Head of Safeguarding

Organisation: Southampton Football Club
Salary: Competitive
Location: Southampton
Contract type
Closing date: 18 June 2025
Job Description: Be part of our journey...
Location: St Mary’s Stadium and Staplewood Training Ground

Hours: Full Time 

Contract Type: Permanent  

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List 

What is the role?

Within this role you will lead strategy, planning and governance in safeguarding while aligning key compliance areas. You will develop and deliver frameworks and management systems to identify, reduce and manage risks as well as continuously monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of safeguarding systems with internal and external audit reports.

What will you be doing?

You will be accountable for multiple members of the Legal & Governance team including the Risk & Compliance Manager, Academy Safeguarding Lead and Casual Coordinator ensuring a streamlined safeguarding strategy is implemented across the club.

Your responsibilities will include developing and maintaining a club-wide training framework that ensures all staff receive safeguarding education appropriate to their roles. You will lead the club’s annual safeguarding audit, using its findings to create and implement action plans for continuous improvement.

You will also serve as the safeguarding lead for the PGA Girls' Programme providing proactive support to players, staff, and parents. In this capacity, you will be responsible for safeguarding case management within the Girls' and Women’s football programmes.

Additionally, you will be responsible for managing performance within your team—recognising excellence, addressing issues constructively, and maintaining a positive, productive team dynamic. Alongside the General Counsel, you will facilitate regular team meetings to foster collaboration, share ideas, and solve problems effectively.

Central to your role is maintaining appropriate and professional relationships with children and adults at risk. This includes modelling suitable language, behaviour, and demeanour at all times. The Club is committed to safeguarding best practices, and you will be expected to undertake regular training to uphold these standards.

Is this you?

We are seeking a motivated and committed individual who places the voice of the child or vulnerable adult at the heart of decision-making. The ideal candidate will adopt a person-centred approach, while also recognising and respecting the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their own lives.

The successful candidate must be a strong team player with clear leadership qualities. They should demonstrate a positive and proactive attitude, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt their style to suit a wide range of audiences. Resilience and the confidence to challenge constructively when required are also essential.

Candidates must have a strong understanding of safeguarding principles and key topics in sports governance. A degree-level qualification in any discipline is required, with qualifications in safeguarding or wellbeing-related fields considered desirable. Applicants should hold relevant safeguarding certificates or have completed previous safeguarding training. Significant experience in a senior safeguarding leadership role is essential, along with a proven track record of managing and developing others effectively.

How this benefits you… 

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package; 

Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game. 

Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).

Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise. 

27 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year. 

Contributory Pension Scheme. 

Free onsite parking. 

Cycle to Work Scheme. 

Collaborative & inclusive working culture. 

How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV. 

The closing date for applications is 18 June 2025.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.* 
How to apply: https://saintsfc.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SFC001/job/St-Marys-Stadium/Head-of-Safeguarding_RQ-032516