Suffolk County Football Association (Suffolk FA) is a not-for-profit organization serving as the governing body of football in Suffolk. Suffolk FA is dedicated to growing participation, promoting diversity, and ensuring football is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With over 300 clubs catering to players of all ages and abilities, Suffolk FA supports the grassroots game to thrive across the county. Guided by its vision of 'A Thriving Local Game,' the organization collaborates with the local football community to develop and enhance the sport based on stakeholders' needs. Governed by a Board of Trustees, Suffolk FA adheres to the County FA Code of Governance for effective and efficient operations.
Role Description
We are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable Designated Safeguarding Officer to drive the organisation’s safeguarding function and deliver Suffolk FA’s safeguarding responsibilities and duties.
The Role
The Designated Safeguarding Officer role is a vital and important role that is responsible for delivering Suffolk FA’s safeguarding function. The role will ensure that all safeguarding concerns are managed and resolved, liaise and work directly with the FA to ensure all case management is delivered in a timely and fair manner and support the team of Child Welfare Officers across the county. This role is key to ensuring children and adults at risk are kept safe when playing and engaging in football and making sure clubs and leagues are delivering in a safe and effective manner.
Responsibilities
* Support delivery of Suffolk FA’s Strategy 2024-2028 'A Thriving Local Game' and the FA Grassroots Strategy 2024-2028.
* Manage Suffolk FA’s safeguarding work, in line with legislation, FA safeguarding policy, procedures, regulations, standards and guidance.
* Manage safeguarding and child and adults at risk protection concerns in a timely manner and in line with FA requirements and guidance.
* Significantly contribute to implementing and maintaining The FA’s Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs and driving safer practice and culture in grassroots football.
* Support the adoption of FA technology systems across grassroots football.
* Comply with FA rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidance that are in place from time to time.
What we’re looking for
* A strong background in safeguarding.
* Strong organisational skills and an ability to manage multiple workloads at once.
* Ability to build meaningful relationships and partnerships.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and safeguarding case management.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and implementing this into their work.
* Understanding and possible experience of working with volunteers.
To find out more about the role go to our job pack at https://www.thefa.com/-/media/cfa/suffolkfa/files/job-adverts/sfa-recruitment-application-pack---designated-safeguarding-officer---april-2026.ashx
For more information about the role please contact Andrew Wilesmith, Chief Executive Officer, via email andrew.wilesmith@suffolkfa.com or call 07903 842747.
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