Safeguarding Officer (Maternity Cover) - De Montfort University Leicester : Job Details

This is a maternity cover post for up to 12 months, or upon the return of the post-holder, whichever is sooner.

As a Safeguarding Officer you will become part of De Montfort University (DMU) which is an ambitious, globally-minded institution with a relentless focus on delivering quality teaching and learning, and a campus-wide focus on providing a sector-leading student experience. A culturally rich university with a palpable commitment to the public good, it strives to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment where staff and students are able to thrive.

Faculty / Directorate

The Library and Student Services team offer a broad range of support across five locations to De Montfort University staff and students and visitors with a user population of ca, 28,000 with daily visits in excess of 6000 users. Our main Kimberlin Library is open 24/7/365 offering a range of support services to users during 74 hours of staffed operation over seven days of the week.

The Student Welfare team focuses on providing an array of excellent student wellbeing initiatives and support for our students during their time at university including HealthyDMU our university wide approach to wellbeing. DMU is at the forefront in recognising and delivering an environment that provides students with resources that support their development and studies, which will enable them to succeed and to achieve their potential. This is an exciting time to join the directorate as we continue to develop our services and accommodation to enhance the student experience.

Role

At De Montfort University (DMU), we believe that every student and apprentice should reach their full potential. We are looking for a temporary Safeguarding Officer to take a leading role in our approach to safeguarding, ensuring that our practice meets expectations set by Ofsted, the Office for Students (OfS), and other key bodies. This is a student-focused and strategic role while combines casework with policy focus, cross-department collaboration, and staff development. You'll be part of a multidisciplinary welfare team that works proactively and responsively to ensure students and apprentices can thrive as part of Healthy DMU our university wide approach to wellbeing.

Your work will support DMU’s Safeguarding strategy, with particular focus on meeting Ofsted and OfS regulatory expectations, including triangulation of evidence from staff, students, and employers. You will be required to a central role in managing serious and urgent student welfare cases, including those involving safeguarding concerns, sexual or domestic violence, harassment, and Prevent-related matters. You will providing expert guidance to academic staff, students, and placement employers on welfare processes, helping to embed safeguarding practices across the student experience and curriculum. You will provide support and training to colleagues across the university, developing materials with our Student Welfare Training and Development Officer, and ensure consistent standards of knowledge and practice. You will monitor case outcomes and support continual service improvement based on data, student voice, and sector best practice. You will be required to build and maintaining external relationships with agencies including police, social services, and safeguarding boards to ensure effective partnership working and appropriate escalation. You will be required to keep accurate records and regularly compile detailed reports as part of the role.

You will support strategic welfare projects and contribute to the development of institutional policy, under the direction of the Welfare Policy and Projects Manager and the Operational Lead for Safeguarding. The role may include line management responsibility for adviser staff within the No Space for Hate and Mandala Project student services.

Ideal Candidate

We require a sound understanding of safeguarding legislation and frameworks, including Ofsted and OfS expectations. Experience of managing serious and complex welfare and safeguarding cases within an education, health, or social care setting is required preferably as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or similar formal role. You will need a collaborative approach and be able to build strong internal and external partnerships, influence change, and act with professionalism. You will need to demonstrate the ability to support the development of policy and create inclusive training or communications. A commitment to equality, inclusion, and sustainability is required in every aspect of your work

Closing Date: 30th June 2025 Interview Dates: 21st & 22nd July 2025 (subject to change)