SEMH Safeguarding Practitioner

• West Suffolk College - Bury St Edmunds
• 37 hours per week, 42 weeks per year - Permanent
• Salary: £26,703 - £29,058 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Actual salary: £24,222 - £26,358 per annum

We are seeking a dedicated safeguarding professional with a strong understanding of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and the ability to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns with sensitivity and precision. This role is central to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, particularly those with SEMH challenges, and involves making timely and appropriate referrals to relevant services, including the police or social services.

A deep awareness of contextual safeguarding is essential, as is the ability to assess risk in complex situations involving students with SEMH difficulties, Children in Care, Young Adult Carers, or those with diagnosed or emerging mental health conditions. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in working closely with College staff to ensure these risks are understood, communicated, and effectively managed.

Excellent communication, IT, and organisational skills are key. You will collaborate with tutors, parents, and senior leaders, coordinating internal and external resources to address safeguarding concerns, the PREVENT agenda, and wider student welfare matters such as housing and financial vulnerability.

If you are passionate about safeguarding and supporting students with SEMH needs, and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Free parking
• Canteen
• Company events
• Access to various memberships and discount schemes
• Learning and development opportunities - including staff development days
• Funded subject course development for your role
• Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities
• Career progression opportunities

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For further information please contact our recruitment team at:

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND APPLY DIRECTLY VIA OUR PORTAL. WE CANNOT ACCEPT INDEED APPLICATIONS OR CVS AS A FORMAL APPLICATION, THANK YOU.

Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal - if you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Closing Date: 8.00am on Monday 10th November

Interviews: To be held shortly thereafter

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date, early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £26,703.00-£29,058.00 per year

Work Location: In person