Head of Safeguarding (Off-Field)

Job title:

Head of Safeguarding (Off-Field)

Company

Brentford Football Club

Job description

Job Title: Head of Safeguarding (Off-Field)Department: People & ComplianceReporting To: Operational Risk DirectorLocation: Vantage, LondonClosing Date: 15th January 2025Brentford 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 StatementBrentford 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 the appropriate points in the hiring process.Safeguarding StatementBrentford 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 will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this atPlease 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.The Role of the Head of Safeguarding (Off-Field)The Head of Safeguarding (Off-Field) is responsible for ensuring the highest safeguarding standards across all off-field operations at the club. This includes safeguarding for matchdays, commercial and marketing activities, corporate affairs, and operational departments. Reporting to the Operational Risk Director, the Head of Safeguarding (Off-Field) will take a leadership role in embedding safeguarding policies and practices into the day-to-day operations of the club, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and creating a safe environment for all stakeholders.The role will work closely with the Head of Academy Safeguarding, who oversees safeguarding for the football department, to ensure alignment while maintaining a distinct focus on non-football aspects of the club’s operations. The role will also work closely with the Safeguarding Manager (Trust), who oversees safeguarding for the club’s associated Community Sports Trust, to ensure that close collaboration is maintained between our two organisations.Flexibility is required for matchdays (typically on weekends but can involve evenings, and often bank holidays) and occasional travel for club events, tours or other safeguarding responsibilities.Main Responsibilities

• Lead on safeguarding for all off-field activities, ensuring that the club meets its statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Act as the primary safeguarding point of contact for all off-field activities.
• Manage safeguarding investigations and cases related to off-field matters, ensuring appropriate resolution and reporting.
• Establish and lead a team of Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) to support safeguarding efforts across all off-field departments.
• Develop and maintain clear safeguarding policies and procedures for off-field activities, ensuring they are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Co-chair (alongside the Head of Academy Safeguarding) a monthly Safeguarding Committee with off-field and football department ‘heads of department’ to review policies, discuss safeguarding matters, and ensure consistent application of best practices.
• Represent the club at external events, forums, and training sessions organised by regulators such as the Premier League, ensuring the club stays aligned with best practices and guidance.
• Oversee safeguarding for matchdays, including risk assessments, support for staff and volunteers, and incident management as required.
• Develop and deliver a comprehensive workforce development and training plan for all off-field staff, ensuring they are appropriately trained and equipped to understand and implement safeguarding responsibilities.
• Assist the Operational Risk Director to prepare reports and updates for the club’s Board, Safeguarding Board and Executive Committee (ExCo) as required, providing insight into safeguarding trends, risks, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Head of Academy Safeguarding, the Safeguarding Manager (Trust), and other safeguarding team members, to ensure a cohesive and aligned safeguarding approach across the club and Trust. From time to time, this will include covering for other safeguarding team members during periods of absence or to provide surge capacity during periods of high demand.
• Keep up to date with changes in safeguarding legislation, FA and League safeguarding regulation and best practices, advising the Operational Risk Director and other stakeholders as appropriate.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including safeguarding, health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR).
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
• To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the Club both on and off the field.
• To actively embed equity, diversity and inclusion into the operations and strategy of your team, in line with our EDI strategy.

Key Internal Relationships

• Operational Risk Director (line manager).
• General Counsel & Senior (Board) Safeguarding Lead.
• Head of Academy Safeguarding.
• Safeguarding Manager (Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust).
• Heads of Commercial, Operations, Marketing and Corporate Affairs teams.
• Matchday Operations teams.
• People & Compliance Department.
• Off-field Designated Safeguarding Officers.

Person Specification – Essential CharacteristicsQualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience managing safeguarding in a professional environment, ideally within sport, entertainment, or a related industry.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience delivering training and presenting to senior leadership.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding, with relevant safeguarding qualifications.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion, professionalism, and empathy.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Attributes:

• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to build strong relationships across departments.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to safeguarding.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including home matchdays (usually at the weekends and sometimes in the evenings and on bank holidays) and occasional travel.

Person Specification – Desirable Characteristics

• Experience in a safeguarding role within a sports organisation, event management, or hospitality setting.
• Knowledge of working in a highly regulated environment, such as sport or education.
• Knowledge of Premier League safeguarding standards and requirements.
• Experience working in a high-profile organisation with public-facing responsibilities.
• Additional certifications, such as Mental Health First Aid.

Expected salary

Location

Brentford, Greater London

Job date

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 23:47:57 GMT

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