Safeguarding, Welfare and Health & Safety Officer

Oxford International Education Group is a renowned institution dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences to international students. With a global presence and a commitment to academic excellence, we strive to empower students to achieve their full potential and thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world. We are proud of our culture and have recently been officially certified as a Great Place to Work ©!

Job purpose

As a Safeguarding and Welfare Officer, with the support of the College Manager and College Director, you are the first point of contact for any student safeguarding and welfare matters that arise. The role requires an empathetic approach and excellent communication skills.

You will be liaising with: Prospective and Current Students, Safeguarding team members (including SLT Designated Lead and DSL, Student Records and Exam Officer, Attendance Officer, Student Communications Officer, Finance Officer, Admissions Team, Internal Tutors, the Academic Director and Head of English as well as Safeguarding and Welfare links of the University of Greenwich.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Must have knowledge of issues relating to student welfare.
• Must have an understanding of the UK higher education sector.
• The candidate should have experience of working in professional academic and personal support role in a busy office/college environment. They should possess excellent IT, written spoken communication skills, an organized approach to work with a high standard of accuracy and an ability to priorities and manage their own workload effectively.
• The candidate must have the ability to maintain a calm attitude under pressure, for example when dealing with challenging and stressful situations.
• Must be able to demonstrate model behaviours that, at all times, are consistent with an open, inclusive and participative style.
• Must be proactive in identifying and pursuing opportunities that are appropriate to maintaining his/her professional development, and actively participate in the Group’s appraisal scheme.
• Must be able to carry our his/her duties at all times with due regard to the Group’s policies, including Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, and Data Protection, and participate in training as and when required.
• Must work flexibly and to undertake such other duties that may reasonably allocated by the line manager.
• You will help students settle into life within UGIC- The International College in the University of Greenwich and within the UK, making them feel at home and welcomed throughout their stay.
• Promoting safeguarding within UGIC/UoG and working with all relevant parties to ensure a safe and inclusive environment is achieved for all students and staff members.
• Actively promoting the welfare of the students with support from all other members of staff
• Complete all necessary paperwork accurately and in a timely manner, for example accident reports
• Support students in submitting all necessary Extenuating Circumstances and GIP paperwork to the various Faculties at the University of Greenwich
• Liaise closely with the College Admin and Academic teams to check and follow up on student absences and accurate records to share with all relevant parties
• Knowledge of administering first aid (preferred) and conduct basic first aid whenever it is required
• Respond to any welfare emergencies throughout your employment
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and are accurate, maintaining the safety of the students and activities
• Have a thorough understanding of accommodation arrangements for students and liaise with the UoG Accommodation Links when an intervention needs to take place
• Take the lead on actively promoting the welfare of the students (this includes delivering a welfare induction to the students on arrival) with support from all other members of staff
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) in absence of the DSL.
• Make decisions in safeguarding cases and follow cases through to conclusion.
• Monitor student queries and responding within a timely manner.
• Educate students as appropriate on issues relating to Safeguarding, Prevent and Welfare.
• Develop and deliver resources (including training) for student/staff use in relation to Safeguarding, Prevent and Welfare, and monitor their use/completion.
• Coordinating and keeping records of who has completed training in liaison with other teams across UGIC and UoG as necessary.
• Work across UGIC, under the guidance of the College Manager, to ensure the best student experience.
• Ensure all case management is confidential and is managed in accordance with UGIC policies and procedures.
• Liaise with guardians and other relevant parties as required, whilst maintaining require levels of confidentiality.
• Counsel UGIC employees to ensure and promote health and safety in the workplace and co-ordinate accident prevention and health and safety measures within the organisation in coordination with the Health and Safety Department of the University of Greenwich.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties, as directed by your line manager – the College Manager.

Person Specification

Legal status

• Eligible to live and work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS check (or overseas equivalent where applicable)

Qualifications

• Be native or near native English - must be a proficient user of English
• Have a valid First Aid certificate (this may be provided by the company) (Desirable)

Experience and knowledge

• Have a flexible approach to your work, along with the ability to cope with changing priorities
• Have the drive to work collaboratively and contribute to the team’s s
• Have prior experience working with children and/or teenagers
• Have previous management experience in a residential summer school/camp environment or in other professional settings (Desirable)

Personal qualities

• Have excellent communication skills
• Have the ability to deliver high levels of professional conduct
• Demonstrate respect for equal opportunities and respect for race and diversity

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision.

Oxford International is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Oxford International is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant and employee has the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.