Safeguarding Officer

Swim England is the national governing body for swimming in England. We help people learn how to swim, enjoy the water safely, and compete in all our sports. Our vision is of a nation swimming and we strive to inspire everyone to enjoy the water in the way that suits them. We work with our partners to create engaging programmes that enable everyone to be active, have fun and stay healthy through swimming.

About the Role

We are seeking a knowledgeable and confident Safeguarding Officer (known as 'National Safeguarding Officer' internally) to support the effective management of safeguarding across Swim England. 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. You will play a key role in promoting a positive safeguarding culture, ensuring best practice is embedded and that concerns are handled using a person-centred, proportionate and timely approach. This role requires strong judgement, excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues and external agencies as part of the wider safeguarding system.

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.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• Experience working in a similar role within a sports National Governing Body, local authority or charity.
• Experience supporting or managing lower-level safeguarding investigations.

This role is SportPark Based (Minimum 2 Days Per Week). Please be advised that we cannot offer visa sponsorship and that you must have 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 embracing the spirit of all equalities legislation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from disabled people. We recognise that the diversity of our workforce is not reflective of today's society and we are currently operating a pilot scheme whereby applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds can opt into our guaranteed interview scheme. Candidates that have opted into the scheme will be guaranteed an interview provided that they have demonstrated, within their application, that they meet the essential criteria for the role. When emailing the CV and cover letter, applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to state they wish to 'Opt In' to the scheme. 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. However, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well. Swim England is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.