Job Description

Department: Legal & Safeguarding Department
Hours of Work: Full Time (35 Hours per week, Including working evenings, weekends and matchdays)
Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package
Location: Primarily based at Villa Park (although regular travel to other Club sites will be required e.g. Bodymoor Heath Training Ground)
Closing Date: Sunday 8 August 2021
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Safeguarding to join Aston Villa Football Club, based at both Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath Training ground.
The Head of Safeguarding will provide effective leadership and management with a clear sense of direction and purpose in the safeguarding of children and adults at risk, ensuring compliance with Premier League rules and government legislation, whilst maintaining key stakeholder relationships both externally and internally.
You will be accountable for the day-to-day case management of new and ongoing safeguarding concerns, including investigations and will be required to work with external safeguarding partnerships and the Disclosure and Barring Service. You will be the recognised point of contact for those wishing to raise safeguarding concerns or seek help and guidance connected with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. You will also be required to design, develop and deliver safeguarding training and to develop and lead on strategy, new initiatives and projects which ensure the Club continually maintains its safeguarding standards.
Key skills and experience
•       Relevant qualifications in a safeguarding related field and/or extensive experience in preventing, detecting and responding to abuse and exploitation.
•       Demonstrable experience of leading on the development and roll-out of safeguarding policies and practices.
•       Highly developed knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, good/best practice and policies in respect of Children and Adults at Risk.
•       Extensive experience of safeguarding case work and investigations, together with excellent report writing skills and managing organisational responses.
•       Proven experience of delivering safeguarding training.
•       Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability and credibility to interact effectively with a range of audiences, including children, families, staff, senior personnel and external multi-agency organisations.
•       The ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations. Knowing when to share information.
•       Confidence to accept responsibility for decision making.
•       Outstanding strategic skills and intellectual abilities.
•       Ability to build key stakeholder relationship both internally and externally (legislative bodies), partner organisations.
•       Proven experience of developing, implementing and continuously monitoring a safeguarding strategy and any associated policies.
•       Possess excellent relationship building skills.
•       Highly developed communication skills (written and verbal).
•       Demonstrates evidence of ongoing professional development.
•       Flexible hours and willingness to travel and stay away from home on a regular basis including possible international travel.
•       A current enhanced DBS including a Barred List disclosure.
•       Driving licence.
•       Proficient in Microsoft Office.
For more information about the role, please see the Role Profile attached below.
As part of your application, please ensure you upload your CV and Cover Letter.
Equality Statement
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and fully support The FAs Football Leadership Diversity Code. 
We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.
Safeguarding Statement
Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC – Safeguarding