Head of Pastoral Care

Head of Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead) The British School of Geneva (BSG)Full-time, Permanent | Senior Leadership Role | Commencing January 2026The British School of Geneva (BSG) seeks an outstanding Head of Pastoral to join its SeniorLeadership Team. The successful candidate will also serve as the Designated SafeguardingLead (DSL), providing strategic direction for all aspects of pastoral care, wellbeing, safeguardingand 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 academicexcellence and develop the life competencies required to thrive in an evolving world.The Head of Pastoral will lead the school's pastoral and safeguarding strategy, overseeing theHouse and Tutor Systems, the Life Competencies Curriculum, and the Behaviour and ConductPolicy, ensuring that every student is known, supported and inspired to reach their potential.We Are Seeking a Leader WhoHas substantial experience in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in a Britishindependent school or international settingDemonstrates excellent judgement, empathy and professionalismCan inspire staff, engage students and build trusted relationships with familiesEmbodies Our Core ValuesIntegrity – acting with honesty, fairness and moral courageRespect – valuing self and others, celebrating diversityAmbition – setting high standards and striving for excellenceResilience – showing determination and self-discipline through challengeService – contributing positively through compassion and responsibilityCuriosity – approaching learning with enthusiasm and creativityWhy Join BSG?A purposeful, caring and internationally minded communityExtensive professional growth opportunities within the International Schools Partnership(ISP)The opportunity to shape and strengthen the school's pastoral and safeguarding cultureA key leadership position within the Senior Leadership TeamStrong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School of GenevaJob DescriptionPurpose of RoleThe Head of Pastoral provides whole-school leadership for pastoral care, wellbeing,safeguarding and personal development.As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder ensures that the higheststandards of child protection, compliance and professional practice are upheldthroughout the school.The role also leads the House and Tutor Systems, the Life Competencies Curriculum,and the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring that every student experiences theschool's Mission, Vision and Values in daily life.ISP PrinciplesBegin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart ofwhat we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are bothessential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifyingpotential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on allconcerns appropriately.Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embracesimilarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important andwill make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embodythe shared ideas of our community.Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needsof the children, students and our schools.Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage withpersonal and professional development and school improvement.Alignment with Mission, Vision and ValuesMissionThe British School of Geneva provides premium education programmes for localand international students, aged 3-18. Students are immersed into high-qualityteaching and learning, developing their knowledge, skills and experience as theygrow into well-rounded, harmonious individuals.VisionThe school of choice in Geneva, where students achieve academic excellence anddevelop the necessary life competencies through personalised learning andoutstanding international opportunities, in a multilingual environment. As a result,our graduates secure their chosen future pathway; prepared for the journey aheadand the challenges of the evolving world.ValuesIntegrity – We act with honesty, fairness and moral courage in all that we do.Respect – We value ourselves and others, celebrating diversity andindividuality.Ambition – We set high standards, striving for excellence in every endeavour.Resilience – We persevere in the face of challenge, showing determinationand self-discipline.Service – We contribute positively to our community through compassion,leadership and responsibility.Curiosity – We approach learning with enthusiasm, creativity and an openmind.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipLead the development and implementation of the school's pastoral andwellbeing strategy.Serve as a senior leader contributing to the strategic direction andaccreditation readiness of the school.Foster a culture in which all students feel safe, respected and motivated toachieve their best.Analyse pastoral and wellbeing data (attendance, behaviour, safeguarding) todrive continuous improvement.Collaborate with academic and operational leaders to ensure coherencebetween academic progress and personal development.Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)Act as the school's DSL in accordance with Swiss legislation, ISP standards andBSG policy.Lead the identification, management and reporting of all safeguardingconcerns 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 tothe Executive Principal.House and Tutor SystemsLead and develop the House System as a vehicle for belonging, pride andstudent leadership.Oversee the Tutor System, ensuring consistent, high-quality daily care forevery student.Work with admissions and academic staff to assess and identify student needsboth 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 andLife Competencies sessions.Behaviour, Conduct and AttendanceLead and implement the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring restorativeand consistent practice.Monitor attendance and punctuality, taking action where concerns arise.Promote positive behaviour and celebrate achievement through whole-schoolrecognition systems.Support staff in managing classroom behaviour and fostering a respectfullearning climate.Life Competencies CurriculumDesign 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 andenrichment.Provide staff training and guidance to ensure confident, consistent delivery.Evaluate and update the programme annually to maintain relevance andimpact.Community and PartnershipsBuild strong relationships with parents and carers on matters of wellbeing,behaviour and safeguarding.Collaborate with external professionals to coordinate comprehensive supportfor students.Represent the school in relevant local and international networks, includingthe International Schools Partnership (ISP) Swiss Group of InternationalSchools (SGIS).Promote the school's pastoral ethos through events, publications andoutreach.Person SpecificationEssentialDegree and recognised teaching qualificationProven leadership in pastoral or safeguarding contextsDeep understanding of safeguarding frameworks and wellbeing practiceExcellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skillsExperience leading teams, tutors or housesStrong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School ofGenevaDesirableFurther qualification in pastoral leadership, counselling or child protectionExperience as a Designated Safeguarding LeadExperience in an international or multilingual contextFamiliarity with reporting systems such as MyConcern and SAI360Experience designing or leading Life Competencies or PSHE programmesExperience in a British independent or international school settingSkills & AttributesStrong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiplepriorities.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust andcollaboration 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 wellbeingof all students.ISP Leadership CompetenciesYou consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies inall that you do.Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperativeand a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships withcolleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment andpassion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supportingothers in their continual learning, development and growth.Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learninginitiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire othersthrough the process of creation through completion.Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking toexceed 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 andexpectations of our students and their families.Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and thenplans, 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 supports all children andadults to learn and work effectively.ISP Commitment to Safeguarding PrinciplesISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and youngpeople and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an onlinedue diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks orequivalent covering the previous 10 years' employment history.ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingISP 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 tothe success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.