Designated Safeguarding Lead – Immediate Start

About the role

GEMS Education is seeking an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead to join one of its international schools in the United Arab Emirates. The role combines strategic leadership of safeguarding and child protection with a reduced teaching timetable, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every student.

Key responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and child protection practice across the school, maintaining the highest standards of student safety.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns, managing referrals, disclosures and ensuring timely, documented action.
• Maintain confidential safeguarding records in line with school, GEMS and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team on complex safeguarding matters.
• Liaise with parents, external agencies and authorities as required.
• Ensure policies, procedures and practices remain current, effective and consistently applied.

Required profile

• Qualified teacher meeting UAE teacher approval requirements.
• Minimum three years (36 months) of relevant experience in safeguarding or child protection.
• Strong professional judgement, discretion and the ability to handle sensitive issues with compassion and rigour.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence to work with senior leadership, staff, families and external agencies.

Required skills

• Child protection practice
• Case Management
• Safeguarding procedures
• Safeguarding training