Trust Safeguarding Lead: Plymouth CAST

About the role

Plymouth CAST is a family of 34 Catholic schools and one nursery, spanning six Local Authority areas across the South West, from Cornwall and Plymouth through Devon, Torbay, Dorset, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to recognising the dignity and worth of every child and young person entrusted to our care.

Safeguarding is more than a statutory responsibility; it is fundamental to our Catholic ethos and values. We are seeking an exceptional Lead for Safeguarding to shape and strengthen safeguarding practice across our Trust, promoting a culture of vigilance, care, accountability and continuous improvement. This is a senior leadership opportunity combining strategic direction, quality assurance and governance with operational safeguarding expertise.

Working closely with the Director of Education, Trust Safeguarding Officer, Headteachers and Designated Safeguarding Leads, you will provide expert guidance, professional challenge and support, ensuring safeguarding remains at the forefront of everything we do. We are looking for an experienced safeguarding professional with extensive knowledge of child protection, excellent professional judgement and the confidence to lead complex and sensitive matters.

You will be an inspirational and collaborative leader, committed to developing others, strengthening safeguarding practice and ensuring every child can flourish in a safe and nurturing environment.

What we offer

We recognise that our people are central to our success and are committed to supporting their professional development and wellbeing. As the Trust Safeguarding Lead, you will benefit from: Relocation support of up to £8,000 towards qualifying expenses. Essential car user allowance to support travel across our Trust. Local Government Pension Scheme membership with employer contributions.

Generous annual leave of 28 days plus bank holidays, with flexibility to take leave throughout the academic year. Employee wellbeing support , including access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Staff benefits , including retail and lifestyle discounts and salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle to Work and Home Tech.

Professional development opportunities , with dedicated support and investment in your continued leadership growth. Strategic influence , with the opportunity to shape safeguarding practice and contribute to the wider direction of a growing Trust. A supportive and collaborative leadership environment , working alongside experienced colleagues who share a strong moral purpose and commitment to excellence.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution within a values-led organisation, where safeguarding, professional integrity and the wellbeing of children and young people are at the heart of our work. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Plymouth CAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and leaders to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and other relevant safer recruitment checks. The successful candidate will be expected to model and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding practice and professional conduct. If you share our commitment to safeguarding, human dignity and educational excellence, we would welcome your application.