Early years jobs

Green New Deal Rising is looking for a creative and strategic Campaigner to deliver bold people-powered campaigns that make the case for a Green New Deal and shift the political agenda.

Green New Deal Rising is building a movement of young people from every part of the UK to fight for a response to the climate crisis that transforms our economy to deliver a safe climate and a fairer society. We believe in people power, and through a combination of disrupting the political system and organising in our communities, we are working to make the Green New Deal an era-defining political demand.

As part of our multi-year strategy, we have ambitious plans to mobilise young people, disrupt politics, and force this government, and those that follow, to deliver transformative change. Campaigning will be central to this: shaping the narrative, escalating pressure, and converting people power into political concessions.

You will design and deliver impactful campaign interventions, both on the ground and digitally, and support our movement to do the same. You will be a creative thinker with strong written communication skills, good political judgement, and a desire to empower our movement to get onto the political agenda.

We're a small, agile team, and we all pitch in where needed across our campaigns and organising work. You'll own real responsibility early on, contribute to shaping our direction, and watch your work make an immediate impact.

A little about us 

We are one of the largest providers of mental health services to schools in Greater London. We also provide high quality early years education and family support, including offering emergency assistance for families in crisis. This work makes a real difference to thousands of children and families each year.

Our values

We work with people of all faiths and none; our sole aim is to help those in greatest need so they can overcome the challenges they face and achieve their potential. Our work is underpinned by our core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion and partnership. 

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Senior Management Team (SMT) of a dynamic and growing children’s charity as Head of Human Resources and Operations, taking on a critical leadership role to support the next phase of our development.  Working closely with the SMT as trusted advisor and most senior HR professional, you will provide strategic and operational advice, guidance and support to the organisation on all people related practices.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will have:

· A CIPD Level 7 qualification, or equivalent demonstrable senior HR experience.

· A strong track record of working successfully within a senior HR role.

· Initiative, creativity and a proactive approach.

· Excellent interpersonal and people management skills.

What you will get in return

· Generous annual leave allowance of 35 days p.a. plus bank holidays (pro rata)

· 11% employer pension contribution

· Access to a staff Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme

· Hybrid working options.

· CPD opportunities.

· The opportunity to wake up each morning and feel you are making a positive difference.

Salary

£60,000 - £65,000 p.a. pro rata (£36,000 - £39,000 for three days per week).

Hours

Three days per week (21 hours), with flexibility to spread hours across the full working week if preferred.

Location

Lovely office at 73 St Charles Square, London. W10 6EJ (private off-street parking is available for staff), with hybrid working options.

How to apply

A full job description is attached. Please apply using the 'Apply Now' button and include your CV and cover letter.  Please ensure your cover letter is concise (max. two sides of A4) and clearly set out why your skills and experience make you suitable for this role and what motivated you to apply. 

CLOSING DATE: Monday 6th July 2026, 9am
INTEVIEW DATE: Week commencing 13th July 2026

Please be aware that due to the high volume of applications, feedback will not be provided for candidates who are not shortlisted.

Further information

CCS is an inclusive employer and we aim to have a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we service. There is no requirement for our staff to be Catholic and we encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to safer recruitment and maintaining a strong and positive safeguarding culture.  This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.  References from current/past employers will also be sought once an offer has been made.

Charity No. 210920

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a well-established children’s charity in London in their search for a Deputy Play Manager.

Full-time | £36,000 per annum

The charity has been supporting children, young people and families for over 25 years through a range of play, family support and youth programmes. Their Ofsted-registered after-school and holiday play schemes provide children aged 4–11 with safe, engaging and nurturing environments to explore, grow and thrive.

As Deputy Play Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role within the play service, helping to design, deliver and evaluate a high-quality programme of activities. You’ll support the Play Manager in day-to-day operations (including managing enquiries/collection of fees), team management and ensuring compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted standards.

This is a hands-on role combining leadership, planning, and active delivery — you’ll work directly with children and families to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.

About You

Essential skills and experience:

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Playwork, Early Years, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working directly with children aged 4–11.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play activities.
• Confident leading active, outdoor or adventure-based play.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Strong organisational and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting children with additional needs or from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience supervising others or managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of current issues affecting children and families.
• Relevant training such as paediatric first aid or food hygiene.

Play is at the heart of what they do — the organisation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a happy, fulfilling childhood through both free and guided play experiences.

If you’re passionate about play, child development and helping young people thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please submit your CV to

 Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Job title: Programme Officer

Reports to: UK Programme Coordinator

Contract: Permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week)

Location: Remote, North UK-based, with occasional travel within the UK

Annual salary: £28,000 per annum

Introduction

THINK EQUAL is a global education initiative with a mission to ensure that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes a mandatory subject for all children in early years settings globally. SEL is the process through which knowledge, attitudes, values and skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making are developed. 

SEL helps young people to:

• build and maintain psychological resources;

• know themselves and their emotions and to engage in positive relationships;

• make good decisions, behave ethically and responsibly;

• learn self-regulation and avoid negative behaviours;

• undo gender stereotypes and be gender equal;

• have self-worth, confidence and the right to voice and agency; and

• transition into ambitious and empowered young adults.

To support educators and governments to achieve this mission, THINK EQUAL has developed a global SEL Programme for 3-6 years-olds. The Programme is constructed around narrative children’s books, lesson plans and teaching resources which provide the concrete tools educators need to teach SEL in a low-cost and adaptable format.

The THINK EQUAL Programme has a global presence across six continents and has undergone three RCT trials in contexts as varied as Colombia, Botswana and Australia. There is a growing demand from other countries for the THINK EQUAL Programme and the organisation is now strengthening its team to be able to respond to this demand.

Purpose of the Role

Working at the forefront of Think Equal’s mission to bring the ‘missing subject’ to the hearts and minds of children in the UK, the role of the UK Programmes Officer primary focus would be to ensure the successful delivery of the Think Equal programme across early years classrooms in the UK.  Working within the dynamic Global Programmes team alongside dedicated UK-focused colleagues, this role is highly motivating, and requires great organisation and communication skills as well as an enthusiastic, solution-focused attitude. This may include providing support to the Business Development team regarding potential expansion of the programme into new areas.

Responsibilities 

Programme support

• Support and coordinate the delivery of the Think Equal programme across  UK projects. This includes:

  • Plan and deliver information sessions, training sessions, launch events and other activities engaging Think Equal practitioners, both online and in person.

  • Enrol new practitioners into the Think Equal training platform as they sign up to the programme.

  • Provide general administrative and research support to the Programmes Coordinator and other staff, representing the organisation as the first point of contact and responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.

  • Process individual orders from schools and manage shipping requests on behalf of the staff team.

  • Support and communicate with TE classroom teachers and other key stakeholders - including nursery workers, primary teachers, primary heads and local authorities - to ensure fidelity and a high quality of implementation.

  • Check and regularly update stock levels, liaising with relevant stakeholders, and order new stock as required with prior confirmation from the Line Manager.

  • Effectively and efficiently update, report and analyse relevant data relating to projects.

  • Plan and lead focus groups with participating practitioners.

  • Arrange and attend occasional on-site visits to participating schools, reviewing fidelity to the Think Equal model and programme impact.

  • Collect and manage feedback from participating schools and settings, contributing to Think Equal marketing while adhering to data-sharing laws.

  • Work with the UK Team to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges. Evaluate operational systems and suggest solutions to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness

Other duties

• Liaising with the Business Development team regarding potential expansion of Think Equal in the UK.

• Supporting the UK Programme Coordinator with the relationships with Local Authorities to further expand the Think Equal programme either within the area or beyond.

• Undertake research-based tasks relating to UK programme growth, funding opportunities or project development.

• Undertake any other reasonable initiative and or activity as required to support other members of the team. 

• Participate in occasional in-person UK team meetings. 

Person Specification

Experience

Essential:

• Experience working in or with the UK education sector, ideally early years’ classrooms 

• Experience of planning and/delivering workshops or presentations. 

• Experience working to deadlines, establishing priorities in a multi-layered workload. 

• Experience in administration and data management. 

Desirable:

• Experience working with the Think Equal programme.

• Experience working for or with a Local Authority.

• Experience of Project/Programme coordination. 

Qualifications and skills

• Training competency. 

• Proficient technology skills, including a strong ability to use Microsoft (including Excel, PowerPoint and Word), as well as Google suite and Canva

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills - able to interact with different audiences and all levels of people

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain constructive professional relationships and perform effectively as a member of a team.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.

• Aptitude for supporting the design of communications materials using programmes such as Canva and Google Slides. (Desirable)

• Ability to manage efficient administrative systems and proactively suggest improvements to unblock issues and improve processes.

Knowledge and understanding

• An understanding of the Think Equal Classroom Programme, UK education sector, including systems and frameworks in place to support staff and ensure effective learning outcomes

• Exhibit passion and excitement about the mission of the work and have a can-do attitude 

• Works with independent flair, using strong initiative alongside honouring the core values of the organisation 

• Working collaboratively within a growing organisation

• Understanding and practice of the values of inclusivity, equality and diversity

Other

• Eligible to work in the UK and based in the North of UK.

• Willingness to work flexibly to accommodate occasional duties outside of working hours (time can be reclaimed in lieu)

• In possession of, or able to secure, an enhanced DBS check

• Support the vision, values and objectives of the organisation

• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post

• Willingness to travel across the UK to deliver training and attend relevant programme activities.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior Researcher
Contract: Fixed term for 24 months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum, Nationwide – £44,167 per annum for London
Location: NCB has offices in London, Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose, or this role can be homebased. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office if based in London.

The Vacancy

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Researcher to make a significant contribution on a 2-year fixed term contract to the design, delivery and management of research and evidence projects at NCB. Research projects at NCB involve a range of methods, often using a mixed-methods approach, that include evidence synthesis and systematic reviews, literature reviews, primary research using qualitative and quantitative methods and secondary data analysis.

A key focus of this role will be leading and delivering high-quality evidence synthesis, as a core component of our research portfolio.

NCB’s research focuses on a broad range of topic areas on behalf of a range of trusts and foundations, statutory, academic, voluntary and community sector funders, including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; youth violence and early years.

The postholder will work across a range of projects including the topics above and using a range of methods as appropriate, ensuring their work is delivered to NCB’s quality standards.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 7th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Jolly Josh is seaking a dinamic and approachable experienced fundraiser to:

Grow income by developing and maintaing relationships with our community

To develop and deliver a varied programme of fundraising activity across a range of income streams.

Working alonside and in co-operation with the centre manager, trustees and staff to fulfil our aim of widening our reach as much as possible, while building strong relationships with our community.

Identify new opportunities and ensure supporters feel valued

Do you believe in the power of the arts to build community and transform lives? At Pimlico Musical Foundation, we work with a diverse community, providing a broad range of opportunities for both children and adults, and free musical education to local children, many of whom face considerable challenges. We bring people together, provide opportunities for young talent, and support the local community's engagement with the arts. We achieve this through various programmes, in partnership with local schools and organisations such as Westminster School, Oxford University, Opera Holland Park, the Rodolfus Foundation, and Future Academies.

We are seeking an experienced and driven fundraiser to take strategic ownership of our income generation across all income streams, leading the next phase of our growth. As Head of Fundraising, you will own and develop the fundraising strategy while continuing to deliver hands-on where needed, supported by an engaged board and CEO. Most of all, we are seeking someone who wants to make a difference, contributing to a community and improving access to the arts for everyone, regardless of their background.

Barnardo's Virtual Family Space Cymru is committed to empowering Parents and Carers with a variety of virtual resources, workshops, and parenting programmes to support their parenting journey. As we expand our service reach into Wales, we are seeking experienced Welsh speaking facilitators to join our team. 

Role Overview: 

This is a Welsh language essential Project Worker role. The role will include the option for evening and weekend sessions. This role is Hybrid working but mostly from home with expectations to attend some face-to-face meetings and training. Your base for expenses purposes will be the service closest to your home.

This is an evolving role and one of the responsibilities will be to provide a variety of both one to one support sessions to carers and group workshops for parents of children, such as Sleep and Toddler Talk, along with parenting programmes such as The Cygnet programme, or similar. The role will also involve some signposting for parents and carers following completion of a ‘brief assessment' to ensure the right advice and signposting takes place. This role fundamentally will be able to support our parents with any concerns they may have regarding our support offer.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Deliver one to one support to carers
• Deliver effective workshop sessions and parenting programmes. 
• Collaborate with parents, carers, and children in the development of our services. 
• Signpost Parents and Carers to the correct services following discussions around needs. 
• Adapt delivery methods to meet the diverse needs of participants. 

Requirements: 

• Proven experience of working with families one to one and or in groups 
• Understanding and sensitivity to the challenges faced by families. 
• Ability to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends as required. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Proven experience of evidencing outcomes for parents and carers. 
• Experience with Additional Needs and early years desirable, but training will be provided. 
• Spoken and written Welsh language skills 
• Some evening and weekend work required 

Application Process: 

In your application, please refer to your skills, knowledge, and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description, and Additional Information document provided. Highlight your experience in delivering services, detailing any relevant examples. Also, please specify the number of hours per week you are available. 

Additional Information: 

We are keen to engage with applicants, offering Welsh-language sessions. If you have the expertise and want to be part of a new team with ambitious goals, please apply.

Barnardo's is an inclusive organisation that values diversity and is committed to equality. Apply today to make a meaningful impact on the lives of families and young people.

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

Schools’ Project Officer

We at the Mark Evison Foundation aim to encourage Yr 12 (17 years olds) in London stage schools to embrace challenge, working outside their comfort zones as a way of developing themselves. We work directly with London partner state schools, encouraging non-academic proposals from 17-year olds (Y12s). See their reports www(dot)markevisonfoundation(dot)org

Students must create their own applications and challenges, research and plan the projects and present them: we help with plans (sending comments by email), careful risk assessment and funding. Once they have the award and the expenses funding, they carry out their projects adult free. It is fascinating work, bringing out the best in young people.

We are seeking a gifted schools’ project officer for a key role within a busy team based in Dulwich SE21, Southwark. The work is varied and fulfilling.  

You should be a graduate from a good university, enthusiastic and very well-organised, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work independently, manage priorities, work to deadlines, and take initiative. The project officer post involves presenting at school assemblies as outreach, working with students to help them prepare costed applications, handling draft applications by email, and accurate data collection and input. As project officer you will handle the whole process, from assemblies and schools’ work to the administration involved in getting roughly 800 students a year off doing exceptional things. You will need to deal efficiently and accurately with our administrative requirements, and have excellent PC skills – Word, Excel and Outlook. We would train you to deal with the work and our systems.

Salary is in line with experience, range £30k- £35k pro rata, depending on experience. 

Applications by 15 July 2026. Please see attached Job Description, and send CV and cover letter. 

Do you want to work for an organisation that nurtures and encourages talented employees?

Do you enjoy both the task-focused and strategic elements of charity finance?

Do you want to work for an organisation with a mission to change the trajectories of children’s lives?

TLG’s Finance Manager role could be the role for you!

Title: Finance Manager

Location: Hybrid – TLG’s National Support Centre, West Yorkshire (minimum 40% office-based including Tuesdays)

Salary: £37,066 - £40,090 (FTE)

Hours: Flexible, 30 – 37.5 hours per week (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)

Reporting To: Director of Finance

Contract: Permanent

About TLG

Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) is a Christian children’s wellbeing charity rooted in the conviction that the local church is central to God’s mission of restoration and hope for children and families. Today, through our existing programmes of Early Intervention and Make Lunch, over 220 churches are partnering with TLG, supporting 4,699 children each year, with 1,059 children and family members connecting into the wider support of the church as a place of belonging, care and hope.

About the Role

As we journey towards our vision to bring fullness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face, we’re looking for a passionate, motivated and mission-driven individual to join our team as Finance Manager. 

The Finance Manager will play a central role in shaping the financial strength and future growth of the charity. As the operational lead for day-to-day finance, you’ll ensure robust financial controls, deliver accurate and timely reporting, and provide clear, strategic insight that empowers leaders across the organisation. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will be a key voice in safeguarding financial health and driving forward our mission.

As someone who has completed or nearly completed their Accountancy qualification, you will be given responsibility in an environment centred on growth. The Finance Manager will lead a high-performing finance function, bringing expertise across budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis. You will oversee and continually improve financial systems and processes, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and fit for a growing organisation with ambitious goals. As you take on this impactful role, we will support and develop you as a leader with sector-leading internal and external training.

Some of the role responsibilities include elements of:

• Financial Management & Reporting
• Budgeting & Planning
• Systems & Processes
• Financial Leadership

Whilst the responsibilities and feel of the role will be familiar to someone with a career in charity finance, the close work with TLG’s commercial subsidiaries, the opportunity to speak strategically in the future of the charity, the focus on career development and the environment of grace and faith encompassing TLG make this role an attractive proposition for anyone who wants to make a difference for Jesus within the finance sector.

About You

You will be a fully or nearly Qualified Accountant who wants to grow in a finance career with an organisation committed to seeing you flourish. You can work well within a high‑performing finance function, bringing strong charity finance experience, excellent technical skills, and the ability to communicate clearly across the organisation, including with department heads throughout the team. You’ll balance strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery of management accounts, budgeting and reporting. Alongside this, you’ll bring an active Christian faith, playing a full part in the spiritual life of the organisation and working sensitively with people of all backgrounds.

Next Steps

For more information about TLG, the role and the person specification, please see the attached Job Pack.

To apply for the position, please click 'How to apply' send a CV and completed Candidate Bio Details Form to Christian Jobs.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Joe at Christian Jobs.

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Interview date will be scheduled as and when applications are received. Please apply promptly as the vacancy will close once we have appointed a successful candidate.  

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum.

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs stakeholders to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse across the devolved nations

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in at least one (preferably all) of the devolved nations 

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings  

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels   

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment 

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Job Purpose

Core Arts is an innovative Mental Health Charity and Creative Education provider delivering pioneering Arts in Health programmes across London.

This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight across creative education, personalised support, wellbeing and commissioned service delivery. The postholder will lead the development and delivery of high-quality, inclusive and outcomes-focused programmes which improve mental health, wellbeing and educational participation.

The role combines educational leadership with recovery-focused and personalised approaches, ensuring students can access meaningful creative learning opportunities that support confidence, progression, independence and improved quality of life.

Working across visual arts, music, multimedia, horticulture and sport, the postholder will ensure that services align with Arts in Health principles, NHS and Local Authority priorities, and contribute to reducing health inequalities through creative approaches.

The role will support the continued development of Core Arts as a recognised centre of excellence in Creative Education and Arts in Health.

Strategic Leadership & Service Development

• Develop innovative programmes aligned to NHS priorities including prevention, early intervention, personalised care and community-based support.
• Ensure services remain responsive to emerging educational, health and social care agendas.
• Support organisational growth, sustainability and service expansion.
• Lead service planning and contribute to organisational strategy and business development.
• Drive continuous improvement through evaluation and innovation.
• Develop opportunities for integrated working across education, health and voluntary sector partnerships.

Creative Education & Student Experience

• Lead an outstanding student-centred creative education programme focused on participation, achievement and progression.
• Ensure students receive personalised learning pathways with clear goals and outcomes.
• Support progression into volunteering, employment, accredited learning and community opportunities.
• Support  exhibitions, performances, events and public-facing events.
• Embed co-production and student voice throughout programme design and evaluation.
• Develop opportunities for students to gain confidence, leadership and independence.
• Monitor engagement, attendance and progression data to support continuous improvement.

Arts in Health, Wellbeing & Recovery

• Embed Arts in Health principles across all areas of programme delivery.
• Ensure students are supported to improve wellbeing through meaningful creative engagement.
• Work collaboratively with clinical teams, community mental health services and external partners.
• Maintain safeguarding, duty of care and effective risk management procedures.
• Support early intervention approaches and sustained student engagement.
• Promote social inclusion and reduce isolation through participation in creative learning.
• Develop pathways which support emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience.
• Ensure personalised support planning remains central to service delivery.

Commissioned Delivery, Quality Assurance & Outcomes

• Lead successful delivery of commissioned services and contractual KPIs.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems are maintained.
• Demonstrate educational, wellbeing and social value outcomes through evidence and impact reporting.
• Ensure accurate data collection and performance monitoring.
• Support commissioner reporting and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Develop case studies and outcome frameworks which evidence the value of Arts in Health.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR and organisational governance requirements.
• Maintain oversight of quality assurance and continuous improvement processes.
• Support service audits and implementation of recommendations.

NHS Partnerships, Personalised Care & Community Integration

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with NHS commissioners, Integrated Care Boards, Local Authorities and community partners.
• Support approaches aligned with personalised care and Personal Health Budgets.
• Promote creative approaches which contribute to prevention and reduce demand on statutory services.
• Contribute to integrated pathways supporting community mental health and social prescribing.
• Support collaborative planning with borough and health partners.
• Strengthen referral routes and increase access for underrepresented communities.
• Represent Core Arts at regional networks, conferences and partnership meetings.
• Promote the role of creativity and education within wider health and wellbeing systems.

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Development

• Provide, alongside the senior management team, leadership, supervision and support to managers, tutors, volunteers and interns.
• Ensure staff are equipped to deliver inclusive, high-quality learning experiences.
• Support innovation and collaborative working.
• Contribute to tender development and service growth opportunities.
• Champion organisational values and positive workplace culture.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of work.

Person Specification

Experience (Essential)

• Minimum five years’ experience in senior leadership or service management.
• Experience within mental health, Arts in Health, creative education or community services.
• Experience of delivering commissioned services and contract management.
• Experience of partnership working across health, education or voluntary sectors.
• Experience of leading teams.
• Experience of monitoring outcomes and demonstrating impact.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Arts in Health and recovery-focused practice.
• Creative education and adult learning principles.
• Mental health and wellbeing frameworks.
• Safeguarding.
• Personalised care approaches.
• Outcome measurement, quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

• Strong financial and numeric acumen.
• Strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.
• Excellent partnership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical capability.
• Commitment to creativity, inclusion and social impact.

How to Apply

Core Arts are committed to finding the right person for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and suitable candidates invited to interview as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

To apply, please send a full CV and covering letter explaining how your experience meets the job description 

Are you passionate about supporting individuals back into employment?

Job Title: Employment Specialist – Connect To Work
Salary: £28,951 – £32,316 per annum
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term initially until March 2028
Location: Newcastle

About us

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long‑established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face.

We deliver hundreds of locally‑led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate individual who will support individuals with health conditions to move into and sustain meaningful employment through the Connect to Work programme.

We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to support the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. You’ll use the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to provide person‑centred IAG support to a caseload of around 25 clients, helping them move into and sustain meaningful employment.

You’ll build strong employer relationships to source suitable vacancies and work closely with partners including health providers, mental health services, JCP, and other employment organisations to ensure joined‑up support.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate in supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
• A strong communicator, confident engaging with clients, employers and partners.
• Equipped with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, able to assess needs and identify effective employment solutions.
• Person‑centred, empathetic and passionate about helping others succeed.
• Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
• Confident working independently and collaboratively.

Closing date: Friday 17th July 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Make yourself at home
We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

Do your best work, for the right reasons.

We’re looking for an experienced partnerships manager to play a key role in driving Oak's growth and impact by increasing adoption of its resources across schools and Multi Academy Trusts. This is a highly collaborative role, combining strong education sector insight with a proactive, target-driven approach to partnership development.

You will work with colleagues across the organisation to generate and qualify opportunities through events, networks, referrals, and outreach, building a focused pipeline aligned to shared priorities. Through structured discovery conversations, you’ll develop a clear understanding of school needs, readiness, and strategic fit, helping shape how we engage and support partners.

You will assess and triage opportunities against agreed criteria, working closely with subject and curriculum leads to prioritise those with the greatest potential for impact and influence, and to determine where we focus our efforts.

Alongside this, you’ll build trusted relationships with educators, growing a network of 'champion' schools that support peer learning and community engagement.

You’ll maintain clear pipeline visibility through accurate CRM management and data-led insight, using this to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement. Working cross-functionally, you’ll share learnings from the field to influence messaging, product development, and how Oak delivers for schools.

Oak is a fully remote, mission-driven organisation offering high levels of flexibility, autonomy, and purpose. We’re a national not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with teachers to create high-quality, sequenced curriculum and lesson resources for pupils across all subjects and age groups.

Our culture has been independently recognised through:

• Flexa verified (93% overall score, including 95% for working hours and 97% for role modelling)

• Escape the City's Top 1% Employers – based on anonymous colleague reviews of culture, development, and impact

• Investors in People Gold - through external accreditation and colleague feedback

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the continuous improvement of lead nurture processes, including events, networks, referrals and targeted outreach, aligned to the go-to-market strategy.

• Run structured first conversations, assess readiness, tier opportunities, and maintain accurate CRM records within an active partnerships pipeline.

• Build and nurture relationships with user schools to develop Oak champions, and organise in-person and online community events (e.g. webinars, group INSET, local cluster meetings), including representing Oak at relevant in-person events and school visits.

• As a member of the Oak Team, contribute to the planning and culture of the organisation.

• Work in cross-functional and product-oriented squads with colleagues from across the organisation, as required.

• Deputise for the Partnerships Lead and take on other general responsibilities as required.

�� What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of experience managing direct relationships with schools and/or Multi Academy Trusts.

• Experience leading structured conversations with decision-makers to conversion in a business or product context.

• Strong organisational skills and CRM discipline.

• Practical understanding of product/service adoption processes in schools.

• Motivated by long-term adoption and impact.

The successful candidate will have a desire to contribute in all areas to ensure Oak is successful. You will be comfortable working at pace, with a range of digital systems (including proprietary ones as required) and you will continuously look at ways that the team can keep getting better. You will be excellent at working as part of a remote team, building relationships and managing your time effectively.

�� Our Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus one extra day for each year of service (up to 28)

• Additional Oak closure days over Christmas/New Year

• 11% employer pension contribution (with no minimum employee contribution, which can be varied as you choose). Please note this is a workplace pension rather than the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

• A 36-hour working week (not tied to term-time patterns or school-day hours), with half-days on Fridays or every other Friday off.

• Remote working (with some in-person visits, including representing Oak at relevant in-person events and school visits) — we’ll support your home set-up and offer coworking options if preferred

• Twice-yearly in-person whole Oak offsites to collaborate, connect, and have fun (with other occasional team events in person)

• A culture that genuinely supports flexibility, autonomy, and trust

�� Inclusion and Belonging

We believe diverse teams build better products. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in the tech and education sectors.

We use the Applied recruitment platform to help reduce bias in our hiring process.

�� Key Info

• Location: Remote, but you must be based in the UK with the legal right to work here

• Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time

• Closing date: We’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and may close the role early

If this sounds like the kind of role and team where you could do your life’s best work, we’d love to hear from you.

Next steps

You’ll answer some questions related to your day-to-day job. Your answers will go through our sift process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised, and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers (real humans).

If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next stage, which will consist of a remote interview conducted over Zoom.

We love giving feedback, so at the end of the application process, we'll share how well you performed.

We aim to begin interviews in the week commencing 20 July 2026.

We are receiving excellent responses to our job advertisements. This may lead us to close the role early, so if you are considering applying, then please get your application in early to avoid missing out.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.