Head of Safeguarding

Head of Safeguarding
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Bolton Wanderers are looking for a proactive and experienced safeguarding professional to lead and oversee safeguarding across the Bolton Wanderers Football Group.  
The Head of Safeguarding (HoS) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who serves as the Board lead for all safeguarding matters. The HoS is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all safeguarding policies and procedures across the club. This role ensures the highest standards of protection, welfare, and wellbeing for players, scholars, staff, and the wider club community.

Key Responsibilities:

• To take responsibility for the overall safeguarding strategy for the club and the proactive promotion of a safeguarding culture.
• Lead the strategic planning, development, implementation and ongoing review of the Academy’s safeguarding performance plan, ensuring it aligns with the club’s overall safeguarding strategy and operational priorities.
• To ensure compliance with League Regulations and legislative requirements and to ensure any action plans and incidents are reported to the CEO
• To implement record and review safeguarding policies recording all incidents of concern, allegations, evidence of poor practice in confidence and in line with legislation in conjunction with the DSO’s and People Team if required.
• Plan and Chair regular Safeguarding meetings with the Safeguarding Team within the Club, undertake any actions taken at the meetings and keep up to date with current Safeguarding guidelines and legislation. To report regularly to the (CEO)
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures in line with Football Association (FA) guidelines, English Football League (EFL) Safeguarding Standards, government legislation, and best practice.
• Act as the club’s Head of Safeguarding (HOS), providing advice, guidance, and support on all safeguarding matters. This includes the CEO, Senior Management and DSO’s across the football club.
• Provide regular supervision, guidance and support to all Academy staff who hold safeguarding, welfare or player-care responsibilities, including the Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant welfare officers.
• Ensure all staff, coaches, volunteers, and stakeholders receive appropriate safeguarding training, awareness and certification.
• Conduct, review and work collaboratively to create and adapt current risk assessments related to safeguarding and implement strategies to mitigate risks for all stakeholders including players and staff.
• Lead on regulatory submissions for audits and evidence requirements, ensuring that the Academy can demonstrate compliance and continuous improvement.
• Manage the single central record DBS for all employees across the Group
• Manage/co-ordinate the safeguarding response, referrals and internal fact-finding as appropriate, with support of the People team. This includes investigating allegations of poor practice if necessary liaising with the EFL Safeguarding Team and where appropriate the Local Authority Designated Officer.
• Monitor and report on safeguarding compliance across the club, including Club and Hotel Staff, First Team Men and Women’s, Academy and act as support for Community programs.
• Advise club leadership on safeguarding strategy, policy updates, and regulatory compliance.
• To attend meetings as required to ensure department compliance with EFL Regulation, Policy, National Guidance and Legislation. Ensuring attendance at appropriate training and CPD for Safeguarding for all staff and Volunteers.
• Ensure that the Group’s safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance are reviewed regularly and communicated effectively to all relevant stakeholders, including Academy
• Present themselves on match days to ensure immediate oversight, visibility, and response capability whilst providing timely support

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in a safeguarding role and a strong understanding of safeguarding principles and best practice.
• Good knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations and guidance.
• Experience managing safeguarding concerns, incidents and referrals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to deal with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to develop, implement and review safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Positive, professional and solution-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently and confidently challenge poor practice when required.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and event days where necessary.

Desirable

• Experience within sport, events, leisure, education or community settings.
• Experience of audit, compliance, governance, risk management or regulation.
• Experience working with governing bodies, regulators or statutory agencies.
• Relevant safeguarding or professional qualifications.
• Experience delivering safeguarding training.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Able to build strong working relationships with key stakeholders
• Approachable, trustworthy and professional.
• Calm and confident when dealing with challenging situations.
• Proactive and committed to continuous improvement.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment.
• Willing to learn and develop their knowledge of the sport/events sector where required.