At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage safeguarding cases and support clubs in ensuring safe aquatic environments.
- Company: Swim England, a leading organisation promoting safe swimming practices.
- Benefits: Flexible working, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and best practice standards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding children and adults in the swimming community.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding roles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Swim England, based in Loughborough, is seeking a knowledgeable and confident Safeguarding Officer (known internally as 'National Safe Aquatics Officer') to support the effective management of safeguarding across Swim England. In this role you will work from SportPark, Loughborough, minimum 2 days per week, 35 hours a week (Mon‑Fri).
Reporting to the National Safe Aquatics Manager, you will manage a caseload of safeguarding cases and work closely with nominated Regions, Counties and Clubs to support lower‑level safeguarding investigations.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a caseload of active safeguarding cases as directed by the National Safe Aquatics Manager.
- Take the lead on safeguarding investigations, adopting a person‑centred approach to achieve appropriate and satisfactory outcomes.
- Provide guidance and support to clubs managing safeguarding concerns within a nominated region.
- Work closely with statutory agencies, including making referrals, attending meetings and contributing to multi‑agency processes.
- Act as a key point of contact for independent investigators, ensuring they receive all relevant case information.
- Keep relevant internal and external stakeholders updated on safeguarding cases and any associated suspensions.
- Provide advice and information to members and clubs on safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
- Support Regions, Counties and Clubs on a wide range of safeguarding matters as part of a wider regional support network.
- Contribute to the development and publication of Wavepower and other safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Ensure best practice, new policies and updated guidance are effectively communicated across Swim England and its membership.
- Provide direct support to nominated Regional, County and Club Welfare Officers.
- Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the role, in line with organisational policies and procedures.
- Experience working in a safeguarding role or similar environment.
- Experience of working with volunteers or within voluntary organisations.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding processes and best practice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong IT skills, with high levels of literacy and numeracy.
- Ability to assess and manage risk relating to children and adults.
- Confidence in responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, complaints or disclosures.
- Sound decision‑making skills, particularly in complex or sensitive situations.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- A commitment to always working to best practice standards.
- Experience working in a similar role within a sports National Governing Body, local authority or charity.
- Experience supporting or managing lower‑level safeguarding investigations.
Please be advised that we cannot offer visa sponsorship and that you must have the right to work in the UK to apply or be considered for this role. If you are a non‑UK/EU National, you must have an appropriate working Visa to undertake employment. You must also be working within the UK to apply or be considered for this role, due to the public liability insurance Swim England holds.
Swim England is committed to inclusion and embraces the spirit of equality legislation. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are guaranteed an interview. We are also piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants who opt in to the scheme and demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Where possible, Swim England will always make reasonable adjustments for accessibility to anyone who requires it.
If you would like any of the documentation in a different format or would like to apply in a different way, please get in touch. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, in line with the Equality Act 2010. However, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Safeguarding Officer in Loughborough employer: Swim England
Swim England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at SportPark in Loughborough. As a Safeguarding Officer, you will benefit from a strong commitment to employee development, with opportunities to engage in meaningful safeguarding initiatives that make a real difference in the community. The organisation fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, ensuring that all staff are empowered to contribute to best practices in safeguarding while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer in Loughborough
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Swim England.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Swim England!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Swim England, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Swim England or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Officer in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Swim England:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Swim England! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swim England
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
