Head of Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Full‑time, Permanent | Senior Leadership Role | Commencing January 2026
The British School of Geneva (BSG) seeks an outstanding Head of Pastoral to join its Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will also serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), providing strategic direction for all aspects of pastoral care, wellbeing, safeguarding and personal development across the school. BSG provides premium education programmes for local and international students aged 3–18. Our vision is to be the school of choice in Geneva, where students achieve academic excellence and develop the life competencies required to thrive in an evolving world.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Pastoral provides whole‑school leadership for pastoral care, wellbeing, safeguarding and personal development. As DSL, the postholder ensures the highest standards of child protection, compliance and professional practice are upheld throughout the school.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of the school’s pastoral and wellbeing strategy.
Serve as a senior leader contributing to the strategic direction and accreditation readiness of the school.
Foster a culture in which all students feel safe, respected and motivated to achieve their best.
Analyse pastoral and wellbeing data (attendance, behaviour, safeguarding) to drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate with academic and operational leaders to ensure coherence between academic progress and personal development.
Act as the school’s DSL in accordance with Swiss legislation, ISP standards and BSG policy.
Lead the identification, management and reporting of all safeguarding concerns via MyConcern and SAI360.
Liaise with external agencies, local authorities and families as appropriate.
Ensure all staff receive initial and annual safeguarding training.
Chair the Safeguarding and Child Protection Committee and report regularly to the Executive Principal.
Lead and develop the House System as a vehicle for belonging, pride and student leadership.
Oversee the Tutor System, ensuring consistent, high‑quality daily care for every student.
Work with admissions and academic staff to assess and identify student needs at entry and throughout enrolment.
Coordinate inter‑house activities and assemblies that promote teamwork, service and competition.
Train and mentor tutors and House Leaders to deliver effective pastoral and Life Competencies sessions.
Lead and implement the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring restorative and consistent practice.
Monitor attendance and punctuality, taking action where concerns arise.
Promote positive behaviour and celebrate achievement through whole‑school recognition systems.
Support staff in managing classroom behaviour and fostering a respectful learning climate.
Design and oversee the Life Competencies Curriculum, focusing on resilience, empathy, leadership, digital citizenship and global awareness.
Ensure the curriculum is integrated across tutor time, assemblies and enrichment.
Provide staff training and guidance to ensure confident, consistent delivery.
Evaluate and update the programme annually to maintain relevance and impact.
Build strong relationships with parents and carers on matters of wellbeing, behaviour and safeguarding.
Collaborate with external professionals to coordinate comprehensive support for students.
Represent the school in relevant local and international networks, including the International Schools Partnership (ISP) Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS).
Promote the school’s pastoral ethos through events, publications and outreach.
Person Specification
Essential
Degree and recognised teaching qualification.
Proven leadership in pastoral or safeguarding contexts.
Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks and wellbeing practice.
Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
Experience leading teams, tutors or houses.
Strong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School of Geneva.
Desirable
Further qualification in pastoral leadership, counselling or child protection.
Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Experience in an international or multilingual context.
Familiarity with reporting systems such as MyConcern and SAI360.
Experience designing or leading Life Competencies or PSHE programmes.
Experience in a British independent or international school setting.
Skills & Attributes
Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust and collaboration with all stakeholders.
Deep understanding of inclusion, SEN and personalised learning strategies.
Data‑driven approach to monitoring student progress and evaluating impact.
Commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and promoting the wellbeing of all students.
ISP Leadership Competencies
Collaboration: Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
Learning & Getting Better: Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.
Innovation Leadership: Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through completion.
Outcome Driven: Can be counted on to find solutions, is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
Resilience: Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
Community Focus: Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
Planning & Decision Making: Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
Diversity & Equity: Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that support all children and adults to learn and work effectively.
Commitments
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing and retaining high‑performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio‑economic background or other demographic characteristics.
Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.
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