Full Time, 37 hours per week, permanent, based at Uxbridge with a need to travel to Nottingham occasionally

Salary £33,951

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

The safeguarding officer is the first point of contact for staff regarding safeguarding concerns, or where seeking advice and information on safeguarding

They will work as an embedded and fully collaborative member of the student wellbeing Team. The post-holder will provide effective, professional guidance, advice and signposting to staff, students, and the SU on safeguarding issues, safeguarding training, be responsible for managing and updating the safeguarding policy, work closely with the DBS working group, and will be responsible for; implementation of a safeguarding governance and monitoring process, safeguarding investigations, serious incident reports (where safeguarding input is needed), and will work closely with the other safeguarding officers (no line management responsibly).

What We Offer

a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days) Hybrid working (dependent on business needs) training & development support opportunities contributory pension scheme free gym membership for our on-site gym a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Jill Austen @ Jill.Austen@bnu.ac.uk

All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing Date: 24/07/2026

Interview Date: 12/08/2026

The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.

If you are invited to interview, you will be required to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. If you hold a visa, you must also provide your current visa and immigration status. Please note that sponsorship is dependent on the salary level of the role, and this position does not meet the salary threshold for visa sponsorship unless the new entrant route criteria apply

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Job Description

Job Title: Safeguarding Officer

College/Directorate: Directorate for Student Success

Grade: F

Location: Uxbridge (will be required to cover all campuses)

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Student Hub Manager

Job Purpose

The safeguarding officer is the first point of contact for staff regarding safeguarding concerns, or where seeking advice and information on safeguarding They will work as an embedded and fully collaborative member of the student wellbeing Team. The post-holder will provide effective, professional guidance, advice and signposting to staff, students, and the SU on safeguarding issues, safeguarding training, be responsible for managing and updating the safeguarding policy, work closely with the DBS working group, and will be responsible for; implementation of a safeguarding governance and monitoring process, safeguarding investigations, serious incident reports (where safeguarding input is needed), and will work closely with the other safeguarding officers (no line management responsibility)

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role

Work closely with the Head of Students and Wellbeing, and the Director for Student Success in reviewing safeguarding process, governance, policy, and implementation. Work with the Head of Students and Wellbeing, managers in the Centre for Students and wellbeing, the SU, other safeguarding officers, and staff across the university, in providing expert advice in any investigation or serious incident case. Lead on monitoring and data around safeguarding incidents, risks, and investigations. Lead on review and updating of the safeguarding policy and implementation for the organisation. Assess all safeguarding issues to enable appropriate onward referrals to other parts of the Directorate, Schools, University, or external agencies as appropriate. Provide appropriate advice, guidance and information in areas including (but not limited to); enrolment and registration, financial support, disability concerns, course-related enquiries and general safeguarding matters Disseminate a range of information and guidance materials to staff. Work with L&D to improve and monitor staff training needs. Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures relating to safeguarding students in HE Work as a team to ensure that the safeguarding students is covered at all campuses Any other duties appropriate to the grade and role of post holder Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices. Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

Degree plus experience in a similar or related role OR proven track record of extensive work experience in a relevant area

A

Knowledge & Experience

An expert understanding of safeguarding within a higher education context

A/I

A/I

Experience of planning and progressing complex work projects within guidelines, using initiative and judgement

A/I

Experience of communicating effectively with people at various levels of seniority including colleagues and customers

A/I

Experience of embracing new ideas, developing new initiatives, and implementing change and improvement processes

A/I

Experience of problem-solving and identifying appropriate resolutions in order to deliver projects successfully

A/I

Experience of working within and across a complex, multifunctional organisation

A/I

Understanding of University structure/policies

A/I

Skills

Creative and innovative with a commitment and passion for enhancing the student experience

A/I

Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office

A/I

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build networks across the University and more broadly, and to negotiate and influence at all levels

A/I

Excellent planning and organisation skills

A/I

Ability to work with minimal supervision, prioritising and planning own to deliver to targets

A/I

Ability to produce clear written reports and to contribute to informal and formal discussions and presentations

A/I

Ability to source, analyse and interpret information/data

A/I

Special Requirements

Understanding of safeguarding legislation, regulations and guidance for HEIs

A/I

Willingness and ability to travel to off-site locations

I

Occasional weekend support will be required

I

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) Is a Framework For All University Staff That Sets Out The Key Behaviours That Exemplify The DRIVE Values And Ethos Of The University. The Nine Categories Provide a Clear Steer On Behavioural Expectations That Will Help Support a Step Change In The Performance And Culture Of The University. The Three Key Behavioural Indicators For This Post Are As Follows

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.