[Hiring] Safeguarding Development Officer @England Rugby

Role Description

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. An opportunity has arisen for seven Safeguarding Development Officers to join our Legal & Governance and Rugby Development Teams on a permanent basis.

The RFU has recently launched Plan 2030: ‘More Than A Game’, which is our strategy to grow rugby across England for the next five years. Our strategy contains four big goals that support and connect to one another - Play, Perform, Follow and Fund. In ‘Play’ we’re aiming to have an additional 50,000 registered players and have more people playing rugby for longer.

Safeguarding Development Officers will help shape the safeguarding framework, drive meaningful change, and support safer rugby environments. Post holders will work closely with:

• Regional rugby delivery teams
• Internal and external stakeholders
• Safeguarding volunteers across clubs, constituent bodies, and referee societies

The role focuses on:

• Visiting and undertaking audits with clubs and organisations
• Providing clear guidance to embed safeguarding compliance and best practice locally
• Contributing to a range of national and local safeguarding projects

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in safeguarding, either through a professional role or within a sporting environment
• Experience of safeguarding development, which may include conducting audits, report writing, and managing action plans
• Delivery of training and education to a variety of audiences
• A comprehensive knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation, alongside a commitment to continued professional development
• Sound understanding of safer recruitment and the Disclosure and Barring Service
• The ability to work on several projects at once, prioritising and communicating priorities
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with volunteers/stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and with high levels of autonomy
• Effective communicator able to confidently deliver clear written and verbal messages
• Strong collaboration, influencing and partner management skills with the ability to challenge constructively
• Valid UK driving licence
• Committed to embodying the ethos of our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours

Requirements

• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent (e.g., social work, health, education, law, policing, probation, etc.) with current registration where applicable
• Experience in one or more of the following: auditing; training development/quality assurance; safeguarding at events/competitions; policy/guidance writing; safeguarding adults; project management
• Experience of receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policy/regulation and statutory guidance
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Smartsheet and/or related software
• Mentoring/professional supervision qualification and/or experience
• An understanding and passion for sport, particularly at a community level
• Recent, relevant understanding and practical experience of the community sport environment, including the support needs of volunteers

Benefits

• A variety of corporate discounts
• Priority access to purchase match tickets
• 25% discount in Rugby Store and EnglandRugby.com
• 25 days of annual leave
• Your birthday day off
• Free access to the stadium gym
• Life assurance of 4x your basic salary, income protection scheme and Employee Assistance Programme that offers anonymous and confidential, emotional and practical support 24/7
• Pension Scheme; the RFU will double match your individual contribution up to 10% of salary
• Ride-to-work scheme, eyecare vouchers, season ticket loans and so much more