Lead Academy Psychologist

The club

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.

Come join us.

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 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.

The role

Brentford Football Club is enjoying the most exciting period in its history and we’re looking for an accomplished Clinical Psychologist to join our team.

Working within the Academy Sports Science department and reporting to the Head of Academy Medicine & Sports Science and Consultant Head of Human Development, the role is integral in contributing to the Academy’s vision of being admired as the most caring and progressive academy in the world.

The successful candidate will work closely with the interdisciplinary team to develop and deliver a progressive, pioneering approach to player development contributing to the newly established Human Development department. Through blending Psychology and Neuroscience, this department will work closely with the Football and Education departments in developing human performance both on and off the field.

The successful candidate will specifically take a leading role in creating and delivering tailored interventions to enhance the psychological aspects of individual and team performance whilst ensuring a holistic, whole-being approach.

• Department:  Sports Science
• Reporting: Head of Academy Medicine & Sports Science and Consultant Head of Human Development

Main accountabilities

• Provide an evidence-based on-field and off-field psychology service to players, coaches and support staff informed by profiling, observations and data analysis.
• In collaboration with the Consultant Head of Human Development, steer the department to maximise its key performance measures contributing to the Academy’s overall vision of being admired as the most Caring and Progressive Academy in the world.
• Working closely with the Consultant Head of Human Development and Head of Academy Football Development, steer the Human Performance Coaches to provide gold-standard delivery of a Psychology and Neuroscience educational syllabus to players, staff and parents.
• Building on current philosophies and practices, develop a robust, clear strategy, policy and action plan to support the whole-being of all players and staff.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of Human Development work, aligning with professional standards, safeguarding protocols and ethical guidelines.

Continued Professional Development:

Take responsibility for continued professional development and keeping an up-to-date portfolio of achievements.

Take an active role in delivering regular departmental CPD session for full- and part-time staff.

Strive to advance working practices both within the Medical Department, and in the wider sports psychology setting by promoting and performing clinical research.

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.

Key internal relationships

• Head of Academy Medicine & Sports Science
• Consultant Head of Human Development
• Human Performance Coaches
• Academy Player Support Manager
• Head of Academy Education
• Phase-Lead Coaches
• Head of Academy Football Development
• Lead Academy Doctor

Person specification - Essential personal characteristics

• Undergraduate qualification in Psychology (or relevant equivalent)
• Post-graduate Clinical Doctorate
• Chartered Status with the Psychological Society (BPS)
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Able to drive with access to own vehicle
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with unsociable hours, including weekend and evening cover
• Ability to work in a team and independently on own initiative
• Highly organised with strong communication and time management skills

Person specification - Desirable characteristics

• Experience of working in professional sports environment (preferably football)
• FA Safeguarding Certification
• Evidence of CPD portfolio

How to apply

Click ‘Apply for this role’ via THIS LINK

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 https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

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.