Safeguarding Manager (Boys Academy)

Aston Villa Football Club; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club based in England is looking for a Safeguarding Manager for its Boys Academy. The successful candidate will lead safeguarding efforts and support young athletes and their families. Key responsibilities include managing safeguarding records, coordinating host families, and ensuring compliance with legislation. Candidates should have a relevant degree, experience in a safeguarding role, and strong relationship skills. This role requires flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits

Generous staff benefits

Use of world-class facilities

Qualifications

• Experience working or volunteering with children or young people, ideally in an elite sporting environment.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding legislation and best practices.
• Hands-on experience with training sessions and matchdays

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding provision across the Boys Academy.
• Manage and coordinate host families.
• Ensure safeguarding records comply with legislation.
• Act as first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

Skills

Strong relationship building skills

Organisational skills

Understanding of safeguarding legislation

Experience with children

Integrity and discretion

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Job description

Safeguarding Department

The Safeguarding Department is committed to creating a safe environment for all who engage with our Club. We embed safeguarding throughout the Club, providing effective leadership, managing compliance with Premier League rules and government legislation, and maintaining key stakeholder relationships.

Role – Safeguarding Manager (Boys Academy)

Lead the safeguarding provision and champion best practice across the Boys Academy in line with the Club’s Safeguarding strategy, vision and policies. You will be the first point of contact for responding and managing any safeguarding concerns within the Boys Academy and provide guidance, support and advice to colleagues, players and parents/guardians.

Key responsibilities:

• Attend relevant Boys Academy training sessions and matches, deliver local safeguarding inductions and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
• Manage and coordinate host families, recruitment, and liaison between the Club and host families.
• Attend training sessions, matchdays and travel to host families.
• Ensure safeguarding records are accurate, comprehensive and comply with legislation.
• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns and provide advice and support to all stakeholders.

Person Profile

We seek a personable, approachable individual with strong relationship building skills, particularly with parents and players.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Safeguarding and/or welfare professional with a relevant degree or professional qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Experience working or volunteering with children or young people, ideally in an elite sporting environment.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with integrity and discretion.
• Hands‑on experience with training sessions, matchdays, and travel, including a UK driving licence and own vehicle.
• Availability to work flexibly, including matchdays, evenings and weekends.

Why Join Us?

Aston Villa Football Club offers a family ethos, global success, world‑class facilities and an exciting future. Our staff benefits are generous; see our Staff Benefits booklet for more information.

Application Steps

1. Upload your CV.
2. Answer the following questions:
• Outline your demonstrable experience of working or volunteering with children or young people (400 words maximum).
• Describe your understanding and knowledge of the challenges and pressures young elite athletes face (400 words maximum).

Equality and Safeguarding

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates diversity and welcomes 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. We are fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club, and enhanced disclosures may be required prior to employment.