Safeguarding Officer

Organisation: Cambridge United Foundation
Salary: £27,000-£31,000 full-time (pro rata)
Location: The Cledara Abbey Stadium
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 22 September 2025
Interview date: 30 September 2025
Job Description: Cambridge United Foundation was established in 2010 to deepen the impact of the Club’s work in the community. Cambridge United’s vision is ‘to compete at the highest level of the English Football League whilst operating a sustainable football club embedded within the heart of its community’, demonstrating a clear commitment to Cambridge residents. Serving as the charitable arm of the football club, the foundation is deeply rooted within the fabric of the organisation. It works across the city to enhance the lives of the local community across a wide range of programmes.

We are at an exciting point of growth within the charity. As part of our new strategy ‘A Foundation for a BRIGHTER future’ we aspire to double our impact over the next three years. For this role the successful candidate will be committed to helping us achieve our target and create memorable moments through the activities and events supporters will be part of each year.

This 20-hour per week position is for someone excited by the prospect of building on the current strategic oversite of all safeguarding matters as well as being an advocate for the delivery of safeguarding processes across the charity. We are seeking a proactive and committed individual who is passionate about the community and the safety of its residents. The individual will also be diligent and motivated to review and implement internal policies and processes, ensuring safeguarding is at the forefront of all planning and delivery.

We welcome applications from individuals who are committed to creating a safe environment for all. If you possess the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to complete the application form. The successful applicant will be based at the Cledara Abbey Stadium, however will be an active part of our service, ensuring that the service delivery is of high quality and meets our safety standards. This role involves regulated activity with children and therefore requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
.
Key responsibilities
- Promoting a safe environment for staff, volunteers, participants and partners to maintain high quality service delivery.
- Support the awareness across the organisation when it comes to identifying, responding to and reporting concerns. This includes developing and delivering safeguarding workshops to staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
- Providing guidance and support to staff and volunteers.
- Managing the incident management platform (MyConcern)
- Responsible for making referrals to relevant statutory agencies and governing bodies such as the police, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the FA, EFL in the Community and the Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF) where appropriate.
- Prioritise listening and responding to the needs of our participants, taking onboard suggestions and reflecting safeguarding considerations.
- Collaborating with other professionals such as EFL in the Community, the FA and Living Sport who provide support and ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding.
- To be responsible for ensuring all relevant external parties meet and adhere to relevant safeguarding practices.
- Support the Foundation’s quality assurance process, including venue visits, implementation of risk assessments, training requirements and safeguarding procedures.
Additional Responsibilities, but not limited to:
- Supporting the Management team with the review process of training needs for staff.
- Reporting and making recommendations on safeguarding issues and themes to leadership and the board of trustees.
- Supporting Management with ongoing development of key safeguarding policies, strategies, reviews and action plans.
- Provide support and advocacy for individuals who have experienced abuse or neglect, signposting them to support services
- Working closely with the Football Club safeguarding officials to promote joined up approach to safeguarding.
- Provide administrative support for the EFL in the Community Capability Code of Practise in areas linked to Safeguarding.
- Support the onboarding process of staff and volunteers.
- Collaborate with others in the organisation to provide programmes that have safeguarding built in, taking preventative actions to better ensure safety and wellbeing.
- Create up-to-date and engaging resources to ensure safeguarding is embedded across the Charity
- Ensure the protection and safeguarding of all participants and the general public, reporting any incidents to the Senior Safeguarding Manager as required.
- Attend training courses and relevant to the role and maintain personal CPD.
- Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities considered appropriate by the Senior Leadership Team of the Foundation.
How to apply: Please complete the application form and upload to our online HR system here. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Vicky Neal (Head of Foundation and Senior Safeguarding Manager) via email: vickyn@cambridgeunited.com