Academy Safeguarding Officer

Sunderland AFC; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunderland AFC is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the Academy, ensuring a safe environment for young players both on and off the pitch. The role involves collaboration with the Head of Safeguarding to embed safeguarding in everyday practice and to support staff, players, parents and host families.

You will be a trusted point of contact on safeguarding matters, with duties including training, referrals, risk assessments and safeguarding meetings, including matchdays and tours.

Qualifications

• DSL trained or willing to complete training on appointment.
• Recent safeguarding or child protection training undertaken.
• Background in working with children or young people essential.
• Excellent communication with young people and adults; high integrity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Shape a safe, positive, child-centred environment across the Academy.
• Provide guidance, training and practical support to staff, players, parents and host families.

Skills

DSL trained

Excellent communication

Integrity & discretion

Flexible schedule

Education

FA Safeguarding Children training

Welfare Officer training

Job description

About the Safeguarding Team:

Our dedicated team is committed to creating a secure and supportive environment, ensuring that everyone involved with our club feels safe and valued.

At the Academy, we implement robust safeguarding policies tailored to protect our young athletes. We conduct regular risk assessments and provide tailored training for coaches and staff, focusing on recognising and addressing potential safeguarding concerns.

Working closely with other teams, we ensure that safeguarding measures are seamlessly integrated into all activities. Our aim is to protect our young talents so they can thrive on and off the pitch in a nurturing environment.

The Opportunity:

This is a fantastic opportunity tomakeareal difference at the heart of Sunderland AFC’s Academy, helpingprotect and support young playersas they develop onandoff the pitch.

Working closely with the Head of Safeguarding, you’ll helpshapea safe, positive and child-centred environment where young peoplefeel supported, listened toandable to thrive.

You’ll be a trusted point of contactacross the Academy, providing guidance, training and practical support to staff, players, parents and host families,while helping ensure safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice.

From matchdays,toursandplayer workshopsto referrals, risk assessments and safeguarding meetings, you’llplay a key role in makingsure the right support is in place when it matters most.

It’s a varied and rewarding role for someone who brings confidence, care and professionalism, and who wants to contribute to a culture where every young person is protected, valued and given the best chance to succeed.

What We Ask For:

The ideal candidate will be Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) trained or willing to complete this training upon appointment. They should have undertaken recent safeguarding or child protection training andpossesshands-on experience in managing safeguarding concerns and disclosures. A background in working directly with children or young people is essential, along with a solid understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures. The role requires someone with excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with both young people and adults. A high degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism is expected, and the ability to work flexibly, including during evenings and weekends, is essential.

While not mandatory, it would beadvantageousfor applicants to have experience within a football environment and to have completed FA Safeguarding Children or Welfare Officer training.Additionalqualifications such as First Aid or Mental Health First Aid, as well as familiarity with FA, EFL, or Premier League safeguarding standards, would also be beneficial.

An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.