Manager - School Safety and Safeguarding

Job Description: Manager - School Safety and Safeguarding

Position Title: Manager - School Safety and Safeguarding
Reporting To: Div Manager Safety Operations and Data
Location: Pune/Bangalore/Mumbai/Noida

Role Overview

The Manager of School Safety and Safeguarding will oversee the safety, security, and safeguarding protocols across a group of schools. This role involves conducting hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRA), managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The individual will lead the development and implementation of safety processes, documentation, and incident management strategies. Additionally, they will facilitate various training programs, drills, and guide schools in maintaining a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Safety and Risk Management
• Conduct Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) for schools, identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Implement effective safety and safeguarding policies aligned with school needs and industry standards.
• Regularly assess and update safety protocols in response to new risks or incidents.
2. Stakeholder Management
• Act as the primary point of contact for school leaders, administrative teams, local authorities, parents, and other stakeholders concerning safety and security matters.
• Foster relationships with external agencies, emergency services, and relevant regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and preparedness.
• Communicate safety concerns, policies, and actions clearly to various stakeholders.
3. Training and Drills
• Develop and implement safety training programs for staff, teachers, students, and other school personnel.
• Organize regular emergency drills (fire, earthquake, lockdown, etc.) and evaluate performance to ensure preparedness.
• Provide specialized training on safeguarding issues, including child protection and anti-bullying policies.
4. Incident Management
• Coordinate response to critical incidents, including emergencies, evacuations, or health-related concerns.
• Serve as the lead on-site coordinator during incidents, working with emergency response teams.
• Maintain detailed records of incidents and responses, analysing the outcomes for continuous improvement.
5. Documentation and Process Implementation
• Guide schools in developing safety documentation, including risk assessments, safeguarding protocols, incident reports, and emergency response plans.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, health and safety standards, and organizational policies.
• Implement a system for regular audits and reviews of safety processes to ensure up-to-date compliance.
6. Policy Development and Compliance
• Assist in the development and review of safety and safeguarding policies, ensuring they reflect best practices and statutory requirements.
• Ensure schools adhere to legal and regulatory obligations, including health and safety, fire safety, and child protection laws.
• Monitor compliance across the group of schools, taking corrective actions where necessary.

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of safety and security regulations: Particularly in educational settings.
• Experience in conducting HIRA and creating risk mitigation strategies.
• Training and facilitation skills: Ability to deliver training and manage drills effectively.
• Excellent stakeholder management: Capable of working with diverse groups, from school leadership to external emergency responders.
• Crisis management and problem-solving: Experience in handling incidents and leading safety initiatives.
• Documentation and compliance expertise: Proficiency in maintaining and guiding documentation processes.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel between schools as needed.
• Flexible to manage on-call emergencies outside standard working hours.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work autonomously while reporting to senior leadership across multiple business lines.