Safeguarding in schools is everyone’s responsibility. While it’s essential for a school to have a designated safeguarding lead to set up policies and ensure that safeguarding is being done, it’s the teaching staff, support teams, teaching assistants, leadership teams and other members of staff who have day to day contact with the pupils who are the eyes and ears in case of any concerns.  

As a member of staff, you may begin to take on more and more safeguarding responsibilities and realise that this is a career path you would want to follow, but where would you begin? In this article we will discuss ways that you can develop into a career in safeguarding within a school environment. 

What is safeguarding 

Safeguarding describes protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights. When you follow safeguarding best practices, you are working to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect. 

Safeguarding works to protect those who are considered vulnerable in society which includes children and young people but also vulnerable adults (elderly or those with physical or learning disabilities and mental health issues). Anyone can be subject to neglect and abuse regardless of their age or background, which is why it is vital that safeguarding is addressed within any workplace. 

Jobs within safeguarding 

There are several career paths you can take within safeguarding. Some roles include:  

Designated Safeguarding Officer 

A Designated Safeguarding Officer or DSO is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns. DSOs will have an in-depth knowledge about safeguarding and the business policies and procedures to be able to adequately address concerns. DSOs also help to coordinate and oversee safeguarding procedures including setting up the organisation’s safeguarding policy. 

Child Protection Officer 

Child protection officers work to ensure the safety and well-being of children at risk of abuse or neglect. They may work in schools, social services, or non-profit organisations, assessing the needs of children and developing plans to protect them. 

Safeguarding Trainer 

Safeguarding trainers educate professionals on safeguarding policies and procedures. They develop training programs and workshops to ensure that staff members are knowledgeable about safeguarding practices and can effectively protect vulnerable individuals. 

The role of a Safeguarding Support Officer 

A Safeguarding Support Officer will be the first point of contact when there is a safeguarding concern. This is a crucial role in protecting vulnerable individuals from harm and they will support staff and ensure that the school adheres to safeguarding policies and procedures. They will be supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead in conducting initial risk assessments, triaging and signposting the to the most appropriate person or external agency for support. 

Safeguarding Support Officer Funded Training 

LMP Education, the UK’s top apprenticeship training provider, has recently launched a Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship. This funded training programme is aimed at individuals who are currently performing safeguarding duties within their school and would like to gain further qualifications to support their work. 

To start this training programme, candidates must already, or have the opportunity to, do the following as part of their job description: 

  • Be a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns. 
  • Maintain up to date safeguarding logs and registers. 
  • Provide safeguarding support to employees working in their own organisation. 
  • Support the management of a safeguarding caseload. 
  • Assist with staff training on relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. 
  • Contribute to and prepare for external safeguarding inspections, reviews and audits. 

If you currently work in a school and are interested in enrolling onto the Safeguarding Support Officer programme, make an enquiry today! 

If you are an employer and would like to upskill an existing member of staff through the Safeguarding Support Officer programme, book a discovery call with a member of the LMP team. 

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