Club Safeguarding Officer (Volunteer Role)

Sidmouth Rugby Club – Supporting and Protecting Our Young Players

Sidmouth Rugby Club is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to help ensure that our Mini, Junior and Youth sections provide a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment for all young people involved in rugby.

The Club Safeguarding Officer is one of the RFU’s key governance roles and is central to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all players under the age of 18. The role supports the club in meeting RFU safeguarding requirements, including compliance with RFU Regulation 21 and Age Grade Rugby safeguarding standards.  

About the Role

Working closely with the Club Committee, coaches, team managers, volunteers, parents and the RFU safeguarding network, you will:

• Act as the club’s primary point of contact for safeguarding and welfare concerns involving children and young people.
• Promote a positive safeguarding culture throughout the Mini and Junior sections.
• Ensure RFU safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and understood across the club.
• Support the safe recruitment of volunteers, including DBS checks where required.
• Help ensure coaches, team managers, first aiders and volunteers complete appropriate safeguarding training.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage concerns appropriately, referring matters to the RFU and statutory agencies where necessary.
• Work with coaches and age-group managers to ensure player welfare is always prioritised above performance and results.
• Support the prevention and management of bullying, poor practice, discrimination and inappropriate behaviour.
• Assist the club in completing annual RFU safeguarding audits and maintaining compliance requirements.  

Key Responsibilities for the Junior Section

The successful candidate will play a leading role in ensuring:

• Every child is able to participate in rugby in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Safeguarding concerns are recognised, recorded and acted upon promptly.
• Parents and carers know how to raise concerns and access support.
• Appropriate supervision ratios and safeguarding practices are followed during training, matches, tours and social events.
• All adults working in regulated activity with junior players hold the necessary DBS clearance and safeguarding training.
• The club’s safeguarding, anti-bullying and codes of conduct policies remain current and visible to members.  

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Passionate about safeguarding children and young people.
• Approachable, organised and a good communicator.
• Able to handle sensitive information professionally and confidentially.
• Comfortable working with volunteers, parents and club officials.
• Committed to promoting the RFU Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
• Willing to undertake RFU safeguarding training and ongoing development where required.  

What We Offer

• Full support from Sidmouth Rugby Club and the RFU safeguarding network.
• Relevant RFU safeguarding training and guidance.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the experience and wellbeing of young players.
• A key role in shaping a safe and positive future for youth rugby within our club.

Interested?

If you would like to play an important role in protecting and supporting the next generation of Sidmouth Rugby Club players, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion or to express your interest, please contact the Club Chair (chairman@sidmouthrfc.co.uk) or Junior Section Chair (directorofjuniorrugby@sidmouthrfc.co.uk).

Sidmouth Rugby Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Appropriate recruitment, safeguarding training and DBS checks will be undertaken in accordance with RFU requirements.  

Together, we can ensure every young player enjoys rugby in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment.