Independent Safeguarding Advisor; Volunteer

Remote with occasional UK-wide meetings

Are you passionate about safeguarding and committed to creating safe, inclusive and positive environments in sport?

Do you bring the confidence, independence and strategic insight to help shape safeguarding at a national level?

If so, this could be an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

The RYA supports a diverse community through 2,400+ Recognised Training Centres and 1,500 Affiliated Clubs. Safeguarding and inclusion sit at the heart of everything we do — and we’re looking for an experienced safeguarding professional to help us continue raising the bar.

This influential non‑executive volunteer role will help guide our safeguarding strategy and shape the future of Safe Sport across the UK.

• Provide independent safeguarding assurance to the RYA Board
• Chair the Safeguarding Steering Group and influence strategic direction
• Offer constructive challenge across safeguarding policies, training and resources
• Review Level 2 safeguarding cases and promote organisational learning
• Advise on CPSU and Ann Craft Trust standards
• Champion psychologically safe, inclusive environments
• Offer informal professional supervision to the Head of Safe Sport

• Senior safeguarding experience (e.g., social care, education, health, policing, sport, charity sector)
• Confidence, integrity and excellent judgement
• Strong communication, analytical and influencing skills
• A deep commitment to welfare, inclusion and safe sport

Even if you don’t meet every criterion, we’d still love to hear from you — your perspective could be invaluable.

• 4‑year term, with potential renewal
• Opportunity to support succession planning through appointing a Deputy ISA
• All reasonable expenses reimbursed

Please review the full role description and send your completed application form and equality monitoring form to:

At the RYA, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates currently underrepresented within our organisation.