Role Responsibilities & Key Duties
- Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of the club’s safeguarding strategy, policies, and procedures in line with statutory guidance, EFL/FA regulations, PGAAC, and Barnardo’s audit standards.
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the club, providing expert advice and support to staff, volunteers, players, and parents/carers regarding safeguarding concerns
- Ensure robust safer recruitment, induction, and ongoing training processes are implemented and maintained for all staff and volunteers
- Oversee and coordinate the management of safeguarding concerns, allegations, and disclosures, ensuring timely and appropriate responses, accurate record-keeping, and effective liaison with statutory agencies.
- Lead on safeguarding risk assessments for activities, events, and individuals as required.
- Deliver and/or commission safeguarding training, ensuring all staff and volunteers are aware of their responsibilities and are up to date with best practice
- Prepare and present regular safeguarding reports to the Board, including compliance updates, risk analysis, and recommendations for improvement.
- Ensure the club’s safeguarding policies are accessible, understood, and implemented at all levels of the organisation
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and best practice, and ensure the club’s practices reflect this
- Promote a culture of listening to children, young people, and adults at risk, ensuring their voices inform safeguarding practice and club decision-making.
- Liaise with the EFL, FA, PGAAC, Barnardo’s, and local safeguarding partners as required, ensuring compliance with all audit and reporting requirements.
- Support the club’s equality, diversity, and inclusion objectives, ensuring safeguarding practice is anti-discriminatory and inclusive.