Safeguarding Manager - Academy in West Bromwich - EFL (English Football League)

The Safeguarding Manager (Academy) will act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for West Bromwich Albion FC’s Academy and be the main point of contact for anyone wishing to raise a safeguarding concern or seek advice in line with the Club’s safeguarding policies and procedures. The role will provide effective leadership in safeguarding children and adults at risk, ensuring full compliance with EFL and/or Premier League regulations and relevant legislation, while maintaining strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.

Working closely with the Safeguarding Team and other Academy Staff, the post holder will support the day-to-day management of safeguarding cases, including investigations. The role will also contribute to the design and delivery of academy safeguarding training and support the implementation of strategy, initiatives and projects that ensure the Academy continues to uphold and strengthen its safeguarding standards.

A full driving licence will be required for this role as you will be moving between the Academy and the Training Ground as the role requires.

Interviews will be held W/C 24th August 2026

Please see the job description attached for full details of the role.

Essential Criteria

· Relevant professional qualification in safeguarding, child protection, social care, education, youth work or a related field and/or significant, demonstrable experience in preventing, identifying and responding to abuse and exploitation.

· Substantial experience of safeguarding practice within a sporting, academy, education or youth environment.

· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders at all levels.

· Ability to make informed safeguarding decisions under pressure.

· High level of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.

· Experience handling complex safeguarding cases and liaising with multiple external agencies.

· Strong organisational and administrative skills, including monitoring and reporting.

· Ability to assess risk and implement effective safeguarding strategies.

· Experience delivering safeguarding training and awareness programs.

· Proven ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

· Demonstrated ability to develop and implement safeguarding procedures and initiatives.

· Strong IT literacy, including safeguarding case management systems.

· Full UK driving licence and Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience of safeguarding within elite sport, professional football or a Category 1 Academy.

· Experience of working with or alongside governing bodies such as the FA, PL, EFL or Local Authorities (including LADO).

· Experience of supporting a learning culture and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice.

· Understanding of wellbeing, mental health or trauma-informed practice within youth sport.

· Experience of contributing to safeguarding audits, inspections or regulatory compliance reviews.

· Knowledge of safeguarding systems such as MyConcern or similar electronic case management platforms.

· Experience of safer recruitment processes, including DBS checks and single central records.

· Experience of working with host families or residential placements.

Equality and Diversity

West Bromwich Albion FC is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to provide equality and fairness for all employees and opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Safer Recruitment

West Bromwich Albion is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, therefore expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

WBA’s Safeguarding, Equality and Whistleblowing policies can be accessed here https://www.wba.co.uk/club/about-us/club-policies

It is unlawful for the Club to employ anyone who is involved with regulated activity who is barred from doing so and we will carry out rigorous pre-employment checks and screening.

An Enhanced DBS, References, Qualifications, Proof of Identity and Right Work in the UK checks will be required and carried out for this post.

Benefits

We are pleased to offer some of the following benefits*

Enhanced Annual Leave
Enhanced Sick Pay
Birthday Leave
Life Assurance
Health Cash Plan
Season Tickets
Discounts on Hospitality Packages
Partnership Discounts
Employee Assistance programme
Access to Wellbeing resources

*some benefits are discretionary,

Safeguarding Manager - Academy

About The Role

About The Candidate

About The Club

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