PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The FAW is looking to recruit Grassr oots Safeguarding Executives to support our Clubs, Leagues, and Area Associations with embedding a safeguarding culture throughout the grassroots game. This role will cover the Central Wales, North East Wales and North Wales Coast FA Areas. As laid out in the ‘Our Wales’ strategy, the FAW has ambitious targets for football participation at the grassroots level of the game. For the game to thrive in Wales we need to support our clubs to be the best they can be from a safeguarding perspective. The Grassroots Safeguarding Executives will sit within the FAW Safeguarding Team and will be responsible for building Club Safeguarding Officer networks, raising awareness of Safeguarding via education and training and championing the ‘Behind the Line’ campaign. A key element of the role is the design, coordination and delivery of safeguarding training to ensue that safeguarding is understood not just as a compliance requirement, but as a shared responsibility and embedded culture across grassroots football. Training will support clubs, leagues and volunteers to create safe, inclusive and positive environments for children, young people and adults. The post holders will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to challenge in a constructive manner and respond to the developmental needs of individual clubs, listening to, and motivating volunteers to create strong, sustainable clubs that provide positive experiences for all. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY Provide a first point of contact for safeguarding related enquiries in the designated Area Associations. Collaborate with FAW Club Developers and Participation Officers to support them in their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding to enable them to better support clubs. Support clubs, leagues and Area Associations to manage cases where appropriate. Equip and empower clubs in developing and embedding a safeguarding culture. Design, coordinate and deliver safeguarding training to support clubs, leagues and volunteers to ensure an embedded culture of safeguarding. Support clubs in developing and shaping programmes and approaches to engage and retain children in football. Work with clubs to proactively support and develop female friendly environments that supports lifelong involvement. Support clubs to put in place strategic safeguarding plans with clear objectives and actions. Support clubs to better engage with parents/guardians and ensure openness and transparency. Develop awareness raising events & CPD opportunities based on regional safeguarding needs and trends. Support Area Associations to take a strategic approach to Safeguarding. Record all safeguarding matters on the FAW’s Case Management system. Support with the induction process for new Club, League and Area Safeguarding Officers. Support with the development and safe recruitment of club volunteers and governance models that would enhance club’s decision making and safeguarding capabilities. Advocate the use of the Clwb Cymru & Safeguarding platforms to highlight best practice and example club development resources. Collaborate with colleagues across the FAW to ensure safeguarding is the paramount consideration in all areas of work. Co-ordinate club visits & spot checks throughout the season to ensure compliance with FAW Safeguarding Policies, Practices and Procedures as well as Welsh & UK Legislation. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Qualifications and Experience Educated to A level standard (or equivalent experience) with ideally further professional expertise in the areas of safeguarding or child protection. A sound understanding of safeguarding in sport. Experience of working with or supporting successful organisations. Experience of community engagement and partnerships. Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate and get the best out of people. Proven stakeholder and partnership influencing and negotiation skills. Modern IT competencies. Sound administration and organisational skills. Ability to prioritise own workload and balance conflicting demands Effective use of social media. Desirable Qualifications and Experience Experience of case management. Experience of volunteer retention, safe recruitment, training and support. Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours Knowledge and understanding of DBS checking processes. Knowledge and understanding of how football clubs operate, including the processes and procedures they undertake during a season. Knowledge and understanding of the creation of positive environments and inclusive offers. Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding adults at risk and relevant safeguarding frameworks. ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Given the specific nature of the role and its direct relationship with our volunteer workforce, successful candidates will be expected to regularly work unsociable hours in order to directly support grassroots football clubs i.e. evenings and weekends. The appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. All employees must provide proof of right to work in the UK. Spoken and written Welsh are desirable. FAW VALUES Our values underpin the FAW vision and guide all aspects of our work: Excellence – we approach every challenge with determination and a drive to deliver our very best in all we do. We display commitment, motivation, discipline and perseverance, and hold ourselves accountable for results. In every aspect of business and sport, we strive to excel. Family – we promote a welcoming culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is embraced. Through the power of the collective, we’ll continue to expand our football family, welcoming anyone who wants to achieve great things for Wales Respect – we believe that different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are fundamental for success. We’ll earn the respect of others through our commitment to be open, honest, ethical and fair.