Job Title Academy Designated Safeguarding and Welfare Officer Department Safeguarding Direct Reports None Reports to First Team DS&WO and Academy Manager Location Cobdown Park, Station Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6AU FT/PT & Salary Range Minimum 20hrs per week to include evenings and weekends, salary depending on experience Level of DBS Enhanced Child Barred List About Us: The London City Lionesses are part of the Kynisca group, setting a vision and building an infrastructure in which all the players and staff can thrive. Owned by Michele Kang, our vision for Kynisca is to: 1. Become the most pre-eminent sports organisation in the world; 2. Have a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch; 3. Train women as women; and 4. Motivate and inspire the next generation of girls and women. Role Purpose: The role of the Academy Designated Safeguarding and Welfare Officer (DS&WO) is to support with maintaining a safe and secure environment, ensuring we adhere to all governance requirements, promoting and working to embed safer working practices and a culture of safeguarding within the Academy. Join us as a key advocate for the women’s and girls' game and make a meaningful impact on the future of football. This is a new position within the business, so the responsibilities are not set in stone. We need someone who can jump in, get things done and work with the senior leadership team to shape the future of the club. Main Duties/ Responsibilities 1. Lead the management of safeguarding incidents, concerns, and allegations within the PGA and Girls Academy, escalating serious matters to the Senior Safeguarding Manager. 2. Serve as the primary point of contact for all Academy safeguarding and welfare issues, providing guidance to staff, players, parents, and carers. 3. Serve as the primary point of contact for all Academy safeguarding and welfare issues, providing guidance to staff, players, parents, and carers. 4. Maintain confidential and up-to-date records on all safeguarding matters. 5. Engage with external agencies, including the FA and statutory authorities, to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups. 6. Engage with external agencies, including the FA and statutory authorities, to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups. 7. Self-development · Keep up to date with current research, legislation, and evidence-based practice in Safeguarding including formal CPD · Participate in internal and external professional development activities and demonstrate a commitment to undertake on-going formal education programmes Work with an advisor or mentor from outside the club 8. Other ad-hoc duties as assigned from time-to-time by management Club Accountabilities 1. To comply with all Club policies, procedures and practices and carry out your role diligently and in the best interests of the Club 2. To lead with a proactive, high-performance mindset and actively contribute to a winning culture on and off the pitch 3. To behave in a manner consistent with Club values and policies What we are looking for Qualifications and Training Any specific qualifications or technical requirements listed here will be mandated by league and/or governing body rules Essential · Trained in safeguarding children, including completion of The FA Safeguarding Children Workshop and The FA Welfare Officers Workshop, with an up-to-date DBS · Evidence of CPD Desirable · Degree level qualification, or equivalent, in safeguarding or related field · FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid certification Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential · Professional experience in safeguarding, with a background in sports development, education, social work, child protection or a similar field · Knowledge and practical experience of safeguarding children and adults at risk legislation and statutory guidance and updating and implementing policies and procedures · Ability to work independently and manage cases effectively, but to also know when to escalate and take guidance from others · Understanding of the specifics of safeguarding in sport · Knowledge and understanding of the culture and structure of women's football Desirable · Exposure to a similar role within a girl’s Professional Games Academy and/or women’s football · Recognised Designated Safeguarding Officer training (Level 2 and/or 3) · Understanding of the role of statutory agencies and sport's governing bodies in safeguarding and managing concerns Characteristics · Has a core motivation to keep people, including vulnerable people, safe and protect their rights · Has a passion for safeguarding and is enthusiastic about working in the women’s game. · Committed to providing equal opportunities to people of different backgrounds, experience, and perspective · Ability to deal constructively with own and other people’s emotions (e.g., upset, distress, conflict, animosity) · Works effectively even when dealing with emotive situations and with upsetting subject matter and remains focused. · Excellent communication skills with the ability to build meaningful, strong relationships with staff, players and parents/carers and external partners · Is empathetic, sensitive, and skilled at developing trust and connecting with people · Demonstrates integrity and authority to professionally challenge anyone, including senior staff, to maintain a safer working environment and safeguarding culture · Is an active listener who takes the time to understand a problem from a range of perspectives, as appropriate · Capacity to handle confidential data/information sensitively · Is diligent about recording information and keeping records · Identifies the need for, and actions change in direction, practice, policy, or procedure · Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to deal with matrix stakeholders & ambiguity. · High standards of personal integrity and EQ. · Comfortable and able to work on own initiative · Has a learning mindset; is keen to continue their self-development and keep up to date with best practice and learning opportunities · Continually seeks to improve efficiency and performance · Seeks out and embraces new ways of thinking and working – not afraid to fail. London City Lionesses is committed to safeguarding, health and safety, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. We prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, the well-being of all staff and visitors, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. These responsibilities are shared by all staff and volunteers, with safeguarding, safety, and inclusivity being collective priorities. All staff are required to adhere to the Club’s policies, complete relevant training, and actively contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This includes timely reporting of concerns, compliance with health and safety regulations, and upholding the Club’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination. For certain roles, additional checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or health assessments, may be required. Applications must include a fully completed application form; CVs alone will not be accepted. All candidates will be assessed on merit and their alignment with the Club’s values.