We are looking for a Safeguarding & Welfare Oversight Lead to work as part of the team that leads the safeguarding strategy and preventative interventions to drive safe, inclusive and fun football culture and environments.

Please include a cover letter with your application, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the criteria.

If you are shortlisted for interview you will be invited to complete an online video interview. Successful candidates post this stage will be invited to an in person interview at St. George's Park on the 24th September.

What will you be doing?

Including but not limited to:

• Oversee a team of Designated Safeguarding and Welfare Leads (DSWLs) deploying them to all relevant England Women's Development Teams events and camps, being their primary point of contact.
• Provide cover as a DSWL for England Women's Development Teams (sometimes this may be at short notice), be deployed as a Tournament Safeguarding Lead, and provide chaperone support for player travel where required.
• Develop Safeguarding Plans and Risk Assessments for England Women's Development Team camps and events, providing support where necessary to the pre-event recce process.
• Input into the Safeguarding Plan and Risk Assessment process across Men's Development Teams, alongside casual Safeguarding & Welfare Support across these areas.
• Attend relevant pre-event planning and Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, including tournament working groups, providing safeguarding input to these processes.
• Provide safeguarding advice and guidance to England Teams, in line with England Safeguarding Policies and Safer Working Practice Guidance.
• Deliver safeguarding briefings and training (in person and virtual), as required across England Development Teams, maintaining currency and relevance of contextualised resources to support learning.
• Work with the Senior Safeguarding Manager, to provide cover for the Safeguarding Duty Line (out-of-hours phone support) for England teams.
• Ensure individual needs or safeguarding requirements of players (inc. those subject to a child protection plan, education health & care plan (EHCP) etc) are supported through Welfare Plans and work with relevant FA teams/dept's and players clubs, parents and carers regarding safeguarding these needs and requirements and that effective strategies are in place to support player behaviour.
• Support colleagues to understand their safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring matters are raised and addressed as appropriate. Escalate and report serious concerns in a timely manner in line with FA Policy.
• Review DWSL post camp and event reports, highlighting good practice, identifying development areas and associated actions, and agreeing follow up with the Senior Safeguarding Manager and relevant colleagues.
• Support the Senior Safeguarding Manager in completing a programme of camp and event Quality Assurance Visits, which will involve travel both within the UK and abroad, for extended periods of time.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

Knowledge:

• A professional safeguarding qualification and/or significant relevant experience in a safeguarding / welfare role in a sport, education, youth work or similar environment.
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding legislation, policy and implementation.
• Understanding of current issues that impact on the development of elite young players/athletes in football, and in particular the challenges facing players in the Women's Game
• Sound working knowledge, principles and practice of data protection, information sharing and confidentiality,
• Sound knowledge of equality legislation and inclusive practices as they relate to safeguarding and additional vulnerability.
• Understanding of men's and women's football and their respective player pathways.

Experience:

• Experience of implementing safeguarding policy and safer working practice guidance.
• Experience of making referrals to statutory organisations.
• Experience of risk and crisis management.
• Experience of delivering safeguarding training and CPD to those working with young people and ideally within a sport environment.
• Experience of managing others, particularly those who have been in child facing roles.
• Experience in collaborating effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting.

Technical Skills:

• Ability to deliver engaging safeguarding briefings, training and workshops to a wide range of staff and players in a way that is accessible and age appropriate.
• Ability to work collaboratively with different levels of professional roles
• Proficient project management skills.
• Proficient reporting writing skills.
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent communication, management, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Willingness to work flexibly, sometimes with extensive travel with national teams for extended durations.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.