Aston Villa Football Club
Safeguarding Manager (Foundation)
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Safeguarding Manager (Foundation)
Safeguarding Manager – Aston Villa Foundation and Community Partnerships
Department
Aston Villa Foundation and Community Partnerships – Central Team
Job Details
- Hours of Work: 22 hours per week
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Salary: £30,000–£35,000 FTE (£18,857–£22,000 per annum pro rata)
- Location: Villa Park
- Closing Date: Sunday 19 July 2026
- Interview Date: Week commencing 3 August 2026
About the Department
The Aston Villa Foundation is the official charity of Aston Villa Football Club and is committed to innovative, community-led initiatives, using the club as a ‘Force for Good’.
We uphold a culture where safeguarding is widely understood and embedded across all operations. The team ensures compliance with Premier League rules, government legislation, and maintains strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
This is an exciting opportunity to join as the Safeguarding Manager, leading projects that nurture and protect young people within Foundation programmes.
The Role
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Lead safeguarding strategy, policies, and best practice implementations aligned with the club’s vision and legislative requirements.
- Be the first point of contact for managing safeguarding concerns, providing guidance and support to:
- Colleagues
- Participants
- Parents/guardians
- Implement CEO Safeguarding Induction training for Foundation staff.
- Ensure safeguarding considerations are integrated into:
- Foundation projects
- Initiatives
- Events, including matchday activities
- Undertake training sessions (both local and on-site) related to safeguarding policy.
- Responsibly handle clear and comprehensive safeguarding records in line with current legislation and best practice.
- Travelling and flexible schedule required, including:
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Volunteering at matches (evidence of teamwork and accessibility in such environments)
- Represent the Foundation at external events and collaborate with external safeguarding partners.
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Requirements
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Degree or professional safeguarding/child welfare qualification (or equivalent experience with young people).
- Work/volunteer experience with children or young people, ideally in an elite or high-performance sporting environment such as academia, community sports, or safeguarding roles within high-visibility organisations.
- Credited as an expert in current:
- Safeguarding legislation
- Premier League Welfare Policy
- Recording and confidentiality best practices
- Strong standalone working and prioritisation skills to handle dynamic, multi-level requests.
- Ability to:
- Build rapport confidently across all stakeholders.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with sensitive subject matter.
- Holds a full UK driving license with reliable access to a personal vehicle (essential for commuting per role demands).
- The capacity for flexible attendance, including evenings/weekends.
Additional Attributes
- Personable & approachable.
- Adaptable to address unpredictable situations with integrity and discretion where necessary.
Core Values
- Commitment to bridging safeguarding expertise within the football community.
- Dedication to fostering safe development environments for young people.
For further Role Profile information, please review the authority-approved “[Role Profile Document]”.
Aston Villa Foundation in Practice
The Foundation exists to make a lasting impact through:
- Community workshops (youth well-being, education, and football-focused programmes).
- Shaping next-gen elite athletes via the Villa Eagles Academy.
- Continual infrastructure upgrades to global-class facilities.
Join a passionate team that’s making history together!
Corporate Commitments
Equality & Diversity
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including:
- Gender identity
- Race, ethnicity, age, disability, or neurodivergence
- Religion
- LGBTQ+ community
- Pregnancy/maternity status
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Safeguarding Policy
We adhere to strict safeguarding requirements including enhanced DBS checks where applicable. Full details available on the Safeguarding page.
Staff Benefits
When you join, you’ll receive:
- Membership of our Intimidatingly Extensive Staff Benefits Package (full details in our [online booklet](link to document)).
- Opportunities to work in a culturally pioneering environment alongside a team scrapped equally from our historic Club commitments.
- Free support from:
“If you witnessed a watershed moment at football’s heart since 1910, we’ve probably been through them too.”
Next Steps
Key Application Questions
📤 Before submitting, ensure your CV and Cover Letter address:
- Your safeguarding expertise in safeguarding vulnerable groups.
- Football/sports experience and enthusiasm for collaboration within the foundation.
How to Apply
Submit your materials to:
- Email: debbi.rawson@avfc.co.uk (Query the role directly to Debbi Rawson).
Important Notes
- The Club reserves the right to close vacancies early if sufficient applications are received.
- Never miss the inspiration as we champion inclusivity, diversity, and innovation at every level.
Why Aston Villa?
History isn’t built without bold ambition. Our content reinvigorates English football culture as both our first teams (men/women) reach unprecedented heights. We’re raising culture standards and designing global-fit infrastructure – come be part of it!
Want to carve your niche on the team’s off-pitch legacy? Explore current roles in our talent hub, or add your details to join our talent community for tailored updates.
*“We stand proud on the lawn, unseen but always visible. You might build worlds in Village — or here.”
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