Safeguarding Lead

Salary: £35,000.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Vicarage Road Stadium, although you may be required to be based at other Trust locations from time to time. You will be expected to undertake travel as is necessary to fulfil your job requirements.

Contract type: Permanent 

Reporting to: Head of Business Services 

Closing date: Wednesday 22nd October.

Interview date: Thursday 6th November. 

Summary of Your Role

To manage the Trust’s Safeguarding provision as the recognised lead for all safeguarding matters in relation to our business. Responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of the Trust’s safeguarding policies and processes, always promoting and protecting the welfare of children and adults at risk.

The Safeguarding Lead will be a key part of our joint brand safeguarding team and will collaborate with the Head of Safeguarding (HoS) at Watford Football Club, other Safeguarding colleagues within the wider Watford FC business and the Trust’s Head of Business Services to provide best practice in safeguarding. 

Your Roles and Responsibilities, but Not Limited To

• To support the delivery of best practice in safeguarding within the Trust and ensure our safeguarding provision meets the highest standards.
• To ensure compliance with all statutory obligations under relevant national legislation, rules, regulations, standards and guidance, including any required reporting to the Charity Commission.
• Ensure the Trust’s safeguarding provision is aligned with best practice and meets football authority requirements and audited practices (e.g. Capability Code of Practice) to record, manage and investigate all safeguarding concerns, managing the caseload appropriately.
• Ensure that safeguarding is embedded into the culture of the Trust and translate policy in to practice by ensuring that there are clear processes for reporting and managing safeguarding concerns.
• To liaise with project service users to gain their views on the Trust safeguarding is gained and to act upon feedback where improvements can be made.
• Maintain and further develop positive relationships with relevant external statutory bodies/agencies and football authority partners who have a responsibility for safeguarding.
• Work closely with the Trust Head of Business Services and the HR team so that safer recruitment and induction practices are adhered to and ensure all staff and volunteers comply with the qualifications and requirements needed to satisfy the minimum standards for deployment (e.g., DBS checks).
• Record, manage and when appropriate investigate safeguarding incidents, concerns, disclosures and allegations within the Trust and report to senior management as required, and in a timely manner.
• Strong understanding of the Child Protection Online Monitoring System (CPOMS), ensuring cases are continually monitored and updated.
• To lead and provide support, advice, guidance and supervision to the Trust’s Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSO’s) and host monthly DSO meetings to discuss safeguarding matters, incidents, concerns or allegations to ensure safer working practices are observed and always implemented. 

You Must Have

• A relevant and recognised professional safeguarding qualification and/or verified equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Current and relevant safeguarding training.
• Able to demonstrate experience of effective case management and investigating safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations and incidents.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current legislation, guidance and best practice in safeguarding.
• Demonstrate experience of implementing effective safeguarding policies, practices and procedures.
• Demonstrate experience of working with statutory agencies and safeguarding partners.
• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant DBS checks to undertake on specific roles and experience of conducting checks.
• An understanding of the brands commitment to safeguarding and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding of safeguarding issues across the community and sports sectors.
• Good IT skills using Microsoft packages and experience using case-management systems (such as CPOMS) to keep clear and comprehensive reports and records of incidents.
• A person-centred approach, understanding the rights, needs and best interests of children and adults at risk, as well as the support, guidance and advice colleagues require.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills to enhance working relationships both internally and externally.
• Calm temperament with experience of working under pressure, meeting deadlines and prioritising workload.
• Self-motivated with a positive, solution focused attitude.
• A role model in terms of your conduct, skills and knowledge.
• Able to deal with sensitive and confidential matters in a professional manner.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• A flexible approach to work and be able to work unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.
• A full and valid UK Driving Licence, as well as access to a vehicle for work.

You Ideally Would Have

• Safeguarding Tutor/Training Qualification.
• Safer Recruitment trained.
• Mental Health First Aid Certificate
• Knowledge and experience around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• A good understanding of the key youth, community, and adult services in the areas in which the Trust works.

About Us

We are a well-established and forward-looking charity with a long and highly regarded record of delivering a broad range of community-based activities and services. The Trust has a clear vision ‘One goal – healthier, happier, stronger communities’ - and our aim is to ‘Expand the Watford FC family by providing opportunities in Hertfordshire and London to enrich people’s lives, create special memories and enable positive futures’.

Our work focuses on the key themes of; Football & Education, Health & Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, enhanced by community facilities and underpinned by our promise to deliver accessible opportunities. 

Mission: To expand the Watford FC family by providing opportunities in Hertfordshire and London, to enrich people’s lives, create special memories, and enable positive futures.

Our Values: To be honest, reliable, and trustworthy - Integrity. To be inclusive in all our decision-making - Inclusivity. To be bold and creative in the way we work - Innovation.

Our Culture: We are a values-based and vision-driven charity, who put our people and our beneficiaries at the heart of everything we do and why we do it.

Benefits of Working for Us

• Chance to join an award-winning charity and work alongside colleagues who are determined to utilise the positive power of sport, physical activity and learning for social good.
• Friendly working environment
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Investors in People accreditation
• Opportunity to benefit from a range of training and development opportunities
• Free gym usage at our two Community Centres
• Flexible working environment
• 25 days of Annual Leave entitlement
• Trust pension scheme
• Birthday leave

Our Commitment to You

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more wide-ranging we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to Safeguarding children and adults at risk. The necessary Disclosure and Barring Service check will apply to this post.

Safeguarding:

We provide a safe and secure environment for all. We believe Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & adults is everyone responsibility. Everyone in the organisation has a role to play, to ensure that Trust policies, procedures and practices in regard to safeguarding are followed. 

Application Process

If you meet the qualifying criteria, you will be sent a link to our application form. Please complete and return your application form to your initial application email. We will then consider your application.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss the opportunity, please contact trustrecruitment@watfordfc.com