Non Executive Director - Responsible Business & Safeguarding in Cleethorpes

Grimsby Town Football Club are seeking a Non Executive Director (NED) to provide independent challenge and Board-level assurance that the Club is well governed, inclusive, safe and responsible in the way it conducts its business. The NED will act as the Board lead for safeguarding and will oversee EDI as part of the Club's wider commitment to being a responsible business. The role is strategic and non-executive: day-to-day delivery remains with the Chief Executive and operational leads.

In this role you will:

• Provide independent challenge and advice on responsible business, organisational culture, EDI and safeguarding.
• Support the Club's compliance with applicable EFL, FA and Independent Football Regulator governance and reporting requirements.
• Monitor progress against the EFL Equality Code of Practice and challenge the Club to improve inclusion and accessibility for supporters, employees and participants.
• Receive regular reports on safeguarding risks, incidents and themes, training, safer recruitment, audits and outstanding actions.
• Seek assurance that safeguarding policies, reporting routes and escalation arrangements are clear and effective.
• Maintain regular contact with the Foundation Trustee to share assurance, risks and learning where the two organisations intersect.
• Meet regularly with the Club Safeguarding Lead and at least quarterly with the Foundation Safeguarding and EDI Trustee.
• Provide an annual summary to the Board covering progress, principal risks, audit actions and priorities for the following year.

The Director provides oversight, challenge and assurance. They do not manage safeguarding cases, conduct investigations, act as the Designated Safeguarding Officer or replace statutory, professional or football-authority referral routes. Operational responsibility remains with the Chief Executive and designated leads.

About The Candidate

The skills and experience we are looking for are:

• Essential: Senior leadership, governance or Board-level experience. A strong understanding of organisational risk, assurance and the responsibilities of a company director. Relevant experience in safeguarding, EDI, people and culture, community impact, responsible business or another regulated environment. The confidence to provide constructive independent challenge, together with sound judgement, integrity and discretion. A clear commitment to inclusion and to the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
• Desirable: Experience in football, sport, education, health, public services or the charity sector. Knowledge of EFL and FA safeguarding requirements, the EFL Equality Code of Practice or the IFR governance framework.

Appointment Requirements:

Appointment and continued service are subject to the Club's Articles and all applicable EFL, FA, IFR, Companies Act and owners' and directors' requirements. The appointee must remain independent and disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. The appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and completion of Board-level safeguarding training. The anticipated time commitment, term and remuneration will be confirmed in the letter of appointment.

About The Club

We don’t just work for Grimsby Town Football Club — we are Grimsby Town Football Club. It’s a remarkable story that began in 1878 and has continued uninterrupted ever since. There is nothing bigger and nothing more powerful in uniting so many people — through purpose, passion and pride — than a football club. It’s people’s identity. It’s their family; their heritage. It’s where they belong. This is something that cannot be undone. The bond, ties and loyalty are forever. And by being here, we are part of the story.

This is no ordinary job. This is an extraordinary opportunity. We are more than staff, players, managers, coaches, analysts, physios, stewards and volunteers. We are friends, supporters, promoters, entertainers, role models and, in some cases, idols and legends. But we cannot be any of these things without each other. None of us is bigger than all of us. Every day, we strive for better. We are a football club, but we’re at the heart of something much bigger. A club formed from its community now has the power to define its community. We are today’s authors of this black and white story. This moment has been 148 years in the making. And the next chapter is in our hands. Together, we can achieve greater things.

And to achieve greater things we need a great team, and this is where you come in.

Environmental Responsibility

Grimsby Town Football Club is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are proud to be working towards the goals of the EFL Green Clubs scheme — a league-wide initiative to improve environmental practices across football. We strive to reduce our environmental impact, promote sustainability in our operations, and encourage awareness and positive action across our staff, fans, and wider community. All employees, workers, and volunteers are expected to support the Club’s environmental values and contribute to building a greener future for football.

Safeguarding Statement

Grimsby Town Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees, workers, students and volunteers to endorse this commitment. This post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) as such it is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore, all convictions including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared. Relevant information and/or documents will be distributed as part of the recruitment process.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Grimsby Town Football Club’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership, nationality, ethnicity (race), religion or belief, ability or disability, pregnancy or maternity and to encourage equal opportunities (Protected Characteristics, Equality Act 2010). Employees, workers and volunteers of Grimsby Town Football Club must ensure a positive commitment towards equality, diversity and inclusion by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, Grimsby Town Football Club is dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all. We actively support our employees, workers, students, and volunteers by making reasonable adjustments where needed and ensuring that individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions are supported to remain in and thrive within their roles. This commitment reflects our ongoing efforts to promote equality, remove barriers, and value the contributions of everyone in our community.