Lead Protection Officer

Organisation: English Karate Federation CIC
Salary: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Location: Remote
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 30 June 2026
Job Description: The English Karate Federation CIC (EKF) is an independent, not-for-profit governing organisation established to support safe, inclusive and high-quality karate participation across England. The organisation works in partnership with affiliated Associations, Clubs, coaches and volunteers to strengthen safeguarding, governance, participation development and organisational standards across the English karate community.

The EKF is seeking to appoint an experienced and values-driven safeguarding professional to lead the organisation’s safeguarding and protection function during a significant period of organisational development and governance reform.

The role represents a unique opportunity to shape safeguarding culture, systems and governance arrangements across a developing national karate structure committed to safe, inclusive and ethical participation.

Over recent months, the EKF has undertaken substantial safeguarding and governance development work aligned to:

- the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts
- CPSU safeguarding expectations
- wider learning emerging across sport following the Whyte Review
- modern governance and safer recruitment standards

The successful applicant will lead the EKF safeguarding function and provide strategic oversight across safeguarding policy implementation, case management, safer recruitment, safeguarding assurance, education and organisational safeguarding culture.

The role will work closely with the EKF Board, Safeguarding Committee, Association Safeguarding Officers and wider stakeholders across the karate community.

Key responsibilities include:
• leading safeguarding case oversight and referral management
• supporting safeguarding investigations and risk management processes
• overseeing safeguarding governance and assurance arrangements
• developing safeguarding education and training provision
• supporting safer recruitment compliance and DBS monitoring
• advising the Board regarding safeguarding risks, themes and emerging issues
• supporting the continued development of safeguarding systems, reporting pathways and organisational culture

Applicants should possess substantial safeguarding experience gained within areas such as:

- sport
- education
- policing
- health
- social care
- youth services
- or other safeguarding-intensive environments

Experience of managing safeguarding concerns, working with statutory agencies and operating within confidential and sensitive environments is essential.

The role is voluntary; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with EKF policy.

The EKF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment processes including Enhanced DBS checks with Children’s Barred List check and references.
How to apply: Please send CV and Cover Letter (2 pages max) to gregg@englishkaratefederation.com