Safeguarding Officer (Voluntary)

Purpose of the Role

To help ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults, by promoting good safeguarding practice and acting as a point of contact for concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a named safeguarding contact for participants, parents, coaches, and volunteers
• Listen to, record, and report safeguarding concerns promptly and confidentially
• Support the organisation in following safeguarding policies and procedures
• Promote awareness of safeguarding, appropriate behaviour, and boundaries
• Encourage completion of safeguarding training and safer recruitment checks
• Seek advice and support when needed and not deal with serious concerns alone

Skills & Qualities

• Approachable, trustworthy, and supportive
• Good listening and communication skills
• Able to handle sensitive information appropriately
• Committed to participant welfare and safeguarding values

Training & Requirements

• Willingness to complete safeguarding training
• DBS check (or equivalent), where required
• Ongoing learning and updates as needed
• Liaise with British Fencing Safeguarding team to ensure policies and practices are up-to-date

Time Commitment

• Flexible; typically maximum of a few hours per month

Support

• Training and guidance provided
• Not expected to be a legal expert or investigator
• Definitely not expected to handle safeguarding problems alone