Women and Girl's Safeguarding Officer

At Sheffield United Football Club, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our organization, and we are excited to announce an opportunity for a Women and Girl's Safeguarding Officer to join our team.

In this pivotal role, you will play a key part in upholding the welfare and protection of women and girls within our football community. We are looking for an individual with a strong commitment to safeguarding principles, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to promoting a secure and supportive atmosphere. If you are passionate about creating a positive impact and ensuring the well-being of women and girls in football, we encourage you to apply for this meaningful position at Sheffield United Football Club.

Role Responsibilities:

• Support delivery of the clubs safeguarding strategy & advise on the implementation of SUFC's safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Establish a visible and approachable presence within the club, ensuring that both staff and players feel confident and comfortable seeking assistance.
• Proactively identify and mitigate safeguarding risks to individuals and the organisation.
• Proactively promote and raise safeguarding awareness and safer working practices.
• Support the implementation of quality assurance measures to ensure that standards of safeguarding are maintained across all activities delivered both centrally and through partnership work.
• Support the management of safeguarding referrals efficiently and effectively in line with statutory and football authority requirements.
• Support the academy and women's teams' mental and emotional wellbeing through training of staff and provisions of activities and support.
• Establish a cohesive, comprehensive, and seamless process for transitioning players from the academy and women's team.
• Keep abreast of current safeguarding issues, legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.
• Ensure thorough induction of academy and women's teams into the programme, addressing individualized needs effectively.
• Attend weekly Operations meetings, understand the upcoming agenda and highlight any areas of concern, putting action plans in place accordingly.
• Attend monthly Management Meetings to review the strategy ensuring that Safeguarding is on the agenda.
• Contribute to the life skill program, supporting the overall growth and development of academy and women's players, addressing both personal and football-related pressures.
• Lead on match day Safeguarding duties. If not personally attending, ensure that appropriate designated Safeguarding officer is appointed as agreed by the Head of Safeguarding.
• As a safeguarding team member, ensure successful completion of all external safeguarding audits.
• Carry out other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time.

Club Wide Responsibilities:

• To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
• To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.

Essential Criteria for the role:

• Valid UK Driving License.
• Experience of working in safeguarding or child/adult protection.
• Evidence of person-centered approach and an understanding of the rights, needs and best interests of children and adults at risk.
• High level of integrity with the ability to deal with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to effectively manage and deliver a diverse workload.
• Up to date knowledge of safeguarding best practice, research, and legislation.
• Experience implementing effective safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail, proactive initiative, and adaptability.
• A willingness to work evening and weekends as dictated by business needs.
• Safeguarding case management experience and sound understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory authorities.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and excellent administrative skills.
• Highly motivated with a positive solution focused attitude.
• Completion of both The FA Safeguarding Workshop & The FA Welfare officers Workshop.

Desirable Criteria for the role:

• Knowledge and understanding of the culture and structure of football.
• Experience using 'My Concern' as a case management system.
• The ability to write and deliver training across different departments, engaging key stakeholders internally and externally.
• Mental Health first aid qualification/experience.
• The FA First Aid Certificate
• Completion of recognised Designated Safeguarding Officer training at Level 2 & 3.