At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the FAW Safeguarding Panel to review and assess safeguarding cases.
- Company: The Football Association of Wales, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Make a real impact in safeguarding while working with diverse professionals.
- Other info: Flexible participation via Microsoft Teams with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Use your expertise to shape safe environments in Welsh football.
- Qualifications: Significant safeguarding experience and knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is seeking to appoint Independent Panel Members to its Safeguarding Panel, which plays a vital role in reviewing safeguarding concerns and cases in a fair, proportionate, and consistent manner. The welfare of children and adults at risk is central to all decision-making.
Panel Members will provide independent safeguarding expertise to support the assessment and determination of cases in line with FAW Safeguarding Regulations, Procedures, and relevant statutory frameworks—including the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. This will involve reviewing case information, assessing risk, and applying professional judgement to reach fair and proportionate outcomes that reflect best practice.
Operating within the Welsh safeguarding context, including a strengthened focus on preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG), Panel Members are also expected to apply the Football Association of Wales Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (2025). They will contribute to effective safeguarding governance by providing constructive challenge and supporting clear, consistent, and transparent decision-making.
Applications are welcomed from individuals across a wide range of sectors, recognising that safeguarding expertise is transferable and strengthened through diverse perspectives. Successful candidates will use their experience to strengthen risk assessment processes and support positive safeguarding outcomes across Welsh football.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR...
We welcome applications from professionals with safeguarding expertise across sectors, including (but not limited to):
- Sport and physical activity organisations
- Children’s and adults’ social care
- Education
- Health and mental health services
- Police and criminal justice
- Probation and youth justice
- Housing and local authority services
- Charities, voluntary and community sector
If you have experience managing, assessing, or overseeing safeguarding concerns in any setting, your expertise is highly valued.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Panel Members will:
- Participate in FAW Safeguarding Panels considering safeguarding referrals and case information
- Review and critically analyse case materials in advance of and during meetings
- Contribute to structured safeguarding risk assessment and decision-making
- Apply relevant safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice (including Wales Safeguarding Procedures)
- Provide independent professional judgement informed by safeguarding expertise
- Ensure outcomes are fair, proportionate, consistent, and defensible
- Prioritise the welfare of children and adults at risk in all decisions
- Declare and manage conflicts of interest appropriately
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Contribute to continuous improvement of safeguarding processes where appropriate
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Significant safeguarding experience/knowledge.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding children and/or adults at risk
- Experience handling complex or sensitive cases.
- Knowledge of relevant UK and Wales safeguarding legislation and guidance
- Good understanding of safeguarding decision-making frameworks, including the application of the “balance of probabilities” standard of proof.
- Ability to analyse information and make sound, defensible decisions.
- Ability to exercise independent and objective professional judgement
- Confidence to contribute to discussion and challenge appropriately.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information securely
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Professional qualification or accreditation in relevant field (e.g. Social Work, law, policing, healthcare, education).
- Experience of contributing to multi-agency decision making forums.
- Experience on safeguarding, disciplinary, or risk panels
- Understanding of sports governing body safeguarding structures
- Knowledge of safeguarding within a sport or physical activity setting
- Understanding of governance, regulatory, or compliance frameworks.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
- Attendance at scheduled and ad hoc FAW Safeguarding Panels over Microsoft Teams.
- Review of case papers within required timescales
- Compliance with FAW safeguarding regulations, confidentiality, and data protection requirements (UK GDPR)
- Will be required to declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest in advance of, and during, panel proceedings. Where a conflict exists, the individual will not participate in that case
- Commitment to maintaining up-to-date safeguarding knowledge
- Independent decision-making free from external influence
- Completion of Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
Applicants must not:
- Currently serve as Panel Members for the FAW Appeals Panel
- Be current employees of the Football Association of Wales
- Have had recent employment or contractual relationships with the FAW which may impact independence
- Have any direct involvement in cases under consideration
- Have any conflicts of interest that could reasonably be perceived to affect impartiality
FAW VALUES
Our values underpin the FAW vision and guide all aspects of our work:
- Excellence – we approach every challenge with determination and a drive to deliver our very best in all we do. We display commitment, motivation, discipline and perseverance, and hold ourselves accountable for results. In every aspect of business and sport, we strive to excel.
- Family – we promote a welcoming culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is embraced. Through the power of the collective, we’ll continue to expand our football family, welcoming anyone who wants to achieve great things for Wales
- Respect – we believe that different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are fundamental for success. We’ll earn the respect of others through our commitment to be open, honest, ethical and fair.
FAW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all. We believe that diverse safeguarding expertise strengthens decision-making and outcomes. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and professional experiences. Bring your safeguarding expertise and help shape safe environments across Welsh football.
Independent Safeguarding Panel Members in Wales employer: Football Association of Wales
Contact Detail:
Football Association of Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Safeguarding Panel Members in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the safeguarding field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant discussions online. Join forums or social media groups focused on safeguarding. Sharing your insights can help you stand out and connect with others who might be hiring.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest safeguarding legislation and best practices. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are eager to join our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Safeguarding Panel Members in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you understand the safeguarding regulations and procedures relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and any other key legislation. This will help you demonstrate your expertise in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding. Use examples that showcase your ability to handle complex cases and make sound decisions, as this is what we’re really looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We want to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff. Make sure your key points stand out so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Football Association of Wales
✨Know Your Safeguarding Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the relevant safeguarding legislation, especially the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. Be prepared to discuss how this legislation informs your decision-making and how you would apply it in real-life scenarios.
✨Prepare for Case Analysis
Review case studies or examples of safeguarding concerns that you might encounter. Think about how you would assess risk and make decisions based on the information provided. This will show your analytical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Independent Judgement
Be ready to explain how you exercise independent and objective professional judgement. Share examples from your past experiences where you had to make tough decisions while prioritising the welfare of children and adults at risk.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Highlight your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion during the interview. Discuss how diverse perspectives can enhance safeguarding processes and outcomes, and be prepared to share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this.