Assistant head of partnerships jobs

We are seeking an Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation to play a central role in shaping how Villiers Park delivers and develops its programmes at a pivotal point in the implementation of our 2025-30 strategy. This role represents an exciting opportunity to lead on the development of our digital education offer and innovation work, ensuring it enhances both the reach and depth of our programmes for young people across the UK.

Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. As we continue to grow, digital provision and innovation are increasingly important in enabling us to reach more students, and to do so in engaging and inclusive ways.

Digital learning and programme innovation will be critical to the next phase in our strategy, building on the foundations we have already established, including the development of our learning platform and programme model. Alongside this, Leadership Challenge continues to expand as a key national outreach and social action programme, and this role will be instrumental in ensuring its quality and impact.

Our work is possible because of a brilliant team of staff, trustees and volunteers and committed funders and partners who believe in what we do and want to make the greatest possible difference. The Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation will work closely with colleagues across programmes, partnerships, communications and fundraising, as well as external partners, to ensure our digital and programme offer is coherent, forward-thinking and aligned with our mission.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with practical delivery, helping to translate ambition into impact for the young people we serve.

Sarah Chick

Head of Programmes 

Job purpose

The Assistant Director - Digital and Innovation leads the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision. This includes the design and delivery of online learning experiences, the development of digital and physical resources for use across programmes, and ensuring that digital delivery is accessible, safeguarded and aligned with the organisation’s mission.

The role also provides strategic and operational leadership for Leadership Challenge, Villiers Park’s national student outreach and social action programme. This includes programme design, partner engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring the programme is effectively resourced and financially sustainable.

Working closely with the Head of Programmes, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Communications and Fundraising teams, and external partners, the postholder supports the development of digital innovation, programme resourcing and Leadership Challenge activity to enhance reach, impact and quality. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision, ensuring alignment with our Theory of Change, priorities and values
• Lead the design and evolution of high-quality digital learning experiences, content and pathways for students, schools, parents/carers and volunteers
• Oversee the adoption and integration of digital platforms and tools, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, GDPR compliance and scalability
• Drive innovation in digital delivery by monitoring sector trends and embedding relevant approaches to enhance reach and impact
• Ensure digital provision complements and strengthens face-to-face delivery across programmes, working closely with the Head of Programmes and Assistant Directors
• Provide strategic oversight of the use of AI within programmes, ensuring its application enhances learning experiences while maintaining safeguarding and ethical standards
• Provide strategic oversight of the development and ongoing review of physical resources, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment across programmes
• Ensure all resources are inclusive, engaging, curriculum-aligned and reflect organisational standards and brand expectations
• Maintain a coherent approach to resource development, ensuring materials support programme delivery and learning outcomes effectively
• Lead the strategic and operational development of the Leadership Challenge programme, ensuring it is high-quality, sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and strengthen partnerships with charities, corporates and universities to support programme growth and delivery
• Oversee the development of an appropriate recognition or award framework for participants
• Establish and oversee robust quality assurance and evaluation processes for digital and physical content and delivery
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and risk management, and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees.
• Work collaboratively with Fundraising and Communications teams to support income generation, bid development and programme promotion

This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.

Skills and experience:

• Significant leadership experience in education, youth or social mobility sectors
• Knowledge of school and college curricula and the needs of learners aged 13–19
• Proven experience in designing and/or delivering digital learning
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, digital accessibility standards and inclusive design
• Experience developing high‑quality educational resources (digital and physical)
• Ability to lead programmes, manage projects and deliver to deadlines
• Ability to build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to further organisational aims and fundraising objectives

Personal attributes:

• A genuine commitment to and care for social mobility and young people’s futures
• Organised and proactive, effectively, prioritising workload and delivering outcomes independently
• Strategic and forward-thinking, with an ability to see the bigger picture
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across different functions
• Willingness to learn and develop your own practice and experience

Additional Information:

• The postholder will be required to travel regularly to schools, events and partner organisations
• An enhanced DBS check will be required
• The postholder will hold responsibility to be one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
• The postholder will require a full UK driving licence
• Evening work and overnight stays may be required
• Hybrid – location local to our Cambridge office or near to one of our Regional Hubs

Employee Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
• A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
• Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
• Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
• Flexibility in working hours.
• Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies. 

Safeguarding

Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.

Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation.

All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a strategic, outward-facing role where you will build partnerships, develop new opportunities to expand our reach and impact.​​

�� What you’ll be doing

• Leading the expansion of F4YP services into new geographical areas

• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, and partners

• Creating referral pathways to increase access for children and families

• Identifying opportunities and supporting funding bids and proposals

• Strengthening local systems to better support young people’s wellbeing

• Raising the profile of F4YP across new communities and networks

�� What we’re looking for

• Experience in partnership building, outreach, or service development

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Experience contributing to funding applications or commissioned work

• Ability to think strategically while delivering results

• A proactive, confident individual who thrives in a growing environment​

�� Bedford / Hybrid (Beds, Herts, Cambs) | ⏰ Full-time | �� 3-year fixed term | Working pattern: 9-day fortnight (one day off every two weeks

As one of the UK's best employers, we believe in putting people at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for an experienced and proactive Animal Care Tutor, to join Inscape House School

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do. We stand by them and we work together for change.

We believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn and space to thrive and that the right education can change lives. You’ll help break down barriers to education for young people, helping them learn and grow at their own pace. 

The Role

Inscape house school is recruiting for a tutor to to deliver Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) and teach animal care, welfare, and related work experience skills to students within our secondary provision. The Animal Assisted Intervention Tutor will design and deliver accessible, meaningful and aspirational animal-care and AAI-based learning opportunities, including accredited qualifications such as BTEC and/or ASDAN in Animal Care (or similar).

Inscape House School is a non-maintained ASC specialist day school for children and young people aged 5 to 19 years. It is part of the Together Trust, a charity that has been providing care, education and support in the Northwest of England since 1870. The post holder will be a member of Inscape House School on the Cheadle campus.  

Hours: 37.5 Hours

Contract - Permanent

Location: Inscape House School, Cheadle, Stockport

Reports: Deputy Head Teacher 

Responsibilities Include but are not exhaustive;

Teaching

• Work flexibly and adapt teaching strategies to ensure animal care and AAI content is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to individual learner needs.
• Embed Tier 1 universal support strategies within practical animal-care and AAI sessions to meet the diverse needs of learners with autism.
• Deliver accredited qualifications, including BTEC and/or ASDAN programmes in Animal Care (or similar), and support learners to build evidence for assessment portfolios.

Management of Staff

• Effectively deploy Education Assistants (EAs) to facilitate learning, ensuring that all support positively impacts on the development of every pupil’s independence.
• Work with colleagues to support students to plan, carry out and reflect on animal care routines and structured AAI activities.

Curriculum Knowledge 

• Have a secure knowledge of animal care, animal welfare and husbandry practice, and associated curricula (e.g. BTEC/ASDAN Animal Care or similar).

• Be able to foster and maintain pupils’ interest in your preferred key stage and subject, and address misunderstandings.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and take responsibility for promoting high standards of functional literacy, articulacy, and the correct use of Standard English and Numeracy within the context of animal care (e.g. care plans, observations/record sheets, measuring feed, timetables and routines).

 Accurate and productive use of assessment

• Know and understand how to assess pupil progress, including appropriate statutory assessment requirements.
• Make use of formative and summative assessment to secure pupils’ progress.
• Use progress data to monitor progress, set targets and plan subsequent lessons.

Professional Communication   

• Attend and contribute to pupils’ review meetings and multi-disciplinary team meetings. 
• Work with pupils, families and the multi-disciplinary teams to identify pupil centred goals.
• Demonstrate skill in communicating with pupils with autism and a range of physical, cognitive, and communication difficulties.  

Training

• Comply with the school’s mandatory training requirements.
• Attend conferences and meetings including professional shows as required.  
• Attend external and internal training courses as agreed for continual professional development and meeting appraisal objectives.  
• Read current literature on autism and special educational needs and to disseminate information to the rest of the staff team. 

About You

• Experience in animal care/animal welfare (e.g. kennels, stables, farms, rescue, shelters, zoos, veterinary environments, or education-based animal provision)
• A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, CertEd) QTS/QTLS
• Vocational Qualifications: 
• A Level 3 (or higher) qualification in Animal Care, Animal Management, Animal Science, Equine Management, or a related subject (or equivalent substantial industry experience).
• Evidence of relevant training such as animal welfare, safe handling/restraint, infection control, risk assessment, and/or Animal Assisted Intervention practice.
• Experience of successful work with pupils displaying challenging behaviour.
• Ability to identify, clarify, prioritise and solve problems as they arise.
• The ability to use information technology to communicate with others, track academic progress and share planning and resources.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Knowledge and understanding of strategies for inclusion and equal opportunities.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety expectations affecting children and adults across the school

Benefits

• Eligible for Teachers’ Pension Scheme and its associate Death In Service benefit
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you

This role will expire 31st May - Please do apply soon as we have the right to close the role early.

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy, including an Enhanced DBS check (at no cost to yourself).

This role will involve regulated activity.

Welcome to Ada!

At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent. Through the quality of education we deliver, the depth of our industry partnerships and focus on diversity, we are changing the face of the tech sector, expanding the talent pipeline and transforming lives.

We are a specialist Further Education college, where every 16-19 student takes Computer Science and all of our diverse Higher Level and Degree Apprentices work in skills shortage disciplines in innovative, blue-chip companies.

The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost GDP. Ada seeks to fill this skills gap by equipping young with the skills industry actually needs.

Ada was announced by the Prime Minister in December 2014; England’s first new FE College since 1993 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength including a Good with Outstanding features in our first Ofsted Inspection.

16-19 Provision:

As of 2024, we have 187 16-19 students enrolled. Our most recent results are outstanding; 39% of A level results at A*- B and 74% achieving at least one Distinction or better in their externally assessed Computing BTEC. This makes us the best education institution in the country for this BTEC.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Across our London Victoria and Manchester Ancoats campus, we have 363 apprentices currently enrolled on our Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships. We specialise in five disciplines at present: software development, data analytics, tech consultancy, cyber security and business analysis, working with a wide range of SMEs and corporate organisations such as PwC, Bank of America, Deloitte, Clearscore, Just Eat, Capita, MHRA, Booking,com and Salesforce.

At present 38% of our learners are female, 51% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 50% come from low-income households compared to national averages of c. 20%.

This is an exciting time to join Ada with our new state-of-the-art campuses in Victoria, London and Ancoats, Manchester. We’re passionate about building a supportive, values driven environment for both our students and staff.

Post Title: Learner Experience and Inclusion Officer

Nature of the Role: Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to: Assistant Principal- Head of Learner Services

Annual Salary: £28,000- £31,000 (DOE)

Pension: Aviva Pension Scheme

Holidays: Largely in line with local authority term dates (October Half term- 2 weeks)

Location: London Campus- Victoria

KEY ASPECTS OF THE ROLE & MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Learner Experience and Inclusion

●Lead student voice and engagement initiatives, delivering a dynamic programme of assemblies, enrichment activities and student-led opportunities.

●Coordinate weekly enrichment clubs and lunchtime activities to enhance student participation and wellbeing.

●Build positive relationships with students, parents and carers to create an inclusive and supportive college environment.

●Support the implementation of the college’s inclusion strategy, ensuring high standards of student support and participation.

●Facilitate student forums, surveys and focus groups, working closely with curriculum teams to strengthen learner engagement.

II. Student Finance and Administration

●Administer student bursaries and financial support, providing guidance to students and responding to learner and parent enquiries.

●Work with Finance and Attendance teams to manage student finance processes through Applica and ensure timely bursary payments linked to attendance.

●Maintain accurate records of support interventions and financial assistance on college systems.

●Promote financial wellbeing and literacy through assemblies and enrichment activities.

III. Attendance and Engagement

●Support the college’s attendance and engagement strategy, identifying and responding to persistent absence and disengagement.

●Monitor attendance and punctuality, escalating concerns to relevant staff and leaders where appropriate.

●Collaborate with pastoral and attendance teams to improve punctuality and student engagement, including parent/carer meetings where required.

IV. Pastoral Support and Personal Development

●Provide pastoral support, advice and guidance to students, helping them overcome barriers to success.

●Contribute to safeguarding processes, reporting concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Welfare team.

●Monitor the progress and wellbeing of assigned students, implementing interventions to support achievement and retention.

●Support Sixth Form induction, enrolment and behaviour management processes.

●Develop and deliver diverse enrichment and personal development opportunities, including community projects and student-led initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications

●GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

●Level 3 qualification in Education, Youth Work, Social Care, Student Services, Business Administration, or a related subject.

●Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to attendance or learner support.

DESIRABLE

●Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas, education, youth and community work, sociology, health and social care.

●Level 4 or 5 qualification in Advice and Guidance, Safeguarding, Inclusion, or Education and Training.

●Mental Health First Aid qualification.

●Safeguarding Level 2 or 3 training.

KNOWLEDGE

●Student finance/bursary processes for vulnerable learner support funding.

●Attendance monitoring and intervention strategies.

●Inclusion and widening participation.

●Safeguarding and well-being practices.

●Personal development.

●Behaviour and Attitudes.

●Using student record systems or MIS platforms (Desirable Knowledge)

EXPERIENCE

●Minimum of 1 year’s experience of working with children and young people who my face barriers to learning or engagement

●Ability to build positive professional relationships with learners/parents, carers and external agencies

●Understanding of digital learners and industry culture (Desirable)

Skills and Abilities

●Good written and verbal communication skills

●Ability to work independently

●Positive communication and listening skills

●Patience, tolerance and sensitivity

●A mature and non-judgemental outlook Enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of humour

SAFEGUARDING

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact .

SPONSORSHIP

Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.

CLOSING DATE: 17th June 2026 Candidates' applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications are advised.

Good Luck with your application!

Are you a passionate leader who wants to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people?​

We are looking for a Youth Service Lead to oversee and shape the delivery of our programmes across Bedfordshire. This is a key leadership role where you will ensure our services are safe, engaging, and impactful for the young people and families we support.​

At F4YP, we support over 500 children and young people across 50+ schools, providing safe spaces, enrichment opportunities, and vital pastoral support. As Services Lead, you’ll play a central role in making this happen every day.​

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading and managing high-quality delivery across face-to-face services

• Supporting and developing a team of delivery staff and volunteers

• Ensuring excellent safeguarding, pastoral care, and behaviour support

• Overseeing planning, staffing, and day-to-day operations across multiple sites

• Monitoring impact, quality, and outcomes to continuously improve delivery

• Working closely with schools and partners to support young people effectively​

What we’re looking for:

• Experience leading programmes or services for children and young people

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and pastoral support (SEMH/SEND desirable)

• Proven experience managing and supporting staff

• A hands-on, organised leader who can balance people, operations, and quality

• Someone who is passionate about helping young people feel safe, supported, and confident​​

Bedford/Bedfordshire | Full-time (37.5 hrs) | 3-year fixed term​​​​​​​​ | Working pattern: 9-day fortnight (one day off every two weeks), with full 5-day weeks required during holiday delivery periods