Director of Player Health - London, United Kingdom - Brentford Football Club

Description

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as 'reasonable adjustments'), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of Director of Player Health

The successful candidate will align the healthcare strategies across the 1 st Team and Academy (plus Women's programme as needed), while supporting the delivery of clinical excellence within the Medical Department and assuming clinical responsibility for the general health and wellbeing of the Club's players, to meet the standards required within the English Premier League.

Main Accountabilities

• To ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels.
• To work in conjunction with the Safeguarding Team to promote safe working practice within your department and those you manage.

Staff and Team Learning and Development

• Implementing continuous professional development (CPD) and in-house education.
• Management of mandatory training needs and insurances.
• Succession planning and career pathways.

Clinical

• Support Lead Doctor, Head Physiotherapist and Head of Academy Medical & Sports Science as needed.
• Understanding of imaging and radiology protocols and their interpretation for clinical diagnosis.
• Keep accurate, up to date and confidential medical records supported by contemporaneous medical notes relating to player injuries, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Responsible for any onward Specialist referrals with First Team Doctor, and ensuring that relevant parties are informed, arranging consultations / medical investigations as required.

Matchday Cover

• Provide quality assurance support and standards for 1st team fixtures.
• Provide active clinical provision for 1st team fixtures as needed, although there is no mandatory match-day attendance required.

Quality Assurance

• Main point of contact for governing bodies.
• Premier League injury and Head Injury audit.
• Implementation of Premier League medical regulations.
• Audit of internal player care processes.
• Audit of medical notation processes.
• Match-day trauma processes.
• Medical travel requirements for UK and overseas travel including preseason training camps.
• Medical screening programmes processes (including the FA cardiac screening programme).
• Oversee the Doping Control protocols in line with FIFA/UEFA/FA.
• Be fully aware of, observe and comply with the rules and regulations for the time being in force of any organisation or body, the rules and regulations of which the club is bound to observe including those of the Football Association, Premier League and Football League.

Facilities Development

• Explore and propose development of medical facilities with the club if needed.
• Oversight of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for all Brentford Football Club's facilities.

Budget Management

• Managing health insurance spend across the First Team and Academy.
• Control of medical spending across the First Team and Academy.

Player Location

• Ensure there are robust processes in place for exact player location across the First Team and Academy.
• Clear responsibilities allocated and audited.
• Main point of medical contact for international football federations.

Loan Player Support

• Oversee the processes for medical management of loan players.
• Main medical point of contact for loan clubs and players.

Research and Development

• Injury Audit - Data collection and collaboration with external academic bodies including universities.
• Investigate and assess efficiency of emerging medical interventions and equipment.
• Develop and maintain provision of external expertise available to the club across the medical field.
• Coordinate and be responsible for any external practitioners required to work with the First Team such as Performance Nutrition, Psychology, Behavioural Sciences, Podiatry, Chiropractic, and other Allied Healthcare personnel.
• Provide a vision for club strategies via external visits within both elite sport and other industries.

Promote a positive working environment that encourages education, personal development, innovation, and collaboration.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• To ensure compliance with the Club's Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club's Code of Conduct.
• To actively embed equity, diversity and inclusion into the operations and strategy of your team, in line with our EDI strategy
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
• Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager
• Maintain a record and up to date CPD portfolio as stipulated by FA and other professional bodies.
• Hold sufficient Professional Liability Insurance appropriate for working with elite football players.
• Maintain suitable levels of personal fitness appropriate for the physical nature of this role.
• Ensure external second opinion and referral networks are developed in specialist areas of Sports and Exercise Medicine/Physiotherapy for the benefit of Brentford Football Club playing staff.
• Protect the players and challenge opinions, in the best interest of the club.
• Observe, monitor, and react to the ever-evolving world of sports medicine and performance by keeping up to date with all current research and changes in professional regulations.
• Monitor and appraise on an on-going basis, the development of the Sports Medicine department.

Key Internal Relationships

• Director of Football
• Performance Director
• Head Coach
• Medical Staff
• Health related degree in Physiotherapy, Medicine, or Sports Medicine
• Specialist (e.g. MSc) qualification in Sports/ Exercise Medicine or Football Medicine
• HCPC/ GMC registration
• A member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (MFSEM)
• Hold (or be able to obtain) sufficient Professional Liability Insurance (SEMPRIS) appropriate for working with elite football players if required
• A minimum of 15 years post qualification experience in the field of Physiotherapy/Sports Medicine in an elite, professional sports environment.
• At least 10 years of extensive experience working as part of an interdisciplinary Sports Medicine team within football – either club or national level
• Experience of managing and coordinating medical staff in the delivery of injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies within 1 st Team / elite sporting environments
• Able to proficiently communicate in English (written and oral).

Closing date for applications: Friday 24 May 2024

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