Safeguarding Lead

Role Summary

You will lead Hays Travel’s safeguarding function across both Head Office and Retail operations. In close collaboration with the People Partners, the Learning and Development Department, and other key stakeholders, you will ensure the welfare and safety of all colleagues—particularly Apprentices and vulnerable individuals—across the business. This role will champion a culture of safeguarding and deliver high standards of protection and support throughout the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations and relevant safeguarding legislation.
• Provide regular safeguarding updates and reports to Stakeholders and contribute to quarterly Board reporting.
• Collaborate with the Recruitment Department to develop and embed safer recruitment and induction practices.
• Lead the development, implementation, promotion, training, and ongoing review of safeguarding policies and practices to uphold the highest standards.
• Act as the named lead for all safeguarding incidents, concerns, and allegations; provide expert advice and guidance to the Safeguarding People Partners and other colleagues.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records relating to all safeguarding matters.
• Provide clear direction and guidance to colleagues on responding appropriately to welfare concerns.
• Drive the implementation of Hays Travel’s safeguarding strategy, action plan, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify training needs and develop safeguarding education aligned to specific roles and responsibilities, supporting both new and existing colleagues.
• Attend relevant meetings, conferences, seminars, and forums to maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, best practice, and sector developments.
• Monitor alerts from computer monitoring software and provide appropriate support to Apprentices, ensuring early intervention where necessary.
• Embed the legal requirements and best practices of the Prevent duty across the business.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Strong working knowledge of the safeguarding legal and procedural framework, including the role of and engagement with external agencies.
• Previous experience in a similar safeguarding role; familiarity with the Ofsted inspection framework is desirable.
• Competent IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven experience in maintaining accurate records and producing concise reports.
• Experience in designing and delivering safeguarding training is advantageous.
• Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and its impact on safeguarding matters.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to tailor your approach to a diverse range of audiences.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• A flexible and proactive attitude, with the resilience to operate in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• High levels of personal integrity and discretion, especially when dealing with confidential or sensitive matters.
• Emotional resilience and the ability to manage involvement in potentially distressing situations with empathy and professionalism.
• A commitment to reflective practice, personal development, and acting on constructive feedback.
• Cultural awareness and a compassionate, approachable manner.

Qualifications Required

• Safeguarding Lead certification (or willingness to attain).
• Prevent Duty certification (or willingness to attain).
• A good standard of education, with a minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.
• Willingness to work towards additional qualifications relevant to the role.

General Requirements

• DBS clearance and satisfactory employment references are required.
• Willingness to undertake other duties that fall within the scope of the role.
• Adherence to all Hays Travel policies and procedures, including those related to Health and Safety.
• Commitment to treating all colleagues, customers, and suppliers with dignity and respect, and to consistently demonstrating the Company’s SMILE values.

Our values

Our SMILE values are embedded in to our company and ensure our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.

• Supportive
• Motivational
• Innovative
• Loyal
• Excellent

Working with us

Whichever location or department you work in, our people are always at the heart of everything we do. We offer a range of training programmes to help you progress personally and professionally, as we know the benefits of promoting and rewarding our hardworking colleagues are extremely important.

Of course, it's not all about work. We’re very sociable and there are always lots of team nights-out and company parties. Plus, there are opportunities to travel abroad on educational trips, and you can also take advantage of our colleague discount when booking your own holidays.

Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.