Safeguarding Lead

About the School

A prominent GEMS international school in the UAE is offering a chance to contribute to a high-standard international education environment. The school serves a diverse student body and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and aspirational atmosphere to help every student flourish. Being part of GEMS Education, the school enjoys the extensive resources and expertise of a leading global private education provider while emphasizing student wellbeing, academic achievement, and continuous development.

Position Overview

We are recruiting a dedicated Safeguarding Lead responsible for strategic and operational oversight of student protection and safety. This leadership role involves close collaboration with school leadership, pastoral teams, teaching staff, families, and external bodies to uphold safeguarding standards. Although primarily a leadership role in safeguarding, the successful applicant will maintain a reduced teaching load and must be a qualified and experienced educator.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide safeguarding and child protection standards across the school to ensure student wellbeing and safety.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for any safeguarding or child protection issues.
• Handle safeguarding referrals, disclosures, and concerns diligently, ensuring prompt response and precise documentation.
• Keep thorough and confidential safeguarding records aligned with school, GEMS, and regulatory protocols.
• Work alongside the Principal and Senior Leadership Team on intricate safeguarding cases.
• Engage with parents, external agencies, and authorities when required.
• Ensure policies and practices regarding safeguarding remain updated, efficient, and consistently applied school-wide.
• Identify new safeguarding risks, trends, and areas needing intervention or support.
• Promote a school culture where safeguarding is recognized as a shared responsibility by all community members.
• Deliver and organize safeguarding training sessions for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Ensure new employees receive proper safeguarding induction and understand reporting protocols.
• Provide ongoing advice to staff on handling safeguarding concerns.
• Support cultivating a proactive, whole-school culture prioritizing student safety and protection.
• Stay informed about advancements in safeguarding practices and relevant UAE regulations.
• Undertake a reduced teaching timetable aligned with subject expertise and experience.
• Deliver high-quality lessons consistent with the school's curriculum and standards.
• Develop positive, trusted relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
• Contribute to the pastoral and professional life of the school beyond teaching duties.

Candidate Profile

• Must hold a recognized teaching qualification such as B.Ed, PGCE, State Teaching Licence, or equivalent.
• Possess a relevant bachelor's degree satisfying UAE teacher approval requirements.
• Have at least three years of successful teaching experience in a recognized school setting.
• Demonstrate significant expertise in safeguarding and child protection, ideally as a Designated or Deputy Safeguarding Lead or similar roles.
• Show thorough knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child protection practices, and case management.
• Have experience managing sensitive disclosures, referrals, and complex safeguarding cases.
• Be capable of delivering safeguarding training and providing support to colleagues in safeguarding matters.
• Exhibit excellent professional judgement and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Possess strong communication and relationship-building abilities, confident in collaborating with students, parents, leadership, and external agencies.
• Adopt a calm, compassionate, and student-focused approach.
• Maintain a firm commitment to the highest safeguarding and professional standards.
• Experience working in international schools or within the UAE is advantageous but not compulsory.
• Must be available to start immediately or by January 2027.

Benefits

• Competitive tax-free salary package.
• Fully furnished individual accommodation provided.
• Annual economy return flight allowance.
• Private medical insurance coverage.
• Tuition fee benefits for one child.
• Visa sponsorship and relocation support.
• End of service gratuity as per regulations.
• Access to GEMS Rewards program.

Additional Information

Interviews will occur on a rolling basis, either in person or virtually. Early applications are encouraged as appointments may be made before the closing date. The selection process is confidential, with detailed school information shared with shortlisted candidates at suitable stages.