Children and young people manager jobs

Reporting to: Head of Business Development

Direct reports: None

Location of work: Home based in Scotland. This post holder will be based at home with regular travel across Scotland. The role will involve some irregular travel across the rest of the UK. Travel expenses will be paid in line with our Travel Expenses Policy.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £37,500

BACKGROUND

The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.

To support the delivery of this strategy, we are evolving our Business Development function and creating a new Business Development Manager – Scotland role. This role will unlock opportunities in Scotland across public funding, trusts, foundations, philanthropy and partnerships, ensuring Magic Breakfast grows its income sustainably across devolved nations.

JOB PURPOSE

The Business Development Manager – Scotland will drive income growth and strategic partnerships in Scotland. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this role will take a lead in developing both public funded income and philanthropic support (trusts, high-net-worth individuals and corporate partnerships).

The postholder will work closely with the Head of Major Giving (Trusts & Philanthropy) and Head of Partnerships in England to ensure joined-up approaches, while developing extensive networks and relationships across Scotland’s funding and commissioning landscape.

This role is both externally focused — cultivating relationships with commissioners, funders, and partners — and internally collaborative, aligning with colleagues across Magic Breakfast to maximise opportunities and deliver against the organisation’s strategic plan.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy

• With support from the Head of Business Development, lead the development and delivery of the Scotland Business Development and Fundraising Strategy, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s UK-wide income priorities, wider organisational strategy, and any Scotland-specific plans across Service Delivery and Policy & Engagement.

• Act as the lead advisor on business development in Scotland, providing insight, guidance and recommendations on market trends, risks and opportunities.

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities across public and philanthropic income streams, ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting.

Public Funding

• Identify and secure public funded service contracts in Scotland, particularly with local authorities, education commissioners, and government departments.

• Work with the Policy and Engagement team to develop opportunities with national and regional agencies (e.g. Public Health Scotland, NHS boards, Integrated Joint Boards, Community Planning Partnerships) to embed breakfast provision into wider public health, wellbeing and education strategies.

• Engage with local authority frameworks, grants and tendering processes, positioning Magic Breakfast as a trusted delivery partner for both statutory and discretionary funding streams.

• Build strong partnerships with consortia, third sector networks, and intermediary bodies to access collaborative commissioning opportunities and joint delivery models.

• Monitor and respond proactively to changes in the Scottish Government’s commissioning priorities (e.g. child poverty, attainment challenge, early years and family support, wellbeing economy), aligning proposals with policy drivers.

• Lead the preparation of tenders, bids and commissioned service proposals, ensuring they are compelling, evidence-led and costed appropriately to reflect the value of Magic Breakfast’s offer.

• Ensure clear processes for the qualification, negotiation, contracting and reporting of income agreements, working closely with Finance, Service Delivery and Policy colleagues.

• Collaborate closely with the Business Development Manager responsible for public funded income in England and Wales to ensure a joined-up UK-wide approach to opportunities, share intelligence on successful models, avoid duplication of effort, and apply lessons learned from to maximise income growth.

• Align Scotland’s approach with national frameworks, campaigns, and strategic priorities, ensuring that proposals, tenders, and partnerships complement work happening in other devolved nations.

• Explore blended income opportunities, integrating public funded income with potential corporate partnerships or philanthropic support to maximise funding and sustainability.

Philanthropy and Partnerships

• Develop and manage a pipeline and portfolio of Scottish-based trusts, foundations, family foundations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), and philanthropists, including those with devolved nation-specific remits. This will include working closely with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,

• Take responsibility for cultivating relationships, preparing compelling cases for support, and personally soliciting major gifts (five- and six-figure level), securing multi-year, transformational commitments.

• Work collaboratively with the Major Givings Leads and the Head of Major Giving to integrate Scottish funders into the UK-wide prospecting and stewardship framework, maximising opportunities for uplift and avoiding siloed engagement.

• Deliver high-quality, values-driven donor journeys for Scottish prospects and supporters, including bespoke engagement opportunities such as school visits, events, and briefings that connect funders directly with impact.

• Build relationships with corporates headquartered or operating in Scotland, coordinating with the Head of Partnerships to ensure Scottish corporate engagement complements and aligns national partnerships, avoid duplication, and develop bespoke proposals and stewardship plans where appropriate.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of fundraising campaigns or initiatives with a Scottish focus, ensuring they complement national activity and align with the organisational fundraising strategy.

• Collaborate with the Prospect Research Manager and Major Giving colleagues to identify and qualify new opportunities, and to re-engage lapsed supporters in Scotland,

• Represent Magic Breakfast externally within Scotland’s philanthropy and fundraising networks (e.g. Scotland Fundraising Conference, Association of Charitable Foundations Scotland, SCVO events), raising profile and building new connections.

Collaboration and Internal Contribution

• Work closely with colleagues across the wider fundraising department to ensure Scottish funders and opportunities are aligned with team specific strategies and the overall fundraising goals and objectives

• Share intelligence and relationships with colleagues in England to strengthen organisational-wide fundraising and business development.

• Collaborate with Policy & Engagement colleagues to ensure business development opportunities are aligned with advocacy and campaigning priorities.

• Contribute to a culture of openness, collaboration and innovation across the Business Development team.

Financial Processes, Reporting and Compliance

• Contribute to business development planning, budgeting and forecasting processes, highlighting risks and opportunities to income.

• Ensure accurate recording of pipelines, income and activity in Salesforce, with robust monitoring and reporting.

• Ensure all donor and organisational reporting requirements are met and high-quality reports are delivered in a timely manner.

• Ensure all activity is compliant with ethical fundraising standards, safeguarding, GDPR and Magic Breakfast’s policies.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of the Scottish funding and commissioning landscape, including key trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate networks.

• Excellent practical understanding of procurement rules and policies as well as tender and budget cycles.

• Proven track record of developing and delivering income growth from a variety of sources, including public funding, philanthropy and partnerships.

• Demonstrable experience of managing the full fundraising pipeline — from prospect research and qualification, through cultivation and solicitation, to long-term stewardship and renewal.

• Hands-on experience of securing and soliciting significant gifts (five- and six-figure level) from high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, with evidence of personally closing gifts at this scale.

• Demonstrable experience of building and stewarding high-level relationships with commissioners, funders and corporate partners.

• Experience of preparing successful tenders, bids and proposals, ideally within education, social impact or the charity sector.

• Experience of cross-team collaboration within a UK-wide or devolved nations context (desirable).

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently.

• Strong pipeline management and analytical skills, with a track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate opportunities, prioritise effectively and translate plans into action.

• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.

• Strong team player with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising/CRM systems (ideally Salesforce), as well as ability to use project management systems (such as Asana).

Other

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating child morning hunger as a barrier to learning.

• Commitment to Magic Breakfast’s values and to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.

• Willingness to travel across Scotland and the UK, with occasional out-of-hours working for events.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, hr @magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 19th January

Interview 1 - w/c 26th January

Interview 2 - w/c 2nd February

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Our CEO, Daisy Srblin, has served since May 2022, and is expecting to take maternity leave from May 2026. We are looking for an excellent Interim CEO, to steward YCF in her 9-12 months away, lead our team and keep our charity on track.

2026/27 is set to be a busy period for Young Camden Foundation, as we navigate a complex ecosystem for the voluntary sector, embed new projects, and drive forward the objectives of our 2025-28 strategy. This is also a pivotal year for fundraising efforts, as is the case for many in our sector, and maintaining strong leadership on behalf of our dynamic and talented team will also be essential.

We are looking for an experienced Interim CEO, who brings particular proven expertise around fundraising, people and budget management, and reporting, as well as confidence in stakeholder relationships and proven leadership experience.

You will be responsible for a team of 7, reporting to a board of twelve, and managing a budget of around £1.3m. You will be responsible for the effective management and delegation of responsibilities throughout the team, via your three direct line reports. You will be responsible for reporting to funders on a regular basis, who fund everything from YCF’s core operations to our grants and onward projects. You will oversee YCF’s complex functions, including grant giving, membership and training, and youth engagement.

You will lead on YCF’s fundraising goals for 26/27 and beyond, helping to put YCF on a firm and confident footing as we look to the future. You will also lead external engagement work at the charity, ensuring YCF is represented and advocating in high-level spaces in Camden, whether with Camden Council, local Councillors, sector and member leaders, and local businesses. 

Please download the full job specification for a complete breakdown of responsibilities and essential skills and experience. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The job of a CEO is hard to define, especially in a small charity, so the list below is by no means exhaustive, or reflective of all the responsibilities you will undertake in post.

However, these summarise the key areas of responsibility and priority as Interim CEO in the 9-12 month period:

1. Fundraising on behalf of our objectives

2026 is a pivotal fundraising year for YCF, as with so many in the sector. You will lead on our fundraising efforts (including identifying and writing bids) for both core and project funding in this important year, to put YCF on the strongest financial footing possible in delivering our objectives to 2028.

2. Team management and leadership

The YCF team is a dynamic mix of individuals, ranging from longer-serving staff to newer staff. You will effectively lead our people (YCF’s key asset) driving performance by identifying development opportunities, and effectively delegating to get the most out of our team. You will also be called upon to make judgement calls on behalf of the team, when these come up.

3. Stewarding our finances

In our small organisation, the CEO is chiefly responsible for the effective stewardship of our finances. Working closely with our Finance Manager, you will set our 27/28 budget and steward and monitor our performance across both financial years (including around fundraising targets). You will oversee an effective audit process in 2026, and ensure records and invoicing are meticulous and kept up to date.

4. Supporting project management and delivery

While staff members hold responsibility for their work streams, YCF is a small team, and you will have overall responsibility and oversight for all delivery, including two sizeable projects in the 26/27 year (the delivery of the UK Government’s Holiday Food and Activities programme, (HAF) on behalf of the Borough of Camden, and YCF’s new cross-borough programme tackling Serious Youth Violence). You will ensure strong delivery across each workstream, identifying opportunities for development throughout, and stepping in where needed.

5. Ensuring effective communication

YCF has a wide range of stakeholders, including members, funders, partners and many others from our cross section of voluntary, public and private sector partnerships. You will be an effective communicator (verbally and in written form) and able to represent YCF in the spaces needed, including with prospective partners, on strategic boards, and with high-level stakeholders. You will lead the team in our written reporting to funders, guiding the team to harness our data to communicate our impact.

6. Oversee governance 

Bringing experience with Board accountability, you will report to the board quarterly, and work closely with the Chair to ensure progress is being driven forward on YCF’s strategic objectives.

[While your closest working senior relationship will be with the Chair, YCF benefits from a very engaged board. As such, the trustees can be available to support you on an on-going or ad-hoc basis. Collectively, they have deep local connections, excellent sector knowledge and expertise in various functional areas such as HR, governance, finance and more.]

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for the following essential experience in our prospective Interim CEO candidate:

- Successful fundraising experience: You will have proven experience in fundraising in a VCS context, including from Trusts & Foundations, corporate sources, and Local Authorities. You will have direct experience in writing applications, making pitches and so on.

- Proven finance experience: As a proven sector leader, you will have experience managing complex and large organisational budgets. You will be able to demonstrate how you have set and managed budgets in the past, including stewarding budgets to effective use.

- Leadership and team management: You will have experience of leading teams, including in contexts without an internal HR function where these are held by the CEO. You will be well versed in all aspects of team leadership, including managing performance, supporting morale and maintaining YCF’s positive team culture. You will have held the position of Director or CEO before, and have experience reporting to a Board of Trustees, and knowledge of governance arrangements that support a healthy charity.

- Exceptional communication: You will demonstrate proven exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. You will be well versed in compiling strong reporting to funders and stakeholders, as well as producing high quality reports for Trustees. You will also be an exceptional verbal communicator, representing YCF and the needs of our members in advocacy spaces.

- Project start up and management: While YCF has senior leaders to oversee work delivery, you will bring your own experience in project management, to help support existing and new projects at YCF, namely the Tackling Serious Youth Violence Project, which will begin in 2026.

- A positive attitude: Working in a small charity is tremendously rewarding, but it can be tough to lead a small organisation. You will demonstrate proven maturity in navigating those challenges, while bringing an optimism and positive attitude to your work, including all of the (many) responsibilities that fall outside of the ‘usual’ CEO job description, in a small charity.  

We would also ideally be looking for some of the following desirable areas of expertise and experience:

- Working in a youth setting: Our Interim CEO will need to share our passion for a stronger Camden for all children and young people. Ideally you will also bring experience of working in a youth setting or for a youth focused charity in the past, and be familiar with some of the challenges facing children and young people

- Grant making: Our Interim CEO will steward a significant grant-making budget of around £1m per year. Our ideal candidate would bring knowledge of hyper-local grant giving for community led organisations

- Working with and for community groups: Our team works predominantly (though not exclusively) with members who are micro, small and medium sized. Ideally you will be well versed in the unique challenges facing grassroots community VCS organisations. You may bring experience leading a small charity yourself, proving your understanding of the unique leadership challenges in doing so

- Understanding Camden: YCF’s work is unapologetically rooted in our borough, with all its challenges and opportunities. Our ideal candidate brings an understanding of the challenges of living within inner London, particularly for communities facing disadvantage.

WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURN

We firmly believe you’ll be working in one of the best teams in the sector, with a collaborative and supportive culture.

You will be working with a dynamic and enthusiastic team, and will also benefit from regular check-ins with a present and supportive Chair, as well as support from our experienced Board of Trustees. Flexible working is also available, after discussion and agreement with the Chair.  

You will also benefit from:

· 25 days of annual leave per year (pro-rata’d for part time employees)

· In addition, your Birthday off (or closest working day) as paid leave

· Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, 360 Wellbeing, including 6 free in-person counselling sessions per year and unlimited 24/7 online and telephone GP consultations

· Training and development opportunities

· Free on-site gym access and access to free creative and fitness classes (and access to on-site showers) as part of our Labs membership

· Access to tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit each day at our office

· Discount on food and drink in Camden Stables Market

Please download the full job description for further information. Pease note the deadline for applications is Sunday 8th February - however the Charity Jobs advert will expire on Thursday 5th February, so please be sure to download this application and details of how to apply before this date. 

We are looking for a Children's Spiritual Formation Lead. In this role, you will develop and create a spiritual formation pathway for children, that fosters spiritual growth through contemplative Christian practices, with a specific focus on pioneering and developing retreat day experiences for schools as part of the pathway. This is a national role that will enable churches to support their ministry to children in schools through contemplative Christian practices. You will also, where needed, play a hands-on role in supporting churches and schools in our work.

In this role, you will:

• Write and develop a contemplative spiritual formation pathway to strengthen

  lifelong spiritual growth for school children from Early Years to Secondary.

• Develop and project manage a national strategy for the pathway that can be

  contextualised, to encourage and equip churches to provide spaces where

  school children grow spiritually through contemplative Christian practices.

• Where helpful pilot the pathway within Oxfordshire.

• Develop, hone, pilot, and test a scalable, one-day contemplative retreat model

  for schools using Space Makers and prayer-space resources.

• Embed our one day contemplative retreats for schools as an integral component into the creation of the contemplative spiritual formation pathway.

• Expand delivery of retreats nationally with support from the CEO, by designing

  and delivering training for churches, leaders, lay volunteers, & students.

• Embed a network of volunteer adult & student Contemplative Practice Champions to sustain & refine delivery of retreats and the contemplative spiritual formation pathway.

• Where needed, support on-the-ground delivery of retreats and prayer and reflection spaces in schools.

About You

We’re looking for someone who has:

• 5–7 years of hands-on experience supporting children’s spiritual growth within a Christian-faith context.

• Proven ability to turn ambitious regional or national visions into reality.

• Skilled at building, organising, and energising dynamic volunteer teams.

• Deep passion for nurturing children’s long-term spiritual development,

  especially through the contemplative Christian tradition.

• Ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle a broad range of responsibilities with

  enthusiasm and practical expertise.

• Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively

Role Details

• Position: Children's Spiritual Formation Lead

• Location: Remote. Travel required for in person team days 3 - 6 times a year.

  Some travel across Oxfordshire and nationally.

• Hours of work: Part time, 4 days (FT considered for the right candidate)

• Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (pro rata if 4 days) depending on experience.

• Start Date: As soon as possible. (flexible for the right candidate)

  This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement

  BeSpace serves and supports clients within the Christian sector, the nature of the work requires that this post holder has an active faith in Jesus under the Equality Act 2010, part 1, schedule 9.

  Why work for BeSpace?

  We are intentional about developing an excellent team culture and an environment through which you will thrive, grow and succeed in your role.

  Your benefits include:

• Generous annual leave – 25 days (pus bank holidays) per year, pro rata

• Additional time off between Christmas and New Year.

• 1 day paid a year as a personal Retreat Day, in line with our ethos that stillness

  sparks spiritual growth

Join BBS UK and help deliver compassionate support within NHS highly specialised clinics, supporting children and families living with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

At Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK (BBS UK), we are dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this rare genetic condition. Our charity provides specialist support services that help children, young people and families feel informed, supported and able to navigate complex health and care systems, working in partnership with NHS Highly Specialised BBS Clinics.

We are seeking a compassionate and organised individual to join our Clinics Support Team as a Patient Liaison Officer (PLO). This role offers a unique opportunity to deliver charity-led support within specialist paediatric clinics at Great Ormond Street Hospital, working alongside NHS multi-disciplinary teams while remaining part of a close-knit and supportive charity team.

About the Role

As a Patient Liaison Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring families feel prepared, supported and heard before, during and after their clinic appointments. You will provide emotional and practical support, advocacy and system navigation, helping families to understand their care and access appropriate support, while referring more complex casework to BBS UK’s specialist Advice Service.

You will:

• Support families before, during and after NHS Highly Specialised BBS clinic appointments

• Facilitate clinic attendance by preparing families for appointments, addressing concerns and helping to reduce “Did Not Attend” rates

• Attend specialist BBS clinics at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and St Thomas' Hospital, providing on-the-day support to families and clinicians (Approximately 2-4 days per month)

• Act as a key point of contact between families and clinical teams, supporting communication and information-sharing

• Provide light-touch advocacy, information and signposting in relation to health, education, social care and local authority support

• Identify unmet needs or emerging issues during clinic interactions and refer families to the BBS UK Advice Service for specialist advocacy and follow-up

• Support families during key transition points, particularly the move from paediatric to adult services

• Maintain accurate and confidential records using BBS UK’s CRM system (CharityLog)

• Contribute to service evaluation, quality improvement and the wider work of BBS UK

This is a home-based role with attendance at clinics in central London and occasional travel to other clinic sites and BBS UK events. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with BBS UK policies.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an experienced individual with a background in supporting children and families, who can work confidently in a clinic-based, people-facing role.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience working with children, young people and families, ideally within health, social care, education or the voluntary sector

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with families experiencing distress or uncertainty

• Experience providing emotional and practical support to individuals with complex or long-term conditions

• Ability to organise and manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and work independently

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management/CRM systems (e.g. CharityLog)

• Understanding of safeguarding principles and professional boundaries

• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for people living with rare or complex conditions

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Knowledge of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome or other rare or genetic conditions

• Experience working alongside or within NHS services or multi-disciplinary teams

• Understanding of education, health and social care systems in England

• Experience supporting families affected by disability or visual impairment

• Ability to travel for work, including clinic attendance (travel expenses reimbursed)

Why Join BBS UK?

BBS UK is a small, dedicated charity making a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families affected by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Our Clinics Support Team is widely recognised by families and clinicians as an essential part of the specialist BBS service.

By joining us, you will:

• Have a direct and positive impact on families at critical points in their care journey

• Be part of a supportive, values-driven charity team

• Work flexibly from home while delivering face-to-face support in specialist clinics

• Receive training, supervision and ongoing professional development

• Contribute to a nationally recognised rare disease support service

Additional Information

• DBS Check: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role

• Safeguarding: Completion of safeguarding training within the first month of employment

• Flexible Working: Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, with time off in lieu provided

• Hours: This is a permanent, part-time role (20 hours per week)

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about supporting children and families living with a rare condition and would like to be part of a dedicated charity team, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to discuss the role before applying, details can be found in the application pack.

Application Deadline: 8th February 2026

The Partnerships Manager will play a pivotal role in delivering Youth Futures Foundation’s Employer Strategy.

You will embed and scale evidence-based practice across employer networks to create systemic change in how employers recruit, develop and retain young people.

This role focuses on influencing employer behaviour at scale – using evidence, partnerships and networks to embed the evidence of what works across organisations, sectors and places. It does not involve delivering employability support or 1:1 services to employers or young people.

You will be skilled at:

• Influencing organisational or systems-level change
• Translating research and evidence into practical action
• Working through partnerships, intermediaries and networks to achieve scale.

You will work with employer organisations, networks, sector bodies and system actors to ensure that Youth Futures’ evidence shapes decision-making, practice and investment – improving young people’s access to good work over the long term. 

You will have a passion for tackling youth unemployment and a strong interest in equity, diversity and inclusion issues.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information and a full job description, please download the Recruitment Pack.

HOW TO APPLY

Click on the 'Apply on website' button below to apply online. The closing date for applications is Sunday 1 February 2026 at 23:59.

As part of Youth Futures Foundation’s safeguarding policy, all employees are subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, some positions may require an enhanced level disclosure. 

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 
 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Are you passionate about helping young people build brighter futures?

Do you love bringing programmes to life, building relationships, and making things happen in education? If so, we’ve got an exciting opportunity to join the Young Enterprise team as a Programme Coordinator – Money Heroes.

Who We Are

We’re Young Enterprise - a national charity with a bold mission: to give every young person the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in the changing world of work.

For over 60 years, we’ve empowered more than 7 million young people through hands-on enterprise and financial education programmes. Whether it’s launching a student business or learning how to manage money, we help young people develop key life skills - teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience.

We’re a passionate, down-to-earth team of 90+ staff and 2,000+ volunteers who believe that every young person, regardless of background, deserves a fair start in life.

Why Join Us?

We think Young Enterprise is a great place to work—and we’re proud of our people-first culture. Here’s what you can expect:

• A friendly and supportive team where your voice is heard
• A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion—we want everyone to feel they belong
• Generous holiday allowance and flexible working
• Cycle-to-work scheme, life assurance, and NHS top-up plan
• Ongoing learning and mentoring opportunities
• A chance to directly impact the lives of young people every single day

About the Role

As Programme Coordinator for Money Heroes, you’ll play a pivotal role in our flagship primary programme, helping children develop financial capability.

You’ll work closely with the Programme Manager and Money Heroes team to:

• Coordinate teacher training events and programme delivery
• Support marketing, promotion, and social media campaigns
• Coordinate content development and website updates
• Help monitor and evaluate programme impact
• Provide high-level customer service to teachers, educators, and YE colleagues

This is a varied role with lots of scope for creativity, independence, and collaboration. You’ll see the difference you make every day — from supporting classroom learning to help children and young people build vital life skills.

You’ll love this job if you are…

• a brilliant organiser, proactive, and keen to support the development and delivery of programmes
• experienced in programme coordination, but we welcome candidates with the drive to grow in this area
• enjoy working across projects, supporting teams, and delivering high-quality experiences for teachers and young people alike
• keen to visit some of the schools we work with to see the programme in action

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Programme Manager and Coordinator to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the Money Heroes programme, supporting planning, reporting, system set-up and clear communication.
• Deliver a high-quality experience for schools and partners, building positive working relationships with teachers, consultants, partner organisations and colleagues across Young Enterprise, including senior leaders.
• Support the delivery of the Money Heroes teacher training and mentoring offer, helping educators feel confident and well supported.
• Keep track of programme activities using databases and spreadsheets, including teacher and parent sign-ups and training or mentoring events.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team and Programme Manager to support the growth and visibility of the programme, including contributing to marketing communications and coordinating activity to maintain engagement.

A few practical things

• This is a hybrid role based in London or Oxford, with a minimum of 8 office days per month
• The contract runs until December 2027

Keeping Young People Safe

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout their employment and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to help shape the futures of young people, we want to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a separate document answering these three questions (max 250 words each).

1. Interest in Young Enterprise

What attracted you to Young Enterprise and the Money Heroes programme?

2. Experience and Achievements

Tell us about one or two of your personal or professional achievements that you’re proud of which demonstrate your ability to organise, support others, or get things done.

3. Skills for the Role

What relevant or transferable skills and experience would you bring to this role?

Applications must be submitted by 23.30 Wednesday 4th February 2026. Please note that applications without answers to the questions will not be considered.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While these can be a helpful resource, we want to hear about your personal skills, experiences and insights that highlight your unique strengths and perspective

Interviews will take place via Teams w/c 9th February 2026. Please note that applications without answers to the questions will not be considered.

Full details can be found in the Job Description.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us – and help us give every young person the chance to thrive. Apply today!

Lead Growth. Build Impact. Inspire Futures.

The CYP Link Counsellor role makes a real difference by providing children and young people who have experienced Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or other forms of sexual violence and abuse with timely, appropriate, trauma-informed, and compassionate specialist support as part of our wider CYP Services.

• Deliver specialist, boundaried, relational, and trauma-informed counselling for children and young people aged 5–17 who have been subjected to or are at risk of CSE.
• Actively engage children and young people to rebuild trust and encourage participation in Counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) services.
• Provide counselling in safe, secure environments where young people feel supported.
• Tailor counselling and therapy to individual needs and abilities, including conducting assessments and creating therapeutic plans.
• Maintain awareness of contextual safeguarding issues and respond promptly and professionally to any concerns.

Lead quality and innovation in adoption – and make a lasting impact.

Position: Adoption Quality and Development Lead

Location: Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements

Contract: Permanent role. Full time (37 hours per week) or part-time (4 days per week may be considered).

Salary range: Starting Salary Range from £49934 to £58256

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a newly created position which is a reflection of our dedication to ensure the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement across our adoption services.

The Adoption Quality and Development Lead plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality adoption and adoption support services. The post holder will lead on quality assurance activities, policy development, complaints investigations, and specific projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to continuous improvement. They will be one of PACT’s agency decision makers. They will also manage projects such as the birth relatives project and support digital and training initiatives. The role requires collaboration across teams, liaison with external agencies, and occasional cover for Team Managers.

About you:

We are looking for a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in adoption and children’s services, including quality assurance and inspection preparation. You will have excellent knowledge of adoption legislation and standards, strong analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to influence and advise at all levels.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving quality and innovation in adoption services. You will have access to learning and professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

We realise that this may be a role that is unique to PACT. Other relevant roles you may have experience of could include: Team Manager; Adoption Team Manager; Adoption Practice Manager; Practice Manager; Adoption Service Manager; Service Manager; Quality Assurance Manager; Social Work Team Lead; Social Work Team Manager etc

About PACT:

PACT is a long-standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a long history of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a passion to support families and a desire to deliver the highest quality services. Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 84 children.

For further information, contact email and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026 (midday)
Interviews are planned for: Monday 9th February 2026

We look forward to hearing from you. Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy or interview earlier than stated.

Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5-year period. All opportunities are based in the UK

This role will take the lead in creating and developing an exciting, safe, fun and vibrant young people’s ministry at St. Andrew’s Church that sees young people come to faith and grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus.

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST:

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993.  Created to honour Suzy's legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an ambitious, dynamic senior social worker to lead, deliver and develop our SAFE Project, a pan-London project dedicated to providing advocacy support for stalking victims aged 11-16 (or up to age 25 with particular vulnerabilities), funded by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong senior operational experience.  You will need to be able to think on your feet and work in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.  This first-of-its-kind project, co-designed with partner organisation Safer London, will seek to fill in important gaps in understanding, assessing and supporting young people experiencing stalking. You will work closely to ensure that systems are robust, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of vulnerable children, while embedding the service into the wider ecosystem of London specialist services driving change.

Reporting to the Head of Pan London Stalking Support Service, you will provide expert advice and advocacy to children, young people and their families, ensuring the SAFE Project has what it needs to deliver an outstanding service.  You will be trainined as an Independent Stalking Advocate (ISA), hold a caseload, and over the course of the contract, you will support the upskilling of all ISAs on the team to be able to take children and young people's cases.  In addition to leading on the development of the children and youth work provision, you will oversee a Young People's Experts by Experience group to ensure victim's voices are fed into project development.

This role is hybrid, initially requiring on-site attendance at our London office until the sucessful completion of the first probation review (typically 3 months), as well as regular travel across London

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day financial operations of our School and its associated entities.

Reporting directly to the Bursar, you will manage a small team and oversee the daily operations of the School and subsidiaries, including ensuring robust financial controls and accurate reporting and contributing to strategic financial planning.

This role is pivotal in supporting the School’s long-term sustainability and compliance and will suit a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills – ideally with experience in the education or charity sector.

About us

Sutton Valence School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school educating more than 886 pupils aged 2–18 years. Set in the heart of Kent, we boast beautiful surroundings that have been inspiring pupils since 1576. We enjoy an excellent reputation for providing a truly holistic education for our pupils, reflecting our Christian ethos.

Benefits

• Benenden healthcare membership
• Fitness facilities
• Fee remission
• Free school meal
• Free parking
• EV scheme
• Five weeks’ annual leave plus public holidays
• And more!

Closing date: 2nd February 2026.

We welcome early applications, and we may interview candidates and appoint before the closing date.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and a declaration of medical fitness. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the School’s Child Protection policy may be found on the School’s website, which all applicants are expected to read prior to interview.

Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.

Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.

Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. We’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.

Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker

Location: Reading office with hybrid working arrangements and frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Reading, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Oxford City.

Contract: Permanent part time – 15 hours per week, weekdays.

We’re open to discussing working patterns that match both your needs and our service delivery.

Salary range: £10,433 - £12,751 pro-rata per annum (full time equivalent range £25,735 - £31,453 per annum) 

About the role:

As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:

· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families

· delivering group work for children and parents

· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need

· supporting our families through providing outreach support 

About you:

A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.

If this sounds like you please visit our website to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.

Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

We’re looking for someone to help us double the number of children and young people in our churches and build flourishing intergenerational communities of faith.

You will

· lead our strategy in this area, helping to equip and resource clergy, lay leaders and volunteers

· Recruit and support new children, young people and families’ ministers and missioners to our diocesan network

· Develop ways to build strong partnerships between church, school, and home as a core driver of mission

You will be:

· A committed Christian with a deep passion for the spiritual growth of children and young people.

· A strategic thinker who can turn vision into action and inspire others.

· Experienced in leading change and developing leaders in complex contexts.