Head of Safeguarding

As an organisation, the ITF has a significant influence in tennis. We are involved in everything from inspiring grassroots initiatives to elite international competitions and all that falls in between. We have a touchpoint at every stage of a player’s career across all levels and formats of tennis. From the Play and Stay Campaign to the Davis and Billie Jean King Cup podium, the ITF is engaged and committed to delivering tennis for future generations.

ITF Role Overview

• Department: Integrity & Legal - Safeguarding
• Reporting to: Senior Executive Director, Integrity & Legal
• Location: Roehampton, South West London (some international travel)

We currently work to a hybrid model requiring a mandatory minimum of 3 days per week working in the office based in Roehampton, London and as part of this, Mondays and Tuesdays are ‘anchor days’ where all staff are obliged to work from the office.

The ITF is responsible for the worldwide development of tennis through its highly regarded Development Programme, its Science and Technical department which monitors equipment and technology, and its Officiating department which oversees the education and advancement of officials. The ITF is the owner and co-owner of the two largest annual international team competitions in tennis, the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) by Gainbridge and manages the Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events on behalf of the IOC and IPC. The ITF organises over 1,500 weeks of men’s, women’s and junior tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, ITF Beach Tennis Tour, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and the ITF Masters Circuit. The ITF upholds the highest standards of integrity and is a partner in the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

The Role: The purpose of this role is to lead a safeguarding team and be responsible for implementing the ITF’s safeguarding strategy to ensure international tennis is a safe and inclusive sport for all participants and aim to make the ITF a global leader in international sports safeguarding.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the ITF safeguarding strategy and Player Care and Performance Lifestyle programme across all relevant areas of the ITF’s events and activities.
• Lead the development and delivery of a safeguarding education programme.
• Lead on the development, implementation and ongoing review of systems to safeguard and provide support to those covered by the ITF safeguarding strategy, including children, young people and adults at risk.
• Oversee the investigation and management of safeguarding cases.
• Maintain an awareness of national and international safeguarding issues and player care matters.
• Work with other tennis bodies to promote a consistent and integrated approach to safeguarding and player care in tennis.
• Provide advice and recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and ITF Board (as required) in relation to safeguarding and player care.
• Uphold the highest standards of personal integrity, represent the ITF in a professional light and ensure the reputation of the ITF is maintained at all times.
• Share the weekend ‘on call’ service.
• Promote safeguarding within the ITF.
• Update and publish the ITF safeguarding policies, case management procedures, ITF World Tennis Tours’ regulations and other related documents in a timely manner.
• Maintain an awareness of national and international safeguarding issues that impact sporting environments.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and skills through training and professional development.
• Undertake other responsibilities, as directed by the ITF Senior Executive Director, Integrity & Legal.

As the needs of the business can evolve rapidly this role may change accordingly, therefore this document should be viewed as guidelines which are subject to change.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• A relevant qualification in investigations, social services, education, law enforcement or other.
• An ability to make decisions and prioritise activities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation and consultative skills at all levels.
• An understanding of key safeguarding legislation and its practical application in sport.
• Experience in the management of safeguarding cases, including the maintenance of accurate and confidential records.
• Experience in working with children, their families and/or vulnerable groups.
• The ability to support staff in responding appropriately to safeguarding and player care concerns with sound advice and expertise.
• Ability to produce reports and written material to a high standard and to maintain up-to-date documentation.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and other digital technologies.
• A second language, particularly French, Spanish or Italian. Knowledge of other languages would be beneficial.
• Experience and competence in presenting and/or delivering training.
• Knowledge of sports governance.
• Experience of safeguarding in a national/international sports environment.

You will have…

• Demonstrable experience in devising and implementing strategy.
• Developed and delivered safeguarding education programmes.
• Leadership and management experience.
• An understanding of the legislation around safeguarding.
• Experience in managing safeguarding cases.
• An understanding of player care.
• Experience in working with children, their families and vulnerable groups.
• A demonstrable ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders.
• The ability to work on your own initiative and demonstrate an ability to handle confidential data sensitively, ensuring complete compliance with data handling policies and processes.

What we offer:

• Group personal pension scheme, Life assurance and Wellbeing Allowance (subject to conditions).
• Health Cash Plan.
• Lunch provided when working in the office (up to £9 per day).
• Complimentary healthy snacks and fresh fruit when working in the office.
• Ride2Work Scheme.
• Free parking onsite.
• Working hours: based on a 35 hours per week. Normal office hours are 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours possible with core hours of 10am – 4pm (weekend work and longer hours are a part of the role when travelling).

Please email your CV and cover letter stating Head of Safeguarding in the subject line of your email, clearly indicating in your cover letter whether you require sponsorship or a work permit to work in the UK either now or in the future. The ITF processes your applicant data in accordance with our Privacy Notice – Recruitment, which can be found on our website. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS or equivalent level Overseas Criminal Records Check. Equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) is a fundamental priority for the ITF. Our philosophy focuses on embedding inclusive behaviours and processes across every element of our business practices.