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Independent Safeguarding Advisor (Volunteer role)

Job Role: Non‑Executive Volunteer (Board Advisor)

Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days per month

Location: Remote with occasional meeting (Hamble & UK-wide)

  • Do you want to use your safeguarding expertise to influence safe sport agenda at a national level?
  • Do you thrive on offering independent insight and constructive challenge?
  • Are you passionate about helping to create positive, inclusive and psychologically safe environments for everyone involved in on-water activity?

If so, this opportunity could be a fantastic way to make a real and lasting difference!

Join the RYA — and help shape the future of Safe Sport

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the recognised National Governing Body for boating in the UK. With hundreds of thousands of clubs, centres and volunteers, safeguarding and inclusion sit at the heart of everything we do.

We are now looking for an Independent Safeguarding Advisor (ISA) – an experienced safeguarding professional who can bring independence, clarity and strategic insight to help us continually improve our approach.

This is a high‑influence, high‑impact volunteer role where your expertise truly matters.

What You’ll Do:

As our Independent Safeguarding Advisor, you’ll be at the forefront of strengthening our safeguarding culture. Your contribution will help shape safe, supportive and inclusive experiences across the organisation.

You will:

  • Provide independent safeguarding assurance to the RYA Board.
  • Chair the Safeguarding Steering Group, and help shape 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.
  • Support continuous improvement and best practice across the RYA.
  • Champion psychologically safe, inclusive environments.
  • Provide informal professional supervision where helpful.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re keen to hear from people who bring:

  • Strong, current knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation.
  • Senior safeguarding experience (e.g. social care, education, health, policing, sport or the charity sector).
  • The confidence and judgement to offer independent scrutiny and high-level assurance.
  • Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills.
  • Integrity, discretion and a deep commitment to welfare and inclusion.

If your experience doesn’t match every point perfectly, we still encourage you to express interest — your perspective could be a valuable addition.

Term of Appointment:

  • A four‑year term, with the option for one renewal.
  • Opportunity to support succession planning through appointing a Deputy ISA during your final year.

Expenses:

  • All reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed.
  • RYA membership included.

To apply

Please review the full role description and your completed application form and an equality monitoring form to jobs@rya.org.uk

Job description | Application form | Equality monitoring form

Closing date: 16 March 2026

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.

As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.

We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.

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