We’re looking for a Welfare Officer to join the Cranleigh FC committee ahead of our AGM. This is voluntary role.
If you’re already on the touchline, already know the faces, and already care about the club environment your child plays in, you’re halfway there
What it is in a nutshell:
The Welfare Officer is the club’s designated safeguarding lead. You’re the first point of contact if anyone — player, parent, coach — has a concern about a child’s wellbeing. You don’t need to solve everything yourself; you need to know who to call and make sure the club does things properly.
In practice, it means:
- Completing FA safeguarding training (online, funded by the club)
- Being the named welfare contact on club documentation
- Keeping DBS checks and safeguarding records up to date
- Attending committee meetings (roughly monthly)
- Being the calm, trusted person people know they can come to
This is not a heavy role day-to-day. Most seasons pass without serious incidents. What matters is that someone good is in the chair when they’re needed.
The ideal person:
- Already involved at Cranleigh FC as a parent or family member
- Organised, discreet, and approachable
- Committed for at least the next couple of seasons
- No prior experience required — full FA training is provided
We need this role filled at the AGM. If you’re interested, or want to know more before deciding, please speak to Stefan Brash, Chairman or current Welfare Officer, Lisa Hard
The club is only as strong as the people who put their hand up. We’d love yours.
Full job description
Cranleigh Football Club
Welfare Officer
The Welfare Officer’s primary role is to oversee the safeguarding and welfare of all players, youth referees, coaches, volunteers and members of the club, and to ensure the club provides a safe, inclusive and positive environment through which football can be enjoyed by all.
Key tasks:
Safeguarding & Player Welfare
- Ensure the club meets all FA safeguarding requirements and standards.
- Promote a culture where the welfare of players is central to all club activities.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or incidents.
- Maintain confidential and accurate records of welfare-related issues.
- Ensure all coaches and volunteers have up-to-date DBS checks and required FA qualifications.
Policy & Compliance
- Ensure the club and its members adhere to FA Safeguarding policies, Respect guidelines and Codes of Conduct and ensure these are communicated clearly and regularly.
- Support and promote the implementation of equality, diversity, and inclusion policies – football for all.
- Conduct regular reviews of safeguarding practices within the club.
- Oversee matters of discipline to conclusion with the County FA and within the Club committee.
Education & Awareness
- Provide guidance and support to coaches, parents, and players on welfare matters.
- Promote awareness of safeguarding procedures and reporting pathways.
- Encourage a positive, respectful environment across all age groups.
Communication & Support
- Act as the first point of contact for welfare concerns from players, parents, coaches, or volunteers.
- Liaise with the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer when required or other Teams’ Welfare Officers.
- Support coaches in managing player behaviour, wellbeing, and pastoral issues.
- Build trust and visibility within the club community.
Skills & Qualities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Calm, approachable, and impartial.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confidence to challenge poor practice or inappropriate behaviour.
- Commitment to safeguarding and player wellbeing.
Required Qualifications & Checks
- FA Safeguarding Children Course (or willingness to complete).
- FA Welfare Officer Course (or willingness to complete).
- FA Safeguarding for Committee Members Course (or willingness to complete)
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Understanding of FA safeguarding policies and procedures.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at club committee meetings.
- Attendance at tournaments, training sessions, fund raising events as needed.
- Availability to respond to welfare concerns in a timely manner – usually weekends during match season.
- Pre-season July / August focus on Coaches qualifications and onboarding new coaching resources
- Ongoing training and CPD as required by the FA
