Stroud Rugby are looking to recruit a volunteer Club Safeguarding Officer. In this role you’ll provide leadership in the safeguarding of children within the club, maintaining relationships with the CB Safeguarding Manager (CBSM) and local safeguarding partners. You’ll report to the Club Management Committee and work especially closely with the Club Mini & Junior Chair and the Club Secretary. You’ll also need to undertake appropriate RFU safeguarding courses.
What you’ll get out of it:
• It’s no exaggeration to say that children are the future of rugby, so your role in safeguarding them within your club is crucial.
• This is a highly respected role within the club and the local community, from which you’ll get a great deal of satisfaction seeing how young players develop.
• You’ll also receive ongoing support from the CB Safeguarding Manager in the form of training, visits, guidance and regular communication.
Ideally, you’ll need:
• To be empathetic and approachable
• To have good communication skills
• To be good at record keeping
• A good sense of humour
• To be objective
• Sound IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Resilience and determination
• To be dedicated to the cause of safeguarding young people under 18yrs
• A background in child protection from any of the statutory agencies (Police, Social Services, Children’s Services)
What you’ll do:
In conjunction with you CB Safeguarding Manager, you’ll…
• Develop the Club ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy’ and procedures in conjunction with the RFU policy
• Make sure everyone understands the RFU Codes of Conduct and values of the Game: Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Enjoyment, Discipline, Respect
• Be visible and approachable to all club members and post your contact details on club notice boards, the club website and RFU GMS
• Develop a system to ensure all individuals working with young people undertake a DBS application every three years
• Co-ordinate a programme of training for club personnel working with young people (i.e. RFU In Touch and Play it Safe courses)
• Ensure that all safeguarding issues and incidents are reported promptly
• Keep up-to-date contact details for the local statutory agencies (police / social services etc.) and liaise with them when necessary
• Ensure all parents of new mini & youth players receive and sign the club safeguarding/child protection policy
• Be aware of individual children’s special educational or medical needs and the need to inform appropriate club age-group coaches/managers
• Ensure club first aid arrangements comply with RFU protocols
• Monitor the club website and report or amend inappropriate content
• Verify and confirm club’s Seal of Approval accreditation information
• Distribute new information concerning the safeguarding of young people
• Update Club Policies and Procedures in line with statutory and local changes in Safeguarding
• Ensure RFU Tour Guidelines are complied with
• Complete Safeguarding Audits as required
How much time it will take up?
• About 6 -10 hours a week, mainly in the evenings and at weekends – less time out of season.

If you would like to express an interest or know more about the role please contact Mark Organ on 07805 578560 or mark.organ@stroudrugby.co.uk