Football Development Officer (Equality & Inclusion) Apprentice

What will the apprentice be doing?

• Represent the Hertfordshire FA with internal and external stakeholders, campaigners and networking groups, positively engaging, and informing on equality, diversity and inclusion targets and activities.
• Work with staff across departments to develop an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy to support the delivery of diversity and inclusion targets.Work with the Hertfordshire FA Inclusion Advisory Group to consult on strategic plans and engage to provide advocates for diversity and inclusion activities.
• Lead the creation an annual external report on the progress of the Hertfordshire FA equality, diversity, and inclusion Strategy (including published targets).
• Establish constructive working relationships with the key stakeholders and develop regular contact to promote collaboration and sharing of good practice.
• Lead on the FA Dispensation process for players in Hertfordshire, to ensure the game is a place For ALL (participants and volunteers).
• Collaborate across the team to support the recruitment of volunteers from all communities living in Hertfordshire.
• Support the increase in opportunities for disability football to thrive in Hertfordshire, through targeted work with our league and club network.
• Collaborate with the Designated Safeguarding Officer in all matters involving under-18s and adults, including those involved in our disability pathway.
• Risk-assess all Hertfordshire FA events and activity for under-18s and where the Hertfordshire FA directly employ or deploy under-18 referees, coaches, and volunteers to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
• Support messaging so that under-18s and adults at risk in youth and open-age adult grassroots football know how to report concerns about their wellbeing.
• Enable Hertfordshire FA to listen to and consult with under-18s on their experiences of grassroots football as part of the Hertfordshire FA youth engagement strategy.
• Utilise the feedback from under-18s and adults at risk to enhance the experience and fun and safety in grassroots football.
• Recognise the additional vulnerability of some groups of children and young people e.g. those with disabilities; refugees or those who identify as LGBTQ+ as examples.
• Provide the highest level of customer excellence to support volunteers across all FA Technology systems (FA Events, Whole Game System, Matchday app and Full-Time).
• Recruit, retain and develop coaches & referees through The FA qualification framework and local CPD opportunities, to support a greater percentage of female and ethnically diverse representatives to become qualified and actively contribute within these roles.
• Use national and local data, research and customer insight to drive players participation in grassroots football so the number of barriers to participate are reduced and anyone can access the game where and when they want.
• Ensure the Hertfordshire FA achieves the intermediate Level of the Equality Standard for Sport.
• Enable the Hertfordshire FA Committees, Council, Youth Council and Board to be representative of local demographics.
• Contribute to ensuring that safeguarding, inclusion and equality are embedded throughout the Hertfordshire FA and grassroots football.
• Execute tasks as required to meet the Hertfordshire FA changing priorities.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

You will study towards a BSc Sports Business Management (Work-Based), aligning with the Chartered Manager Degree apprenticeship standard. Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship you will also be awarded chartered manager status by the Chartered Management Institute.

On a day release basis, one day per week you will study at the University of Hertfordshire's Institute of Sport, on the de Havilland campus.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Opportunities to progress your career across the County FA Network and at The FA.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Maths and English Language (Grade 4 or above) Essential
A Level or equivalent Any A Level or BTEC subjects considered (Grade 104 UCAS points) Essential

Things to consider

Essential skills and knowledge required: Ability to work strategically with partner organisations across different sectors to plan and deliver football programmes. Project management skills and experience - to plan, set and achieve objectives to deadlines. Practical experience of sports or football development. Demonstrate a working knowledge of inclusion, equality, anti-discrimination and safeguarding. Knowledge and understanding of working with volunteers. Knowledge of the structure and partner organisations within football, nationally and within the County FA locality. Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Teams and Microsoft applications. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Outstanding communication and presentation skills. Excellent time management and prioritisation skills. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Exceptional customer service. Report-writing skills. Desirable skills and knowledge required: Practised at developing networks and relationships with a variety of stakeholders to support the delivery of strategic priorities. Experience in sports development or equality, diversity and inclusion. Skilled in creating, delivering and maintaining pathways which support the growth, transition and retention of players. Capability to create multiple reports, budgets and plans. Ability to use data to monitor and evaluate programmes. Budget management skills. Knowledge of The FA's Grassroots Football Strategy and the National Facility Strategy. Practical experience as a Committee Member of a Grassroots Club, League, or other organisation. Experience of project management. Experience of utilising mapping programmes to support strategic planning. Knowledge of The FA qualification framework. The successful apprentice will gain: Access to high-quality training, networking and personal development opportunities. Employee Assistance Programme offering support across a wide range of areas. Nike staff uniform provided and the opportunity to buy Nike products at a discount. Company laptop and mobile phone, access to tickets for events at Wembley Stadium, access to Bright HR discounts programme. Flexible and remote working as appropriate, starting with 20 days holiday (plus bank holidays). Complimentary access to the Local Gym and Leisure facilities in partnership with Stevenage Leisure Limited. Successful apprentice must hold a full, clean driving licence as this role will also require some travel within Hertfordshire and occasional travel across England. Will also require an enhanced DBS check.