Our Organisation

Bedfordshire FA is the not-for-profit, governing body of football in Bedfordshire. We grow participation, promote diversity and regulate the sport for everyone to enjoy. With over 350 Clubs and 24,500 diverse players of all ages and abilities playing in the County, Bedfordshire FA is proud to support football for all.

As culture changes Bedfordshire FA has recognised that football will need to do the same in order to continue thriving as a community activity for everyone and following the England Commission, there is greater focus on Facility Development and Player & Coach development.

The association is looking to have a strong emphasis going forward on improving the communication and development with clubs and leagues. The Bedfordshire FA are also looking to strengthen relationships with coaches, referees and volunteers to support grassroots football in the county.

The Role

To support delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and Bedfordshire Football Association Business Strategy.
To manage the Bedfordshire Football Association safeguarding work, in line with legislation, FA safeguarding policy, procedures, regulations, standards and guidance.
To manage safeguarding and child protection concerns in a timely manner and in line with FA requirements and guidance.
To significantly contribute to implementing and maintaining The FA's Safeguarding Operating Standard for County FAs and driving safer practice in grassroots football.
To support the adoption of FA technology systems across grassroots football.
To comply with FA rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidance that are in place from time to time.

Key Accountabilities

Operationally lead the implementation and delivery of safeguarding within the Bedfordshire Football Association, being accountable for relevant areas of The FA's Safeguarding Operating Standard for County FAs.
Track and ensure ongoing compliance with The FA's Safeguarding Operating Standard for County FAs measures, policies and procedures.
Support the Senior Management Team and take a dynamic and strategic approach to safeguarding delivery within the Bedfordshire Football Association, raising awareness and providing organisational support and direction to colleagues.
Work with the Chief Executive Officer to provide the Board with regular reports on safeguarding activity within the Bedfordshire Football Association.
Work with The FA Safeguarding Case Management Team (FA SCMT) to refer child abuse and adults at risk concerns to The FA, acting in line with the relevant FA safeguarding policy, regulations and guidance.
Record all safeguarding concerns on The FA Electronic Safeguarding Assessment (ELSA) system and ensure all data is securely retained in accordance with FA regulations, policies and data protection legislation.
Manage all safeguarding poor practice concerns and complaints referred to the Bedfordshire Football Association, with a focus on timeliness and outcomes and line with FA policy, regulations and guidance.
Provide training, support and guidance to clubs and leagues on how to manage safeguarding complaints and concerns effectively, with a focus on timeliness and outcomes and in line with FA policy, regulations and guidance.
Use FA IT systems to monitor safeguarding compliance across the grassroots volunteer network to manage risk and assist in strategic planning.
Utilise insight and data to inform all compliance activity and take appropriate activity to address non-compliance.
Ensure the Bedfordshire Football Association is compliant with safeguarding legislation e.g. Data Protection/GDPR 2018, Children's Act, Protection of Freedoms Act (Criminal Record Checks), the Government's ‘Working Together guidance 2018' and any other legislation or statutory guidance that may be introduced.
Identify, develop and maintain strong relationships with key local safeguarding stakeholders.
Strategically manage effective Club Welfare Officer networks; liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officers, Local Safeguarding Partnerships, Local Safeguarding Adult Boards, Children's and Adults' Social Care Services, Police Child Protection Teams and support club welfare officers (youth, adults and disability teams) to be compliant with safeguarding legislation, FA safeguarding policy, best-practice guidance and education programmes.

For more information on the key accountabilities please take a look at the recruitment pack at the bottom of the page.

What we are looking for

Essential

Safeguarding qualification and/or relevant experience in a child protection, safeguarding, or welfare role.
A child-centred approach and the ability to maintain this perspective and apply common sense.
Clarity about what constitutes poor practice and abuse and how to manage cases effectively.
Ability to deal constructively with people's emotions (e.g. upset, distress, conflict, animosity).
Capacity to handle confidential data/information sensitively.
Ability to promote safer practice and the importance of safe and fun football environments.
Outstanding team-working skills.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
Effective prioritisation and time-management skills.
Competent in the use of IT, including Microsoft Office applications.
Knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, policy and practice relating to children and adults at risk.
Experience of working in a designated safeguarding role.
Experience of writing reports and compiling case related evidence and information.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of inclusion, equality and anti–discrimination.
Working knowledge of the roles of statutory agencies in safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Experience of implementing policies, protocols, and guidance.
Knowledge of the structure and partner organisations within football, nationally and within the County FA locality.

Desirable

Completion of recognised Designated Safeguarding Officer training at Level 2 & 3.
Effective presentation and facilitation skills.
Ability to de-escalate heated and challenging situations.
Experience of interviewing children and or adults in relation to allegations.
Knowledge of The FA's Grassroots Football Strategy.
Working knowledge of FA systems such as Whole Game System, Electronic Safeguarding. Assessment (ELSA) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
Knowledge and understanding of diverse faiths, communities and cultures.
Understanding of the effects of various conditions that affect children such as, but not limited to, ADHD and Tourette's syndrome.
Knowledge and understanding of working with volunteers.

Bedfordshire FA - Designated Safeguarding Officer