Foundation Safeguarding Manager

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• The impact of EDI on Safeguarding practices.
• ‘Prevent’ including extremist and terrorist groups.
• Safeguarding, safer recruitment and equality and diversity practice.

Skills

• Working in a similar role, ideally in a governing or membership body within sport or other suitable industry.
• Demonstrable experience of strategies to raise standards; an aptitude and enthusiasm for effective analysis of data and its use in setting targets for improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent level qualification or experience.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular observations of activity and site visits which include working irregular hours, such as evening and some weekends ensuring that safeguarding practices are embedded in delivery.
• Support the Head of Safeguarding, ensuring the Foundation and its staff are fully compliant with all safeguarding legislation, Premier League, EFL and FA guidance and to embed safeguarding into the culture of the Foundation.
• Work closely with both the Safeguarding and Equality Diversity and Inclusion leads to ensure the Foundation is providing a safe and inclusive environment.
• Ensure that new staff/volunteers are embedding safeguarding practices in delivery during induction period.
• Oversee and develop the Quality Assurance provision in partnership with the Head of Safeguarding and Director of Operations, focusing on the high-risk areas of the Foundation’s delivery to ensure that front line staff are equipped to put safeguarding at the forefront of their delivery and responsibilities.
• Support programme leads with the running of Youth Voice, to ensure that children and young people and vulnerable adults are heard and their views on safeguarding and latest trends are taken into account.
• Address concerns reported on the Foundations safeguarding reporting system, CPOMS. Lead monthly meetings with senior leaders to review reports.
• Support the Head of Safeguarding with the incident and near miss reporting process across the Foundation ensuring thorough investigations are carried out and escalated through appropriate channels.
• Using CPOMS, track data in relation to incidents, accidents and complaints, identify patterns and trends to inform organisational direction. Act as lead Foundation official and lead on or support the Head of Safeguarding in any investigation of an allegation of abuse or poor practice.
• Work closely with the Foundation’s participants, coaches and staff (operations, programmes, training, observations)
• Oversight of safeguarding recording on CPOMS including the monitoring, analysis and evaluation.
• Work with the Head of Safeguarding and HR to ensure that all staff/volunteers who are working with children and young people are DBS checked and attend a safeguarding induction and regular safeguarding workshops.
• Work closely with HR to ensure that the single central record for each activity at the Foundation that involves Children and/or Adults at Risk is maintained, including relevant and permitted Disclosure information, safeguarding training records and any other information relevant to Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups.
• Conduct regular spot check audits throughout the year to assess compliance with safeguarding standards.
• Provide advice and guidance to the HR Department (and other departments as required) on all safeguarding related legislation.
• Support staff in the sign-off process of planning off-site activities, trips, residentials and events.
• Ensure that all third parties and partners that the Foundation engage with are compliant with safeguarding legislation and league standards.
• Ensure sensitive information is held securely, is GDPR compliant and all safeguarding and wellbeing concerns are recorded on our electronic case management system.
• Contribute to successful relationships with the English Football League, Premier League, FA and support other collaborations with agencies such as schools, education, social services, the Police and Youth Offending Teams.
• Advise on Foundation external activities including match day activities in relation to safeguarding.
• Lead on keeping the organisation up to date and in line with legislation and communications around policies and processes associated with safeguarding activity.
• Support the Head of Safeguarding and Director of Safeguarding and Inclusion to ensure the Foundation reaches its potential on all relevant safeguarding audits and be accountable for audit recommendations being monitored, reviewed and implemented.
• Provide relevant advice and guidance and embed best practice as appropriate.
• Execute additional tasks as required in order to meet the Foundation’s changing priorities.
• Champion and provide a vocal presence for Mental Health & Wellbeing within the Foundation.
• Attend Mental Health & Wellbeing related working groups/action groups and offer operational perspective as and when required, and share information and communicate progress/issues back to colleagues.
• Attend Foundation forums to share information and promote the safety of young people.
• Work respectfully, sensitively and empathically with people with poor mental health and/or illness at all times.
• Support any requests for updates on activities undertaken by the organisation around mental health.