Expression of Interest: Head of Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)

Fixed term until 31 March 2027

The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is seeking expressions of interest for the Head of CPSU role which sits on the Professional Learning Services Senior Leadership Team within the Services Directorate.  This role will be responsible for guiding the next stage of our work across the sport and physical activity sector. This is a fixed-term opportunity to help secure the long-term future of the CPSU's impact, strengthen our assurance processes, and lead a team through a period of transition within a rapidly changing safeguarding landscape.

About the role

The successful candidate will play a central role in positioning the CPSU for the future. A key priority will be securing sustainable funding beyond March 2027, leading the development of strong, credible bids and maintaining effective relationships with our funding partners across the UK. Working in collaboration with senior leaders across Professional Learning Services and across directorates, you will build on existing systems to strengthen the CPSU assurance framework, ensuring consistency, transparency and confidence in how we work with funded organisations and sports councils.

This role requires a leader who can bring stability, clarity and support to a skilled team navigating organisational change and increasing external scrutiny within the safeguarding in sport sector. You will help colleagues adapt, collaborate and continue to deliver high-quality safeguarding advice, strategic insight and sector-wide influence.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an experienced leader with:

• A strong track record in developing successful funding bids and shaping long-term programmes of work.
• A clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection in a UK context, ideally with experience in the sporting environment.
• The ability to strengthen and refine assurance processes, ensuring high standards of accountability and partnership working.
• Excellent people management skills, with experience supporting teams through change.
• Confidence working at senior levels internally and externally, building relationships with funders, strategic partners and sector leaders.
• The judgement and communication skills to operate within a high-profile and evolving landscape.

How to express interest

If you would like to be considered, please submit:

• An expression of interest (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability for the role against the person specification .
• A short summary of relevant experience, particularly relating to funding development, assurance processes, and leadership through transition

If you would like an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please email christian.mcmullen@nspcc.org.uk

Interview dates have been outlined as the 11^th & 12^th May 2026.