THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

The Football Association (The FA) is a multi-faceted organisation which has the responsibility of overseeing, promoting and developing the game of association football at all levels in England, from grassroots through to the professional game, The FA Cup and the England international teams. A core part of The FA's activities is to act as the governing body of the game, including the implementation of regulatory, disciplinary and rule-making functions.

SAFEGUARDING REVIEW PANELS AND SAFEGUARDING APPEAL BOARDS

Safeguarding Review Panels are three-person panels which hear safeguarding cases and have the power to impose appropriate safeguards, interim suspensions and other orders against Participants in the game of football, where appropriate. Safeguarding Appeal Boards are three-person panels which hear, amongst other things, appeals of Safeguarding Review Panel decisions.

The FA wishes to appoint a number of Specialist Panel Members to its Safeguarding Review Panel. Successful candidates must have the appropriate experience of acting as a chairperson in matters relating to safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy in the context of football/sport.

ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

The key attributes required are:

• A qualified solicitor or barrister with seven or more years' standing. Queen's Counsel level desirable but not mandatory.
• Significant and demonstrable safeguarding experience in family and/or criminal law.
• Substantial knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations and policy and an understanding of how these are relevant in the context of football/sport.
• A knowledge and appreciation of football would be advantageous, although not essential.
• Demonstrable experience sitting on judicial or quasi-judicial panels.
• An ability to assess evidence and submissions put before a Safeguarding Review Panel/Safeguarding Appeal Board in an open, knowledgeable, and fair-minded way.
• Sound and objective judgement.
• Considerable experience in drafting reasoned judgments mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent listening, and communication skills along with integrity, impartiality, and high ethical standards.

TIME COMMITMENT

Safeguarding Review Panels and Safeguarding Appeal Boards are convened on a frequent basis throughout the calendar year. Hearings take place over video conference, unless an in-person request has been approved. Specialist Panel Members are expected to make themselves available to fulfil their fair share of the cases arising in any given year.

An attendance fee is payable for Specialist Panel Members for their time spent preparing and attending Safeguarding Review Panels and/or Appeal Board hearings, which includes the drafting of written reasons. Reasonable expenses properly incurred may also be reclaimed for hearing trips to Wembley.

The appointment is for a fixed term of three years. Specialist Panel Members are eligible to apply for further terms, subject to the business needs of The FA.

HOW TO PROGRESS APPLICATION

If you feel that you have the relevant skills and experience, please click the apply button. You will be required to submit your CV and short covering letter highlighting your suitability for the role by reference to the key attributes outlined above.

As the requirement of the role may change, this document should be viewed as guidance only. The Football Association Group promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone.

Closing: 17 Jul 2022