Safeguarding & Welfare Oversight Lead

Safeguarding & Welfare Oversight Lead | Careers in Football

About the Role
We are seeking a Safeguarding & Welfare Oversight Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping a safe, inclusive, and positive culture across England’s Women’s Development Teams. You will lead safeguarding strategy, oversee welfare interventions, and ensure all environments support player wellbeing and growth.

Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their interest and suitability. Shortlisted candidates will complete an online video interview, with final in-person interviews taking place at St. George’s Park on 24th September.

Key Responsibilities
As Safeguarding & Welfare Oversight Lead, you will:

• Oversee and manage a team of Designated Safeguarding & Welfare Leads (DSWLs), deploying them across
• England Women’s Development Team camps and events.
• Act as DSWL cover where required, including chaperone duties for player travel and as Tournament Safeguarding Lead.
• Develop and review Safeguarding Plans and Risk Assessments, supporting the pre-event recce process.
• Provide safeguarding support across both Women’s and Men’s Development Teams.
• Deliver safeguarding training and briefings to staff and players, ensuring engaging and age-appropriate resources.
• Support individual player welfare through tailored Welfare Plans, liaising with clubs, parents, carers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Offer safeguarding advice in line with FA safeguarding policies and safer working practice guidance.
• Review post-event reports, highlight good practice, and drive improvements in safeguarding standards.
• Support quality assurance visits at camps and tournaments in the UK and abroad.
• Provide cover for the FA’s Safeguarding Duty Line, offering out-of-hours support.

What We’re Looking For Safeguarding & Welfare

Essential Knowledge & Experience:

• Professional safeguarding qualification and/or significant experience in welfare roles within sport, education, or youth work.
• Strong knowledge of child protection law, safeguarding policy, and equality legislation.
• Experience implementing safeguarding frameworks, making referrals, and managing risks/crises.
• Proven experience delivering safeguarding training and managing safeguarding professionals.
• Understanding of the challenges facing young players in elite football, particularly within the Women’s Game.
• Experience collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent communication, training delivery, and report writing skills.
• Ability to manage complex safeguarding cases with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including travel in the UK and internationally.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead safeguarding in elite football and make a lasting impact on player wellbeing. You’ll be part of a dedicated team ensuring the highest standards of safety, inclusion, and support across the England Development pathway.

Application Details
📅 Deadline: Apply via our website before the closing date.
📍 Final Interviews: 24th September at St. George’s Park.

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