Herefordshire Fa

**Our Organisation**
- Herefordshire FA is the governing body for football in Herefordshire.
- Our role is to develop, promote and support football in Herefordshire. We organise and administer competitions, leagues and cups for our clubs, grow participation, educate coaches and referees, provide help and advice and much more.
- Football is the national game and we want to make sure football is for all in Herefordshire. Over 70 clubs, over 260 teams, nearly 3000 players and countless more volunteers and spectators enjoy football in Herefordshire every week and we are behind them them with every kick of the game.

**The Role**
- We are excited to offer a unique opportunity to join our team and make a real impact, as a
- **Designated Safeguarding Officer.**
- Herefordshire FA is looking to appoint an enthusiastic, driven and highly organised individual to manage the Herefordshire FA's safeguarding work, in line with legislation, FA safeguarding policy, procedures, regulations, standards and guidance.
- The job holder will significantly contribute to implementing and maintaining The FA's Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs and drive safer practices and culture in grassroots football.
- You must be able to work under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines. You will also have some experience of safeguarding in a professional setting. Experience of football is not required, but a willingness to understand the local game is.

**Key Accountabilities**
- Operationally lead the implementation and delivery of safeguarding within the Herefordshire FA, being accountable for relevant areas of The FA's Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs.
- Track and ensure ongoing compliance with The FA's Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs measures, policies and procedures.
- To play an effective role as part of the senior management team. taking a dynamic and strategic approach to safeguarding delivery within the
- Herefordshire FA, raising awareness and providing organisational support and guidance to colleagues.
- Provide the senior management team with regular reports on safeguarding activity within the Herefordshire FA.
- Refer to The FA Safeguarding Case Management Team (FA SCMT) child abuse and adults at risk concerns, acting in line with the relevant FA safeguarding policy, regulations and guidance.
- Ensure all safeguarding concerns are recorded on The FA Electronic Safeguarding Assessment (ELSA) system and ensure all data is securely retained in accordance with FA regulations, policies and data protection legislation.
- Deal with all low-level concerns and complaints with a focus on timeliness and outcomes and line with FA policy, regulations and guidance.
- Use FA IT systems to monitor safeguarding compliance across the grassroots' volunteer network to manage risk and assist in strategic planning.
- Utilise insight and data to inform all compliance activity and take appropriate activity to address non-compliance.
- For more information on the key accountabilities please visit the job description at the bottom of the page._

**What we are looking for**
- Essential
- Relevant experience in a child protection, safeguarding, or welfare role.
- Clarity about what constitutes poor practice and abuse and how to manage cases effectively.
- Ability to deal constructively with people's emotions (e.g. upset, distress, conflict, animosity).
- Capacity to handle confidential data/information sensitively.
- Ability to promote safer practice and the importance of safe and fun football environments.
- Outstanding team-working skills.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Effective prioritisation and time-management skills.
- Knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, policy and practice relating to children and adults at risk, or the willingness to learn
- Working knowledge of and/or experience of working in a designated safeguarding role.
- Experience of writing reports and compiling case related evidence and information.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of inclusion, equality and anti
- discrimination.
- Working knowledge of the roles of statutory agencies in safeguarding children and adults at risk.
- Experience of implementing policies, protocols and guidance.
- Knowledge of the structure and partner organisations within football, nationally and within the County FA locality.
- Desirable
- Completion of recognised Designated Safeguarding Officer training at Level 2 & 3.
- Effective presentation and facilitation skills.
- Ability to de-escalate heated and challenging situations.
- Experience of interviewing children and or adults in relation to allegations.
- Knowledge of The FA's Grassroots Football Strategy.
- Working knowledge of FA systems such as Whole Game System, Platform for Football, Electronic Safeguarding Assessment (ELSA) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
- Knowledge and understanding of diverse faiths, communities and cultures.
- Understanding of the