Head of Safeguarding in Colchester

Location: Colchester United Football Club

Reports To: Academy Manager & Senior Safeguarding Manager

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Job Purpose: The Head of Safeguarding is the Club’s Designated Safeguarding Officer and will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the safeguarding strategy across all levels of the club, ensuring the safety and welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in club activities. This role will promote a culture of safeguarding throughout the club, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and football governing body regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding Strategy and Policy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures in line with EFL, FA, and statutory requirements. In conjunction with the Senior Safeguarding Manager, lead on the creation and delivery of a club-wide safeguarding strategy that promotes best practices, continuous improvement, and a culture of safety.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure the club meets all legal, regulatory, and EFL safeguarding standards, including regular audits and assessments. Maintain accurate records of all safeguarding concerns, incidents, and referrals, ensuring timely and confidential reporting to relevant authorities. Maintain the Club’s Single Central Record. Liaise with the Lead Academy Administrator to ensure all safeguarding documentation and paperwork is completed on player registration and staff induction. Prepare regular reports for senior management and the Board of Directors on safeguarding matters, including any risks, trends, or areas for improvement.
• Education and Training: Develop and deliver regular safeguarding training and awareness programs for all staff, volunteers, players, and relevant stakeholders. Ensure all employees and volunteers are aware of and adhere to the club’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Case Management and Support: As the Club’s Lead Disclosure Officer, act as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and allegations, providing guidance, support, and advice to staff, players, and stakeholders. Lead on managing and investigating safeguarding incidents in line with club policy and statutory guidance. Liaise with external agencies, such as social services and law enforcement, as required.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including the FA, EFL, local authorities, and community organizations, to promote best practices in safeguarding. Act as the club’s representative on safeguarding matters, attending relevant meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess safeguarding risks within the club’s activities and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Conduct regular safeguarding audits, including risk assessments for activities involving children and vulnerable adults.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Essential: Experience in a senior safeguarding role, ideally within a sports organization or similar setting. Strong knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, regulations, and best practices, including the FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy. Proven experience in managing and investigating safeguarding incidents and concerns. Experience in delivering training and educational programs related to safeguarding. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.
• Desirable: Professional qualification in safeguarding, social work, education, or a related field. Experience working within football or another professional sports environment. Knowledge of EFL and FA safeguarding frameworks and procedures.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• High level of organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Empathetic, approachable, and able to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism.
• Commitment to promoting a culture of safeguarding and welfare across all club activities.

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required, including attendance at home and away matches.
• Full & Clean UK driving licence.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Need to be flexible to accommodate different needs at different times to support players, parents, schools and staff.

All staff must be aware of all safeguarding and equity and diversity issues, along with all academy and club policies, rules and regulations. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.