Safeguarding Regional Officer in Preston

The role is regional and field based, with a catchment of Clubs based in the north of England, most of which are located in the North-West.

JOB PURPOSE

The Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for ensuring that EFL Clubs meet and exceed Safeguarding requirements, as detailed through the EFL Safeguarding Standards. As the first point of contact, Safeguarding Officers will support EFL Clubs in all aspects of Safeguarding Compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Visit EFL Clubs to support and challenge their Safeguarding provision in line with the EFL Safeguarding Standards.
• Be the initial point of contact for safeguarding issues across EFL clubs.
• Educate and assess awareness of current Safeguarding legislation within EFL Clubs.
• Ensure that member clubs are fully compliant with all safeguarding legislation and help to embed safeguarding into the culture of clubs.
• Work with the Club Senior Safeguarding Manager and Designated Safeguarding Officer to continually review and update safeguarding policies, standards, procedures and guidance.
• Ensure all relevant employees and/or volunteers have the appropriate levels of DBS check, working with clubs to produce a Single Central Register (SCR).
• Assist the Head of Safeguarding in the completion of an annual safeguarding training needs analysis of EFL Clubs.
• Keep abreast of relevant legislation, policy and recognised good practice and disseminate these as appropriate.
• Liaise with the EFL in the Community (EFLitC) and League Football Education (LFE) to ensure a consistent provision of advice and support.
• Attend the Safeguarding Strategy Group and input into the strategic development of Safeguarding within the EFL, EFL Trust and LFE.
• Influence, advise and support employees on safeguarding issues.
• Ensure Safeguarding is at the forefront of everything you do to promote a safe environment for the organisation, Clubs, Football Club charities and Partners.
• Contribute to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion as part of the culture of the organisation.
• Any other duties as required by the Head of Safeguarding.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

• Qualified in an appropriate field (e.g. youth work, social care, education).
• Knowledge and understanding of developing, managing and/or implementing policies and procedures in relation to the safety and welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety issues, and statutory and other guidance on youth and vulnerable groups.
• Understanding of best practice and Statutory Regulation impacting on the protection of young people and vulnerable groups.
• Practical working competency of planning and delivering workshops, training events, network events and supporting knowledge sharing with a range of stakeholders.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• The ability to exercise the highest standards of confidentiality and to work sensitively with those affected by issues of safeguarding.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with senior stakeholders both written and verbally.
• A good presenter.
• A working knowledge of best-practice within the safeguarding field – able to implement robust processes and manage relationships to have them be successful.
• Able to identify examples of poor practice and ensure that necessary change is implemented.
• An organised person, able to work independently, plan well and with strong attention to detail.

ATTRIBUTES

• Able to demonstrate a strong conviction regarding the need to safeguard young people and vulnerable groups.
• Able to analyse complex situations, make decisions and advise appropriately.
• Self-motivated and resilient.
• A proven ability to meet a variety of deadlines throughout the season.
• Able to build and sustain good working relationships with others, both internally and externally.
• Lead by example by contributing to promoting the principles of the EFL.

INTRODUCTION TO THE EFL

The English Football League (EFL) is the highest attended football league and largest single body of professional clubs in Europe. It is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Sky Bet Play-Offs, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy competitions, plus youth and reserve team football.

OUR TEAM AT THE EFL

The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, Clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment. Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team.

THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM

The EFL Safeguarding team support Clubs to:

• Achieve the safeguarding standards.
• Ensure that Clubs are compliant with statutory legislation, guidance, and football regulations in respect of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice.
• Support Clubs dealing with concerns and disclosures.
• Provide quality assured safeguarding training.
• Promote good practice and opportunities for networking.

SAFEGUARDING

The EFL is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

INCLUSION

The EFL is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants fulfilling the criteria will be considered in a meritocratic way and without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity.