Academy Designated Safeguarding Officer (Part time)

Job Description:

The primary purpose of this role is to be the main point of contact regarding Safeguarding issues & practices for staff, parents and players at the Academy.

Roles & Responsibilities

Key duties include:

• Provide regular reports to the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and the Safeguarding team.
• Meet regularly with Club DSO to provide updates.
• Offer direction and guidance to staff regarding safeguarding concerns, allegations, and the Club’s whistleblowing policy.
• To adhere to and promote the club's safeguarding policies and procedures
• Address concerns about poor practice within the Academy in accordance with the safeguarding policy.
• Ensure all safeguarding and poor practice concerns are recorded in a robust system and securely retained, complying with data protection legislation.
• Collaborate with and maintain effective relationships with statutory agencies and football authorities, sharing information when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records on all safeguarding concerns and allegations in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
• Attend regular safeguarding training and keep up to date with relevant legislation, regulations, and best practices.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable groups and respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns.
• Support academy inductions by sharing safeguarding information with parents and players.
• Encourage staff to engage in regular safeguarding education to develop and sustain the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles.
• Address instances of poor behaviour, raise standards in football, promote safeguarding, and create a culture that celebrates good practice within the Academy.
• Organise and deliver workshops on safeguarding topics, such as anti-bullying, appropriate use of social media, and codes of conduct for staff and players.
• Coordinate safeguarding visits, spot checks, and audits of club accommodations and host families throughout the season.

• Implement and contribute to the management of the Host Family provision within the academy, ensuring that all players in host family accommodations are in safe and secure living conditions, in compliance with DBS requirements and internal screening processes.
• Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality regarding any information related to Stockport County Football Club and its operations.
• Ensure the Academy complies with PGAAC safeguarding standards and EFL safeguarding regulations.
• Assist in inputting evidence into The Club and Academy Standards Auditing system in preparation for Academy audits.
• Support academy training evenings or match days as necessary.
• Complete safeguarding risk assessments for trips and tours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential - FA Safeguarding Children or equivalent / Desirable - A recognised qualification in Safeguarding

EXPERIENCE:

Essential - Experience in Safeguarding and working with children / Desirable - ideally in an elite sport environment

KNOWLEDGE:

Essential - Knowledge, understanding, and experience of working with and supporting young people with mental health or wellbeing concerns

SKILLS:

Essential - Strong verbal and written communications skills; Excellent communication skills; Excellent teamwork; Proactive and positive attitude; Resilient to difficult situations; Good computer and numeracy skills; Able to give and receive feedback to colleagues; makes well-considered and timely decisions; Ability to work collaboratively and share communication where necessary

Desirable- Experience of working in a sporting environment; Experience leading training to staff members; Ability to be flexible with working hours

Equality & Diversity

Stockport County Promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Safeguarding

 Stockport County Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. Roles will be subject to a DBS check. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.