Welfare and Behaviour Lead

Organisation: England Students' RFU / SRFU
Salary: Volunteer position
Location: Remote
Contract type: Volunteer
Closing date: 29 November 2026
Interview date: 7 December 2026
Job Description: The opportunity
Behaviour, discipline and player welfare in university rugby are shared responsibilities across member institutions, BUCS, the RFU and the Higher Education Rugby Union Disciplinary Group. Welfare standards are set nationally through the RFU RugbySafe framework, while disciplinary matters are managed through established institutional and governing body processes.

This work is underpinned by the Higher Education Behaviours Charter - Protect Our Game, a partnership between the RFU, WRU, SRU, SRFU and BUCS. The Charter promotes positive behaviours on and off the pitch, supports the prevention of harmful practices and misconduct, and provides clear reporting routes for concerns and incidents.

As a key partner and representative body for university rugby in England, the SRFU plays an active role in shaping discussions on behaviour, discipline and welfare across the student game. We also hold responsibility for ensuring appropriate welfare standards within our own activities, including the England Students programme.

Why we need this role

This role provides the SRFU with a dedicated lead for behaviour, discipline and player welfare. The postholder will represent the organisation across key sector forums, act as the Constituent Body's lead for RugbySafe, and provide regular advice, insight and assurance to the Full Committee and Board on emerging issues, risks and developments.

The role is focused on oversight, representation and influence rather than case management. Responsibility for individual disciplinary matters remains with member institutions, BUCS and the RFU through their established processes.
Key responsibilities

Behaviour, discipline and sector engagement

Chair the Higher Education Rugby Union Disciplinary Group, leading discussions on behaviour, discipline and welfare across the student game in England.

Act as the SRFU lead for the Higher Education Behaviours Charter - Protect Our Game, promoting awareness and engagement across member universities and working with partner organisations to support its ongoing delivery.

Build effective relationships with the RFU, BUCS, member institutions and other stakeholders to support a consistent approach to behavioural and disciplinary matters.

Representation and advice

Represent the SRFU at relevant national meetings and forums relating to welfare, safeguarding, behaviour and discipline.

Provide advice and updates to the Company Secretary, Full Committee and Board on emerging issues, policy developments and matters requiring an SRFU response.

Escalate any significant welfare, reputational or regulatory risks through the appropriate SRFU governance channels.

RugbySafe and player welfare

Act as the SRFU RugbySafe lead, providing oversight of the RFU RugbySafe framework as it applies to SRFU activities, including the England Students programme.

Monitor changes to welfare and safeguarding requirements, advising on their implications and supporting their implementation within SRFU activities.

Person specification

Essential

Current or recent involvement in rugby union, higher education sport, or both.

Working knowledge of disciplinary or safeguarding frameworks in sport, and of how they operate in practice.

Credibility to represent the SRFU in discussion with the RFU, BUCS and member institutions.

Sound judgement and discretion, with the ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.

Willingness to escalate matters rather than resolve them independently.

Desirable

Existing relationships within the RFU, BUCS or university sport.

Familiarity with RFU disciplinary regulations, the RugbySafe framework and the Higher Education Behaviours Charter.

A relevant safeguarding qualification, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience of committee or governance work in a sporting or charitable setting.
How to apply: For a full recruitment pack please see here: https://www.englandrugby-unis.com/post/join-the-srfu-volunteer-team or email Elisa Blackborough e.blackborough@studentsrfu.com How to apply Please send a CV and a short covering note of no more than one page outlining your interest in the role and the relevant experience you would bring. Send to: e.blackborough@studentsrfu.com Closing date: 29 November 2026 Interviews: Week commencing 7 December 2026, via Microsoft Teams. Equality, diversity and inclusion The SRFU is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. University rugby serves a broad and diverse student population, and our governance and committee structures should reflect that. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and particularly from people currently under-represented in rugby union governance. We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process on request. Please tell us what would help. Appointment is subject to two satisfactory references and completion of RFU safeguarding training appropriate to the role.

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Welfare and Behaviour Lead