Football Safeguarding Compliance Officer

This role will support the Football Safeguarding & Welfare manager in delivering The FA National Game and London FA’s Safeguarding Strategy, managing safeguarding and welfare investigations, challenging poor behaviours, and promoting best practice whilst upskilling the capital’s volunteer workforce.

The Football services team is responsible for governing the game in London, which includes the management of discipline, safeguarding and our cups & competitions. We have a clear ambition to improve playing experiences and opportunities and to do this in a way that places safety, behaviours and standards at the forefront of all conversations and decisions. 

Job purpose

• Support the delivery of The FA National Game Strategy and London FA Safeguarding Strategy.

• Manage, in collaboration with the Football Safeguarding & Welfare Manager, safeguarding, poor practice and low-level concerns in a timely manner, in line with FA requirements and guidance.

• Support the delivery of key FA and London FA safeguarding initiatives, campaigns and promotional activity.

• Contribute to the upskilling of London FA’s volunteer network, including Club and League Welfare Officers.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of investigations and interventions, supporting behaviour change and improved practice across the London FA volunteer network.

• Take a leading role in the implementation, adherence and ongoing management of The FA’s Safeguarding Operating Standard (SOS) for County FAs.

• Take a leading role in the planning and delivery of Safeguarding Validation Visits, motivating and supporting a workforce to meet strict deadlines and deliver high-quality visits.

• Promote and uphold safer working practices across grassroots football in London.

• Provide high-quality support and services to London FA stakeholders across the organisation.

Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding legislation, policy and best practice relating to children and adults at risk, ideally within a sport or community setting.

• Experience of managing safeguarding, poor practice or welfare concerns in a professional or volunteer environment.

• Experience of liaising with key safeguarding partners and agencies (e.g. Local Authority Designated Officers, Police, Social Services, MASH).

• Experience of maintaining accurate, confidential records and documenting investigations or casework.

• Ability to compile evidence and case information into clear written reports and communications.

• Experience delivering presentations, training or workshops to a wide range of audiences.

• Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience of coordinating or supporting projects and programmes, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.

• Understanding of inclusion, equality, anti-discrimination and safer working practice.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and emotive situations with professionalism and empathy.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with high attention to detail.

• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to analyse information, identify trends and use insight to inform improvements and decision-making.

• Confident presenter, able to engage a range of audiences both face-to-face and online.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage conflict and challenging conversations constructively.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database/record-keeping systems.

• Knowledge of The FA safeguarding structure, policies and partner organisations.

• Experience working with volunteers and grassroots sport networks.

• Experience supporting compliance processes such as DBS or safer recruitment.

• Experience developing learning resources, guidance or training materials.

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.

• Willingness to travel across London and attend evening and weekend events when required.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.