Safeguarding & Development Lead

Safeguarding & Development Lead
Salary: £55,000–£65,000 per annum
Location: Kent (Hybrid Working)
Contract: Permanent | Full Time
Join Our Leadership Team
We are an established, values-driven and ambitious Ofsted-regulated children's residential care provider committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Safeguarding & Development Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Strategic Leadership Director / Group CEO, this strategic role will lead safeguarding practice across the organisation, strengthening governance, professional development and organisational learning.
Working alongside an experienced Executive Leadership Team, you will provide expert safeguarding leadership, support operational managers and help shape a culture where children remain at the heart of every decision.
Why Join Us?
* Competitive salary of £55,000–£65,000
* Hybrid working
* Senior Leadership Team position
* Genuine strategic influence across the organisation
* Established Ofsted-regulated children's residential provider
* Professional development and career progression
* Collaborative leadership culture
The Role
This is a strategic leadership position responsible for providing safeguarding oversight, governance and assurance across the organisation.
Working closely with senior leaders, Registered Managers, Responsible Individuals, HR and Learning & Development, you will strengthen safeguarding culture, improve practice, lead organisational learning and ensure regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop the organisation's safeguarding framework and strategy.
* Provide expert safeguarding advice to senior leaders and operational managers.
* Oversee complex safeguarding concerns, governance and regulatory compliance.
* Lead safeguarding audits, quality assurance and organisational learning.
* Analyse safeguarding data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
* Develop safeguarding policies, procedures and best practice.
* Build effective relationships with Ofsted, Local Authorities, Police, LADO and partner agencies.
* Support Learning & Development to embed safeguarding throughout training and leadership development.
About You
You'll bring significant safeguarding leadership experience within children's services or another regulated safeguarding environment and be confident advising senior leaders on complex safeguarding matters.
You will have excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation, governance, quality assurance and multi-agency working, together with the credibility to influence practice across a growing organisation.
Experience within children's residential care and Ofsted-regulated services would be advantageous.
Qualifications
* Relevant professional qualification (Social Work or equivalent experience).
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
* Leadership, safeguarding or management qualifications are desirable.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed