Safeguarding Manager

Organisation: Paddle UK
Salary: £45,000 - £48,000
Location: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Job Description: Location: Nottingham – National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £45,000 - £48,000
Closing date: 31 May 2026

Ensure every paddler can realise their potential in a safe, inclusive, and protected environment

Paddle UK is seeking a strategic Safeguarding Manager to lead the embedding of safeguarding excellence across our organisation, clubs, and performance programmes. As a senior member of the Governance team, you will act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), taking lead accountability for the delivery of #SaferTogether—our core strategy for safeguarding, safety, welfare, and performance wellbeing.

This is a high-impact role requiring a balance of strategic vision and technical expertise. You will oversee robust case management, lead the Safeguarding Case Manager, and provide expert assurance to the Board and relevant sub-committees that our safeguarding culture is effective, best-practice, and legally compliant.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Delivery: Lead the #SaferTogether strategy, establishing annual plans to embed a culture of safeguarding and wellbeing across the sport.
Expert Advice: Act as the DSL, providing training, support, and guidance to staff, clubs, and volunteers to ensure best practice in reporting and prevention.
Case Management: Oversee the Safeguarding Case Manager to ensure all cases and disclosure checks are handled efficiently and in line with statutory standards.
Performance Excellence: Act as the safeguarding lead for the World Class Programme, developing tailored training and support for elite coaches and athletes.
Policy & Compliance: Maintain robust policies and manage the annual CPSU Framework assessment process to ensure Paddle UK meets all legislative requirements.
Governance Representation: Represent the organisation on the Safeguarding Case Management Group and work collaboratively with Home Nation partners.

Why Join Us?

This is a pivotal role for an expert looking to drive a culture of safety and integrity across a national sporting landscape. You will join a team that values:

Meaningful Change: A culture that encourages curiosity and the challenging of established thinking to achieve world-leading outcomes.
Collaborative Success: Direct influence over a dedicated network of practitioners, building psychological safety and a positive environment for all.
Strategic Impact: The opportunity to lead the #SaferTogether strategy, providing the stability and insight required to drive the sport forward at all levels.

About You

You will be a resilient leader with a deep understanding of safeguarding legislation and protocols. We are looking for:

Strategic Leadership: Proven experience in a strategic safeguarding role, ideally within a sport governing body.
Case Management Expertise: A thorough understanding of referral protocols and the responsibilities of statutory agencies.
Influencing Skills: The ability to form excellent working relationships and exert influence to effect positive change.
Qualifications: Relevant professional expertise (e.g., Social Services, Police, NHS, or Education) and DSL training.

Paddle UK is the governing body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability.

We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
Free onsite parking and bike storage
Company pension scheme
Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)

To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.
How to apply: Please apply via - https://britishcanoeing.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=76df1f4a-7532-47cb-8418-6ec3b2291a4a