Safeguarding and Welfare Officer

Organisation: Watford Football Club
Salary: £28,000 - £33,500
Location: London Colney
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 3 August 2025
Job Description: A new opportunity has become available, primarily working within the Academy at Watford Football Club. We are looking to recruit a Safeguarding and Welfare Officer to be a part of a forward-thinking team responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring policies and processes are followed, in line with the Club and all governing bodies requirements.

You will play a key role in assisting the Safeguarding and Welfare Manager on the delivery of best practice in the Club’s safeguarding provision, ensuring the highest standards at met and maintained. Including but not limited to, recording, and analysing reports of safeguarding concerns, disclosures or complaints and playing a lead role in the driving of safeguarding knowledge, understanding and responsibilities, through regular staff training.

Your focus will be supporting the Foundation and Youth Development Phase age groups within the Academy (U9-14’s). In partnership with the Academy Player Care and Safeguarding Officer, you will promote player wellbeing through a player-centred approach.

You will also play a key role in raising safeguarding awareness among staff through training and engagement. When required, you will deputise for the Safeguarding and Welfare Manager, under the guidance of the Head of Safeguarding, helping to strengthen safeguarding culture and ensure compliance throughout the Club.

The successful candidate will have versatile communication skills, able to engage with children, adults, vulnerable groups, staff, and Board members; in addition to good judgement and influencing skills.

Applicants should ideally live locally in London Colney or the surrounding areas and be UK resident or non-UK resident with a valid UK work permit.

You must have:
• Able to evidence experience and understanding of working within a player care or welfare capacity preferably within an elite setting.
• Experience of working implementing industry audits and framework along with adhering to policies and procedures.
• Evidence of promoting good practice, continuous improvement, and management of safeguarding concerns.
• Experience in advising on the safeguarding of vulnerable groups, preferably in the elite sport.
• Knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, best practice, and policies in respect of the welfare of vulnerable groups, children and adults at risk.
• Experience of managing and investigating safeguarding allegations
• An understanding of child protection requirements
• Knowledge of childcare legislation and guidance regulations and best practise.
• Ability to work unsociable hours (including evenings, weekends and/or matchdays)
• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel to various locations due to the demands of the role.
• Understanding of the Clubs commitment to EDI & Safeguarding.
• The necessary Disclosure and Barring Service check will apply to this post.

You would ideally have, but not vital:
• Qualification in Social/Health Care or Working with Children and Young People
• FA Safeguarding Certificate
• FA Emergency Aid or equivalent
• The ability to write and deliver training across different departments and engaging key stakeholders internally and externally to the Club
• MHFA certificate/qualification
How to apply: 1. Please download and complete an application form located on the Club website under the career section (Club/ Careers) www.watfordfc.com/club/careers 2. Please send completed application form, cover letter and a copy of all relevant qualifications via email to hradmin@watfordfc.com or by post to HR Admin at Watford Football Club Training Ground, Bell Lane, London Colney, Hertfordshire, AL2 1BZ. 3. If you require information in regards how to complete the application form please refer to ‘Application Form guidance notes’ which can be found on the Club website under the career section (Club/ Careers) www.watfordfc.com/club/careers 4. Please note depending on the role and if shortlisted, reference requests may be taken up prior to interview.