Children services director jobs

About us

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) is a UK-wide charity that exists to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation. We’re here for everyone who needs us. We protect children by working with people who pose a risk and diverting them from causing harm. We support individuals and families who have been affected by abuse. And we help professionals who work with families to create safer environments for children through delivering risk assessments, interventions, training and consultancy.

About the role and you

We are recruiting for a management accountant to work within our busy finance team at our Bromsgrove office.

You will be a professionally qualified accountant able to provide technical leadership as well as ongiong support to the Director of finance and coaching to the wider finance team. You will be a team player and have excellent attention to detail. You will need previous experience in management accounting as well as strong communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively with non-finance staff. Previous sytems experience (Xledger preferred), as well as an excellent knowledge of Excel.

What you'll get from us

• hybrid working with 3 days in the office
• free car parking
• NEST pension
• 33 days' annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays) following qualifying period
• up to 5 days learning and development per year
• flu jabs
• eye tests
• season ticket loans
• charity discounts
• employee assistance programme
• option of Benenden medical cover

How to apply

To apply, please download the job pack and return your completed documents by Monday 9th March @9:00am. Stage 1 Teams interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 23rd March with Stage 2 face to face intervidews scheduled to take place on Monday 30th March for shortlisted candidates.

Please note that only applications with all sections completed will be reviewed during shortlisting. We do not accept AI generated responses. 

If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date you have been unsuccessful with your application. Please note the successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check for this position.

#managementaccountant#accountant#finance#cima#acca#excel

At Ambitious about Autism, we're looking for an Events and Fundraising Officer to join our team.

You'll support on the delivery of our portfolio of mass participation and special events. You'll support on our flagship events – London Marathon, Manchester to London bike ride in partnership with Rapha and our annual gala, Night of Ambition. You will support with the recruitment and stewardship of participants, providing guidance to maximise their fundraising efforts.

You'll work with the Events and Marketing and Communications teams to help produce compelling event and fundraising materials, whilst building excellent relationships across the wider organisation, especially with teams who help to deliver our events.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Demonstrable experience of supporter relationship management to aid retention, maximise income and secure repeat business
• Experience of working with fundraising platforms
• Excellent communication skills across a range of audiences
• Knowledge of and interest in digital fundraising and social media

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

The Alliance is looking to recruit a Children's Services Manager to join the Children's Services Department to lead our services in the South and South East of England. This role focusses on supporting our settings in this area however, you will need to be available to support settings nationally as required.

Main duties:

• To ensure that Early Years Alliance settings offer outstanding early years care and education and meet the charity’s mission to create better futures for children and families, particularly those of the most disadvantaged.
• Alongside the Children’s Services Director and Children’s Services Managers you will lead the development of our early years settings, championing high quality and creative early years practice.
• To provide skilled leadership to Setting Managers, enabling them to develop their skills and effectively deliver high quality early years. 
• Leading on complex issues including being lead contact for Ofsted, Safeguarding and Personnel Issues.

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, pro rata for part time employees
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Employer and employee contribution pension scheme
• Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well being
• Enhanced sickness pay and paid bereavement leave
• Regular access to internal and external learning and development opportunities
• A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity.
• Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources.
• Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets
• A dedicated mental health First Aider to support your mental well being

Essential criteria:

• Level 6 qualification in Early Years or Leadership and Management.
• Extensive experience in early years at a senior level.
• Full and relevant early years qualification.

Hours per week: 35

Weeks per year: 52

We’re seeking an experienced and driven Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to help change the lives of young carers. In this pivotal role, you’ll secure vital funding from charitable trusts and foundations, building strong relationships and crafting compelling cases for support. You’ll lead on high-value applications, identify new funding opportunities, and play a key role in shaping our income growth. Working with a passionate, mission-led team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work every day. If you’re persuasive, and inspired by making a lasting difference for children, we’d love you to join us.

Director of Care – Hope House Children’s Hospices

Location: Hope House, Oswestry, Shropshire (with regular travel to Ty Gobaith, Conwy and across the UK)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working with some evenings/weekends)
Salary: £79,950 – £90,456 per annum + £7,380 car allowance + relocation package
Closing Date: 25th February 2026
 

Make a Life-Changing Difference Every Day

Hope House Children’s Hospices are seeking an exceptional and compassionate Director of Care to lead and shape the delivery of outstanding palliative care for children and families across Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

 This is more than a job, it’s a calling. You’ll join one of the UK’s most respected children’s hospices, where 98% of staff say they enjoy their work and 94% are proud to be part of our mission.

 About the Role

 As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will:

 Lead the strategic development and delivery of care across our hospices and community services

• Champion a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Inspire and empower a multidisciplinary team to deliver compassionate, professional care
• Represent the charity as the Nominated and Registered Individual under relevant care regulations
• Ensure the voices of children and families shape our services and strategy

 What We’re Looking For

 NMC Registered Nurse with at least 5 years’ experience in care services, ideally with multi-site or children’s hospice experience

• Proven senior leadership experience with a track record of motivating high-performing teams
• Strategic thinker with strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and governance skills
• Passionate about making a difference in children’s palliative care

 Why Join Us?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Help every child with a life-threatening condition live their best life
• Supportive Culture: Work with a dedicated team of nearly 300 staff and 450 volunteers
• Excellent Benefits: NHS pension continuation, generous leave, wellbeing support, learning & development, and more
• Flexible Working: Hybrid and flexible hours with hospice-based presence 3+ days/week

Ready to Lead with Heart?

To explore this unique opportunity, please contact our retained executive search partner:

Chris Mayers -  

We are seeking a dedicated Site Manager to join our service based in Basildon, Essex. The service engages young people in learning through vocational teamwork and social development, focusing on KS3 and KS4, with a person-centred approach that celebrates individuality and uses humour, patience and support to get meaningful outcomes for our students. We work with we work with a wide range of young people, the majority with additional needs (SEN, SEMH, EBSA), helping them to achieve L1 BTEC qualifications in order to avoid NEET outcomes.

As the Circles Study and Salon Site Manager, you will be responsible for overall leadership of the service, day to day operations and development of the future provision. In this role you will lead the tutors, empowering and enabling them to deliver high quality support for our students by setting high standards for work and reflecting this to our external partners through effective communication, evidencing outcomes that are in line with, and exceed, contractual requirements. Additionally, you will complete all time critical evidencing for the site and monitor and feedback on the supporting documentation from tutors and students, while actively promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality, fostering a safe and supportive learning environment in which all individuals feel valued and respected.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the daily running of the site
• Liaising with external organisations and stakeholders
• Recruitment of new members
• Management of staff, through regular appraisals and by setting SMART goals
• Maintain accurate records of performance, evidencing completion of contracted targets
• Manage and monitor site and project budgets,
• Develop the site and service, maintaining and improving our offer and standards
• Motivate & inspire staff and students
• Create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment

Person Specification 

• Strong leadership skills to motivate, support, and manage staff effectively
• Experience in an education/alternative provision setting, ideally as a DDSL
• Ability to set clear goals and support staff development
• Excellent organisational skills
• Strong time-management and ability to prioritise
• Clear and confident verbal and written communicator with good attention to detail
• Financial and budgeting planning skills
• Current understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles
• Confidence in handling challenges calmly and professionally, with previous experience in conflict resolution
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and email

As part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check and some roles may require further vetting. Please make sure that the application form is completed along with a cover letter, to ensure that your application is reviewed.

Our client is a leading Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Counselling training organisation and therapeutic services provider based in North London. They provide high quality, low-cost psychotherapy and counselling to children, young people, parents and families in over 35 schools and organisations in London and the South East as well as from their London-based therapeutic and training centre ‘The Bothy’. At an exciting time of change, the organisation are now looking to recruit a dynamic new Head of Services to oversee the efficient delivery and development of their therapeutic services.

As Head of Services you will be responsible for leading on the delivery, development and growth of the organisation's therapeutic services. You will oversee a small, tight-knit team (comprising of office staff, as well as a Clinical Lead and a School Liaison Coordinator), leading on administrative, marketing and budgeting for the entire service.  You will update and implement policies across the organisation to meet standards in the field of therapeutic provision and mental health services. You will also liaise with external agencies, statutory and non-statutory organisations and schools, nurturing relationships, identifying new clients and securing new contracts in order to develop additional revenue streams and ensure the financial sustainability of the Centre.

To apply for this role you will be a supportive leader with significant experience of overseeing staff and service operations previously. You will have an awareness of children mental health services (CAMHS) and related settings such as education, social care, health, public sector, and will be confident working in partnership and building relationships with a variety of external agencies. You will have the ability to think strategically and creatively with a solutions-focused attitude and will have knowledge of safeguarding processes. A recognised child psychotherapy qualification with UKCP or ACP training organisation would be an advantage.

In order to apply please initially submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will then arrange a suitable time to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Victoria Savva at Prospectus.

Please note this is a full-time role and will be based on-site at the organisation's offices in North Finchley.

Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed

About Coram

Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.

Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.

About the role

This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.

This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.

Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon

Interview date: 26th & 27th February 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

What makes us unique is that we also care deeply about ‘plugging the gap’ for families and young people who are struggling to find the mental health support they need as a result of financial, social or other disadvantage. For this reason, we are a not-for-profit organisation and offer grant and donation funded programmes when we can.

Youth Arts & Health Trust are a registered charity based in Exeter and East Devon who specialise in providing creative therapies and inclusivity-informed arts activities for children and young people aged 5 to 25.

We are in an exciting phase of our development, with new premises in Exeter, growing activities in East Devon, a dynamic team, a supportive and experienced Board of Trustees, and much shared passion to make a difference to children, young people and families.

We provide our services for children and young people via local authorities, organisations, schools and for families directly.

We are looking for someone with vision and passion who can lead and nurture our highly capable and ambitious team to build further upon our compassionate, inclusive and trauma-informed services for children, young people and families.

This is a 0.7 - 0.8 post (25-30 hours per week) with terms to be agreed with the successful candidate.  We are open to flexible working arrangements with the right individual, whether that’s flexitime or compressed hours, or some other agreed arrangement.   

It is expected that the post-holder will work within our premises for 1-2 days a week depending on service needs, and the remainder of hours worked from home, in the community at meetings or events or working on a hybrid basis.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• To develop and deliver our strategy including a business plan and regular progression reports for the Board to ensure the charity is financially robust.
• To develop existing and new income streams to secure the future of the charity and enable us to meet our charitable objectives of benefitting children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties through arts therapies and arts activities.  This is likely to include grant fundraising, exploring procurement and commissioning routes, philanthropy, appropriate business sponsorship, training delivery and pathways for private purchasing of our service.
• To line manage, support, and collaborate with our Operations and Clinical Director who oversees our team of therapists and practitioners in ensuring all staff are adequately trained, registered, supervised and supported to provide an excellent service to our clients.
• To provide leadership for the charity both internally in regards to a positive and nurturing culture and externally in regard to reputation, partnerships and opportunities.
• To ensure all relevant policies are implemented effectively, developed and reviewed as required.
• To act as one of three Designated Safeguarding Officers and ensure policy is implemented effectively.
• To ensure the charity fulfils all its statutory obligations, working alongside the Board to achieve this.
• To ensure the charity has appropriate systems in place for the management and mitigation of risk.
• To ensure the charity meets its obligations under health and safety law.
• To lead on the development of innovative arts therapy programmes, in collaboration with our Operations and Clinical Director, our staff team and stakeholders.
• To ensure evaluation and impact data is collected and utilised for our learning and to provide evidence for the effectiveness of YAHT’s services.
• To act as an ambassador for the charity.
• If relevant, to carry a small caseload of children and young people to remain practising as an Arts Therapist or other registered mental health professional (if relevant, see desirable criteria).

We are recruiting for a family support worker and we would like to hear from you if you have a Level 3 qualification or substantial work experience related to social care, social work, family support or early help. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with children, adolescents and families and have knowledge of parenting skills.

The role of the  Family Support Worker is to directly support, maintain and develop the network around the child, liaising, building relationships and communicating between multiple agencies and multi-disciplinary roles, these include, the local authority, social workers, family members, carers and significant others and the child in placement.
Within the community, the role is closely linked with each child in placement and will closely work with the Community Director and the senior management team to ensure that it meets the therapeutic and educational needs and interests of each child. This will necessarily include working closely with professionals and developing their expertise in a psychoanalytic-systemic approach to care, education and treatment.
Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that plans for the process of assessment, co-ordination and delivery of placement and family support and transition plans are developed and managed on a day to day basis to agreed standards.
• Co-ordinate and facilitate contact arrangements, linking with networks and families in a manner which is integrated with the community’s existing relationship and contribute to and develop its professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the holistic assessment of needs of children, families and networks.
• Devise and develop tailored packages of support based on assessment.

Childhood First is committed to safeguarding children. Appointments will be subject to a satisfactory DBS Disclosure and references.

Job Title - Head of Legal Aid and Billing

Contract - Permanent

Hours - Part Time, 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE) with some flexibility around working hours

Salary Range - £28,800 to £34,800 per annum (£48,000 to £58,000 FTE)

Location - London office - Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

One of the nine members of the Coram group, Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) is the UK’s specialist centre for children’s rights in education, immigration, community care and family law, and provides significant international legal systems consultancy. The centre is located on the Coram Campus in central London with a base in Colchester. We champion access to justice through information and advice, legal practice and representation, policy and strategic litigation. Our Legal Practice Unit provides advice and representation primarily under legal aid contract. Our Policy and Practice Change team promotes practice change through training and capacity building to professionals and secures systems change through research, policy and advocacy.

About the role

This role will provide leadership and management for CCLC particularly focused on the Legal Practice Unit’s legal aid billing operations. Through systematic and efficient management, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in CCLC’s financial and operational sustainability. The role will be accountable for maximising the unit’s legal aid billing in controlled work, certificated work and inter partes costs and will hold responsibility for the unit’s billing systems. It will also be responsible for private fees billing. The post-holder will oversee the smooth running of legal aid billing including through line management of the billing team. The post-holder will work very closely with legal, operations and administrative staff. The role will act as a key point of contact for a range of internal and external stakeholders including Coram’s central finance team who will support the role with grant fund management and overall accounting functions for CCLC. The post-holder will support the Managing Director of Legal Practice and Children’s Rights and department heads in the successful maintenance of our relationship with the Legal Aid Agency. Where appropriate they will be deputising for the Managing Director on legal aid and financial matters.

The role would suit a highly organised and efficient legal aid lawyer, or a finance or billing professional with solid experience of legal practice and a deep understanding of the challenges of legal aid. Whilst candidates with direct experience of legal billing (and more specifically civil legal aid billing) are welcomed, we recognise that this is a highly specialised and niche field. As such, this role could suit a highly experienced solicitor who appreciates the important role developing sustainable businesses plays in ensuring access to justice and who therefore wishes to move into practice and financial management. They will need an aptitude for processing large amounts of data, developing and managing spreadsheets and improving organisational systems. However, they will be well supported through training, an enthusiastic and competent junior billing team, the central finance team and an outsourced legal cashiering company, as well as a friendly and collaborative management team including the Managing Director and the Heads of Education Law, Community Care Law and Immigration and Asylum Law.

This is a largely office-based role in order to fully provide support to the billing team. However, some remote / hybrid working may be possible depending the experience of the candidate after the initial settling in period and there will be flexibility over how the three days will be spread across the week (within working hours). The team are mostly based in the London office and with one billing team member in Colchester so the post holder may require some occasional travel. 

For further information on CCLC please visit our website.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Sunday 1st March 2026 at 23:55

Test and Interview date: Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please complete your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Coram (entity) is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Who we are –

Home-Start Portsmouth is a local family support charity based in Portsmouth, providing outreach services, free Stay & Play groups and working within the Portsmouth Family hubs as part of the Best Start in Life offer in the city. Portsmouth is one of the most deprived cities in the country, and many of the families we support are living with many adversities.

We are a volunteer led service providing parents and carers with the support and guidance they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children and their family. We empower families to thrive by providing child-centered family support and in 2025 we supported 1000 unique families across our 12 projects with the support from our 110 volunteers.

Our impact is measured and significant for the families we support and as a result, children will experience improved wellbeing and development. Our focus is to build a compassionate community of support for families, parents and children – because childhood can’t wait.

Our next chapter -

We are at a pivotal moment in the journey of Home-Start Portsmouth. After 25 years of exceptional service, our current CEO is stepping down, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity. Over the past few years, we have grown to more than three times our original size, expanding our reach, services, and impact across the community.

Rising levels of need, increasing pressure on family services, and evolving external factors mean that demand for our support is growing. To meet these challenges, we are committed not only to sustaining our growth, but to strengthening it in a purposeful, strategic way by exploring new delivery models, new funding streams, and new partnerships that will secure the future of the organisation.

The new CEO will shape and inspire this next phase of development, whilst embodying the values and ethos of the charity.  They will drive our future sustainability, develop strong external partnerships, and increase our influence locally ensuring that the charity remains resilient, relevant, and impactful.

Why this role matters -

Changing children’s futures is at the heart of everything we do. Families today are facing unprecedented pressures. Home-Start Portsmouth exists to stand alongside these families by providing practical, emotional, and relational support at the earliest possible stage, helping parents build confidence, resilience, and stability so children can thrive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a transforming charity with extraordinary potential. The CEO will play a defining role in shaping the next era of Home-Start Portsmouth, ensuring that our mission is not only protected, but reinforced. The role directly influences the lives of children and families where the decisions made, the culture shaped, and the partnerships built by the CEO will determine how many families we can reach, how well we can support them, and how lasting that change will be. This is leadership with purpose where strategy, compassion, and impact come together to create lasting change.

Role Purpose  

To provide inspirational, and strategic leadership to Home-Start Portsmouth (HSP), ensuring the charity delivers on its mission that no parent is unsupported in raising children and giving them the best start in life. The CEO is accountable for organisational performance, culture, sustainability, safeguarding, and impact, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

Location: Home-Start Portsmouth 

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Hours: 32-37 hours pw (over 4-5 days) 

Salary: £57, 000

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Executive Leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and review of HSP’s vision, strategy and long-term business plan in partnership with the Board. 

• Translate strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and outcomes 

• Anticipate changes in policy, funding and the wider operating environment 

• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology 

2. Organisational Leadership & Culture 

• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Senior Leadership Team 

• Shape a values-led, inclusive and accountable organisational culture 

• Oversee performance management, succession planning and leadership development 

• Act as a visible, approachable leader and role model across the organisation 

3. Service Delivery & Impact 

• Hold overall accountability for safe, high-quality and cost-effective services 

• Ensure services are responsive, evidence-led, and meet the needs of families and children 

• Oversee delivery against contracts, KPIs, budgets and timelines 

• Ensure robust impact measurement and reporting to funders, partners, and trustees 

4. Governance, Safeguarding & Risk 

• Work closely with the Chair and Board to maintain the highest standards of governance 

• Lead a strong safeguarding culture and ensure full regulatory compliance 

• Identify, manage, and escalate organisational risks appropriately 

• Ensure policies, controls, and assurance frameworks are robust and current 

5. Financial Leadership & Sustainability 

• Secure and diversify income through bids, partnerships, and fundraising 

• Set and manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money 

• Provide clear, timely financial and performance reporting to the Board 

• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of HSP 

6. External Relations & Influence 

• Act as the public face and lead spokesperson for HSP 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and supporters 

• Lead key partnerships and commissioning relationships 

• Strengthen HSP’s reputation, profile, and influence locally and nationally 

7. Authority & Accountability 

• Full executive accountability for organisational performance and delivery 

• Authority to make operational decisions within agreed strategy, budgets, and policies 

• Responsibility to escalate significant risks, safeguarding, HR, and governance matters to the Board 

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and responsibilities of the post as detailed above. 

Person Specification 

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience leading organisations at CEO or senior level; able to translate vision into measurable plans and respond to change. 

• Strong understanding of charity governance and safeguarding 

• Experience of financial management and income generation 

• Knowledge of services for children and families (Desirable) 

Abilities and Skills 

• Strategic leadership and sound judgement 

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams 

• Build and run a motivated and effective team 

• Manage performance, direct reports, set objectives, monitor, feedback, appraise 

• Network across sites, manage communications and standards 

• Coach and develop others 

• Excellent communication and influencing skills 

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills 

Attitude 

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and authenticity 

• Values-led and committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding 

•  Inspires trust, confidence, and high performance in others 

• Resilient and adaptable, able to lead calmly through change and uncertainty 

• Approachable, visible, and engaged with staff, volunteers, and partners 

• Courageous in decision-making and willing to challenge constructively 

• Balanced and fair, applying consistent judgement while remaining flexible 

• Passion to help families and children

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Home-Start Portsmouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and any other checks relevant to the role. 

Rees Parenting Support and Assessment Services Ltd is seeking an experienced self-employed Responsible Individual (RI) to provide strategic leadership and regulatory oversight for Tyre Hill House, our Ofsted-registered Family Assessment Centre.

This is a senior role with overall accountability for safeguarding, quality, and compliance, ensuring children and families receive high-quality, evidence-based parenting assessments delivered in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with the Registered Manager and Director of Service Development, you will work 1-2 days each week and:

• Act as the Ofsted Responsible Individual
• Lead a child-centred, trauma-informed culture
• Ensure full regulatory compliance and strong quality assurance
• Provide strategic oversight, professional challenge, and support to the leadership team
• Build effective relationships with Local Authorities and partner agencies

About You

You will bring:

• A Social Work qualification (SWE registered) or Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification
• Significant senior leadership experience within children’s social care or regulated services
• Strong safeguarding, risk management, and Ofsted knowledge
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills

This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in shaping a high-quality service where the welfare and best interests of children are central to all decision-making.

The role is self employed, 1-2 days a week, £400 per day.

This is a great opportunity to work in a friendly and supportive environment and to know you are helping young people.

Isledon Arts is a Community Interest Company that runs youth services in Islington. These include two busy youth hubs, a borough-wide holiday programme and an emotional wellbeing team. We offer room hires and catering during the day to help pay for these youth services and also use the business as a development opportunity for young employees.

You will be part of a small head office group alongside our bookings team, operations team and the Managing Director. The role is predominantly based in Lift Youth Hub with some remote working possible. The job is varied and interesting and working with young people is never dull! 

You should be ACCA qualified, proficient in Sage Accounts and Payroll, passionate about accuracy and energised by what we do.