At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding excellence and ensure a safe environment for all paddlers.
- Company: Paddle UK, the governing body for Paddlesports, promoting inclusivity and safety.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible dress code, free parking, and employee benefits platform.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to driving positive change in paddlesports.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on safeguarding in a dynamic sporting environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic safeguarding roles and understanding of relevant legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Nottingham – National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Ensure every paddler can realise their potential in a safe, inclusive, and protected environment.
Paddle UK is seeking a strategic Safeguarding Manager to lead the embedding of safeguarding excellence across our organisation, clubs, and performance programmes. As a senior member of the Governance team, you will act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), taking lead accountability for the delivery of #SaferTogether—our core strategy for safeguarding, safety, welfare, and performance wellbeing. This is a high-impact role requiring a balance of strategic vision and technical expertise. You will oversee robust case management, lead the Safeguarding Case Manager, and provide expert assurance to the Board and relevant sub-committees that our safeguarding culture is effective, best-practice, and legally compliant.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Delivery: Lead the #SaferTogether strategy, establishing annual plans to embed a culture of safeguarding and wellbeing across the sport.
- Expert Advice: Act as the DSL, providing training, support, and guidance to staff, clubs, and volunteers to ensure best practice in reporting and prevention.
- Case Management: Oversee the Safeguarding Case Manager to ensure all cases and disclosure checks are handled efficiently and in line with statutory standards.
- Performance Excellence: Act as the safeguarding lead for the World Class Programme, developing tailored training and support for elite coaches and athletes.
- Policy & Compliance: Maintain robust policies and manage the annual CPSU Framework assessment process to ensure Paddle UK meets all legislative requirements.
- Governance Representation: Represent the organisation on the Safeguarding Case Management Group and work collaboratively with Home Nation partners.
Why Join Us?
This is a pivotal role for an expert looking to drive a culture of safety and integrity across a national sporting landscape. You will join a team that values:
- Meaningful Change: A culture that encourages curiosity and the challenging of established thinking to achieve world-leading outcomes.
- Collaborative Success: Direct influence over a dedicated network of practitioners, building psychological safety and a positive environment for all.
- Strategic Impact: The opportunity to lead the #SaferTogether strategy, providing the stability and insight required to drive the sport forward at all levels.
About You
You will be a resilient leader with a deep understanding of safeguarding legislation and protocols. We are looking for:
- Strategic Leadership: Proven experience in a strategic safeguarding role, ideally within a sport governing body.
- Case Management Expertise: A thorough understanding of referral protocols and the responsibilities of statutory agencies.
- Influencing Skills: The ability to form excellent working relationships and exert influence to effect positive change.
Qualifications: Relevant professional expertise (e.g., Social Services, Police, NHS, or Education) and DSL training.
Paddle UK is the governing body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability.
We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
- Free onsite parking and bike storage
- Company pension scheme
- Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)
To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.
Safeguarding Manager employer: Paddle UK
Paddle UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of its employees and participants, fostering a culture of meaningful change and collaborative success. Located at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, we offer a supportive work environment with generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, flexible dress codes, and opportunities for professional growth within a strategic role that directly impacts the future of paddlesports. Join us to lead the #SaferTogether strategy and make a significant difference in the sporting community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the paddlesport community or related fields. Attend events, join forums, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Paddle UK and their #SaferTogether strategy. Show us you understand our mission and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your strategic leadership and case management expertise can make a difference at Paddle UK. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Paddle UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safeguarding and strategic leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our #SaferTogether strategy!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of safeguarding legislation and case management. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert advice, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Authentic:We value meaningful change and collaboration, so be yourself! Share your passion for safeguarding and how you’ve influenced positive change in previous roles. It’s all about connecting with us.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our Careers Centre. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paddle UK
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and protocols. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've implemented best practices will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to talk about how you would lead the #SaferTogether strategy. Think about annual plans you could propose and how you would embed a culture of safeguarding across the organisation. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Influencing Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've built relationships and influenced change in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders will be key, especially in a role that requires governance representation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Paddle UK's current safeguarding practices and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and vision for safeguarding.