Board member and governor jobs

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

Operation Manager opportunity at Alford House

We are recruiting a versatile and commercially- oriented Operations Manager to manage the facilities, develop our rental income and provide timely and accurate financial and administrative management support.

Working model: Reporting to the Senior Youth Worker and working 18 hours, typically over 2.5 days per week (flexible working pattern can be agreed), this is a hands-on role covers (but is not limited to) the following;

• Managing the buildings and their facilities, with external contractors where appropriate
• Sustaining existing and securing new sources of income from space rentals/other commercial opportunities
• Supporting fundraising/grant income applications
• Financial and budget planning, monitoring and reporting, with the support of a part- time bookkeeper
• IT, administration and facilities management policies, processes and systems
• Ensuring the building and its facilities comply with relevant regulation and legislation and that all polices are up to date, communicated and applied to provide a safe and secure environment

Crucial to our success will be the Operations Manager’s support for and identification with our mission and values along with the ability to work collaboratively with the Senior Youth Worker and his team in their work with young people in Lambeth.

Who are Alford House?

Founded in 1884, Alford House Youth Club remains a pivotal 21st century community anchor in Lambeth, providing a safe, trusted environment where long-term, relational youth work can help young people develop socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively.

Alford House’s activity programme is open to young people aged 8 to 21 years old offering a variety of sports, games, creative and recreational activities in a safe and secure environment that is managed by our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

It is a place where young people are known, valued, and supported over time — not as problems to be fixed, but as people with potential. We also offer a range of additional support, information, advice, and guidance to support young people to achieve their potential in education and help to prevent exclusion.

An ambitious £3m refurbishment of our historic buildings, and home since 1950, was completed recently to give the youth work team all that they need to serve the young people of the area into and beyond the second half of 2020s.

This has enhanced an already exceptional range of flexible venue spaces which we let during the daytime to theatre companies and businesses. This commercial activity contributes crucial income to support our work with young people.

What you’ll bring to Alford House

• Experience of income generation (lettings, grants etc)
• Experience of managing buildings/facilities including responsibility for maintenance, contractors, Health and Safety and regulatory compliance
• Experience with and good understanding of financial management, including budget monitoring, management and year end accounts and working with external accountants, bookkeepers and payroll.
• Experience with QuickBooks, Xero or similar.
• A proactive, hands on and practical working style, able to work independently in resource-limited settings
• Reliability and thoroughness, able to identify problems early and escalate appropriately
• Excellent interpersonal skills, collaborative, able to build effective working relationships with a wide range of people (trustees, staff, contractors and lettings clients)
• The ability to prioritise effectively and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• IT literacy, skilled with MS office and able to assess and implement new systems
• Demonstrable commitment to, effective safeguarding of children and young people, equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive work environment

What Alford House can offer you

• Salary £25,000 (Full time equivalent £50,000)
• 18 hours per week worked over 2.5 days
• 15 days leave (Full time equivalent 30 days) plus statutory holidays
• Employer contribution of 5% into Alford House pension scheme

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Alford House!

If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email Bryan at Eastside People to arrange a conversation. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

What’s next – how do I apply for the Operations Manager role?

Eastside People is supporting Alford House in the recruitment of this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover:

• Your interest in the Operations Manager role and, Alford House
• Having read the information pack, the relevant experience and skills you would bring to this role (paid work, study, community/voluntary work etc)

You are welcome to send your cover letter in writing, or as a video or audio clip, alongside your CV.

The closing date for applications is Thurs 30th April 2026. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after by Teams and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Alford House on week commencing 4th May 2026.

Alford House believes in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background

The Really NEET Project is seeking an exceptional, driven Regional Head to lead and inspire our work across Telford and the Midlands.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to help develop our future of alternative education, champion young people, and empower dedicated teams to deliver life-changing outcomes.

As Regional Head, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and inspirational direction, ensuring our centres consistently deliver outstanding support to young people who need it most.

Some of the key areas include:

• Provide strong and supportive line management to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator, SENDCo and Change Leader.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of high standards across SEND, education, youth work and risk management, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust, and shared purpose within teams.
• Fulfil the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role and make effective safeguarding decisions at local, regional and national levels.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

Location: Rotherham

Mentored by: Chief Operations Officer

Type of Employment:  Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday-Friday

Pay Level: £58,000-£65,000

The Really NEET Project is seeking an exceptional, driven Regional Head to lead and inspire our work across Barnsley, Rotherham and the North.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to help develop our future of alternative education, champion young people, and empower dedicated teams to deliver life-changing outcomes.

As Regional Head, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and inspirational direction, ensuring our centres consistently deliver outstanding support to young people who need it most.

Some of the key areas include:

• Provide strong and supportive line management to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator, SENDCo and Change Leader.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of high standards across SEND, education, youth work and risk management, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust, and shared purpose within teams.
• Fulfil the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role and make effective safeguarding decisions at local, regional and national levels.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

Location: Rotherham

Mentored by: Regional Head

Type of Employment:  Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday-Friday

Pay Level: £48,000

The Really NEET Project is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Special Educational Needs Coordinator to lead & strengthen the quality of our SEND provision across the region.

The SENCo will drive excellence in SEND practice, support staff development, and ensure that statutory responsibilities are fulfilled with professionalism and care.

Working collaboratively with staff, external agencies, families and local authorities, the SENCo will help shape an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive.

Some of the key areas include:

• Champion and embed high standards, values and inclusive practices in SEND across the centre.
• Provide effective line management to the Pastoral Caseworker, including regular supervision and developmental coaching.
• Lead and contribute to self-improvement audits in SEND and education, ensuring recommendations are fully implemented.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Act as a key point of accountability to Local Authorities and Ofsted.
• Present clear and accurate reports on SEND performance and provision to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinators (TLAs) to deliver EHCP outcomes effectively.
• Support the embedding of adaptive teaching strategies across the provision.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.