Please note that this vacancy is only open to current University of Glasgow employees.

Job Purpose

The University of Glasgow is committed to the wellbeing and success of its students and to providing effective and flexible support services which aid successful study. As a key member of the Student Wellbeing Directorate, the Safeguarding Officer will work within a multi-disciplinary team, to respond to safeguarding concerns, including but not limited to; mental health crises, reports of concerning behaviour and disclosures of harassment, hate crime, sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.

Reporting to the Safeguarding Manager, the Safeguarding Officer will work alongside a range of professional colleagues in counselling and advisory roles to manage risk, support the student safeguarding agenda and ensure appropriate practical advice and guidance for vulnerable students.

The role holder will work collaboratively to support our students and to assist staff who are responding to presenting or emerging concerns. The Safeguarding Officer will develop and nurture partnerships with external agencies and services, to support students whose needs fall outside the remit of Student Services.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. To manage complex cases including, but not limited to, those involving mental health crises, behavioural concerns, gender-based violence, harassment and hate crime disclosed to the University and to provide expert advice and guidance to students and colleagues in line with sector best practice.

2. In partnership with key colleagues in the Wellbeing and Inclusion team, external services and other service/college areas, ensure appropriate support and safety plans for students deemed to be at risk.

3. Respond to concerns received via the University reporting tool and other reporting routes, acting as a point of escalation for the Student Support Officers, Respect Advisers Network and providing guidance to colleagues in the Colleges and Schools.

4. Attend multi-disciplinary team case meetings and individual case conferences, providing professional advice and guidance on the support of vulnerable students and those in crisis.

5. Develop working relationships with key external partners to include, local GP practices, CMHTs, NHS liaison teams, local Police partnerships, Social Services, and local SARCs.

6. Work in partnership with Counselling & Wellbeing Practitioners, Disability & Inclusion Lead. Disability Advisers and other colleagues to identify and manage risk, implementing robust safety and support plans for vulnerable students.

7. Work with relevant service areas to investigate specific student issues either reported or emerging, gathering information to develop a whole picture of a student’s situation and making recommendations for resolution.

8. To contribute to the development of the University’s related policies and procedures drawing upon current work in the sector around safeguarding, mental health, gender-based violence, harassment and hate crime.

9. To ensure working practices and procedures maintain confidentiality in line with data protection requirements and University Policy.

10. To actively engage with external networks and appropriate national events to inform practice and processes, whilst sharing our own good practice.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge/Qualifcations

Essential:  

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (ordinary Degree, SVQ Level 4) with professional membership in relevant discipline e.g. Social Work (Mental health), Mental Health Nursing, Counselling/Psychology/DBT Practitioner.

A2 Able to demonstrate an awareness and relevant knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, mental health, sexual violence, harassment, misconduct and hate crime within a higher education environment or demonstrate the capacity to gain this within a rapid time period.

A3 An understanding of the particular demands and risks associated with managing these issues in a complex organisation.

A4 Good understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity including equality legislation and how it applies.

A5 Knowledge of Data Protection Legislation.

Desirable:

B1 Registered with a statutory regulatory body for health or social care (e.g. HCPC NMC).

B2 Qualified independent sexual violence advocate or advisor.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to engage and influence.

C2 Able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively across teams and boundaries.

C3 Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

C4 Well-developed risk assessment and decision making skills.

C5 Resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure.

C6 Strong case management skills within a demanding environment.

C7 An enthusiasm for, and commitment to, enhancing the student experience.

C8 Commitment to the University’s strategy, vision and values.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Mental health experience in roles such as Social Work MH, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Psychologist, DBT Practitioner, Probationary services.

E2 Experience of working with statutory care, NHS Crisis Teams and / or Community Mental Health Teams.

E3 Experience of working with vulnerable people and those in crisis providing empathetic and practical support.

E4 Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams.

E5 Experience of working with survivors of sexual violence/abuse and of dealing with victims of harassment or hate crime.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of providing MH support in a Higher Education environment and the ability to adapt practice to the local policies and regulations.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum pro rata.

This post is part time (3 days over Mon-Fri) and open ended.

Closing date: 23:45 13th February 2026

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.