Paul Barber - Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Senior Safeguarding Lead

Paul Barber is the Senior Safeguarding Lead for the Club. As the Senior Safeguarding Lead, Paul is responsible for developing, leading and championing the Safeguarding Framework and overseeing its implementation, ensuring safeguarding is embedded into the Club culture and integrated into all aspects of governance and decision making.

Rose Read – Head of People & Culture

Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer

As Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer (Senior DSO), Rose plays a critical role in fostering a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that Safeguarding is embedded into all people related practices that prioritise the wellbeing and protection of participants and cultivate a culture where safety, inclusivity and respect are at the forefront. Working together with the Senior Safeguarding Lead to align working practices, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Richard Valder-Davis – Head of Safeguarding and Academy Player Care

Senior Safeguarding Manager

Richard is responsible for developing and implementing safeguarding policies, ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards and practices, identifying and addressing risks, overseeing player welfare and ensuring all staff are trained and equipped to provide a safe environment for all. Richard also heads up our dedicated Safeguarding team, leading our Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSO’s) who together are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of safeguarding practices across the Club, supporting the leadership team in meeting their legal and ethical obligations.