EDI Lead Officer

Job Purpose: To manage, implement, co-ordinate and deliver the Reading FC Community Trust EDI department, and to support Reading Football Club in the development and management of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at all levels of the game. To follow the Trust’s Safeguarding and EDI policies and procedures, with the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults being of paramount importance. To uphold the Trust’s Sustainability Policy and make every effort to make good sustainable choices (outlined in the policy).

Location: Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL

Responsibilities:

• Strategically implement, evaluate and develop the EDI action plan and development plan for the CCO.
• Support the coaches in the development, implementation, maintenance and monitoring of the EDI action plan, in line with requirements for funding.
• Collect and evaluate information about the outputs and outcomes of the EDI departments services.
• Promote and expand disability projects and activities in line with the strategic direction of Reading FC Community Trust.
• Manage and monitor the EDI departments budget and provide regular reports on the budget as required.
• Produce annually work programmes with key objectives and performance indicators.
• Monitor performance against set objectives and targets.
• Report programme progress to the relevant funding agencies against targets agreed within the EDI plan.
• Maintain and submit accurate records of activities in line with departmental requirements and collate evidence of activities as directed.
• Oversee the CCO EDI departments monitoring and evaluation works, reporting to the SMT.
• Ensure all relevant quality standards are met in coaching, games, tournaments, education, and personal development activities.
• Develop disability coach development/education workshops either impairment specific or pan disability for staff and volunteers.
• Deliver coaching sessions for disabled people as and when the programme requires.
• Develop effective working relationships with key partners and agencies, raising the profile of Reading FC Community Trust EDI programme through building up local networks and representation on local groups.
• Apply for funding to enhance and expand the current EDI programme.
• Engage and consult with the local communities and partners to improve the delivery of opportunities and services at a local level and increase participation amongst targeted groups.
• Identify gaps in community provision of football/sport and develop new opportunities as appropriate.
• Provide information and articles for the Reading website and match day programmes.
• Adhere to a strict code of confidentiality in respect of any information relating to Reading Football Club and its operation.
• Maintain and follow Reading Football Club Community Trust's policies and procedures.
• Coordinate coaching football and multi sports programmes within colleges, day centres or through disability support agencies.
• Coordinate volunteers and their development that underpin the EDI programme.
• Line manage the EDI staff workforce and manage staff supervisions on a bi-monthly basis.
• Work alongside Safeguarding Officer to ensure safeguarding software (MyConcern) is regularly updated with relevant information.

Qualifications:

• Coaching Disabled Football Qualifications
• Registered member of the Football Associations Coaches Association (FACA)
• Valid DBS, First Aid and Child protection
• Full clean UK drivers licence
• FA Generic Tutor Trained
• SCUK Coaching Disabled performers

Experience:

• Experience of delivering sports/football coaching within the EDI sector.
• At least 3 years experience of working in sports development.
• Experience of adapting coaching sessions to meet the needs of disabled people.
• Experience of SEND short breaks provision.
• Knowledge of impairment groups.
• Knowledge of funding agencies.
• Experience of managing community sports programmes and staff.
• Computer literate with the ability to use Microsoft Office Applications.
• Experience of public relations and marketing.
• Experience of writing reports.
• Knowledge of the Football Associations EDI strategy.
• Experience of accessing funding opportunities.
• Knowledge of the local and regional EDI landscape.
• Experience in working with local authorities.
• Experience collaborating with partnership groups.

Knowledge:

• Secure knowledge of EDI issues across the range of protected characteristics.
• Knowledge of national EDI campaigns.
• Knowledge of PLCF and EFL in the Community.

Skills:

• Effective and empathetic communicator.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Approachable.
• Organization and coaching/teaching skills.
• Highly motivated with a passion for sport and working with community groups.
• A proven ability to network and build positive partnerships within the community.
• Team player.

In order to apply, please send your CV along with your Cover Letter to Janhavi Thakurdesai (Governance and HR Administrator): jthakurdesai@readingfc.co.uk