Designated Safeguarding Lead and Inclusion Specialist

Balance Education are currently working with a client based in Willenhall Wolverhampton that is looking for a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Inclusion Specialist. Our client is a specialist automotive training/apprenticeship provider.

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Inclusion Specialist you will uphold learner safety and success across the provision, with a focus on 16–18yrs and those with additional needs. Ensure early identification of barriers, effective support planning, and strong progress from onboarding to positive destinations. Work with learners, employers, and staff to create safe, inclusive environments where all learners achieve and sustain employment outcomes.

Package:-

- Salary - £40,000

- 25 days annual leave

- Pension

Essential experience and qualifications:-

- Relevant Level 3+ qualification (SEND, youth support, education, or similar).

- Safeguarding qualification (Level 3+).

- English & Maths (Grade 4/C+).

- Ongoing CPD in safeguarding, SEND, or inclusion.

- Supporting post-16 or 16–18 learners.

- Working with SEND, mental health, or disadvantaged learners.

- Developing support plans and interventions.

- Collaborating with employers and delivery staff.

- Using data to monitor progress and risk.

- FE or apprenticeship sector experience. 

Job Description:-

- Act as organisational lead for safeguarding and welfare in line with KCSIE, Prevent, and EIF.

- Embed a strong safeguarding culture across provision and workplaces.

- Lead policy, practice, and staff development to ensure safe, effective learning environments.

- Manage safeguarding concerns, escalation, and risk assessments (including Prevent and PEEPs).

- Ensure learners understand how to stay safe and report concerns.

- Strengthen employer engagement to support safeguarding in the workplace. SEND, Inclusion & Learner Success

- Lead inclusive practice and SEND strategy across the learner journey.

- Ensure early identification of disadvantage and emerging barriers.

- Use data to monitor gaps, trends, and impact of support.

- Embed high expectations—removing barriers without lowering standards.

- Contribute to QIP, and inspection evidence. 

- Oversee robust assessment of learning needs at application, enrolment, and induction.

- Develop learner profiles using diagnostics, disclosures, and prior learning.

- Ensure safe and effective disclosure processes.

- Identify and act on early risk, particularly for 16–18 learners. 

- Lead high-quality support plans using the Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle.

- Ensure plans are personalised, outcomes-focused, and regularly reviewed.

- Promote learner voice, independence, and self-advocacy.

- Embed inclusive teaching and coaching practices across teams. 

- Lead identification and implementation of appropriate adjustments.

- Ensure compliance and impact monitoring.

- Maintain occupational standards while removing barriers.

- Advise employers on supporting learners effectively.

- Share strategies and support plans (with consent).

- Intervene quickly where risks to progress, wellbeing, or retention arise. 

- Lead the 16–18 success strategy (attendance, progress, achievement, destinations).

- Monitor and act on risk indicators (engagement, behaviour, wellbeing, employer concerns).

- Analyse trends and drive timely intervention. 

- Ensure progress reviews reflect support, risk, and personal development.

- Support alternative engagement strategies where needed.

- Track and report on achievement, progression, and sustained employment outcomes. 

- Lead EHCP processes, reviews, and support planning.

- Liaise with local authorities and external agencies.

- Ensure evidence supports funding claims and impact.

- Maintain accurate records and reporting. 

- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, SEND, funding, and EIF expectations.

- Quality assure support plans, reviews, and interventions.

- Produce impact reports and analyse performance gaps.

- Lead case reviews and continuous improvement activity.

Balance Education Limited is committed to safeguarding and look for applicants to share this commitment. This role may involve work with under 18's or vulnerable adults. Successful applicants are subject to thorough vetting and screening checks. Balance Education Limited acts as an Employment Agency for permanent workers and an Employment Business for temporary workers.