BF Lead Safeguarding Officer – Job Description

Purpose

Reporting to the CEO, the Lead Safeguarding Officer (LSO) is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, implementation, and monitoring of safeguarding and child/adult protection policies and practices across the British Fencing (BF). The role ensures that within the sport of fencing that there is a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants, particularly children, young people, and adults at risk, in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.

The postholder acts as BF’s designated safeguarding lead and subject matter expert, providing advice, training, and oversight to staff, volunteers, clubs, coaches, and affiliated bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the NGB’s safeguarding strategy and action plans.
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded across all levels of the sport, from grassroots to elite pathways.
• Advise the Board, CEO, and senior leadership team on safeguarding risks, trends, and compliance requirements.

Policy & Governance 

• Develop, review, and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and reporting frameworks in line with UK legislation and statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Children Acts, and Care Act 2014.
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK safeguarding standards and requirements set by Sport England, UK Sport, Home Nation Sports Councils, and statutory agencies.
• Contribute to governance processes, audits, and annual reporting on safeguarding matters.

Case Management & Risk Assessment 

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the NGB, with responsibility for the management of safeguarding concerns, allegations, and disclosures.
• Oversee risk assessments, safety planning, and decision-making in complex or high-risk cases.
• Liaise appropriately with statutory agencies (including local authority children’s services, adult social care, and police) and external safeguarding partners such as the CPSU and Ann Craft Trust.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and secure safeguarding records in line with data protection requirements using Globocol.

Advice, Support & Training 

• Provide expert advice and support to staff, volunteers, clubs, and affiliated organisations on safeguarding issues.
• Design and deliver safeguarding training, education, and awareness programmes.
• Support the development of Welfare Officers across the sport.
• Supervise and support the Area Safeguarding Officers
• Liaise with the Home Nation NGB Lead Safeguarding Officers to ensure consistency of service and best practice is maintained

Engagement & Culture 

• Promote a positive safeguarding culture that prioritises welfare, inclusion, and respect base on the principle of Be Safe, Have Fun and Feel Welcome
• Work collaboratively with equality, diversity, and inclusion leads to ensure safeguarding approaches are inclusive and trauma-informed.
• Engage with athletes, parents/carers, and stakeholders to ensure safeguarding is understood and accessible.

Monitoring & Continuous Improvement 

• Monitor safeguarding performance, trends, and emerging risks across the sport.
• Review and learn from safeguarding cases, complaints, and incidents to improve practice.
• Stay up to date with changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice in safeguarding.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications, Training & Experience

• Recognised safeguarding qualification or equivalent professional experience (e.g. Lime Culture, CPSU, ACT, or equivalent UK-accredited training).
• Up-to-date training in child safeguarding and safeguarding adults at risk.
• Significant experience in a safeguarding role, ideally within sport, education, police, or a related sector.
• Experience of managing safeguarding cases, including liaison with statutory agencies.
• Experience of developing and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience of delivering training and education programmes.
• In-depth knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice, including child safeguarding and safeguarding adults at risk.
  Strong risk assessment, decision-making, and case management skills.
• Ability to provide clear, authoritative advice on complex safeguarding issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work sensitively and professionally.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Personal Attributes 

• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to challenge constructively and influence at all levels.
• Resilient, calm, and able to manage emotionally demanding situations.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Confidence in working under own initiative

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working within a UK National Governing Body, sports organisation, or similar membership-based organisation.
• Experience of Board-level reporting and governance.
• Knowledge of safe recruitment and DBS/vetting processes.

Additional Information

• The postholder will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks against the relevant barred lists.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Travel across the country may be required.