Knowledge

Essential

• A high level of knowledge of the contemporary EDI landscape including areas of underrepresentation in football, relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and best practices.
• Equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination interventions in sport and wider industries/sectors.
• Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or adults at risk and uphold generally accepted practice when working with those participants.
• A balanced understanding of inclusion across all protected characteristics; and a passion for EDI and making a difference.
• Equality training and learning methods.
• In-depth knowledge of UK Equality legislative framework.
• An understanding of community engagement linked to sport and education.
• Understanding of safeguarding.

Desirable

• The football environment, football pyramid, and key stakeholders.
• EDI football equality initiatives and codes such as the PLEDIS, Football Leadership Diversity Code.
• Existing awareness and/or experience of working with the community.
• Charitable and/or PLCF reporting responsibilities (E.g. CCOP).

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience of working in a related environment.
• A proven track record of delivering successful EDI work and delivering real change in a comparative sector (sport or non-sport).
• Experience of writing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Experience of managing stakeholder relationships and programmes, with an appreciation of the importance of EDI in corporate and charity organisations.
• Evidence of a person-centred approach with an understanding of the rights, needs, and best interests of groups currently under-represented.
• Experience of completing equality impact assessments.
• The ability to gain senior board-level buy-in and support in a professional, constructive, and non-confrontational manner.
• Ability to present, analyse, and use data in relation to EDI to inform work.
• Ability to adapt communication and negotiation style to suit varied situations and people.
• Experience in dealing with, advising, or supporting on incidents of discrimination.

Desirable

• Working with children and/or adults at risk.
• Developing and delivering inclusion projects within diverse communities.
• Designing diversity projects with a focus on outcomes to measure success.
• Be well networked across the sporting EDI landscape.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE Maths and English C grade / equivalent.
• A positive attitude towards professional development and own learning.
• Post-holder must hold or obtain at the earliest opportunity the relevant safeguarding training (i.e. FA Safeguarding Children Workshop). Post-holder will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Desirable

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• CIPD Level 5-7.

Our Expectations

• To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you. Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.