Our Responsibility to the Game
Safeguarding is not a formality. It’s a process, a culture and a professional obligation.
Jobs4Football operates at the centre of football recruitment. With that comes responsibility.
We are committed to promoting safer recruitment principles across roles advertised on our platform — particularly those involving children, young people and adults at risk. We expect professional standards from recruiters and transparency for candidates.
What safer recruitment includes
- Clear safeguarding responsibilities in job descriptions
- Structured selection processes and role-relevant assessment
- Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
- Professional references
- Appropriate DBS checks (where the role is eligible)
- Safeguarding awareness and clear reporting routes
DBS Checks: What They Mean in Football
Many coaching, academy, medical, welfare and grassroots roles may require an Enhanced DBS check, and in some cases a Barred List check — depending on eligibility and responsibilities.
A DBS certificate is one part of safer recruitment — it is not the whole process.
Important to be clear
- Jobs4Football is a recruitment platform.
- The hiring organisation determines DBS eligibility.
- The hiring organisation processes and reviews DBS checks.
- Individuals should not begin unsupervised work with children until checks are complete.
For Recruiters
Clear expectations for clubs and organisations advertising on Jobs4Football.
State if the role involves under-18s or adults at risk, and outline safeguarding responsibilities.
Use structured selection processes and role-relevant interviews — not “CV-only” decisions.
Verify identity, qualifications and references appropriate to the role and setting.
Ensure appropriate checks are complete before unsupervised work begins where required.
We reserve the right to request clarification or amendments where a role has safeguarding implications but does not clearly address safer recruitment and DBS expectations.
For Candidates
What professional recruitment should look like — especially in safeguarding-relevant roles.
If you are applying for roles in football, you should expect professional checks.
- Reference requests
- Qualification verification
- Identity confirmation
- Discussion around safeguarding responsibilities
- DBS requirements where appropriate
Candidate warning sign
If you are asked to begin unsupervised work with children without appropriate safeguarding checks, this should raise concern.
Tip: Keep your qualifications, safeguarding training evidence, and references ready to speed up compliant hiring.
Safeguarding Is About Culture
Safer recruitment standards are strongest when supported by day-to-day safeguarding behaviours.
Responsible organisations appoint welfare/safeguarding leads and define clear accountability.
Safeguarding awareness and induction training should be normal practice, not an afterthought.
Clear procedures for concerns and allegations, with confidence that reports are taken seriously.
Report a Safeguarding Concern
Concerns linked to a role advertised on Jobs4Football will be treated seriously and handled appropriately.
Contact our safeguarding mailbox
If you have concerns regarding safeguarding or recruitment practices linked to a role or recruiter using Jobs4Football, contact us directly.
What to include
- Job title / link
- Recruiter or organisation name
- Dates/times and key details
- Any screenshots or email headers (if relevant)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common safeguarding, DBS and safer recruitment questions.
Does every football role require a DBS check?
No. DBS eligibility depends on the duties of the role and level of contact with children or adults at risk. The hiring organisation must determine eligibility and the correct level of check.
Can someone start work while waiting for a DBS?
For eligible roles involving regulated activity, individuals should not begin unsupervised work with children until appropriate safeguarding checks are completed and accepted by the hiring organisation.
Is a DBS certificate enough on its own?
No. Safer recruitment includes structured assessment, references, qualification verification, identity checks and safeguarding culture. DBS is one part of a wider process.
Does Jobs4Football process DBS checks?
No. Jobs4Football is a recruitment platform. The hiring organisation is responsible for determining eligibility, processing checks and making the final recruitment decision.
What should a job advert include for youth-related roles?
Clarity that the role involves under-18s, safeguarding expectations, DBS requirement (where eligible), and a professional recruitment process (references/verification). Transparent adverts help protect candidates and organisations.
Raising Standards in Football Recruitment
By using Jobs4Football, you’re part of a professional ecosystem that values integrity, accountability and the protection of young people. Safer recruitment is not optional. It is essential.
