Academy Safeguarding Officer

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 brandnew 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 everyones 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 clubs 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 at

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.

The Role of the Academy Safeguarding Officer

Reporting into the Academy Head of Safeguarding & Welfare and through to the Director of Safeguarding this role within the Academy is responsible for ensuring children young people and adults at risk are kept safe that best practice guidelines are kept to and that best practice is promoted.

Brentford FC is building the most Caring and Progressive Academy in the world and this role and safeguarding generally are a fundamental part of our approach to Youth Development Football helping to shape and drive our caring and innovative approaches.

We are committed to ensuring everyone who engages with the Academy has a positive safe and supportive experience and this role is key to ensuring strong safeguarding practices are embedded in the Academy and across the Club too.

As part of a Club/Trust wide Safeguarding Team this role will at times provide expertise and operational support to colleagues in the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.

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 everyones 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 uptodate 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 (ADSOs) 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 Academys 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 youre 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 Clubs Safeguarding Policy and processes.

To ensure compliance with the Clubs 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 peoples 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 Clubs commitment to safeguarding and equality diversity and inclusion.

Good IT skills using Microsoft packages and experience of using a casemanagement system to keep clear and comprehensive records and reports.

A personcentred 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 interpersonal skills to enhance working relationships both internally and externally.

Calm temperament with experience of working under pressure meeting deadlines and prioritising workload.

Selfmotivated 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.