Safeguarding Panel Members
A bit about the role
British Rowing (BR) is the national governing body of the sport of rowing. An important part of its role is dealing with safeguarding concerns and disciplinary matters as they arise. To that end, from time to time BR refers matters to independent Panels convened under the terms of its Safeguarding Regulations and Disciplinary Rules. BR wishes to recruit a collection of experienced, independent individuals available to be appointed to its Safeguarding Panels by the Case Management Group (CMG).
BR via the Safeguarding Committee are now seeking applications to join the Safeguarding Panel. Applications are sought from safeguarding professionals, legally qualified or suitably experienced individuals Safeguarding Panel. Whilst this recruitment focuses on the Safeguarding Panel, suitably qualified individuals may sit on both Panels.
A bit about you
Responsibilities
Three person, independent Panels will be asked to sit on cases which arise inside of rowing. Cases based on behaviours outside of rowing are related to safeguarding and transferable risk. The key skills required of Panel members are set out below, however full training will be provided prior to sitting on any panels and ongoing training is also offered.
BR’s Regulations and Rules determine that all Panels must be chaired by a suitably legally qualified individual and that a Written Judgment be produced by the Panel on conclusion of the case. Current case load indicates that Panel members would need to provide availability for four to six Panels a year and members are asked to sit on cases on an ad hoc basis. A degree of flexibility is therefore required. Please note this is a voluntary role and as such there is no remuneration.
Person Specifications
A nationally recognised professional qualification requiring expertise and skills in the safeguarding of children or adults at risk, and/or management of offenders; and/or
A minimum of five years’ experience of working in a safeguarding role
Recent experience of sitting on safeguarding tribunals, panels or case management groups which have powers to decide on the suitability of individuals to work with children, young people, and adults at risk;
Recent experience of undertaking safeguarding risk assessments of individuals’ suitability to work with children, young people and adults at risk;
A basic knowledge of employment law and other relevant legislation which concerns equality, disability discrimination, human rights law, and the safeguarding of children young people and adults at risk;
An understanding and appreciation of the impact which abusive or discriminatory behaviour can have on children and young people including the additional vulnerability to abuse and exploitation of some young people;
An understanding and appreciation of behaviour which is indicative of ‘grooming’ with the intention to abuse or exploit a child or young person;
An understanding and appreciation of the support required for vulnerable witnesses and those accused of unsafe practice in work with children, young people and adults at risk;
Ability to work alongside other professionals;
Ability to assess and analyse a variety of evidence both written and in other forms;
Knowledge of best practice in conducting disciplinary proceedings and in particular those of sports governing bodies.
It is desirable that candidates have recent experience of chairing tribunals, panels or case management groups which have powers to decide on the suitability of individuals to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
Mandatory Requirements
Expressed commitment to complete a minimum of four hours of relevant continued professional development training each year; and
Applications will also be measured against current and potential needs of the Panel so as to fill gaps in experience and/or to meet diversity requirements.
What we offer
This is a volunteer roleAdditional Information
Additional Information
Panel hearings are conducted online. Panel members will be asked to undergo training from time to time and membership of the Panels is pro bono in a voluntary capacity.
Please apply by covering letter and CV to [email protected] by the closing date of 02 October 2026.
Applications should address the candidate’s interest in the role, sporting governance or the sport of rowing and the criteria outlined above. Rowing seeks to be an ever more diverse sport and BR aims to appoint Panel members that reflect the diversity of its members.
Equal Opportunities
British Rowing is committed to equal opportunities for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender resassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marrage and civil partnershipsIf you require any reasonable adjustments regarding this process, please request guidance via [email protected].
