Head of Child Protection in Sport Unit

The NSPCC is seeking an exceptional leader to head the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), a unit that which has revolutionised safeguarding in sports for over 22 years. This is a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering team, driving forward child protection initiatives within sports organisations across the UK and beyond. CPSU's unique role has been recognised nationally and internationally with organisations looking to us for guidance.

As Head of CPSU, you will lead a passionate and dedicated team, ensuring the protection of children in sport remains a top priority. You will build on the CPSU's strong history of success while exploring new avenues for growth, including expanding its reach and influence. This role requires a leader with strategic vision, a deep understanding of safeguarding and the ability to inspire trust across a range of stakeholders.

We need a dynamic leader with significant experience, ideally at a senior level within a National Governing Body (NGB), a large sports organisation or a sport-adjacent sector. While safeguarding experience is highly valued, we are also open to candidates with a strong track record of leadership and an understanding of safeguarding practices. The successful candidate will be able to effectively balance long-term strategic planning with day-to-day operational management. The ideal candidate will bring an innovative mindset, leveraging CPSU's strong reputation while identifying new opportunities to enhance its impact.

In this role, you will lead a highly capable team through the complexities of safeguarding in sport, taking on the challenge of a broad and ever-evolving sector. You'll have the full backing to shape the CPSU's future while ensuring we continue to be a trusted leader in safeguarding practices. Your ability to value partnerships will be crucial to navigating the landscape of sport and child protection. You will lead CPSU's relationships with sports bodies, funders and key stakeholders, ensuring a balance between partnership and assertiveness. It's essential that you appreciate the value of collaboration in the sector. You will bring strategic thinking to the CPSU's future direction and have the leadership skills to bring your team along on that journey. Above all, you'll be passionate about protecting children in sport and ensuring that the CPSU continues to have the resources and influence needed to make a lasting difference.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/4390/head_of_child_protection_in_sport_unit/ .
The deadline for applications is Monday 28th October.
Location: UK-based – Hybrid, Home Based or Office locations with regular travel required.
Salary: £65,000.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in the week commencing 4th and 11th November and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in the week commencing 18th November, following which, interviews with NSPCC will take place in early December. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so we can make appropriate arrangements.

The NSPCC is committed to equality and diversity and wants to attract a range of talented people. The NSPCC fully supports the rights and opportunities of all staff to seek, obtain and hold employment and to enjoy equal employment opportunities without discrimination.
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.

To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email, Ryann Schutt ryann.schutt@perrettlaver.com.