Community Inclusion Officer in Luton

Luton Town FC Community Trust is seeking to recruit a Community Inclusion Officer to play a key role in the coordination, delivery and development of its inclusion and targeted engagement programmes. The role will lead the delivery and ongoing development of Premier League Kicks alongside a range of wider inclusion and community engagement projects across Luton and Bedfordshire. The postholder will work with the Operations Manager to strengthen relationships with local communities, schools, statutory agencies and key stakeholders such as EFL in the Community and Premier League Foundation while supporting the growth and sustainability of the Trust’s community offer.

The Community Inclusion Officer will combine operational coordination with direct programme delivery, enabling the successful candidate to remain connected to participants, local communities and delivery staff. The role will also contribute to programme development, funding opportunities, regular impact reporting and partnership working. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and passionate community professional who is committed to using the power of football and sport to positively impact the lives of children, young people and underrepresented communities.

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Community Inclusion Officer will coordinate and support the delivery of inclusion and targeted engagement programmes across Luton Town FC Community Trust. The postholder will lead on the operational coordination and delivery of Premier League Kicks and wider community inclusion initiatives designed to engage underserved communities, reduce barriers to participation and create positive opportunities for all. The role will support the development of community partnerships, contribute to programme growth and funding opportunities and ensure high quality, safe and impactful delivery aligned to Trust priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Programme Coordination & Delivery
  • Coordinate the planning, delivery and development of our Premier League Kicks and wider inclusion programmes.
  • Lead and support delivery of diversionary and targeted youth engagement activities across Luton and Bedfordshire.
  • Support the recruitment, coordination and management of sessional coaches, volunteers and delivery staff.
  • Ensure all programmes are delivered to a high standard in line with Premier League, EFL and Trust expectations.
  • Organise community events, tournaments, workshops and engagement activities.
  • Support participant progression pathways into volunteering, education, coaching and employment opportunities.
  • Ensure safeguarding, health & safety and welfare standards are consistently maintained.
  • Promote inclusion and diversity through outreach to underrepresented groups.
• Community Engagement & Relationship Building
  • Build positive relationships with schools, local authorities, police, youth services, charities and community organisations.
  • Engage with underserved and underrepresented communities across Luton and Bedfordshire.
  • Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through community outreach and engagement.
  • Represent the Trust positively at meetings, events, networking opportunities and matchday activities.
  • Work collaboratively with internal programme teams to maximise participation and impact.
  • Act as a positive ambassador for Luton Town FC Community Trust and Football Club.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
  • Maintain accurate programme registers, participant records and monitoring data.
  • Track programme outcomes and KPI’s in line with funder requirements.
  • Support the collection of case studies, participant feedback and impact evidence.
  • Assist with reporting requirements for Premier League Foundation, EFL in the Community and a range of other funders.
  • Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, data protection and GDPR requirements.
• Funding & Programme Development
  • Support the identification of funding opportunities for inclusion and community projects.
  • Assist the Operations Manager with funding applications, partnership proposals and programme development.
  • Contribute ideas for new community initiatives and engagement opportunities.
  • Support the ongoing growth and sustainability of inclusion and targeted intervention programmes.

Health & Safety:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety related guidance and processes within your role and in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Consider the Health & Safety implications of all actions and inaction within your role.
• Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your role.
• Follow and adhere to safe management systems and working practices in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Ensure you have been briefed and are confident in using any equipment prior to use and seek guidance from your line manager as required.
• Regularly review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems associated with your role.
• Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance.
• Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your role and area of responsibility.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Education/Qualifications/Training:
• Experience working with children, young people and diverse communities.
• Experience in coordinating or delivering community, inclusion or youth engagement programmes.
• Strong understanding of inclusion, community development and targeted intervention work.
• Experience building partnerships with schools, local authorities, charities and community organisations.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with ability to prioritise and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong experience in monitoring and evaluating programme KPI’s and supporting impact reporting.
• A strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice within education and community settings.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion within community delivery.
• Confident IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and database software.
• Valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to work to deadlines and meet project targets.
• A full valid driving licence and access to car to travel between sites throughout Bedfordshire.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Degree level qualification or demonstrable relevant professional experience.
• Strong commitment to high-quality, values led delivery.
• Budget management experience.
• Experience with grant funding processes.
• Desirables:
• Experience delivering Premier League Kicks or similar diversionary programmes.
• Experience working within a football club CCO, charity or VCSE setting.
• Experience supporting funding applications or partnership development.
• Knowledge of Premier League Foundation or EFL in the Community programmes.
• Recognised sports coaching, youth work or community development qualifications.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid.
• Experience working in a football foundation or Trust.
• Knowledge of EFL Trust or Premier League Foundation community programmes including Capability Code of Practice.
• Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:
• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.
• Must be pro-active, motivated, organised, responsible and able to work independently as well as in a team.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to perform well under pressure.
• Demonstrate good listening skills and have the ability to resolve issues where appropriate.
• Ability to multi-task whilst maintaining priority efficiencies.
• Focused on achieving Club, departmental and individual success.
• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.
• Be an ambassador for the Club, presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.

Additional Information

This is a Full-Time role. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. The individual must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity 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. The individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.