Centre administrator jobs

Location: Preston, Lancashire

Permanent | Full-time - 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £77,744 - £83,546

After a remarkable 26-year journey with Caritas Care, including five years as CEO, our current Chief Executive will retire at the end of 2025.  This creates a rare and exciting opportunity to lead this dynamic, well-established and vibrant organisation.  The Trustees are looking for an exceptional leader to take forward and further develop one of the North West's most respected and impactful charities.

About Caritas Care

For 90 years, Caritas Care has been at the heart of communities across Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester.  We are a values-driven charity committed to improving lives and creating opportunities for people across the North West.  Our services include adoption and fostering, support for people with disabilities, rehabilitation programs and community projects, all designed to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational management, ensuring our services continue to make a meaningful impact.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, your key responsibilities will include:

- Leading the organisation with passion and integrity, upholding our values in everything we do

- Developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance and expand our services

- Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, commissioners and partner organisations

- Ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing budgets and securing funding opportunities

- Maintaining governance and compliance standards, ensuring all activities meet legal, ethical and regulatory requirements

- Inspiring and supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence

About You

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader who is passionate about making a difference. You will bring:

- Strong leadership and strategic planning skills with experience in a senior management role

- A deep understanding of the charity, social care or public sector, particularly in service delivery and safeguarding

- Excellent financial and operational management skills, ensuring sustainability and growth

- A collaborative approach, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders

- A values-driven mind-set, committed to inclusion, equality and social justice

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership role – it is an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference.  You will be joining a charity with deep community roots, a skilled team and a future full of possibility. 

- Lead a well-respected and impactful charity

- Work with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference

- Shape the future of services that change lives

- 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

- Incremental salary scale progression

- Flexi-time and flexible working

- Opportunity to maintain a Social Work England registration

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Work based pension 5% employer contribution (LGPS transfer will be considered for the right applicant)

- Birthday leave after 10 years’ service

- Essential car user post with travel paid at 45p per mile

- Onsite free car parking

If you believe you have the skills, experience and passion to lead Caritas Care into its next chapter, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more about this opportunity and to access the full candidate application information, please visit our vacancies page on our website 

For an informal discussion, please contact Susan Swarbrick, Chief Executive.

Applicants who have previously applied for this position need not reapply.

Closing date for applications:  Wednesday 24 September 2025

Provisional interview dates:  Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 October 2025

Early applications are encouraged as we may close the recruitment process ahead of the deadline if a sufficient number of high quality applications are received

Job Title: Youth Engagement Worker - Casual

Department: Youth and Employability

Reports to: Coordinators/ Senior Manager

Salary: £13.50 - £14.50 per hour (Depending on experience)

Closing Date: 23rd September 

Interviews: 1st October 2025

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust

With community work spanning three decades, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has established itself as a pioneering organisation for the local community. It uses the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire people from all walks of life.

Working in partnership with Brentford FC, the Trust offers a portfolio of programmes in education, health, sports participation and community engagement. The Trust has won the ‘Football League Community Club of the Year’ award four times and now employs more than 100 members of staff. The Trust is forecasting further significant expansion over the next two years following its appointment as a key partner in the redevelopment of Gunnersbury Park [as a sports hub], and its move to new, larger, purpose-built premises directly adjacent to the new Brentford FC 17,500 capacity stadium near Kew Bridge in 2021.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FCCST 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 FCCST 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.

General Trust Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant policies, including health and safety and safeguarding policies
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements
• To ensure compliance with the Trust’s Code of Conduct.
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Trust and its personnel
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times

The Youth and Employability Department

Over the past five years, Brentford FC CST has significantly expanded its Youth and Employability provision. The department provides a diverse range of informal and formal learning opportunities designed to help young people develop essential life skills, engage with their local communities and prepare for the world of work. Our programmes support their transition to adulthood, by equipping them with the confidence, experience and networks they need to thrive.

We believe in high-quality, impactful provision which makes a tangible difference to young people’s lives; our offer includes a wide range of personal, social and educational experiences delivered through both sessions and tailored 1:1 support. These include weekly group sessions, short courses/projects, PSHE style activity, holiday programmes, training opportunities, volunteering & social action, residential trips, employability workshops and industry engagement days.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We work in partnership with schools, local authorities, charities, and national organisations to both reach young people and connect them to meaningful opportunities and wider support networks

Main Purpose of Job

The Youth Engagement Worker’s role is to create positive, safe, educational, and memorable experiences for young people on our programmes. Youth Engagement workers will lead, inspire and support young people to develop personal, social and educational skills through creative and developmental activities.

Youth Engagement Workers will lead a variety of youth programmes, sessions, assemblies, and community-based projects in both local schools and the wider community. These initiatives will focus on key themes such as life skills, personal and social development, teamwork and leadership, employability, youth voice, and social action. They will collaborate closely with local community groups, partner organisations, charities, and employers to create meaningful opportunities that support and empower young people, while contributing positively to the wider community.

Youth Engagement workers will need to be innovative and think outside the box. They will provide pastoral care, and deliver inclusive curriculum sessions, and skill development activities to groups and individuals. The role is suitable for a dynamic and confident person who has experience in leading, motivating, and supporting young people to successfully participate in positive programmes and activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and motivate young people through positive, creative and developmental sessions and activities.
• Supervise and take responsibility for pastoral care and safety needs of the young people.
• Deliver centre-based, community, school, and outdoor/adventurous activities and sessions.
• Consider youth voice and involve young people in the planning and delivery of activities on offer, and ensure they are innovative and effective.
• Plan, design, adapt, and deliver assigned curriculum sessions which include reflective learning, facilitating workshops, and youth-led delivery. Ensure sessions are consistent with the project themes and youth work outcomes.
• Engage and build positive relationships with young people to provide effective support, mentoring and coaching on a one-to-one and group basis where needed. Support young people to work successfully and impactfully with key partners including community groups, schools, venues, employers and other providers.
• Use detached and outreach methods to engage and recruit new young people on to programmes.
• Support young people with challenging behaviour and ensure our code of conduct is upheld.
• Ensure all activities and sessions are adapted to include and meet the needs of all young people. Implementing inclusion support plans where necessary.
• To understand and comply with all policies and procedures in line with Trust and contractual responsibilities including the safeguarding of the young people, GDPR, health and safety and EDI.
• Support youth volunteers, young leaders and assistant youth workers to work positively with young people and follow Trust policies and procedures.
• Ensure all administration tasks are completed accurately and within allocated time scales including handling personal data, managing expenses and petty cash, safeguarding reporting and risk assessments.
• Participate in training sessions related to safeguarding and emergency response.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, concerns, and actions taken.
• Report any safeguarding concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities or designated personnel.
• Work closely with the Manager, Coordinators, Youth Workers, Coaches and partners to support the young people on sessions. Ensure a united approach to delivering activities.
• Attend regular supervision sessions and compulsory training to enable all duties to be carried out effectively.
• Work with other BFCCST staff to develop youth voice, youth development programmes and employability activity across other BFCCST projects.
• Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities considered appropriate by the Senior Manager
• Work flexible hours including evenings and weekends when require.

The Selection Criteria

Essential

Qualifications and experience

1. At least one year’s experience of delivering positive activities with young people (either in a voluntary or paid capacity).

2. Youth Work level 2 or alternative equivalent experience

3. Experience of inspiring and motivating young people from a variety of cultural, economic and social backgrounds.

4. Experience of planning, leading and facilitating both large and small group sessions, and 1 to 1 activity.

5. A Safeguarding and First Aid qualification or willingness to complete training.

Skills, Knowledge, and ability

1. An awareness of current socio-economic issues and trends which may affect young people and youth employment in the locations we work in.

2. Ability to build relationships and work alongside stakeholders including schools, charities, employers, local council etc.

3. Able to be proactive and adaptable to manage challenging behaviour and support young people with inclusion needs.

4. Knowledge of and a commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity and data protection in relation to working in the community and youth work environment

5. Ability to regularly travel within the allocated work areas (Predominantly Ealing and Hounslow).

6. A willingness to work flexible hours as this role will involve evenings and some weekend commitments.

Desirable:

• FA level 1 or equivalent sports qualification

• Experience of working in partnership with young people or diverse community organisations to amplify youth voice.
• Experience of working with stakeholders such as professionals, community groups, schools to create opportunities for young people.
• Good knowledge of the local area and demographics (Hounslow and neighbouring boroughs)
• Alternative professional qualifications directly related to working with young people and children in a formal or non-formal setting
• Ability to adapt curriculum sessions to support young people with additional support needs
• Experience of, or a strong understanding of, how to effectively engage young people from vulnerable (e.g. homeless, young carer, etc) or underrepresented groups (women and girls, ethnic minorities), including those facing barriers to education, employment, or training.
• Previous experience of working with young people residentially.
• A full driving license and access to own car.

Personal Qualities:

• Good Emotional intelligence - Able to build a positive rapport, empathise and relate well to young people and children from a wide range of backgrounds and engage them in activities which support their development.
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills – ability to communicate with young people, parents, partners and staff effectively.
• Leadership and Team work - Ability to take the lead as well as work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Resilience -. Maintains a positive and proactive attitude to set backs, or challenging behaviour. Able to reflect on experience to support growth.
• Adaptable – Ability to work in a fast paced and demanding environment, responsive to changing situations

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. 

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.

This role is a Regulated Activity role - please complete the Declaration of Offences Form

Battersea has recently approved a new 5-year organisational strategy to deliver an even greater impact for dogs and cats through our Prevent, Support and Care activity. This, alongside Battersea’s significant growth in recent years, means that we now require greater coordination and structure to support how we prioritise and manage key organisational activity and manage our resources effectively.

To support the delivery of the new strategy and its respective programme of works, we are now seeking a new role of Head of Project and Strategic Planning to play a central role in shaping how we deliver our priorities across the organisation, supporting the leadership team, directors and strategic project leads in the delivery of our objectives, and ensuring there is effective management and oversight of projects and programmes which facilitates sound decision making and governance principles.

To support a significant CRM implementation programme, the programme has incorporated some formal governance structures and processes to support effective change management and decision making. We are now looking to embed and expand on those and ensure we have fit for purpose mechanisms for overseeing all key activity across the charity.

This role will therefore be responsible for developing, embedding, and leading a fit for purpose and effective Project Management Office (PMO), shaping delivery practices, building project management capability, and improve organisational alignment and performance in a way that supports dynamic cross-organisational decision making and innovation. As this is a new position, and will result in changes to our ways of working, the Head of Project and Strategic Planning will also be required to play a leading role in supporting and enabling organisational change, ensuring there is a clear understanding of change impacts associated with projects and programmes, strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills are applied, and clear transparent communication of the roadmap, including risks and benefits, is shared to bring people on the journey and enable us to embed best practice methodology.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 28th September 2025
Interview date(s): 9th/10th October 2025

For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.