National Safe Aquatics Officer

Swim England based in Loughborough is seeking a knowledgeable and confident Safeguarding Officer (known internally as 'National Safe Aquatics Officer') to support the effective management of safeguarding across Swim England.

• Based at SportPark, Loughborough (Minimum 2 days per week)
• 35 hours a week (Mon-Fri), Reporting to the National Safe Aquatics Manager, you will manage a caseload of safeguarding cases and work closely with nominated Regions, Counties and Clubs to support lower-level safeguarding investigations. You will play a key role in promoting a positive safeguarding culture, ensuring best practice is embedded and that concerns are handled using a person-centred, proportionate and timely approach., In this role you will:
• Manage a caseload of active safeguarding cases as directed by the National Safe Aquatics Manager.
• Take the lead on safeguarding investigations, adopting a person-centred approach to achieve appropriate and satisfactory outcomes.
• Provide guidance and support to clubs managing safeguarding concerns within a nominated region.
• Work closely with statutory agencies, including making referrals, attending meetings and contributing to multi-agency processes.
• Act as a key point of contact for independent investigators, ensuring they receive all relevant case information.
• Keep relevant internal and external stakeholders updated on safeguarding cases and any associated suspensions.
• Provide advice and information to members and clubs on safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
• Support Regions, Counties and Clubs on a wide range of safeguarding matters as part of a wider regional support network.
• Contribute to the development and publication of Wavepower and other safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ensure best practice, new policies and updated guidance are effectively communicated across Swim England and its membership.
• Provide direct support to nominated Regional, County and Club Welfare Officers.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the role, in line with organisational policies and procedures.
  
  This role requires strong judgement, excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues and external agencies as part of the wider safeguarding system., Essential
• Experience working in a safeguarding role or similar environment.
• Experience of working with volunteers or within voluntary organisations.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding processes and best practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, with high levels of literacy and numeracy.
• Ability to assess and manage risk relating to children and adults.
• Confidence in responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, complaints or disclosures.
• Sound decision-making skills, particularly in complex or sensitive situations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to always working to best practice standards.
Desirable
• Experience working in a similar role within a sports National Governing Body, local authority or charity.
• Experience supporting or managing lower-level safeguarding investigations.