Child Wellbeing & Protection OfficerHibernian FC

The Club is one of the leading professional football clubs in Scotland. Based at Easter Road Stadium in Scotland’s Capital City, Edinburgh the Club is a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of the City Centre. Over the course of its history Hibernian Football Club has won all of the major domestic titles, most recently winning the Scottish Cup in 2016. Hibernian was the first British team to play in European competition in the 1956; reaching the semi-finals.

Job Title: Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO)

Reports to: Head of Human Resources & Safeguarding

Hibernian Football Club have created a football structure and strategy at the very forefront of the British game with a club philosophy and ethos that is performance-driven and encourages all players and staff to maximise their ability and potential.

The Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and young people involved in Scottish Football.

Working with the Head of Human Resources & Safeguarding, the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer (CWPO) will lead the Club on all elements of Child Wellbeing and Protection and promote a safe environment for children, young and vulnerable people involved in Club activities by implementing wellbeing policies, procedures and safeguards and respond appropriately to concerns.

Primary Objective

To promote and provide a safe environment for children and young people involved in Scottish Football by providing advice, guidance and assistance to children, young people, parents/carers and other adults within the Club and to respond appropriately to concerns about the wellbeing of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the key operational point of contact for Safeguarding matters with support from the Head of Human Resources & Safeguarding.
• Implement the Child Wellbeing and Protection in Scottish Football policies and procedures.
• Manage and respond to Safeguarding concerns in accordance with Club policies and procedures.
• Monitor, review and update the policy and procedures to ensure they remain current and fit for purpose.
• Report to and work with the Head of Human Resources & Safeguarding to develop and continually improve the culture around the wellbeing and protection of children and young people.
• Raise awareness of the role of CWPO and the code of conduct to parents/carers, adults, and children/young people involved in the Club.
• Provide advice and/or guidance to children and young people at the Club in relation to all aspects of their wellbeing and what they can expect from the Club in relation to the protection and promotion of their wellbeing.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of child protection and safeguarding by liaising with the Scottish FA Wellbeing and Protection team and attending relevant training or events/meetings such as Club Safeguarding Officers Network.
• Coordinate safeguarding training and awareness activities to ensure a positive safeguarding culture exists across all department at the Club.
• Liaise with local statutory agencies including the police and social services, when necessary.
• Respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns which relate to the wellbeing of a child, including by speaking to and supporting children and young people where necessary.
• Maintain confidential records of reported cases and action taken.
• Where required liaise with the Scottish FA Wellbeing and Protection team and/or statutory agencies and ensure they have access to all necessary information.
• Take lead on safeguarding audits and compliance monitoring.
• Perform the role of ‘Match Safeguarding Officer’ at all home fixtures, with support from Head of Human Resources & Safeguarding where required.

The duties outlined above are not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and purpose of the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential):

• Valid PVG Check
• CWSF Children’s Wellbeing in Scottish Football Course
• Relevant professional qualification in safeguarding

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience of working with children and young people.
• Understanding of the Scottish child protection and child wellbeing landscape
• Experience of managing or responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Ability to maintain accurate, confidential and appropriate safeguarding records.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with complex or high-risk situations.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and matchdays when required.

Desirable:

• Experience working within professional or elite football.
• Experience working within a football academy or youth development environment.
• Experience of safeguarding training delivery.

Hibernian FC is an equal opportunities employer 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.