ROLE DESCRIPTION

About the job
Job Title: Academy Safeguarding Officer

Department: People and Compliance

Reporting: Academy Head of Safeguarding & Welfare

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road

Salary: Competitive

Regulated Activity: Yes



Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.
Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.
We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.
We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.
We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Come join us.
Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.
Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.
Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this athttps://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.







Main Accountabilities

To be a visible and accessible presence within the Academy for players, parents, coaching and support staff.
Work hours in line with the Academy schedule, including regular evenings and weekends.
To promote and ensure that staff understand that safeguarding of all children, young people, and adults at risk in the Academy and Club more broadly is everyone’s responsibility.
To lead and provide guidance to other staff on responses to safeguarding issues or concerns that are raised within the Academy.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records on all safeguarding incidents, concerns, or allegations.
To assist the Head of Academy Safeguarding & Welfare and HR with any investigations including (but not limited to) working with the LADO, FA Safeguarding Team, Premier League and any other statutory or regulatory authorities.
To support the Needs Assessment of each player entering the Academy.
Be actively involved in the different age groups/phases Wellbeing Multidisciplinary Team (WMDT) Meeting process, providing expert safeguarding and welfare advice to the WMDT members to then support players.
To provide support, advice, and guidance to Player Support staff around support planning to players, implementation, and review.
To lead on support plans for players where there are safeguarding concerns or complex needs as part of the WMDT.
To assist in the preparation, the approval and quality assurance of the Safeguarding element of risk assessments completed regarding activities, trips, and tours within the Academy.
To provide welfare support by being a travelling staff member on Academy trips and tours in the UK and abroad on occasion.
Support the Quality Assurance of the Academy processes and input to ensure that the EPPP is both delivered to a high standard and is compliant with the EPPP agenda.
Work with HR to support safe recruitment processes and to ensure robust induction, and review processes where appropriate, for all staff.
To provide supervision support to the Assistant Designated Safeguarding Officers (ADSO’s) in the Academy Safeguarding Structure.
To support the Host Family Coordinator with their assessments of new hosts and fulfilment of support, training, and monitoring visits in the management of the Host Family Provision.
To assist in the review and updating of all Academy policies to ensure effectiveness and compliance with appropriate legal frameworks, statutory guidance.
Deliver training to staff, and coordinate delivery from external providers, that promotes understanding and knowledge of Safeguarding issues and best practice in the Academy and across the Club.
Design and deliver a programme of safeguarding and educational workshops to players and parents as part of the Player Support led Lifeskills Programme.
Work with children and young people to ensure that their voices, views, and rights shape the Academy’s resources and programmes.
To support the Academy Head of Safeguarding & Welfare and Director of Safeguarding with audit preparation as required.
Liaise and network with the PL and counterparts across other professional clubs to identify and share best practice in safeguarding across the Academy.
To undertake Continuous Professional Development to ensure you’re your Safeguarding practice and knowledge remains up to date.
General Club Accountabilities

· To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
· To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
· To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
· To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
· To promote equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy’
· To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, always maintaining a professional image when representing Brentford FC
· To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
· To always maintain a flexible approach to work.
· Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager.
Key Internal Relationships

Academy Staff
Safeguarding Team
Football Department
Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
Key External Relationships

Local Authorities, Police, and other statutory authorities
Premier League/EFL
The FA
Local and national advisory bodies
Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics

A relevant and recognised professional safeguarding qualification and/or equivalent experience in a role with extensive safeguarding responsibilities.
Experience of assessing children and young people’s needs.
Able to demonstrate experience of case management and the investigation of safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations, and incidents.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current legislation, guidance, and best practice in safeguarding.
Demonstrate experience of working with statutory agencies and safeguarding partners.
Knowledge and understanding of DBS checking process and which level of check is appropriate for different roles, and experience of checking documents for this process.
An understanding of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Good IT skills using Microsoft packages and experience of using a case-management system to keep clear and comprehensive records and reports.
A person-centred approach, understanding the rights, needs and best interests of children, young people and adults at risk, as well as the support, guidance and advice colleagues require.
To be personable and approachable, with 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.
Able to deal with sensitive and confidential matters in a professional manner.
A flexible approach to work and be able to work unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.
Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant field.
Experience of working in a sporting and/or an Academy environment.