Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer

We are a specialist digital college where all our students are passionate about tech and we are committed to supporting them to progress onto highly skilled roles in the digital sector. All students study computer science for at least 50% of their curriculum, with regular off-curriculum industry projects with partners such as King Games, Deloitte, Bank of America and Salesforce.

We are passionate about high quality teaching and learning, using industry’s problems to bring education to life for our learners and thinking of innovative new approaches to communicating some of tech’s more challenging concepts.

We received Good with Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development in our latest Ofsted inspection in March 2023.

Purpose of the Role:

As Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer, you are a champion for student safety and well-being at Ada. You will play a crucial role in fostering a safe and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Your primary focus is to ensure the safeguarding of all students, proactively identifying and responding to any concerns, and promoting their physical and emotional well-being. You will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and other staff members to implement effective safeguarding strategies, provide guidance and support to students, and contribute to a culture of vigilance and care across the college.

This role involves:

• Proactive safeguarding: Taking a leading role in preventing and responding to safeguarding concerns, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance and best practices.
• Well-being support: Providing pastoral support, advice, and guidance to students experiencing difficulties or requiring additional support.
• Collaboration and training: Working collaboratively with staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding and student well-being.
• Policy and procedure development: Contributing to the development and implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring they are up-to-date and effective.

This is a critical role within Ada, requiring a dedicated and compassionate individual with a strong commitment to student welfare and a thorough understanding of safeguarding best practices.

Main Responsibilities:

Safeguarding:

• Lead safeguarding investigations: Conduct thorough and timely investigations into safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate record-keeping and reporting in line with college policies and legal requirements.
• Risk assessment and management: Identify and assess potential risks to student safety and well-being, developing and implementing effective risk management plans.
• Provide safeguarding training: Deliver training and guidance to staff and students on safeguarding best practices, raising awareness of potential risks and promoting a culture of safety.
• Liaise with external agencies: Collaborate effectively with external agencies, including social services, police, and health professionals, to ensure appropriate support and intervention for students.
• Stay up-to-date: Remain informed about current safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practices, ensuring the college's safeguarding policies and procedures are always compliant.

Well-being:

• Early intervention and support: Provide early intervention and support to students experiencing emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties, offering guidance, resources, and referrals as needed.
• Develop well-being initiatives: Contribute to the development and implementation of well-being initiatives and programs that promote positive mental health and emotional resilience among students.
• Individual support plans: Create and implement individual support plans for students with specific well-being needs, working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and external agencies.
• Counselling and guidance: Offer individual or group counselling and guidance to students on a range of issues, including stress management, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.
• Promote a positive environment: Foster a positive and inclusive college environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help when needed.

General:

• Maintain accurate records: Ensure accurate and confidential record-keeping of all safeguarding and well-being concerns, interventions, and outcomes.
• Contribute to policy development: Participate in the review and development of college policies related to safeguarding, well-being, and student support.
• Promote awareness: Actively promote awareness of safeguarding and well-being issues within the college community, organizing events, campaigns, and resources to support students and staff.
• Undertake continuous professional development: Engage in regular training and professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in safeguarding and well-being best practices.

Essential Experience

● Evidence of the Ada values: Creativity, Curiosity, Collaboration, Resilience and Rigour ● Experience working with young adults (14 - 24 years)

● Monitoring and reporting on student or employee progress

● Addressing and successfully challenging concerning young people’s behaviour

● Establish and maintain positive relationships and engagement with young people, parents and carers and colleagues

Desirable Experience:

● Experience supporting young people with personal, safeguarding and emotional well-being. i.e Mental health, L2 Safeguarding training

● Working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice

● Motivating and engaging a variety of young people.

● Experience of supporting vulnerable or at risk young people

● Coaching or mentoring experience

Personal Qualities, Aptitudes and Skills:

● Excellent organisational and time management skills

● A passion for supporting young people and their wellbeing

● Strong collaborative working skills

● High level of proficiency in the use of day to day IT systems

● Good workplace skills and experience such as written skills, teamwork, project management, communication

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● An interest in technology and the digital industry

Other Requirements: as outlined in the accompanying JD.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day.

Equal opportunities

Ada. National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths.

Applicants with disabilities

Ada. National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please HR@ada.ac.uk.