Disability Access Officer

Job-ID: 117558492Location: London, GBREmployment type: Permanent (Full-Time)JOB TITLE: Disability Access Officer (DAO)DEPARTMENT: CommunicationsDIRECT REPORTS: NoneLOCATION: Main Locations: Stamford BridgeCONTRACT: Permanent - Full Time JOB FUNCTION: Working closely with key internal stakeholders, this role will champion disabled supporters and visitors, drive innovation and change, and promote disability awareness and inclusion across the Club.  The role will aim to:      Strengthen links between clubs and their disabled fans      Diversify their fan base by engaging historically underrepresented groups     Enhance the matchday experience in partnership with disabled fans      Ensure projects are improving the communication between disabled fans and their clubClosing date: 18th AugustWe encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:           To be the Club’s appointed Disability Access Officer, as defined by the responsibilities set out in the Premier League guidance and for the purposes of UEFA Licensing            To have a clear and precise understanding of all existing relevant legislation, guidelines, and best practice, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Accessible Stadia Guide             To work closely with the Disability Liaison Officer, managing relationships and communication with disabled supports and other Premier League clubs.           To lead and manage the Matchday Access help point          To keep up to date with new legislation, good practice guidance, and innovation in the accessibility space           To build relationships with the Chelsea FC’s disabled supporters, developing a collaborative approach to the improvement of facilities and services for disabled supporters and visitors           Lead the consultation and on-going dialogue between all disabled people, associations, groups, and the Club           To promote the needs of disabled people within the club and “champion” disability issues and highlight the business benefits of creating and maintaining an accessible stadium            To work with the Operations team to ensure that the club and/or stadium undertakes regular professional access audits and develops an Access Statement            To liaise with other club DAO’s, and external organisations such as Level Playing Field, UEFA, Premier League (and other relevant organisations) and encourage the sharing of good practice solutions and relationship building            To work with the club to develop and deliver on projects and initiatives as they relate to disability and inclusion           To provide guidance to the ticket office on the policy and management of disabled persons tickets            Participate in conferences / meetings between DAOs across other clubs, shadow visits at other stadiums and further events with training and networking purposes           The DAO shall be expected to attend match days regularly (both at home and away) to act as a contact person for disabled fans, helping to improve their match day experience.For home matches, tasks may include:           Coordination with other matchday club staff ahead of the match e.g. the Supporter Liaison Officer, the Safety Officer, Safeguarding lead             Provision of relevant matchday information to the visiting team DAO, in good time ahead of the match           Meeting the visiting team DAO before the match and supporting their requirements            Being available and contactable, before, during and after the match for any disabled fans queries and feedback           Attend pre match safety briefings including those including Visiting Club Support staffFor away games, tasks may include:           Contacting the away club DAO ahead of the match to collect all relevant matchday information           Clarifying in good time the ticket allocation and policies for disabled fans           Communication of all relevant matchday information on the club website, via newsletter and other media channels as early as possible ahead of the match           Being available and contactable, before, during and after the match for any disabled fans queries and feedback           Working with relevant club staff to organise away travel for disabled fans           Meeting the home team DAO and joining pre match safety briefings MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE:      Positive feedback and fan sentiment around the club        Increased numbers of disabled fans engaging Chelsea FC services and products        Reduced risk of legislative issues        Influencing external stakeholders that help bring benefit to Chelsea FC  Delivery & Operation        Management of relationships between key supporter groups        Attendance at both home and away matches for men’s and women’s games PERSON SPECIFICATION:Experience:      An understanding of and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion and how they relate to the DAO role and the wider club EDI strategy      Experience working or advocating for people with disabilities       Strong relationship management experience       Experience communicating well to a range of audiences, and using different mediums, with oral and written skills to a high standard       Ability to work under pressure, making judgement calls and manage competing priorities       An understanding of fan engagement and an ability to build rapport with fans       Sound operational experience connected to major events. Knowledge of football stadiums and experience of working with football supporters is desirable      Knowledge of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults      Experience working with under-represented groups or on topics related to ED&I would also be desirable       Chelsea Football Club knowledge a bonusSkills and Behaviours:      High degree of customer service focus      Highly visible individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills     Demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges in the football sector in respect of diversity and inclusion and is an advocate for change     Able to work home and away matches (including evenings) and at supporter attended events outside of normal office hours     Work closely with the supporter services team to view complaints/feedback that are logged by supporters     Help create a safe environment for supportersOur Expectations:To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR. To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channelsTo create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding LeadTo report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR DepartmentOur commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.   If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.Chelsea FC and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate. This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.