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- Tasks: Join a panel to review and make decisions on safeguarding cases in football.
- Company: The FA, the governing body of football in England, promoting positive change through the sport.
- Benefits: Competitive fees for hearings, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for further terms after three years.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safeguarding in football while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding legislation and decision-making; legal qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Football Association [The FA] is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year. The FA oversees England international teams across men’s, women’s, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, the Women’s FA Cup, and the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park, all with a purpose to inspire positive change through football.
Safeguarding Review Panels are three-person panels which hear safeguarding cases and have the power to impose appropriate safeguards, interim suspensions and other orders against individuals in the game of football, where appropriate. Safeguarding Appeal Boards are three-person panels which hear, amongst other things, appeals of Safeguarding Review Panel decisions. The FA wishes to appoint a number of independent Panel Members who have the appropriate experience of safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy in the context of football to sit on and/or chair Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Safeguarding Appeal Boards.
ESSENTIAL & DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED
- Senior Legal – Specialist Panel Members
- A qualified solicitor or barrister with seven or more years’ standing. King’s Counsel level desirable but not mandatory.
- Significant and demonstrable safeguarding experience in family and/or criminal law.
- Substantial knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy and an understanding of how these are relevant in the context of football/sport.
- Demonstrable experience sitting on judicial or quasi-judicial panels.
- An ability to assess evidence and submissions put before a Safeguarding Review Panel/Safeguarding Appeal Board in an open, knowledgeable, and fair-minded way.
- Sound and objective judgement.
- Considerable experience in drafting reasoned judgments mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal skills, excellent listening, and communication skills along with integrity, impartiality, and high ethical standards.
- Significant and demonstrable safeguarding experience, either as a doctor, social worker, member of the police, junior barrister/solicitor in family law, or similar professions to all the foregoing.
- Experience in decision-making on safeguarding-related panels.
- Significant knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy and an understanding of how these are relevant in the context of football.
- An ability to assess evidence and submissions put before a Safeguarding Review Panel/Safeguarding Appeal Board in an open, knowledgeable and fair-minded way.
- Sound and objective judgement.
- Experience in drafting reasoned judgments would be valuable but is not mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal skills, excellent listening and communication skills.
- Integrity, impartiality and high ethical standards.
Please specify in your cover letter if you wish to be considered for the Specialist Panel Member, General Safeguarding Review Panel Member, or both.
TIME COMMITMENT
- Senior Legal – Specialist Panel Members
- Safeguarding Review Panels and Safeguarding Appeal Boards are convened on a frequent basis throughout the calendar year. Hearings take place over video conference, unless an in-person request has been approved.
- Specialist Panel Members are expected to make themselves available to fulfil their fair share of the cases arising in any given year.
- An attendance fee is payable for Specialist Panel Members for their time spent preparing and attending Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Appeal Board hearings, which includes the drafting of written reasons.
- Reasonable expenses properly incurred may also be reclaimed for hearing trips to Wembley.
- The appointment is for a fixed term of three years. Specialist Panel Members are eligible to apply for further terms, subject to the business needs of The FA.
- Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Safeguarding Appeal Boards are convened on a weekly basis, during standard business hours, throughout the calendar year. Hearings take place over video conference, unless an in-person request has been approved.
- General Safeguarding Review Panel Members are expected to make themselves available to fulfil their fair share of the cases and/or appeals arising in any given year and are required to maintain an FA Panel Member calendar regarding their availability.
- Additionally, Members are expected to attend meetings and/or training sessions as required.
- A hearing attendance fee is payable for Safeguarding Review Panel Members for their time spent preparing and attending Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Appeal Board hearings, which includes the drafting of or assisting with drafting written reasons.
- Reasonable expenses properly incurred may also be reclaimed for trips to Wembley.
- The appointment is for a fixed term of three years. Safeguarding Review Panel Members are eligible to apply for further terms, subject to the business needs of The FA.
HOW TO PROGRESS APPLICATION
If you feel that you have the relevant skills and experience, please apply via the link. You will be required to submit your CV and a short covering letter highlighting your suitability for the relevant Member category by reference to the key attributes outlined above. When entering salary during the application, please list your current salary and salary expectations as £1. These will not be considered as part of your application.
As the requirements of the role may change, this advertisement should be viewed as guidance only. The Football Association Group promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities organisation. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
The closing date and time for applications is 23:59 on Sunday, 17 May 2026. You will be notified regarding the result of your application by Friday, 5 June 2026.
Safeguarding Review Panel - Panel Members employer: The Football Association
Contact Detail:
The Football Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Review Panel - Panel Members
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the football and safeguarding sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings at The FA.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on safeguarding legislation and its application in football. We want you to be able to discuss real-life scenarios confidently, showing that you can assess evidence fairly and make sound judgments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, highlight your past roles and how they relate to safeguarding. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in this area.
✨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 you’re serious about joining The FA and making a positive impact in football.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Review Panel - Panel Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the safeguarding responsibilities at The FA. We want to see your passion for football and safeguarding shine through!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your CV, focus on your safeguarding experience and any relevant legal qualifications. Be specific about your roles and achievements, especially those that demonstrate your ability to assess evidence and make sound judgments.
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since the role requires a commitment to hearings and meetings, be upfront about your availability in your application. This helps us understand how you can fit into our schedule and contribute effectively to the panels.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end, making the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Football Association
✨Know Your Safeguarding Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations, and policies before your interview. The FA is looking for candidates who can demonstrate a solid understanding of how these laws apply in the context of football. Being able to discuss specific examples will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also understand its practical implications.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous experience in safeguarding or legal roles. Whether you've sat on panels before or have relevant professional experience, be ready to share specific cases or situations where you made a significant impact. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with the role.
✨Demonstrate Fair-Mindedness
During the interview, highlight your ability to assess evidence and submissions in an open and fair manner. The FA values sound judgement and impartiality, so think of examples where you've had to make tough decisions while maintaining integrity. This will reassure them that you can handle sensitive cases appropriately.
✨Engage with Strong Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working closely with others, it's crucial to showcase your interpersonal skills. Practice active listening and clear communication during the interview. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to safeguarding, which will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.