Job Description
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Term time only plus Inset days plus 5 days (40 weeks)
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): £32,307
Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
The Burgess Hill Academy is seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to support the safeguarding and welfare of our pupils.
This key role involves managing safeguarding and child protection concerns, making referrals, working closely with pupils and families, and liaising with external agencies. You will support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and promote a strong safeguarding culture across the academy in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong safeguarding and child protection experience
- Has sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance
- Is confident working with external agencies
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills
Previous experience in a DSL/DDSL or safeguarding-focused role is desirable.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of this rewarding opportunity
The Burgess Hill Academy
At The Burgess Hill Academy, students are encouraged to dream big and strive for excellence with our motto, 'Believe in your best'. Our innovative approach to learning inspires a love for reading and provides high-quality pastoral care. We celebrate effort and achievement while promoting exemplary behaviour within the academy and the community.
Leadership opportunities thrive, and we embrace diversity while prioritising student wellbeing. Our commitment is to equip our 1100 students with the qualifications, enrichment experiences, and employability skills necessary for success beyond our walls. Join us in exploring our diverse range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal growth.
Visit us: Home - The Burgess Hill Academy
We truly value the experience, dedication, and commitment of all our employees and believe in the power of motivated and happy staff. This is why we seek to enrich and reward our employees wherever we can, by offering a wide range of exciting and useful employee benefits. These include:
- Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
- Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 22.7%.
- Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 25 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some ‘Time for You’ to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
- Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
- Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
- Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.
Our commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
We welcome applications from all members of the community.
The Trust is proud to be part of the government’s Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistant at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.
Find out more
For further information about this opportunity please download the attached job description and personal specification, and view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack
To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Adam Griffith, Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Key dates
Closing date: 31st May, 2026
Interview date: To be arranged
Proposed start date: September, 2026
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A helpful guide to completing your application is available here: Guidance on your application