)
• Deliver high-quality safeguarding training for staff, trustees, and external partners
• Provide 24/7 safeguarding leadership, including management of the Safeguarding On-Call Helpline
• Drive continuous improvement and lead internal investigations into safeguarding concerns
• Engage with Ofsted , CQC , and placing authorities to meet inspection and reporting requirements
• Monitor and analyse safeguarding trends and outcomes to shape future strategy
• Report to the Board of Trustees and work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Trustee
• Champion safeguarding across all levels of the organisation, including whistleblowing and escalation processes
• At least five years of senior-level safeguarding experience in care and/or education settings.
• Advanced safeguarding training and a deep understanding of child and adult protection frameworks.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to train, influence, and collaborate across departments.
• A calm, confident leader who can hold others accountable and inspire high standards.

We aim to make all staff feel valued and supported with training and a competitive salary along with providing the knowledge and skills needed to do a great job.

• 33 days annual leave, including Bank Holidays.
• Company pension (Combined 8% contributions - Employer 5%, Employee 3%)
• Employee Recognition Schemes, including an annual staff awards programme and Long Service Awards
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our full Flexible Benefits package including the option of dental insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness, increased life insurance, partner life insurance self-funded health cash plan and many others

Apply today to join us in creating a world where every young person can live their fullest life-safely and confidently.

All positions at Prior's Court are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and receipt of the appropriate Right to Work documents. Prior's Court Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Prior's Court is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek and embrace differences in thinking, experience, ethnicity, age, gender, faith, personalities and styles.

The different skills, experiences and backgrounds our employees bring to their roles create a workforce as diverse and individual as the young people we support and makes Prior's Court a special place to work.

We strive for an inclusive environment where employees feel safe, engaged and supported to make a difference.

All young people at Prior's Court are autistic, have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. We strive to help them to be healthy, happy, more independent and have the opportunity to work. We aspire to transform the lives of even more autistic young people with complex needs and continually push forward with improvements and innovations to provide the best possible care. This is why we exist.

Every donation to Prior's Court, no matter how big or small, will help build a brighter future for autistic children and young people with complex needs. We are incredibly grateful for your support, thank you.For major gifts, please contact us directly.