Safeguarding Case Officer

The FA is seeking a diligent and principled professional to play a key role in safeguarding within affiliated football. The role is responsible for investigating and assessing all allegations and concerns relating to individuals who may pose a risk to children and adults at risk. The postholder implements appropriate risk management plans where required to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

• Manage a caseload efficiently and effectively in line with The FA's policies, procedures, regulations, protocols and thresholds.
• Undertake investigations into allegations or concerns made against individuals within, or seeking to enter, football.
• Complete risk assessments and, where appropriate, recommend a risk management plan to the Safeguarding Case Manager, Professional Game Safeguarding Manager, Safeguarding Quality Assurance Manager or Head of Safeguarding Case Management.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and paperwork for the Safeguarding Review Panel for cases requiring an order under The FA's Safeguarding Regulations.
• Progress cases to full conclusion within The FA's stipulated timescales and in adherence to the Safeguarding Case Management Team's Practice Standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files by recording actions on The FA's Case Management system in line with FA Data Protection Policies and protocols and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Code of Practice.
• Liaise with County FAs, clubs, leagues, other FA departments and statutory agencies throughout investigations to ensure timely information sharing and inform risk assessment
• And liaise regularly with individuals subject to safeguarding investigations to support their understanding of and engagement with the process.
• Ensure The FA fulfils its legal duties under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, including referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across The FA Group and external agencies, including County FAs, the professional game, statutory agencies and Local Authority Designated Officers
• Support the network of Designated Safeguarding Officers, contribute to regional County FA meetings and assist in delivering training at regional or national level.
• Self-reflect on performance, seek feedback, identify learning needs, attend and prepare for regular supervision and management meetings, maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge, take accountability for ongoing professional development
• Undertake additional tasks as required to meet The FA's changing priorities, and comply with company policies and procedures to maintain high standards of health, safety and well-being.

• A BA/MA in Social Work, or be a Police Officer with relevant Child Protection experience, a Youth Offending Officer or Probation Officer with a relevant degree, or a lawyer experienced in child and family law.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in front-line child protection intervention and/or risk assessment of adult perpetrators, and application of risk assessment tools.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and best practice.
• Evidence of a child-centred approach and an understanding of children's rights, needs and best interests.
• Excellent report writing skills, including risk assessments, risk management report writing and analysis of risk.
• Experience in handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• A flexible approach to hours and travel.
• Evidence of continuous training and development.
• Emotional resilience.
• Knowledge of relevant child protection legislation and statutory guidance.
• Complete a DBS check at the level required for the role, in line with legislation and government guidance.

• Experience working in a regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of the structure of affiliated football.
• Knowledge of mental well-being strategies and managing cases in relation to adults at risk.

• Hybrid working model: expectation to work from the contractual location for part of the week and as and when required by the team, with remaining days worked remotely.
• The hybrid model will continue to be monitored and may be adjusted in future if deemed necessary.
• Unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, the home of English Football.
• A world-class Elite Performance Centre at St. George's Park in Staffordshire.

• Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside regular internal events throughout the season, to connect and learn with colleagues and support mental health and well-being.
• Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
• Free private medical cover.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• An additional 'Thank You' day's leave, volunteering days, as well as 25 days of annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract).
• A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.
• Opportunities to develop and grow in your role.

The FA is committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, with unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, the home of English Football, and a world-class Elite Performance Centre at St. George's Park in Staffordshire. The FA promotes inclusion and diversity, welcomes applications from everyone, and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.