Pay Scale: NJC SCP 42–47
Contract: Permanent, full time (36 hours per week)
Report to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Central Office with travel across Trust sites
Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust is a family of Catholic schools, established by the Archbishop of Liverpool, at an exciting turning point in its development. We currently have four secondary schools and four primary schools, with a number of schools set to join the Trust this year as we grow significantly.
Inspired by the Gospel and the teachings of Pope Francis, we are united in our mission to provide the very best Catholic education that encourages every person to strive, achieve and flourish, mindful of the needs of others, with no one left behind. Our values of Joy, Mercy, Service, Dignity and Solidarity are not just words: they are our way of working, learning and being.
We understand that each school is unique and has its own distinctive community to serve. Our model is not transactional or one of entitlement; it is one of accompaniment, support and challenge within a family of schools. Safeguarding sits at the very heart of everything we do — parents entrust us with their most precious gift, and our greatest priority is to keep all children and adults in our community safe.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a pivotal stage in our development and lead safeguarding across a growing family of schools.
The Safeguarding Lead will develop, implement and lead the Trust’s safeguarding strategy alongside headteachers and school colleagues, ensuring not only strong safeguarding procedures and compliance but the strongest possible culture of safeguarding across every school in the Trust.
Working from the Central Office and reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be the principal source of expert safeguarding advice for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and headteachers, lead Trust-wide audits and quality assurance, and ensure all academies remain fully compliant with statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Ideal Candidate Will:
• Hold DSL Level 3 training, or demonstrate a clear commitment to completing it
• Have a thorough understanding of safeguarding in a school environment and relevant legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Bring experience of supporting others in a work-based environment to improve performance and practice
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to advise, train and report to senior stakeholders and the Trust Board
• Be able to carry out robust safeguarding audits, quality assurance reviews and SCR checks, and support schools in acting on recommendations
• Have strong IT and data analysis skills, including experience of safeguarding monitoring software and management information systems
• Be confident working with multiagency teams and establishing effective partnerships with external agencies
• Share a commitment to Catholic education and the Trust’s values of Joy, Mercy, Service, Dignity and Solidarity
Experience within academy trusts, multi-academy trusts or Catholic education would be advantageous.
How to Apply
To find out more and register your interest for the role, please visit Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust
If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation before the closing date, please contact Louise Jones at louise.jones@pfcmat.org.
Key Dates
• Closing date for applications: Wednesday 1st July 2026 at 5.00pm
• Interviews: Friday 10th July 2026
Safeguarding
Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful in being appointed to a post, you will be expected to apply for a disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service as well as other employment checks before your appointment is confirmed.
This post is subject to satisfactory references (requested prior to interview), an enhanced DBS check, medical check, evidence of qualifications and verification of the right to work in the UK.
To apply for this job please visit: www.pfcmat.org.
Please mention catholicrecruitment.co.uk when applying.