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- Tasks: Join a panel to review and make decisions on safeguarding cases in football.
- Company: The FA, the governing body of football in England, promoting positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive fees for hearings, flexible remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fixed-term appointment with potential for renewal; inclusive and diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safeguarding in football and help create a safer environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding legislation and decision-making; legal background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Football Association [The FA] is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year.
The FA oversees England international teams across men's, women's, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, and Women's Adobe FA Cup, and the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park, all with a purpose to inspire positive change through football.
Our game can tackle some of society's core challenges. It can bring communities together, nationally and locally. It can be a platform for inclusion, ensuring there is a place for all. It can get people active and promote wellbeing, often at a time when we need it most. With UEFA EURO 2028 - hosted in the UK and Ireland - on the horizon, we have an incredible opportunity to transform football across the country. Now is the time to inspire positive change.
SAFEGUARDING REVIEW PANELS AND SAFEGUARDING APPEAL BOARDS
Safeguarding Review Panels are three-person panels which hear safeguarding cases and have the power to impose appropriate safeguards, interim suspensions and other orders against individuals in the game of football, where appropriate. Safeguarding Appeal Boards are three-person panels which hear, amongst other things, appeals of Safeguarding Review Panel decisions.
The FA wishes to appoint a number of independent Panel Members who have the appropriate experience of safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy in the context of football to sit on and/or chair Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Safeguarding Appeal Boards.
ESSENTIAL & DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED
- Senior Legal - Specialist Panel Members
- A qualified solicitor or barrister with seven or more years' standing. King's Counsel level desirable but not mandatory.
- Significant and demonstrable safeguarding experience in family and/or criminal law.
- Substantial knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy and an understanding of how these are relevant in the context of football/sport.
- Demonstrable experience sitting on judicial or quasi-judicial panels.
- An ability to assess evidence and submissions put before a Safeguarding Review Panel/Safeguarding Appeal Board in an open, knowledgeable, and fair-minded way.
- Sound and objective judgement.
- Considerable experience in drafting reasoned judgments mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal skills, excellent listening, and communication skills along with integrity, impartiality, and high ethical standards.
- Significant and demonstrable safeguarding experience, either as a doctor, social worker, member of the police, junior barrister/solicitor in family law, or similar professions to all the foregoing.
- Experience in decision-making on safeguarding-related panels.
- Significant knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy and an understanding of how these are relevant in the context of football.
- An ability to assess evidence and submissions put before a Safeguarding Review Panel/Safeguarding Appeal Board in an open, knowledgeable and fair-minded way.
- Sound and objective judgement.
- Experience in drafting reasoned judgments would be valuable but is not mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal skills, excellent listening and communication skills.
- Integrity, impartiality and high ethical standards.
Please specify in your cover letter if you wish to be considered for the Specialist Panel Member, General Safeguarding Review Panel Member, or both.
TIME COMMITMENT
- Senior Legal - Specialist Panel Members
- Safeguarding Review Panels and Safeguarding Appeal Boards are convened on a frequent basis throughout the calendar year. Hearings take place over video conference, unless an in-person request has been approved. Specialist Panel Members are expected to make themselves available to fulfil their fair share of the cases arising in any given year.
- An attendance fee is payable for Specialist Panel Members for their time spent preparing and attending Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Appeal Board hearings, which includes the drafting of written reasons. Reasonable expenses properly incurred may also be reclaimed for hearing trips to Wembley.
- The appointment is for a fixed term of three years. Specialist Panel Members are eligible to apply for further terms, subject to the business needs of The FA.
- Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Safeguarding Appeal Boards are convened on a weekly basis, during standard business hours, throughout the calendar year. Hearings take place over video conference, unless an in-person request has been approved. General Safeguarding Review Panel Members are expected to make themselves available to fulfil their fair share of the cases and/or appeals arising in any given year and are required to maintain an FA Panel Member calendar regarding their availability.
- Additionally, Members are expected to attend meetings and/or training sessions as required.
- A hearing attendance fee is payable for Safeguarding Review Panel Members for their time spent preparing and attending Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Appeal Board hearings, which includes the drafting of or assisting with drafting written reasons. Reasonable expenses properly incurred may also be reclaimed for trips to Wembley.
- The appointment is for a fixed term of three years. Safeguarding Review Panel Members are eligible to apply for further terms, subject to the business needs of The FA.
HOW TO PROGRESS APPLICATION
If you feel that you have the relevant skills and experience, please apply via the link. You will be required to submit your CV and a short covering letter highlighting your suitability for the relevant Member category by reference to the key attributes outlined above.
When entering salary during the application, please list your current salary and salary expectations as £1. These will not be considered as part of your application.
As the requirements of the role may change, this advertisement should be viewed as guidance only. The Football Association Group promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities organisation. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
The closing date and time for applications is 23:59 on Sunday, 17 May 2026. You will be notified regarding the result of your application by Friday, 5 June 2026.
Safeguarding Review Panel - Panel Members in Chelmsford employer: Football Association Limited
Contact Detail:
Football Association Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Review Panel - Panel Members in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football and safeguarding sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that panel member role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge and understanding how it applies to football. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios and demonstrate your judgement skills. Show them you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce your interest in being part of the FA.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to highlight your safeguarding experience and how it relates to football. Let’s get you on that panel!
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Review Panel - Panel Members in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and legal matters. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for either the Specialist or General Panel Member role. Be specific about your experience and how it relates to the key attributes we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make your qualifications easy to understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Football Association Limited
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your safeguarding legislation and policies, especially how they relate to football. The interviewers will want to see that you have a solid understanding of the relevant laws and can apply them in a practical context.
✨Show Off Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in safeguarding or legal roles. Highlight specific cases or panels you've been involved with, and be prepared to explain your decision-making process and how you assessed evidence.
✨Demonstrate Your Judgement Skills
During the interview, you might be asked hypothetical scenarios related to safeguarding cases. Practice articulating your thought process and how you would approach these situations with sound and objective judgement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong interpersonal skills are key for this role. Make sure you practice active listening and clear communication. Show that you can engage in discussions thoughtfully and respectfully, as this will reflect your integrity and impartiality.