Children and young people support worker jobs

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Service in Tower Hamlets.

£29,209.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Tabard Court is a mental health supported accommodation for individual with significant offending histories and complex mental health needs.
You will work within a multi-disciplinary team, providing support to customers with a range of mental health needs - emotional, social, physical or domestic -, who have had contact with the Criminal Justice System.

This is a 3 months Fixed term contract with possibility for extension

The working pattern for this role is as follows:
Week 1: M0 T8 W8 T8 F8 S0 S0
Week 2: M8 T8 W8 T8 F0 S8 S8
Week 3: M0 T8 W8 T8 F8 S0 S0
Week 4: M8 T8 W8 T8 F0 S8 S8

What you'll do:
1. Keyworking, Support Planning & Recovery
* Hold a keyworking caseload (typically 4-6 customers), meeting each customer regularly for structured keywork sessions focused on mental health, risk, daily living skills and recovery goals.
* Complete and regularly review support plans, risk management plans and crisis plans with customers and the wider team, ensuring they are meaningful, co-produced and linked to clear, achievable outcomes.
* Use a psychologically- and trauma-informed approach to explore behaviour, triggers and patterns, and support customers to understand their own risks and responsibility.
* Ensure customer paperwork (e.g. support plans, risk assessments, reviews and keywork notes) is completed to a high standard and within required timescales, recorded on relevant systems and shared appropriately with the team.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
Experience & Knowledge
* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent
* Experience of working with people with significant mental health needs, ideally in forensic or criminal justice settings (secure services, probation, prison, step-down or similar).
* Understanding of recovery-oriented practice and trauma-informed approaches in mental health.
* Awareness of risk assessment and risk management processes in forensic mental health (e.g. working with index offences, relapse indicators, safeguarding, conditions of discharge or licence).
* Experience of keyworking or case management, including multi-agency liaison and report writing.
* Comfortable working in a structured environment with policies, procedures and clear documentation standards, while remaining flexible and responsive to individual need.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

.Please see our website for full Job Description

We're looking for 2 kind, empathetic and resilient Support Workers to join our Learning Disabilities Service in Waltham Forest.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:
Behaviour Analysis:
- You are liable to observing and monitoring the customer's behaviours, the duration, the intensity, and the damage, as well as factors that may alleviate or trigger the behaviour
- You understand and collaborate with the different support organizations accessible in the community
- You will have ability and skill to present and feedback to other professionals in a formal setting
- Reports possible cases of abuse, neglect or endangerment appropriately
- Actively participates in the reviewing and the designing behavioural interventions plans.
- Implements behaviour support plans

Other Responsibilities:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker.
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Behaviour that challenges and Diabetics
- Good IT skills
- Drivers
Desirable
- Experience with PBS Approach

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

Westway Trust are seeking a dedicated and experienced Nursery and Crèche Services Manager with a track record of managing a Good or Outstanding Oftsed rated Early Years’ service, who will be committed to supporting and enhancing the lives of children in the North Kensington community.

This role is key to positioning the Trust as a provider of affordable, vital and culturally appropriate services.  Reporting to the Senior Manager Learning, you will lead and manage on all aspects of the Trust’s nursery and crèche services, ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements are met.  You will manage a team of full and part-time staff and will build strong partnerships with families and the local community. You will be a confident communicator working closely with statutory regulators, commissioners, partners and stakeholders.

If you have a passion for making a positive difference in young people lives, as well as developing and managing a team, this role could be for you.

This is a full-time post however job share will be considered

Key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Manage the staff team to deliver the Nursery and Crèche services.
• Liaison with all relevant members of staff to ensure maximising the team’s opportunities for employment, personal and professional development and organisational engagement.
• Develop, monitor and review activities to ensure high standards of childcare and learning.
• Quality assure and develop and improve services to maintain and improve our Ofsted position.
• Attend budget planning with the finance team to ensure a full understanding of the budget; good budget management and a strong out-turn in line with the growth strategy.
• Keep appropriate records of all children and account for their social and individual developmental needs.
• Monitor and report against the delivery objectives of the service providing observation and feedback to Nursery and Crèche workers so that they can improve their own direct planning and delivery and qualifications.
• Provide data as required for reporting internally to your line manager and through the Trusts Governance, and externally.

Qualifications:

• Relevant qualification in childcare at a minimum Level 4.
• Level 3 Safeguarding qualification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of managing a Nursery with experience of all the relevant duties, monitoring, reporting and quality improvement.
• Experience of being the main contact for Ofsted.
• A track record of working collaboratively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to develop successful partnerships, growth, and achieve joint success.
• Strong experience of planning ahead, scheduling, attention to detail and problem solving.
• Experience of managing staff and supporting their development.
• Experience of managing resources and budgets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and experience of writing reports.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding.
• Experience of delivering a service that demonstrates an understanding of different cultures.
• An understanding of the issues facing North Kensington and a track record of working alongside beneficiary communities (desirable)

The application deadline is Sunday 11 January 2026 when applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview.  However, we reserve the right to close the application early.  An early application is strongly recommended.

Please apply directly from our website.

Reports To: Head of Frontline Services

Hours: 12 hours per week (flexible but should include attendance at fortnightly Monday morning team meetings in Harrow). There may be opportunity to expand hours if desired.

Location: [Hybrid: Harrow team meetings /West London Community – which could span Hounslow, Hammersmith, Harrow, Barnet, Ealing, Brent/Online/Telephone] 

Our head office is currently in Croxley, Watford and team meetings may move to this location. You need to be able to travel to this location as part of the role.

Salary - £34,320 pro rata

The Violence Intervention Project (V.I.P) is a young Charity (founded in 2017), pioneering new approaches to working with young people (YP) involved in serious youth violence (SYV). Through a combination of practical and therapeutically informed practice, we support YP, their families and communities to live safer lives. Today, The V.I.P. supports more than 50 YP and families across the London Boroughs of RBKC, H&F, Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon. As an organisation with a therapeutic ethos at the heart of our practice, we prioritise the care and wellbeing of our employees. As a result, we have an incredible team and strong employee engagement backed by clinical supervision, a Board of Trustees and a Leadership Team who support and promote personal care and professional development. It’s because of our unique working culture that we’re able to meet the serious challenges and demands of our work.

At the V.I.P we aim to be a thought leader in our sector. To date we’ve established strong ties with the Anna Freud Centre along with funding from the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit. All our operations are framed within a public health approach and built on the fundamental belief that shame is a catalyst for violence; to which relationships are the antidote.

Our innovation, passion and principles have translated into a strong reputation and sustained expansion across West London. Our practice model, Urban Therapy, meets young people where they are — in cafes, parks, and community spaces. We also deliver early intervention programmes in schools and lead The Shame Initiative, our national training and consultancy offer for frontline practitioners.

All our posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure as well as a full employment history and two employment references. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job Purpose: The Family Outreach worker plays a vital role in supporting the families of clients to enhance their stability, wellbeing, and access to essential services. In this role, the Family Outreach worker will provide personalised assistance to families, strengthen connections with external partners and community resources, and collaborate with the team to ensure comprehensive and cohesive support. Additionally, they will establish structured communication and availability protocols to manage expectations and promote sustainable assistance for families.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Family Support Plans § Caseload Management: Maintain a focused caseload of 4–5 families at a time, ensuring each receives consistent, high-quality support § Care Plan Development: Co-design and implement personalised support plans with families, focused on clear, achievable goals, addressing unique needs such as housing support, access to services, and emotional and practical assistance. § Outcome Tracking: Regularly assess and monitor family progress, aiming for high satisfaction and meaningful, positive outcomes. § Ensure all work complies with safeguarding and confidentiality policies and promptly escalate any concerns regarding the welfare of children or vulnerable adults.

2. Build and Strengthen External Partnerships and Professional Networks § Networking and Outreach: Dedicate time each month to building relationships with key external partners, such as housing providers, domestic violence services, cultural support groups, and other community organisations. § Professional Network Integration: Actively collaborate with members of each family’s professional network (e.g. healthcare providers, educators, social services) to ensure aligned and effective support. § Partnership Development: Identify service gaps and cultivate partnerships with external agencies to broaden the range of resources available for families, especially during crises or complex situations. § Crisis and Complex Needs Support: Utilize professional connections to extend the support network available to families, enhancing their access to comprehensive care.

3. Foster Team Collaboration and Communication § Team Meetings and Case Discussions: Participate in regular team discussions to align family support strategies and incorporate team insights into care plans. § Documentation and Information Sharing: Maintain detailed documentation on family interactions, progress, and needs to facilitate informed team coordination. § Collaborative Problem Solving: Leverage the collective expertise of the team to address complex family needs and ensure proactive, cohesive support.

4. Develop Clear Communication and Availability Protocols § Service Model Communication: Communicate service guidelines, availability expectations, and emergency protocols to families to promote mutual understanding and prevent miscommunication. § Feedback-Driven Adjustments: Regularly gather and assess feedback from families to adjust communication protocols and improve service effectiveness.

5. Ongoing Monitoring, Review, and Professional Development § Role and Service Review: Schedule regular check-ins with management to assess role effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. § Feedback Collection and Analysis: Collect feedback from families and professional network contacts to maintain high-quality service standards and align with organisational objectives. § Professional Growth: Engage in professional development opportunities to continually refine and align your approach with the organisation’s mission, vision, and evolving community needs. Key Requirements: § Experience in Family Support or Community Outreach: Proven background in social work, family support, or community engagement, with an ability to manage complex family cases. § Strong Communication and Network-Building Skills: Effective communicator able to engage with families, team members, external partners, and professional networks, ensuring cohesive, high-quality support. § Empathy and Professionalism: Commitment to providing respectful, empathetic support to families, balanced with clear professional boundaries. § Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple cases, maintain thorough documentation, and adhere to Urban Therapy protocols to ensure high-quality, consistent service.

Key skills and qualities: · Flexibility and adaptability · Trust building · Advocacy skills · Crisis Intervention skills · Resilience · Active Listening · Solution Focused · Ethical practitioner

Urban Therapy is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

This role may evolve as community needs develop; the Family Outreach Worker will contribute to shaping the service model over time.

Are you passionate about empowering young people to thrive independently? Join our dynamic team and help shape brighter futures for care-experienced young people and young people at risk of homelessness in Swansea.

About Barnardo's Swansea

We deliver services that support young people aged 14–25 to:

• Access help in times of crisis
• Understand the realities of independent living
• Develop essential life skills and confidence
• Build self-esteem through social inclusion
• Develop key skills in preparation for the world of work

Our services include Believe Positive Destinations, Bloom (life coaching and befriending), Supported Lodgings, and the Transition and Training Flats Service—where young people experience independent living in a safe, supportive environment.

What You'll Do

As part of the Transition and Training Flat team, you'll:

• Lead interactive one-to-one and group sessions that build life skills, independent living skills and tenancy readiness
• Support young people in our training flats, helping them develop practical skills such as cooking, budgeting (including managing benefit claims), and managing bills
• Work flexibly across weekdays, evenings, and weekends to meet young people's needs. The service operates from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on weekends. You will be expected to work one weekend in three. Sample rota available on request.
• Collaborate with young people and professionals to create tailored support plans and track progress using outcome-based tools
• Create and deliver engaging content using social media and digital platforms to connect with young people in innovative ways

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate, supportive team committed to transforming lives

• Benefit from Barnardo's comprehensive induction and training relevant to your role

• Use creativity and technology to make a real impact
• Enjoy a role where no two days are the same

What We're Looking For (Essential Criteria)

• Knowledge of issues affecting young people, especially those who are care-experienced or at risk of homelessness
• Experience of direct work with young people in a relevant setting and
• Experience of delivering group session such as issue based workshops and independent living skills programmes
• Ability to create tailored support plans and demonstrate positive outcomes achieved
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to travel independently to meet the requirements of the post

Desirable

• Experience of using social media and digital platforms to deliver sessions and create promotional content

Additional Information:

You must demonstrate in your application that you currently use the skills outlined above, and those in the Job Description/Person Specifications, or have used them previously in employment, education, training, volunteering etc.

Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently until March 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31.03.27 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for graduates who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as an Education Worker on IntoUniversity’s Graduate Scheme, helping to change the lives of young people. 

We believe that our Graduate Scheme is one of the most exciting in the charity sector, an excellent career opportunity with exceptional training and hands-on experience, opportunities for promotion, and the chance to work with young people and colleagues who will challenge and inspire you.

Locations: We have positions available in Bradford, Nottingham and London.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: Late January/early February 2026 – you must be eligible and available to start at this time.

Salary

£28,250 per year (plus £,200 London contribution for London based positions)

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

As our HyPE Manager you will set up, embed and lead the implementation of Voyage’s Horizons Youth Programme for the Environment, a pioneering employability, mentoring and wellbeing programme combining a weekly Job Club, renewable energy and green-skills training, construction pathways and embedded therapeutic support linked to employment opportunities delivered in partnership with Repowering London, New city College and Talking Quest. 

The postholder will oversee recruitment, delivery and progression impact and outcomes for young people (16–21) from New City College, PRUs, Youth Offending Teams, courts, social workers and local schools, ensuring they are supported into education, apprenticeships, training or work. We are currently exploring expansion possibilities for the long term unemployed, as an alternative to custody and for refugee communities. We seek someone who can help embed the programme in the community college and assist our plans to expand.

We're offering an exciting opportunity to become a Fostering Practice Manager within our dedicated Wales Fostering Team. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will lead a team of skilled and passionate Supervising Social Workers, ensuring they deliver exceptional supervision, support, and training to foster parents and their families. Your leadership will help foster parents provide trauma-informed care that transforms the lives of children and young people.

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Lead and inspire your team to meet evolving service demands through high-quality supervision and adherence to fostering regulations in Wales.
• Support recruitment and retention of foster carers, contributing to strategic development and service improvement.
• Collaborate with external partners, including local authorities, health and education professionals, and child welfare organisations, to ensure holistic care for children and families.

We're looking for a driven individual with substantial supervisory experience in social care, ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you're an experienced Team Manager, Deputy Manager, or a seasoned leader seeking a fresh challenge, this role offers a platform to share your expertise and make a lasting impact.

You'll be part of a supportive and knowledgeable team, with access to coaching, mentoring, and leadership development from the Operations Manager, Assistant Head of Business, and wider service colleagues.

What We're Looking For:

• A relevant professional qualification and current registration.
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience, with strong knowledge of fostering regulations in Wales.
• Experience in recruitment strategy development or collaboration with Recruitment/Marketing Officers.
• Confidence using social media platforms to promote fostering and enhance visibility across Wales.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, manage performance, and drive service excellence.
• Strong communication skills, especially in complex or challenging situations.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays. 

Reports to: CEO

Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Remuneration: TBD

Main responsibilities 

• To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values. 

• To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:

  • Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure

  • Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively

  • High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision

• To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations

• To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.

• To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:

  • Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate

  • Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared

  • PDRs are completed in line with company policy

  • To ensure training is up to date and relevant

  • To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required

• To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships

• To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work. 

• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan

• To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven exceptional leadership skills

• Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team

• Excellent communication skills 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Extensive project management experience

• Excellent understanding of neurodivergence 

• Excellent business management skills 

• Flexibility to work during school holidays 

• Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park

• Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values

Desirable 

• Experience with Ofsted

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools

• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Experience of leading teams through change and growth

We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.

Benefits: 39 days annual leave (including bank holidays), company pension

Lead. Inspire. Serve. Transform Lives.

Are you a Christian leader with a heart for young people and a passion for community transformation?

Do you believe in the God-given value and potential of every person?

Are you ready to guide one of the country’s oldest and most trusted Christian youth movements into its next chapter?

YMCA North Staffordshire is seeking an exceptional Christian Chief Executive Officer to lead our mission, embody our values, and continue shaping a movement that is transforming the lives of thousands of young people and families.

With a proud 160-year history and an award-winning campus at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, this is a rare opportunity to lead a charity that is deeply rooted in Christian faith, committed to radical inclusion, and driven by a vision where all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

Our Christian Vision and Values

YMCA North Staffordshire is an inclusive Christian movement.

Our mission flows directly from our faith and is grounded in four core values:

PROTECT

We provide sanctuary and safety, ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and respected.

HOPE

We see young people not through the lens of their past, but their God-given potential.

PERSEVERE

We walk with young people through challenges, setbacks, and breakthroughs.

TRUST

We act with integrity, accountability, and belief in the dignity of every human being.

Because these values are Christian in origin and practice, and because the CEO is the guardian of our mission, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the postholder to be a practising Christian.

 About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead an organisation of 130 staff, a £5m+ budget, and a £35m estate, helping strengthen community through youth development, education, housing, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The next CEO will:

• Provide strategic leadership to deliver the 2026–2029 Business Plan
• Champion youth voice and empowerment in all areas of work
• Sustain and grow financial strength, partnerships, and social enterprise
• Uphold and deepen our Christian identity, ensuring values-led practice
• Drive innovation, digital transformation, and organisational development
• Represent YMCA NS locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
• Be a visible advocate for young people in Stoke-on-Trent
• Strengthen our “village” culture: welcoming, relational, rooted in Ubuntu and Asset-Based Community Development principles (ABCD).

Purpose of the Role

To lead YMCA North Staffordshire in fulfilling its Christian mission, as described in the Associations charitable objectives 

We develop young people; they develop their world.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership in alignment with Board governance
• Upholding Christian ethos, values, and culture across the organisation
• Financial stewardship, compliance, and sustainability
• Community development and partnership building
• Youth advocacy and empowerment
• Oversight of housing, programmes, and impact measurement
• Staff leadership, pastoral care, and organisational culture
• External representation and communications

 Person Specification – Summary

Knowledge

• Housing, youth services, and community development
• Charity law, governance, safeguarding
• Understanding of Christian ministry, mission, and values
• Organisational development and change leadership

Experience

• Senior leadership in values-led or Christian settings
• Track record of strategic development and organisational growth
• Experience working with young people, housing, or community sectors
• Experience nurturing Christian ethos across a diverse organisation

Skills & Abilities

• Inspirational leadership and people development
• Strategic planning and delivery
• Excellent communicator and ambassador
• Partnership building and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to articulate and embody Christian faith
• Deep commitment to Christian values and the Aims & Purposes of the YMCA

 The Leader We Are Looking For

The landscape for young people is changing — and so must we.

We need a CEO who is:

• Faith-filled and prayerful
• Values-driven and courageous
• Relational, compassionate, and community-minded
• A champion of excellence, innovation, and good governance
• Grounded in Christian mission and committed to radical inclusion
• Able to inspire hope, build trust, and persevere through challenge

As George Williams, YMCA’s founder, said:

“You are not alone, and you can be more.”

Our next CEO must believe this not only for themselves — but for every young person we serve.

How to apply

An application pack can be found at the YMCA North Staffordshire website. This role is subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Key Recruitment Dates

• Closing Date: 18th January 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 9th February 2026

We are a safe recruitment Organisation and an Equal Opportunities Employer, we run the disability confident guaranteed interview scheme.

We are an organisation with Christian values, committed to Equality and Diversity in the Workplace. YMCA is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

TACT is recruiting caring, committed, and resilient individuals and families to become foster carers and help transform the lives of children and young people who need a safe, stable, and nurturing home.

Fostering is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer you will receive competitive fostering fees and allowances, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional support every step of the way.

Eligibility

To become a foster carer with TACT, you must:

• Be over the age of 21
• Be a UK resident or have Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Have a spare bedroom

Financial Stability & Recognition

We value your dedication and expertise – and ensure you are rewarded fairly:

• Up to £27,053 per year (£520 per week) when a child is placed
• Additional payments and allowances available
• Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles

The Support You’ll Receive

At TACT, you are never alone. We provide high-quality support to help you feel confident and supported in your fostering role: 

• A dedicated Supervising Social Worker for guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child
• Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support
• Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses
• Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input
• 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it

How to apply

Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today on the TACT website.

Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment.

TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment.

TACT is recruiting caring, committed, and resilient individuals and families to become foster carers and help transform the lives of children and young people who need a safe, stable, and nurturing home.

Fostering is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer you will receive competitive fostering fees and allowances, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional support every step of the way.

Eligibility

To become a foster carer with TACT, you must:

• Be over the age of 21
• Be a UK resident or have Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Have a spare bedroom

Financial Stability & Recognition

We value your dedication and expertise – and ensure you are rewarded fairly:

• Up to £27,053 per year (£520 per week) when a child is placed
• Additional payments and allowances available
• Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles

The Support You’ll Receive

At TACT, you are never alone. We provide high-quality support to help you feel confident and supported in your fostering role: 

• A dedicated Supervising Social Worker for guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child
• Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support
• Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses
• Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input
• 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it

How to apply

Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today on the TACT website.

Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment.

TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment.

TACT is recruiting caring, committed, and resilient individuals and families to become foster carers and help transform the lives of children and young people who need a safe, stable, and nurturing home.

Fostering is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer you will receive competitive fostering fees and allowances, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional support every step of the way.

Eligibility

To become a foster carer with TACT, you must:

• Be over the age of 21
• Be a UK resident or have Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Have a spare bedroom

Financial Stability & Recognition

We value your dedication and expertise – and ensure you are rewarded fairly:

• Up to £27,053 per year (£520 per week) when a child is placed
• Additional payments and allowances available
• Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles

The Support You’ll Receive

At TACT, you are never alone. We provide high-quality support to help you feel confident and supported in your fostering role: 

• A dedicated Supervising Social Worker for guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child
• Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support
• Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses
• Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input
• 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it

How to apply

Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today on the TACT website.

Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment.

TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment.

TACT is recruiting caring, committed, and resilient individuals and families to become foster carers and help transform the lives of children and young people who need a safe, stable, and nurturing home.

Fostering is not an employed role, but as a self-employed foster carer you will receive competitive fostering fees and allowances, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional support every step of the way.

Eligibility

To become a foster carer with TACT, you must:

• Be over the age of 21
• Be a UK resident or have Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Have a spare bedroom

Financial Stability & Recognition

We value your dedication and expertise – and ensure you are rewarded fairly:

• Up to £27,053 per year (£520 per week) when a child is placed
• Additional payments and allowances available
• Special fostering tax exemptions, meaning lower tax compared to most employed roles

The Support You’ll Receive

At TACT, you are never alone. We provide high-quality support to help you feel confident and supported in your fostering role: 

• A dedicated Supervising Social Worker for guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and the child
• Access to a network of specialist foster carers for peer support
• Comprehensive training, including therapeutic and neurodevelopmental courses
• Psychological consultations and access to specialist therapeutic input
• 24/7 out-of-hours support whenever you need it

How to apply

Interested in finding out more? We’d love to hear from you. Apply today on the TACT website.

Foster carers are self-employed and subject to fostering regulations and approval processes, including checks, training, and assessment.

TACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all foster carers to share this commitment.