Safeguarding and Well being Lead

About International Schools Group (ISG)

International Schools Group (ISG) is a multicultural organization of accredited schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering a challenging world-class education. Committed to its mission, ISG inspires innovation and compassionate action. Driven by district guiding principles and strategic priorities, ISG schools are student-centered, with a shared focus complemented by the diversity of the community and curricular frameworks. These frameworks include American state and national standards, the National Curriculum for England, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, iGCSE, and A-Level. ISG is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student is protected, valued, and able to thrive. Safeguarding and student well-being are shared responsibilities across the organization and are central to ISG's commitment to High-Quality Learning, Wellbeing and Belonging, and Professional Excellence.

The Role of Safeguarding and Well-being Lead

The Safeguarding and Well-being Lead provides district-level leadership and professional guidance for the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of ISG's Central Child Protection Strategy and safeguarding systems. This full-time position is based in Al Khobar, Eastern region. Working collaboratively with the Superintendent's Office, school leadership, HR, and relevant departments, the role supports consistent safeguarding practices across all campuses, strengthens prevention and early identification systems, and offers guidance in responding to child protection concerns and incidents. The position also leads district-wide safeguarding awareness and training initiatives, monitors emerging risks and trends, and supports schools in developing effective approaches to student protection and well-being. Through collaboration, consultation, and continuous improvement, the Safeguarding and Well-being Lead promotes a culture of safety, accountability, professional responsibility, and care throughout ISG.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the ISG Central Child Protection Strategy, ensuring alignment with ISG policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent's Office, school leadership, HR, and relevant departments to promote consistent safeguarding practices across all campuses.
• Identify systemic safeguarding risks, evaluate existing practices, and recommend preventative and corrective measures.
• Oversee the district's safeguarding reporting system (MyConcern), including access, staff training, and consistent use.
• Develop and support the implementation of school-wide prevention initiatives and strengthen systems for early identification, reporting, intervention, and monitoring of student safety and well-being concerns.
• Provide professional guidance and consultation to school leaders and staff on responding to child protection concerns and safeguarding incidents, advising on reporting, documentation, referral, and escalation procedures.
• Conduct and oversee district-level reviews of safeguarding practices, assess school-wide risk factors, and develop risk mitigation plans.
• Collect and evaluate safeguarding data to identify trends, monitor concerns, and assess the effectiveness of initiatives.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor regular child protection and safeguarding awareness training for all relevant staff and contractors.
• Provide professional leadership and guidance during crises involving student safety, child protection, or significant student well-being concerns, coordinating with internal and external agencies.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Child Protection, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in Child Protection, Safeguarding, Social Work, Counseling, or Student Well-being.
• Strong knowledge of child protection principles, safeguarding frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of child development, trauma-informed practice, student well-being, and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of safeguarding reporting, referral, documentation, and escalation procedures, as well as relevant child protection legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with safeguarding systems and case management platforms, such as MyConcern, is an asset.

Experience and Skills

• Significant professional experience in child protection, safeguarding, student well-being, or a related field.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring safeguarding policies, strategies, or systems.
• Proven experience advising school leaders and staff on safeguarding concerns, case management, and appropriate interventions.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, reviewing safeguarding practices, and recommending improvements.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering professional training and awareness programs.
• Experience supporting crisis response and coordinating with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working within a K-12 school environment, preferably in an international or multicultural educational setting.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to guide and influence safeguarding practices across multiple campuses.
• Excellent communication, consultation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with school leaders, staff, families, and external stakeholders.
• Sound professional judgment and decision-making when handling sensitive, complex, or high-risk safeguarding matters, maintaining high levels of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify risks, evaluate data, and recommend appropriate interventions and improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and campuses while maintaining professional independence and objectivity.

Commitment to Child Protection

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the safety, security, dignity, and well-being of children and young people, in accordance with ISG's Child Protection Handbook, policies, and procedures. This role requires empathy, maturity, and a strong commitment to child protection, student well-being, and professional responsibility.