Independent Safeguarding Panel MemberWales Jobs

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is seeking to appoint Independent Panel Members to its Safeguarding Panel, which plays a vital role in reviewing safeguarding concerns and cases in a fair, proportionate, and consistent manner. The welfare of children and adults at risk is central to all decision-making.

Panel Members will provide independent safeguarding expertise to support the assessment and determination of cases in line with FAW Safeguarding Regulations, Procedures, and relevant statutory frameworks—including the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. This will involve reviewing case information, assessing risk, and applying professional judgement to reach fair and proportionate outcomes that reflect best practice.

Operating within the Welsh safeguarding context, including a strengthened focus on preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG), Panel Members are also expected to apply the Football Association of Wales Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (2025). They will contribute to effective safeguarding governance by providing constructive challenge and supporting clear, consistent, and transparent decision-making.

Applications are welcomed from individuals across a wide range of sectors, recognising that safeguarding expertise is transferable and strengthened through diverse perspectives. Successful candidates will use their experience to strengthen risk assessment processes and support positive safeguarding outcomes across Welsh football.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR...
We welcome applications from professionals with safeguarding expertise across sectors, including (but not limited to):
 

• Sport and physical activity organisations 
• Children’s and adults’ social care 
• Education 
• Health and mental health services 
• Police and criminal justice 
• Probation and youth justice 
• Housing and local authority services 
• Charities, voluntary and community sector 
   

If you have experience managing, assessing, or overseeing safeguarding concerns in any setting, your expertise is highly valued.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Panel Members will:
 

• Participate in FAW Safeguarding Panels considering safeguarding referrals and case information 
• Review and critically analyse case materials in advance of and during meetings 
• Contribute to structured safeguarding risk assessment and decision-making 
• Apply relevant safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice (including Wales Safeguarding Procedures) 
• Provide independent professional judgement informed by safeguarding expertise 
• Ensure outcomes are fair, proportionate, consistent, and defensible 
• Prioritise the welfare of children and adults at risk in all decisions 
• Declare and manage conflicts of interest appropriately 
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times 
• Contribute to continuous improvement of safeguarding processes where appropriate 
   

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential 

• ​Significant safeguarding experience/knowledge.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding children and/or adults at risk 
• Experience handling complex or sensitive cases.
• Knowledge of relevant UK and Wales safeguarding legislation and guidance 
• Good understanding of safeguarding decision-making frameworks, including the application of the “balance of probabilities” standard of proof.
• Ability to analyse information and make sound, defensible decisions.
• Ability to exercise independent and objective professional judgement 
• Confidence to contribute to discussion and challenge appropriately.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information securely 
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
   

Desirable
 

• Professional qualification or accreditation in relevant field (e.g. Social Work, law, policing, healthcare, education).
• Experience of contributing to multi-agency decision making forums.
• Experience on safeguarding, disciplinary, or risk panels 
• Understanding of sports governing body safeguarding structures 
• Knowledge of safeguarding within a sport or physical activity setting
• Understanding of governance, regulatory, or compliance frameworks. 
   

ROLE REQUIREMENTS
 

• Attendance at scheduled and ad hoc FAW Safeguarding Panels over Microsoft Teams.
• Review of case papers within required timescales 
• Compliance with FAW safeguarding regulations, confidentiality, and data protection requirements (UK GDPR) 
• Will be required to declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest in advance of, and during, panel proceedings. Where a conflict exists, the individual will not participate in that case
• Commitment to maintaining up-to-date safeguarding knowledge 
• Independent decision-making free from external influence 
• Completion of Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. 
  
   

Applicants must not:
 

• Currently serve as Panel Members for the FAW Appeals Panel 
• Be current employees of the Football Association of Wales 
• Have had recent employment or contractual relationships with the FAW which may impact independence
• Have any direct involvement in cases under consideration
• Have any conflicts of interest that could reasonably be perceived to affect impartiality
   

FAW VALUES
Our values underpin the FAW vision and guide all aspects of our work:

Excellence – we approach every challenge with determination and a drive to deliver our very best in all we do. We display commitment, motivation, discipline and perseverance, and hold ourselves accountable for results. In every aspect of business and sport, we strive to excel.

Family – we promote a welcoming culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is embraced. Through the power of the collective, we’ll continue to expand our football family, welcoming anyone who wants to achieve great things for Wales

Respect – we believe that different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are fundamental for success. We’ll earn the respect of others through our commitment to be open, honest, ethical and fair.


FAW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all. We believe that diverse safeguarding expertise strengthens decision-making and outcomes. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and professional experiences. Bring your safeguarding expertise and help shape safe environments across Welsh football.