Purpose of Role To lead and promote a whole‑school approach to safeguarding, child protection, and student wellbeing within an international school setting. The postholder will provide high‑quality counselling support and ensure safeguarding practices align with UK statutory guidance, including best practice from international adaptations of safeguarding frameworks.

Responsibilities

Provide confidential counselling support to students across Primary and Secondary phases.

Deliver early intervention and short‑term support for emotional, social, and mental health needs.

Design and implement a whole‑school wellbeing programme reflecting the needs of a diverse, international student body.

Support transition points (e.g. Primary to Secondary, new students joining mid‑year).

Promote resilience, inclusion, and positive mental health through assemblies, workshops, and PSHE contributions.

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with UK safeguarding expectations, adapted to the Spanish/international context.

Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection procedures across the school.

Manage safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and referrals, ensuring timely and appropriate action.

Liaise with local Spanish authorities and international safeguarding agencies where required.

Maintain accurate, secure, and GDPR‑compliant safeguarding records.

Deliver safeguarding induction and ongoing training for all staff, including international hires.

Provide guidance to staff on identifying and responding to safeguarding and wellbeing concerns.

Support teaching staff in managing student wellbeing within the classroom.





Promote a strong safeguarding culture aligned with international best practice.

Ensure safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of school life.

Contribute to policy development and annual reviews (Safeguarding, Behaviour, Anti‑Bullying, Wellbeing).

Build effective relationships with families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Communicate sensitively with parents/carers regarding safeguarding and wellbeing concerns.

Work with external professionals (psychologists, social services, medical providers).

Support coordination with embassies or international agencies where relevant.

Qualifications

Degree in Psychology, Counselling, or related field.

Accredited counselling qualification (e.g. BACP, UKCP, or equivalent international body).

DSL / Safeguarding Level 3 training (or willingness to obtain).

Additional training in child protection or trauma‑informed practice desirable.

Experience

Experience working in an international or British curriculum school (highly desirable).

Proven experience managing safeguarding cases and referrals.

Experience supporting children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Skills & Competencies

Strong understanding of UK safeguarding principles applied internationally.

Excellent interpersonal and cross‑cultural communication skills.

Ability to handle complex, sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.

Strong organisational skills, particularly in record‑keeping and case management.

Fluency in English required; Spanish or Catalan advantageous.

Personal Attributes

Culturally responsive and globally minded.

Calm, resilient, and solution‑focused.

Strong ethical standards and professional integrity.

Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and student wellbeing.

📌 School Counsellor SGB (Madrid)
🏢 International Schools Partnership
📍 Madrid