The Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association is proud to announce the appointment of Penny Hajek as the newest member of the Board, taking on the crucial role of Board Safeguarding Champion

Penny Hajek brings with her a wealth of experience in children’s social care, having served as a local authority practitioner and senior manager for over 35 years. Her most recent position as Assistant Director with Leicester City Council highlights her dedication to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families.

Throughout her career, Penny has been a steadfast advocate for children and young people, working tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being. For over a decade, she has served as an independent consultant for various local authorities, spearheading projects aimed at enhancing safeguarding services nationwide. Her experience, including a role at a children's trust, has provided her with invaluable insights into delivering effective children's services amidst diverse challenges.

Penny's commitment to safeguarding extends beyond her professional endeavours; she is deeply passionate about leveraging grassroots football as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of young people. Penny also firmly believes in the transformative power of sport and is eager to contribute to creating a safe and nurturing environment within the football community.

In her new role as Board Safeguarding Champion, Penny aims to embed a safeguarding lens across all aspects of the County FA's work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. She is dedicated to ensuring that safeguarding remains a top priority, empowering individuals, and fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability.

Upon joining the County FA, Penny expressed her enthusiasm about the role, she said: “I am very excited about joining the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA.

“I am passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people and believe that grassroots football, delivered in a safe environment, can play a large part in this, having witnessed this for myself. In fulfilling this goal, I want to ensure that we maintain a safeguarding lens in all our work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.”

Joe Dunmore, Chief Executive Officer of the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Penny Hajek to our board as the Board Safeguarding Champion.

"Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to safeguarding make her the perfect fit for this crucial role. With Penny's guidance, we are confident in our ability to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding within our football community."

Penny Hajek's appointment reaffirms the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA's commitment to prioritising the welfare and protection of all individuals involved in football, from players to volunteers and beyond.