Vacancy - Designated Safeguarding Officer
Liverpool FA is looking for a driven, safeguarding professional to operationally drive our commitment to raising safeguarding standards across the grassroots game in Merseyside.
Job Title: Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Location: Walton Hall Park, Liverpool, L4 9XP & LCFA Sefton, Drummond Road, Sefton. L23 9YP
Salary: £27 000 - £30 000 dependant on experience
Hours per week: 35 hours per week
Closing Date: Thursday 11th August
Interview Date: TBC (flexible due to summer holidays)
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Key accountabilities
• To support delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and Liverpool Football Association Business Strategy.
• To manage the Liverpool Football Association safeguarding work, in line with legislation, FA safeguarding policy, procedures, regulations, standards and guidance.
• Work with The FA Safeguarding Case Management Team (FA SCMT) to refer child abuse and adults at risk concerns to The FA, acting in line with the relevant FA safeguarding policy, regulations and guidance.
• To manage safeguarding and child and adults at risk protection concerns in a timely manner and in line with FA requirements and guidance.
• To lead the implementation and maintaining The FA’s Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs and driving safer practice and culture in grassroots football.
• To support the adoption of FA technology systems across grassroots football.
• To comply with FA rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidance that are in place from time to time.
• Provide training, support and guidance to clubs and leagues on how to manage safeguarding complaints and concerns effectively, with a focus on timeliness and outcomes and in line with FA policy, regulations and guidance.
What we are looking for
• A child-centred approach and the ability to maintain this perspective and apply common sense.
• 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.
Please download the person specification at the bottom of the page for a full outline of what we are looking for in terms of skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our organisation
Liverpool County FA is here to develop and govern the game. Our mission is to make grassroots football accessible, affordable and aspirational across Merseyside, no matter who you are.
Liverpool County FA is the governing body for grassroots football across Merseyside and is looking for an enthusiastic safeguarding professional with a passion for grassroots football to join the team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all matters relating to safeguarding children, adults at risk and poor practice.
This is an exciting time to be joining the team as Liverpool County FA embark on a new three-year strategy in partnership with The FA, local partners, member clubs and leagues, you can find more information about our strategy here.
As the governing body locally, we are responsible for supporting, developing and promoting the grassroots game. Across Merseyside, we support over 55,000 players, coaches, volunteers and referees within the game.
What we can offer
• A great start to your career in football with the local governing body of the grassroots game here in the heart of the County.
• Opportunities to progress your career across the County FA Network throughout England and at The FA.
• Access to high-quality training, networking, and personal development opportunities
• A varied and exciting working life, where you’ll learn about all aspects of grassroots football.
• Holiday entitlement outside of bank holidays and the festive period.
• Full staff NIKE kit.
• Enrolment in a pension scheme with
• Flexible working and home working available
• Access to an employee’s assistance programme (EAP)
Equality and Diversity
Liverpool FA promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any requirements in relation to the recruitment or interview process, please include details on the application form.
About the application and selection process
Download our Designated Safeguarding Officer Recruitment Pack below for further detail on the role and Liverpool County FA.
To be considered, applicants must fill in the Job Application Form by Thursday 11th August.
Any applications after the deadline will not be considered.
Interview dates are to be confirmed in due course, and will be flexible due to the summer holidays. Applicants successfully shortlisted must be available to attend.
For an informal discussion about the role and/or Liverpool County FA, please contact Anthony Smith on Anthony.Smith@liverpoolfa.com
Application documents