Employability jobs

ReachOut is a youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance. 

The Schools & Universities Partnerships Manager will lead the development, growth, and management of ReachOut’s partnerships with schools, multi-academy trusts, and universities.

This new role is central to delivering ReachOut’s strategy to expand our reach, increase income, and deepen our impact for young people constrained by circumstance. Reporting to the CEO and sitting within the Income & Partnerships Team, the postholder will work closely with colleagues across Programmes & Impact and Volunteering.

The role is responsible for building a strong pipeline of partners, securing sustainable funding, and managing existing relationships to ensure mutual value. Through both new and established partnerships, the postholder will support ReachOut’s mission while helping schools and universities achieve their own strategic objectives.

Who we are looking for

• An ambitious, proactive fundraiser with the ability to develop, deliver, and grow long-term partnerships with schools and universities across London, Manchester, and new locations in line with ReachOut's strategy.
• A confident communicator who thrives in a small, collaborative organisation and can build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders across multiple departments and sectors.
• Someone who can work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and identify opportunities to generate income, raise our profile and increase impact.

How to Apply

• To apply please visit our website.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship. To apply for the role you must have the right to work in the UK.

Key Dates

• Applications close: 9am on Friday 18th September 2026
• Interviews (in person in London or Manchester): Wednesday 23rd September 2026 
• Start Date: ASAP

If the date for interviews causes any issues, please still apply and let us know in your email as we may be able to be flexible on the interview arrangements.

Please note: the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. ReachOut will cover the cost of the check and guide you through the process. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

ReachOut is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We therefore welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, ages, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations and any other protected characteristics, to provide a diverse range of experiences, ideas and insights into our work. ReachOut wants to increase the representation of our young people amongst our staff, so if you are from these ethnic groups, we would particularly appreciate receiving your applications.

The Role 

Thank you for the interest in this role – it is an exciting one. 

You would be joining us at an exciting point in our journey as we reach the midpoint of our ambitious five-year Evolve strategy, following the launch of our new identity as the Leadership Skills Foundation. Over the next two and a half years, we will continue working towards our goal of reaching 200,000 young people annually across through education and community leadership programmes, while cementing our position as the trusted voice for leadership skills development. 

This role will play a significant in making that happen via: 

• Identifying and securing new customers.

• Retaining and growing income from our current customers. 

• Building relationships that drive programme registrations. 

• Using data and insights to adapt approaches and drive efficiency. 

Looking ahead, with a new identity for the organisation and new programmes and partnerships emerging, this role requires a dynamic storyteller who can confidently identify the needs of our customers and clearly demonstrate the value our programmes can offer. 

You'll be a proactive and confident development professional, skilled at spotting opportunities and transforming these into tangible outcomes. You'll thrive on creating and delivering development and engagement plans that directly support our departmental income goals and customer service objectives. With a passion for building strong relationships, you'll bring excellent communication and presentation skills to every interaction. 

Previous experience in a business development, or sales role is essential as well as good knowledge of the education systems in the UK. Ideally you will be based within or near the West Midlands, South West or Wales due to potential travel requirements in these regions.

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. The Leadership Skills Foundation cannot offer visa sponsorship. 

Role summary: 

 Role purpose: 

Retain and grow relationships with existing centres through tailored engagement strategies that drive programme registrations and increase impact. 

• Identify and convert new opportunities through proactive outreach, lead generation, and effective nurture tactics to deliver new business income. 

• Deliver excellent customer service, ensuring a high-quality centre experience that builds trust and long-term loyalty. 

 Key responsibilities: 

 Retain and grow existing centre relationships 

• Manage a portfolio of existing centres, ensuring regular and meaningful engagement aligned to their needs, delivery patterns, and growth potential. 

• Deliver against annual centre income targets by supporting centres to continue and expand programme delivery. 

• Develop and implement tailored engagement plans that reflect sector priorities, sector and programme maturity, and centre feedback. 

• Analyse Business Intelligence (BI) dashboards to identify retention risks, spot growth opportunities, and respond to trends with proactive support. 

• Coordinate requalification conversations and re-engagement activity to sustain long-term partnerships. 

 Generate and convert new business 

• Identify and research high-potential leads across your allocated sectors (e.g., secondary, Wales, community, international schools) using BI and CRM insights, sector intelligence, and marketing-generated activity. 

• Plan and deliver proactive outreach activity via a Sector, Segment and Region Development Plans. 

• Build and maintain a personal pipeline of prospects and log progress regularly updating conversion insight and forecasts. 

• Support new centre onboarding, from initial conversations through to registration and early delivery support. 

• Collaborate with Marketing on lead nurture campaigns, sales funnel activities, and content that targets sector-specific priorities. 

Deliver outstanding customer experience 

• Proactively communicate and engage with customers to support their delivery of Leadership Skills Foundation programmes. 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for your centres, responding promptly and professionally to queries, issues, and feedback. 

• Ensure every interaction reflects the Leadership Skills Foundation’s values. 

• Proactively use our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to maintain consistent and accurate records of communications, registrations, and engagement history. 

• Support customer feedback collection and contribute to the analysis of satisfaction and improvement opportunities. 

• Champion a customer-first mindset and share insight to improve performance against our customer experience objectives. 

Use data, systems, and insight to drive decisions 

• Regularly review and report on programme performance, income data, and registration trends for your assigned centres and sectors. 

• Use BI dashboards and management reports to inform your planning, prioritisation, and stakeholder engagement. 

• Report on your own progress against KPIs and contribute to departmental performance reviews and forecasting activities. 

• Use our CRM systems and workflow as a planning and prioritisation tools to anticipate risk and drive quality interactions and personal efficiency. 

 Collaborate across teams and support innovation 

• Work closely with key teams to plan and coordinate campaigns, messaging, and respond to customer feedback. 

• Feedback insight from centres to inform programme development and sector-specific improvements. 

• Contribute to team planning meetings, training sessions, and department-wide initiatives. 

• Support the induction of new team members and contribute to a collaborative, learning-focused team culture. 

 Skills, experience, and knowledge 

 Essential 

Previous experience in a customer supporting role, with an emphasis on relationship management and customer experience.  

• An understanding of education systems in the UK. 

• An understanding of initiating prospect engagement, business development strategies and meeting sales targets. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Experience of working on own initiative and being a self-starter. 

• Confidence in presenting externally to customers and partners. 

• Experience of working with CRM systems, sales forecasting tools, and Management Information systems. 

• Analytical thinking and evaluation skills, with the ability to interpret data and performance metrics to support decision making. 

• Ability to present information concisely using Microsoft Office programmes. 

• An ability to network, influence and build relationships with key stakeholders andcustomers. 

• An ability to convert external relationships into long standing customers results. 

 Desired 

 Previous experience in a sales environment. 

• An understanding and passion for leadership skills development and the value it provides for young people and centres. 

• Excellent customer service skills. 

• An understanding of awarding bodies and their operating landscape. 

Are you motivated to give our young people their first taste of working life and give them an opportunity to shine?

We are looking for a Senior Project Lead to champion our young people and secure them work experience opportunities that middle class peers often source from friends and family networks. In Tower Hamlets, The Switch steps in to provide that vital support and open doors to the world of work.

As a Senior Project Lead within the Work Experience team, you will take ownership of key elements of the delivery and development of The Switch's work experience programmes. You will manage relationships with employers and schools, lead on specific projects and workstreams, and provide oversight and support to ensure programmes are delivered effectively, safely and in line with agreed targets. 

You will take a proactive role in identifying and developing new employer relationships, coordinating complex placements and supporting the Work Experience Manager with the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of projects. You will also provide guidance and support to colleagues where appropriate, using your experience to help ensure consistency and quality across the team's work. 

As a small charity we are able to provide a great work-life balance with early finishes on Fridays, Christmas shut down, training opportunities, a friendly office near Spitalfields, and a cash-back health plan.

This role is hybrid for the majority of weeks per year, with WFH normally 2-3 days per week. (NB Please note that during delivery weeks, the team is responsible for providing responsive support to employers and schools. In case of any issues, you may be required to work from the office up to five days per week during these periods.)

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2030

Location: Any UK Trust office - 40-60% of the week spent in the office and an expectation to travel when required

Interviews: 24/09 and 25/09 over MS Teams

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Senior Manager to lead the launch and delivery of a flagship corporate volunteering and fundraising campaign for The King’s Trust.

This fully funded role runs until March 2030 and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a major employability programme supporting young people across the UK.

This high-profile role sits at the heart of our corporate partnerships’ strategy, driving both employee engagement and income growth across a portfolio of valued partners. The income generated through this campaign will help fund a bold new initiative at The King’s Trust; one that will inspire businesses, communities, and volunteers to come together and support young people to thrive. You will work closely with corporate stakeholders to build strong relationships, unlock opportunities, and create compelling campaigns that inspire employees to take action and maximise impact.

Working alongside the Head of Corporate Volunteering, you will lead planning and execution, bringing together internal teams, corporate partners, and external stakeholders to deliver seamless, engaging experiences. From developing innovative engagement strategies and managing communications, to overseeing events, budgets, and performance reporting, you will ensure every aspect of the campaign delivers against commercial objectives, generates income, and supports organisational goals.

A key part of the role will be identifying and pitching new ideas, initiatives and engagement opportunities to corporate partners, helping them deepen their involvement and achieve their own social impact ambitions. You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnerships team, providing creative solutions, campaign expertise and strategic support to help unlock new fundraising, volunteering and partnership growth opportunities across their portfolios.

This is a fast-paced, highly collaborative role for someone who combines strong commercial acumen with exceptional relationship-building skills. You'll be comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, spotting opportunities for growth, developing compelling propositions, and bringing diverse teams together to deliver ambitious targets. If you're energised by creating meaningful partnerships, driving measurable results, and delivering campaigns that make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Senior Managers of Employee Engagement? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of the Senior Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations with Kingston University
£60,996 (negotiable) | Full-time (37 hours) | Hybrid working | Kingston upon Thames

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Kingston University to recruit their next Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations.

Kingston University has spent over 125 years transforming lives through education, innovation and opportunity. With TEF Gold recognition across the board, and a Town House Strategy that's rewriting what a modern education looks like, we are focused on helping students develop the skills, networks and experiences to thrive throughout their careers. Integral to this ambition is our global community of more than 280,000 alumni, who's futures have been shaped by the university.

As Head of Alumni Engagement & Operation, part of the senior leadership team of our Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team, you will help us build lifelong relationships with our alumni to support future growth and success.
About the role:

We have a 3-year strategy in place to develop alumni engagement, increase participation and embed philanthropy more deeply across the University, with full support of senior leadership across the board. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team and work with senior stakeholders across the University, to champion the role alumni can play in student success, employability, mentoring, partnerships and philanthropy, and develop a lifelong alumni offer.

Reporting in to the Director of DARE, you'll lead a broad portfolio including alumni communications, events, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery.

About you:

We're looking for someone who understands the power of communities and relationships.

This is a broad leadership role spanning alumni engagement, communications, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery. While experience within alumni relations or advancement in higher education would be valuable, we're equally interested in hearing from candidates from the charity, membership, fundraising, supporter engagement or relationship management sectors. What matters most is your ability to build communities, create meaningful engagement opportunities, use insight to drive decision-making and inspire people to connect with a shared purpose.

You'll be strategic enough to shape the future direction of alumni engagement at Kingston, whilst remaining hands-on enough to build relationships, spot opportunities and bring colleagues and stakeholders with you.

You'll bring:

• Experience developing and delivering successful alumni engagement, advancement, membership, supporter engagement or relationship-management programmes.

• A track record of building communities, growing participation and creating meaningful engagement opportunities
• Strong leadership skills and experience developing high-performing teams
• Confidence using insight, data and CRM systems to inform strategy and decision-making
• Experience overseeing communications, events, volunteering, supporter engagement or related activities
• An understanding of how long-term relationships can lead to advocacy, mentoring, volunteering, partnerships and giving

Most importantly, you'll believe that alumni engagement is about much more than communications and events. You'll be excited by the opportunity to help graduates become mentors, volunteers, advocates, partners and lifelong supporters of the University.

Benefits include

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Excellent pension scheme
• Hybrid working (with a minimum of 50% of time spent on campus)
• Access to professional development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• The opportunity to shape a high-profile function at one of London's leading universities

Key Dates:

• Closing date: 9th September 2026 - we encourage not delaying your application.
• Interviews: 28th and 30th September 2026 (in person)

How to apply

Charity People are managing this search on behalf of Kingston University.

In the first instance, please send your CV to Glen at Charity People. If your profile matches what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with the full candidate pack and further details about the recruitment process.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people? Do you thrive on helping individuals develop their skills, confidence and independence? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college supporting autistic young people aged 16–25. Our person-centred approach puts each learner at the heart of everything we do. We provide highly personalised learning programmes and specialist support, helping learners develop the skills they need to achieve their aspirations and participate more independently in everyday life.

Based at the West Thames College campus in West London, Ambitious College provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Our learners benefit from a wide range of opportunities both on campus and in the wider community. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organisations and mainstream colleges, we create meaningful opportunities for learners to develop their confidence, independence and employability skills in real-world settings.

About the role

As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting our learners to achieve their individual goals. You will provide personalised support, often on a 1:1 basis, both within the college and out in the community.

You'll work closely with teaching and specialist staff to support learning, communication, independence and personal development. No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to see the direct impact your support has on the lives of the young people you work with.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is patient, compassionate and motivated to help autistic young people develop their skills, confidence and independence.

At Ambitious College, our values shape everything we do. We put autistic young people at the centre of our work and are committed to creating an environment where every learner is valued, supported and empowered to reach their potential.

If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, develop your skills and make a genuine difference every day, we'd love you to join us.

Working pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Working weeks: 41 weeks per year, paid over 52 weeks

Start date: October 2026

Interviews: Ongoing throughout September 2026

Please note: Only applications submitted online via our recruitment portal will be considered.

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

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.

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.

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

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. 

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.

Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager

The Harlequins Foundation | £45,000 | Twickenham Stoop | Full time, permanent

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Harlequins Foundation to recruit their new Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager.

The Harlequins Foundation is entering an exciting phase of growth and ambition. This newly created senior role offers the opportunity to shape and lead fundraising strategy for a well-respected sports charity that uses the power of rugby to improve lives, develop essential skills and create lasting social impact across communities.

About the charity

The Harlequins Foundation is the charitable arm of Harlequins Rugby Club, delivering programmes that help young people and communities develop the essential skills needed to thrive both on and off the pitch. Established in 2015, the Foundation works across three key areas: wellbeing, education and employability, and inclusion, creating opportunities that remove barriers and improve outcomes for people of all backgrounds

Leveraging warm connections and using our regular events and fixtures to engage potential donors, you'll work closely with the Head of the Foundation to develop our fundraising strategy, establish pipelines and targets, and deliver income growth from the ground up.

About the role

As Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in building and growing key income streams, including Individual Giving, Major Donors, and Trusts & Foundations, while helping to shape the future of the Foundation's fundraising capability and supporter engagement strategy.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals
• Working closely with trustees to open up their networks
• Building the trusts and grants programme; prospecting, applications, and funder reporting
• Developing the Foundation's case for support and oversee how it's communicated across campaigns and channels
• Putting in place the data, systems and insight needed to run fundraising properly
• Sitting as a senior member of the Foundation team, with input into wider strategy

About you

We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

• Proven success in senior fundraising
• Experience across major donors, trusts and/or individual giving
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Strategic thinking with strong delivery capability
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and comfort working in evolving environments.
• Excellent storytelling skills and the ability to communicate impact effectively.

Why Join the Harlequins Foundation?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a charity with a powerful platform, strong heritage and ambitious plans for growth. You will have the chance to build meaningful supporter relationships, create sustainable income streams and contribute directly to programmes that transform lives across communities.

The Foundation values innovation, inclusion, collaboration and impact, and is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

If you're a strong relationship fundraiser with a passion for changing the outcomes of young peoples' lives, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and creating social value that has a positive impact on individuals as well as society, then this is the perfect next step for you.

How to Apply

Please send your up-to-date CV and a cover letter (1 page max.) addressing why you are interested in the role and how you fit the job description to Philippa at Charity People.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply early to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Post: Support Team Leader 

Department:Supported housing 

Reports to:Support Service Manager 

Working Hours:37.5 hours per week 

Salary: £35,295 per annum 

Location:Coventry 

About ACH: 

ACH (Ashley Community Housing) is an award-winning social enterprise specialising in the economic, social and civic integration of refugees via accommodation and community-based training support.

Our vision  

For all refugees coming to the UK to be successfully integrated into society with access to adequate accommodation, employment and education.

Purpose of job 

The postholder will lead, develop and motivate a team of support practitioners to ensure that immediate pastoral resettlement support packages are developed and delivered to meet the specific individual needs of each tenant, which ultimately facilitates their moving towards living with a greater independence. 

To take overall responsibility for the successful running of the support service as agreed. In line with the requirements of our regulatory bodies and company policies and procedures. To promote and ensure high standards of support and involvement opportunities for our tenants. 

Key Responsibilities 
 

• Provide support, guidance and training to support team to ensure they are equipped with the tools and skills to deliver high quality support and involvement programmes in their area. This includes ensuring that ACH’s internal quality framework for Involvement best practice, and relevant policies and procedures are followed.Train support team in Support Processes to ensure that Support Plans, Risk Assessments, Reviews, Exit Interviews are carried out within the required time frames.
   

• Carry out monthly one to one’s with staff and coordinate weekly or bi weekly staff meetings. 
   

• To line manage staff team and act as the first point of contact and to effectively manage, supervise and develop the support staff and any apprentices or volunteers. 
   

• Support the Housing Team in receiving new referrals and these being processed to ensure empty rooms are let. Work with the Housing Team to ensure that residents are aware of their responsibilities regarding rent payments and licence agreements. 
   

• Work with other ACH teams to maintain effective internal referral procedures for residents to engage with wider ACH services such as Training and Employability Support 

• To maintain an excellent standard of safeguarding practice and awareness throughout the service and staff team and to support staff on safeguarding issues. Working in line with ACH’s Safeguarding Policy to follow up any safeguarding related issues and ensure they are dealt with effectively with appropriate referrals to safeguarding boards, local authorities social services and where necessary the Police. 
   

• To provide and seek training, support and guidance for staff and to implement staff training programmes. Ensuring all staff have completed any mandatory training and any training specific to service delivery.

• Ensure that staff maintain Continuing Professional Development logs that record trainings undertaken. 
   

• Monitor support service ensuring that support plans and risk assessments are reviewed, evaluated and updated regularly. To ensure all paperwork is completed to a high standard and clear and concise records are maintained.
   

• Regular monitoring of CRM, making use of data reports to ensure that support outcomes are being reached.

• Carrying out quality audits of support service and report findings to management and make recommendations for service improvements. To ensure best practice through internal auditing and self-monitoring. 
   

• Provide regular information and reports for Committee and other stakeholders to demonstrate the impact of activities and outcomes achieved by the support team.

• Complete monthly Support Service KPI Reports in line with ACH reporting procedure.
   

• Recruit, induct, manage and motivate employees within the team, ensuring they are trained in the performance of their duties and appraised of their performance; organise, supervise and monitor their performance, thereby ensuring the provision of efficient, effective and high quality services. Dealing with all personnel issues in conjunction with the HR Manager as necessary.Maintain personal records on the HR database, manage holiday requests. 
   

• Represent ACH professionally to external stakeholders. 
   

• To work with the Support Service Manager and Head of Support and Housing to ensure effective administrative systems and procedures relating to the effective running of the support service are in place.
   

• Where needed to cover support delivery for a small, designated caseload of residents. 
   
   

• If department is IAA registered maintain high-quality case management system in line with IAA Code of Standards. 

Senior Recruitment Consultant (Manager fast-track)

Location

Preston

Length of contract

Full time and permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

To be worked between 8am and 6pm (inc 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak)

Pay Scale

£34,000 per annum plus on target bonus

Responsible to

Operations Director

Holiday entitlement

Paid holiday entitlement of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays

Plus a day’s leave on your birthday, plus a wellbeing day’s leave

The Role

The purpose of the role is to win vacancies and place ex-offender candidates into sustainable paid employment with local employers. Working towards a promotion to Manager within 6 months, you will then also provide leadership to the Preston office team, being responsible for the management and Recruitment Consultant responsibilities for 70% of your role.

Purpose

We place people with convictions into paid work, so they can build purposeful lives and see their families thrive

Mission

We do this by providing practical employment support, linking them to companies with good jobs

Vision

A  society  where  people’s  past  convictions  don’t  define  their  employment future

Duties and Tasks

There are four main areas of work, all of which are vital to achieving the key positive outcome for the individuals we support: sustained meaningful employment.

1. New Employer Engagement

Expanding our network of employers to generate a regular flow of job opportunities, allowing us to place our candidates into work.

This will require new business development and excellent ongoing relationship management. You will identify which jobs are most sought after by our typical candidates and which are more specialist or occasional opportunities. Equally, you will gravitate towards employers who demonstrate agility and responsiveness in their hiring processes. Your client contacts are more likely to be business owners, divisional managers and site supervisors than social value or EDI teams.

You will:

• Proactively approach local employers who are advertising paid jobs that could suit current candidates on our books, for example through online searching using keywords for skills and industry sectors, sending over candidate details with the goal of obtaining recruitment instructions and securing interviews.
• Speculatively approach organisations that are not currently recruiting but are likely to have suitable vacancies in the future that match the typical skillsets of our candidates.
• Maintain a follow-up database of active and prospective clients and take ownership of industry sectors or geographical areas, in consultation with colleagues, to avoid duplication and maximise reach.
• Visit employers to explain our services, answer questions around protocols for interviewing or hiring ex-offenders and gain a clear understanding of the workplace environment, travel routes and employer requirements.
• Select and submit candidates who you consider suitable for vacancies, advocating for each individual based on your knowledge of them, their references, and the positive changes and efforts you have witnessed.
• Be prepared to positively challenge employer assumptions where you believe reluctance to consider a candidate is unfounded.
• Disclose the candidate’s offending history and risk profile, emphasising their personal attributes and work strengths.
• Guide employers through the interview and hiring process in close consultation with the candidate.

2. Job Finder Support

Interviewing ex-offenders, offering one-to-one job coaching to help them into work and providing ongoing mentoring during their first 12 months of employment.

Ours is a face-to-face, holistic and wraparound service that culminates in our candidates finding good jobs that last, with a wide array of socially inclusive employers. Our job finder support can begin in custody and continue through the gate into the community, or start within the community. Typically, we work with an individual for between one and three months to establish work readiness and continue supporting them for up to a year after they secure employment. Many people remain in touch and return to us for subsequent jobs over a period of years, and we consider our door to always be open.

You will:

• Conduct one-to-one assessments with job-seeking candidates and, using your professional judgement, either accept them directly into our paid-work search services or refer them to partner organisations for pre-employability support where barriers such as substance misuse or homelessness remain significant.
• Work with candidates over several weeks and months as a job mentor, meeting regularly to support all aspects of their job search.
• Help craft effective CVs and disclosure letters, ensuring candidates understand the facts and disclosure obligations relating to their spent and unspent convictions.
• Check that candidates have the correct Right to Work documentation and arrange replacement birth certificates and National Insurance letters where required.
• Book candidates onto relevant third-party training courses, including CSCS cards, HGV driver training and renewable energy qualifications.
• Encourage candidates’ own job search activity, including teaching them how to use online job boards and supporting them to complete online application forms.
• Submit candidates for opportunities available through our network of inclusive employers and proactively seek additional vacancies on their behalf.
• Organise interviews, ensuring candidates have the means to travel and appropriate interview clothing, providing support where required.
• Follow up after interviews, helping candidates manage expectations, process outcomes and rebuild confidence where applications have been unsuccessful.
• Confirm job starts with both candidate and employer, ensuring candidates have access to any required workwear and support with travel-to-work costs.
• Provide practical support where needed, including food parcels, hygiene packs, pre-loaded SIM cards, clothing and utility top-ups.

In-Work Support

After employment begins, there can often be unforeseen challenges facing newly employed candidates, particularly recent prison leavers. These may be practical, emotional or lifestyle-related. The strongest opportunity to advocate for a candidate and help sustain employment comes from having built trusted relationships with both the individual and their employer.

You will:

• Advise employers on successfully onboarding new employees during their first few weeks and months in work.
• Help employers understand and accommodate any additional support needs, such as housing transitions, medical requirements or probation appointments.
• Be aware of and navigate any negative Google or media reporting about a candidate’s previous offending, including advising on measures to protect privacy and reputation where appropriate.
• Remain in regular contact with candidates during their first 12 months in employment through check-in calls and meetings.
• Record all candidate and employer interactions and outcome reporting on the Itris recruitment CRM database.

3. Management of the Preston Team (Within Six Months)

You will:

• Line manage and develop the Preston office’s Recruitment Consultants, Trainee Recruitment Consultants and Resourcer, leading by example across business development and candidate support activities.
• Run the Preston office efficiently and effectively, ensuring the charity can carry out its work and, alongside the Operations Director, help develop, agree and implement business, operational and annual plans.
• Identify appropriate methods for monitoring office performance and report regularly to the Operations Director on performance against business, operational and annual plans and budget expectations.
• Ensure the office is aware of best practice and consistently works to achieve this within the constraints set by the Trustees and available resources.
• Facilitate regular group clinical supervision sessions for yourself and all team members.

4. External and Internal Relations

You will:

• Maintain and extend a network of referral partners who can direct candidates to us for job finder support, including charities, Jobcentres, probation services and police teams.
• Cultivate these relationships through regular visits, communication and updates.
• Assist in developing the charity’s local public profile and foster positive relationships with government, statutory, voluntary, private sector and other external stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in the external environment that may affect the charity, proactively advising the Operations Director and taking appropriate action where necessary.

This is a non-exhaustive list of tasks and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the charity.

Our Interview Process

This vacancy will close on 6th September, with applications being shortlisted on 7th September.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the first stage of our interview process on Wednesday 9th September, between 4:30pm and 7pm, at our new offices in Preston.

We want our recruitment process to give you the opportunity to get to know The Recruitment Junction (TRJ) just as much as it allows us to get to know you.

The evening will begin with an introduction to TRJ from our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to hear more about who we are, our values. the work we do and what it is like to be part of our team. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions in an open audience environment, allowing you to find out more about TRJ, our work and our organisation. Refreshments will also be provided.

You will then have a short, informal, face-to-face conversation with one of our hiring managers. This is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for us to learn a little more about you, while also giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether TRJ is somewhere you would like to continue pursuing a career.

Following the first-stage event, we will invite successful candidates for a formal final interview.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 6th September
• Shortlisting: 7th September
• Stage One – Recruitment Evening: Wednesday 9th September, 4:30-7pm
• Stage Two – Formal Final Interview:TBC within 2 weeks

We hope this approach creates a welcoming and informal first stage, giving you a genuine opportunity to learn more about TRJ, meet members of our team and decide whether we are a fit for each other.

Salary: £40,000 per annum
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Start Date: September 2026

About The Skill Mill

The Skill Mill is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions. Through paid work in environmental projects, horticulture and grounds maintenance, we help young people develop skills, confidence and positive futures while creating benefits for local communities and the environment.

Our programmes bring together Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, employers, Pathways Advisors and local partners to support young people into sustainable education, training and employment.

The Role

This is an opportunity to help shape and strengthen the delivery of The Skill Mill across the South.

As Regional Operations Manager, you will ensure young people receive a high-quality and consistent experience throughout their time with The Skill Mill. Working closely with Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors and the Commercial Sales Manager, you will oversee day-to-day operations, support programme delivery and ensure projects run safely, effectively and to a high standard.

You will play a key role in creating the conditions for young people to succeed by supporting frontline teams, building strong partnerships and ensuring programmes deliver positive outcomes for the young people and communities we serve.

What You'll Do

Support High-Quality Programme Delivery By:

• Managing the day-to-day operation of The Skill Mill programmes across the South.
• Supporting Supervisors to deliver safe, effective and impactful work programmes.
• Monitoring programme activity and resolving operational challenges.
• Ensuring compliance with organisational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Maintaining high standards of delivery across all sites and projects.

Build Strong Partnerships By:

• Working closely with Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors and local partners.
• Supporting collaboration between operational teams and commercial projects.
• Acting as a key point of contact for stakeholders across the region.
• Representing The Skill Mill at partnership meetings and local events.
• Strengthening relationships that create opportunities for young people.

Monitor Performance and Impact By:

• Tracking programme delivery and performance against agreed targets.
• Monitoring progress towards social impact and employment outcomes.
• Preparing reports and updates for the Senior Management Team.
• Supporting the development of systems that measure quality, efficiency and impact.
• Using data and feedback to improve programme performance.

Support and Develop Teams By:

• Providing guidance, support and mentoring to Supervisors.
• Identifying training and development opportunities.
• Promoting a positive, collaborative and accountable culture.
• Supporting teams to deliver the best possible outcomes for young people.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who can bring people together, support high-quality delivery and help create opportunities for young people to thrive.

You'll have:

• Experience in operational, service or project management.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple workstreams, teams or projects.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and working with vulnerable or disadvantaged young people.
• Strong IT and reporting skills.
• A commitment to The Skill Mill's mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience in social enterprises, youth justice, employability or community-based services.
• Experience managing commercial contracts or operational delivery programmes.
• Understanding of outcomes-based commissioning.
• Health and Safety qualification or relevant practical experience.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to help shape services that improve outcomes for young people.
• A supportive and committed leadership team.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to contribute to a growing social enterprise with a proven track record of creating social and environmental impact.

Why Join The Skill Mill?

Every day, you'll help ensure young people have access to meaningful employment, skills development and progression opportunities. By supporting the teams that work directly with young people, you'll play an important role in helping them build brighter futures while creating positive change in local communities.

Recruitment Consultant

Location

Preston

Length of contract

Full time and permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

To be worked between 8am and 6pm (inc 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak)

Pay Scale

£28,000 - £34,000 per annum plus on target bonus

Responsible to     

Director

Holiday entitlement

Paid holiday entitlement of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays (both calculated pro rata for part time employees)

Plus a day’s leave on your birthday, plus a wellbeing day’s leave (not calculated pro rata)

The role                     

To place ex-offender candidates into sustainable paid employment with local employers

Purpose

We place people with convictions into paid work, so they can build purposeful lives and see their families thrive

Mission

We do this by providing practical employment support, linking them to companies with good jobs

Vision

A  society  where  people’s  past  convictions  don’t  define  their  employment future

Duties and Tasks

There are three main areas of work, all of which are vital to achieving the key positive outcome for the individuals we support: sustained meaningful employment.

1. Job Finder Support

Interviewing ex-offenders, offering one-to-one job coaching to help them into work, and providing ongoing mentoring for the first 12 months in employment.

Ours is a face-to-face, holistic and wraparound service that culminates in our candidates finding good jobs that last, with a wide array of socially inclusive employers on our books. Our job finder support can begin in custody and continue through the gate into the community, or start in the community. Typically, we will work with a person for between one and three months to establish work readiness and will continue to support them for up to a year once they find employment. Many people stay in touch and return to us for their second or third job over a period of years, and we consider our door to be open for as long as support is needed.

You will:

• Conduct one-to-one assessments with job-seeking candidates and, using your professional judgement, accept them directly into our paid-work search services or refer them to partner organisations for pre-employability support where issues such as substance misuse or homelessness remain significant barriers.
• Work with candidates over several weeks and months as a job mentor, meeting regularly to assist in all aspects of their job search.
• Help craft strong CVs and disclosure letters, ensuring candidates understand the facts and disclosure obligations relating to spent and unspent convictions.
• Check that candidates have the correct Right to Work documentation and arrange replacement birth certificates and National Insurance letters where required.
• Book candidates onto relevant training courses with third-party providers, including CSCS cards, HGV driver training and renewable energy qualifications.
• Encourage and support candidates in their own job search activity, including teaching them how to use online job boards and complete application forms.
• Submit candidates for vacancies with our inclusive employer partners and proactively identify additional opportunities on their behalf.
• Organise interviews, ensuring candidates have suitable interview clothing and the financial means to travel to interviews where required.
• Follow up immediately after interviews, helping candidates process outcomes, manage expectations and rebuild confidence if unsuccessful.
• Confirm job starts with both candidate and employer, ensuring candidates have access to any required workwear and travel-to-work support.
• Offer practical assistance as needed, including food parcels, hygiene packs, pre-loaded SIM cards, clothing and utility top-ups.

2. New Employer Engagement

Expanding our network of employers to generate a regular flow of job opportunities and enable more candidates to move into work.

This requires new business development and excellent relationship management. You will identify the roles most sought after by our candidates and focus on employers who demonstrate agility and responsiveness in their hiring processes. Contacts are likely to include business owners, divisional managers and site supervisors rather than social value or EDI teams.

You will:

• Proactively approach local employers advertising roles that match the skills and experience of current candidates, with the aim of securing interviews and recruitment instructions.
• Approach organisations that are not currently recruiting but are likely to offer suitable opportunities in the future.
• Maintain and develop a database of active and prospective employers.
• Take ownership of specific sectors or geographical areas in consultation with colleagues to maximise reach and avoid duplication.
• Visit employers to explain our services, answer questions about employing people with convictions and gain a thorough understanding of the workplace environment.
• Select and submit suitable candidates, advocating for each individual based on your knowledge of their strengths, achievements and progress.
• Positively challenge employer concerns where appropriate and advocate for fair consideration of candidates.
• Disclose offending history and risk profiles appropriately, highlighting personal attributes and workplace strengths while guiding employers through the recruitment process in partnership with the candidate.

3. In-Work Support

Supporting candidates to sustain employment for up to one year after starting work.

Maintaining employment is a key part of the journey. Newly employed candidates, particularly recent prison leavers, can face a range of practical, emotional and lifestyle challenges. The strongest chance of successfully supporting both candidate and employer comes from strong relationships built on trust, honesty and confidence.

You will:

• Advise employers on successfully onboarding new employees during their first weeks and months in work.
• Help employers understand and accommodate any additional support needs, such as housing transitions, medical appointments or probation requirements.
• Be aware of and proactively manage issues relating to media attention around previous convictions, including advising on measures to protect privacy and reputation where appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with candidates during their first 12 months in employment through phone calls, meetings and ongoing mentoring support.
• Record all candidate and employer interactions, progress and outcomes on the Itris recruitment CRM database.

This is a non-exhaustive list of tasks and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the charity.

Our Interview Process

This vacancy will close on 6th September, with applications being shortlisted on 7th September.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the first stage of our interview process on Wednesday 9th September, between 4:30pm and 7pm, at our new offices in Preston.

We want our recruitment process to give you the opportunity to get to know The Recruitment Junction (TRJ) just as much as it allows us to get to know you.

The evening will begin with an introduction to TRJ from our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to hear more about who we are, our values. the work we do and what it is like to be part of our team. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions in an open audience environment, allowing you to find out more about TRJ, our work and our organisation. Refreshments will also be provided.

You will then have a short, informal, face-to-face conversation with one of our hiring managers. This is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for us to learn a little more about you, while also giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether TRJ is somewhere you would like to continue pursuing a career.

Following the first-stage event, we will invite successful candidates for a formal final interview.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 6th September
• Shortlisting: 7th September
• Stage One – Recruitment Evening: Wednesday 9th September, 4:30-7pm
• Stage Two – Formal Final Interview: TBC within two weeks

We hope this approach creates a welcoming and informal first stage, giving you a genuine opportunity to learn more about TRJ, meet members of our team and decide whether we are a fit for each other.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to join NEYDL’s growing team and help us establish and develop our work with young dads in Tees Valley.

As a Senior Young Dads Worker, you will provide direct, intensive support to young dads across Tees Valley, working with some of the most disadvantaged young men in the region. You will manage your own caseload, lead peer support activity, work in close partnership with Family Hubs, social care and other local services, and take a lead role in ensuring every young dad you work with is effectively supported from first contact through to positive outcomes.

This is a senior role with real responsibility. Alongside direct delivery, you will take ownership of your project budget, contribute to funder reporting, supervise junior staff and/or volunteers, and develop a designated area of specialism agreed with the senior leadership team. You will be part of a close, supportive team and will play an active role in shaping how NEYDL grows its presence in Tees Valley.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with experience of working with disadvantaged young people or young families in a direct support role, ideally in a statutory or voluntary sector context. You will be confident working independently and managing a complex caseload, and you will understand the challenges facing young dads and the systems they navigate.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from individuals with local knowledge of Tees Valley communities, and from people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel

Job purpose

To provide high-quality, intensive support to young dads and expectant fathers (aged 25 and under) across Tees Valley; to lead and coordinate peer support activity; to manage allocated budgets and contribute to funder reporting; and to take an active role in the development of NEYDL’s commissioned services in the region.

Key responsibilities

1. Direct support

• Provide in-person and online 1-to-1 support to young dads and non-birthing people, helping them address key challenges and achieve personal outcomes
• Assess new referrals and manage a complex caseload, prioritising according to need and risk
• Support young dads to attend key meetings with professionals (including child protection, child in need, family court and multi-agency forums)
• Help young dads to access wider opportunities including volunteering, employment, education and community activities
• Support young dads and their families to engage in father and child activities, stay and play sessions, and peer supported recreational activities
• Promote and support access to DigiDAD, NEYDL’s free e-learning platform, and other training and information resources

2. Peer support and group work

• Establish, coordinate and co-facilitate in-person peer support groups for young dads in Tees Valley
• Support the development and delivery of parenting, relationship skills and employability sessions in response to community-identified needs
• Support peer moderated video gaming groups as part of DigiDAD Gaming where relevant

3. Induction, onboarding and milestones

• Ensure every young dad is effectively inducted onto the NEYDL service, completing key onboarding steps and baseline self-evaluation measures
• Track and record progress against key milestones throughout the support journey, in line with NEYDL’s evaluation framework
• Ensure all relevant data is recorded accurately and on time in NEYDL’s data management system

4. Budget and targets

• Take ownership of allocated project budgets, monitoring expenditure and liaising with the Programme Manager (Commissioned Services) and Finance Officer as required
• Work proactively to achieve agreed referral rate targets, taking responsibility for building pathways and relationships that generate consistent referrals
• Contribute to the preparation of funder reports under the oversight of the Programme Manager and Fundraiser, providing accurate data and case study material

5. Specialism

• Take on a designated area of specialism within NEYDL, agreed with the Senior Leadership Team (for example, volunteering, safeguarding or environmental programmes)
• Take a lead role within the team in relation to your specialism, contributing expertise and supporting colleagues

6. Management of staff and volunteers

• Line manage junior staff, project workers and/or volunteers as required
• Support staff and volunteers with operational queries and day-to-day delivery
• Contribute to the induction, supervision and professional development of staff and volunteers
• Support the recruitment and progression of young dads into volunteering roles, including as DigiDAD content creators, peer researchers, DADvocates, AmbassaDADS and community leaders

7. Monitoring and evaluation

• Support the effective recording, monitoring and reporting of programme performance via NEYDL’s data management system and evaluation framework
• Comply with all monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements, both internal and funder-related
• Support the work of NEYDL’s research partners and independent evaluators as required

8. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work in partnership with key stakeholders in Tees Valley to improve the service offer for young dads, including Family Hub teams, social care, health, housing, education and voluntary sector organisations
• Build referral pathways and maintain strong working relationships with local services and networks
• Develop and build effective relationships with principal stakeholders, supporters and referral partners

9. Advocacy and engagement

• Represent NEYDL at external events and meetings to raise awareness of the service and influence other organisations
• Promote, campaign and advocate with and on behalf of young men, ensuring NEYDL continues to be a leading voice for positive change
• Work proactively to enable young dads to influence the design and delivery of the service, including supporting their participation in community leadership programmes
• Support the charity’s communications and engagement activity, including contributing content to annual reports, social media and local media

10. Other

• Deputise for the Programme Managers as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment

This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to join NEYDL’s growing team and help us establish and develop our work with young dads in Sunderland.

As a Senior Young Dads Worker, you will provide direct, intensive support to young dads across Sunderland, working with some of the most disadvantaged young men in the region. You will manage your own caseload, lead peer support activity, work in close partnership with Family Hubs, social care and other local services, and take a lead role in ensuring every young dad you work with is effectively supported from first contact through to positive outcomes.

This is a senior role with real responsibility. Alongside direct delivery, you will take ownership of your project budget, contribute to funder reporting, supervise junior staff and/or volunteers, and develop a designated area of specialism agreed with the senior leadership team. You will be part of a close, supportive team and will play an active role in shaping how NEYDL grows its presence in Sunderland.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with experience of working with disadvantaged young people or young families in a direct support role, ideally in a statutory or voluntary sector context. You will be confident working independently and managing a complex caseload, and you will understand the challenges facing young dads and the systems they navigate.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from individuals with local knowledge of Sunderland communities, and from people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel

Job purpose

To provide high-quality, intensive support to young dads and expectant fathers (aged 25 and under) across Sunderland; to lead and coordinate peer support activity; to manage allocated budgets and contribute to funder reporting; and to take an active role in the development of NEYDL’s commissioned services in the region.

Key responsibilities

1. Direct support

• Provide in-person and online 1-to-1 support to young dads and non-birthing people, helping them address key challenges and achieve personal outcomes
• Assess new referrals and manage a complex caseload, prioritising according to need and risk
• Support young dads to attend key meetings with professionals (including child protection, child in need, family court and multi-agency forums)
• Help young dads to access wider opportunities including volunteering, employment, education and community activities
• Support young dads and their families to engage in father and child activities, stay and play sessions, and peer supported recreational activities
• Promote and support access to DigiDAD, NEYDL’s free e-learning platform, and other training and information resources

2. Peer support and group work

• Establish, coordinate and co-facilitate in-person peer support groups for young dads in Sunderland
• Support the development and delivery of parenting, relationship skills and employability sessions in response to community-identified needs
• Support peer moderated video gaming groups as part of DigiDAD Gaming where relevant

3. Induction, onboarding and milestones

• Ensure every young dad is effectively inducted onto the NEYDL service, completing key onboarding steps and baseline self-evaluation measures
• Track and record progress against key milestones throughout the support journey, in line with NEYDL’s evaluation framework
• Ensure all relevant data is recorded accurately and on time in NEYDL’s data management system

4. Budget and targets

• Take ownership of allocated project budgets, monitoring expenditure and liaising with the Programme Manager (Commissioned Services) and Finance Officer as required
• Work proactively to achieve agreed referral rate targets, taking responsibility for building pathways and relationships that generate consistent referrals
• Contribute to the preparation of funder reports under the oversight of the Programme Manager and Fundraiser, providing accurate data and case study material

5. Specialism

• Take on a designated area of specialism within NEYDL, agreed with the Senior Leadership Team (for example, volunteering, safeguarding or environmental programmes)
• Take a lead role within the team in relation to your specialism, contributing expertise and supporting colleagues

6. Management of staff and volunteers

• Line manage junior staff, project workers and/or volunteers as required
• Support staff and volunteers with operational queries and day-to-day delivery
• Contribute to the induction, supervision and professional development of staff and volunteers
• Support the recruitment and progression of young dads into volunteering roles, including as DigiDAD content creators, peer researchers, DADvocates, AmbassaDADS and community leaders

7. Monitoring and evaluation

• Support the effective recording, monitoring and reporting of programme performance via NEYDL’s data management system and evaluation framework
• Comply with all monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements, both internal and funder-related
• Support the work of NEYDL’s research partners and independent evaluators as required

8. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work in partnership with key stakeholders in Sunderland to improve the service offer for young dads, including Family Hub teams, social care, health, housing, education and voluntary sector organisations
• Build referral pathways and maintain strong working relationships with local services and networks
• Develop and build effective relationships with principal stakeholders, supporters and referral partners

9. Advocacy and engagement

• Represent NEYDL at external events and meetings to raise awareness of the service and influence other organisations
• Promote, campaign and advocate with and on behalf of young men, ensuring NEYDL continues to be a leading voice for positive change
• Work proactively to enable young dads to influence the design and delivery of the service, including supporting their participation in community leadership programmes
• Support the charity’s communications and engagement activity, including contributing content to annual reports, social media and local media

10. Other

• Deputise for the Programme Managers as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment

This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.

Salary: £38,000 FTE 
Contract: Permanent 
Working pattern: Full-time; 39 hours p/w 
Location: HMP Brixton, HMP Downview, HMP Send, The Clink Cafe in Herne Hill and the South East 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ABOUT THE CLINK CHARITY

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, rehabilitation, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community, by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.

What makes The Clink unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that rehabilitates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine dining restaurant open to the public in HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Earlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also and additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumini on front of house ats some of the best venues in London including the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse.  . In 2024, across 218 events, The Clink fed 36,000 people.

More information can be found on our website and social media channels.

JOB PURPOSE

The Reintegration and Employment Lead (Prisons & Through the Gate) is responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality reintegration and employment support across multiple prison establishments and into the community, as well as across our youth projects.

This is a visible operational leadership role, working across a portfolio of prisons to ensure individuals are supported to leave custody with realistic employment opportunities, coordinated Through the Gate support and the practical tools they need to secure and sustain meaningful employment post-release.

The role also supports our youth café projects in South London and Guildford, working alongside Chef Trainers and Youth Support Workers to ensure that young people at risk of offending are supported to progress into further education, employment or training following graduation from the programme.

You will lead and develop a geographically dispersed team of Support and Employment Workers, building strong relationships with prison governors, prison staff, probation, employers and community partners to ensure a consistent, high-quality service across all locations. By providing effective leadership, driving continuous improvement and maintaining the highest professional standards, you will help people build positive futures through education, training and employment, contributing to reduced offending and reoffending and safer communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership 

· Provide visible operational leadership across multiple prison establishments and community locations, ensuring a consistent, high-quality employment and reintegration service.

· Lead, motivate and develop a geographically dispersed team of Support and Employment Workers delivering support both within prisons, post-release and across our youth projects.

· Create a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture through coaching,

supervision, mentoring and regular one-to-one support.

· Manage workloads, resources and priorities across multiple sites to ensure services remain responsive to operational needs.

· Conduct regular quality assurance, case reviews and performance discussions to maintain high standards of practice.

· Report to the Head of Training and Impact and the wider SLT on the delivery and impact of the Reintegration and Employment team, ensuring they are kept informed of performance, outcomes and the impact of interventions.

Through the Gate Delivery 

· Lead the delivery of an effective Through the Gate service, ensuring seamless continuity of employment support from custody into the community.

· Work closely with prison teams to embed employment planning throughout an individual's custodial journey.

· Ensure every participant has a realistic and personalised employment plan that continues beyond release.

· Oversee effective release planning and handover arrangements so individuals are connected with employers, probation, mentors and community services immediately following release.

· Identify and help remove barriers to employment, including housing, benefits, transport, digital inclusion, health and wellbeing.

Youth Project Delivery 

· Lead the delivery of high-quality support and progression pathways for young people participating in our youth café projects in South London and Guildford.

· Work closely with Chef Trainers and Youth Support Workers to ensure each young person receives coordinated support throughout their programme and is prepared for progression following graduation.

· Ensure every participant has a realistic and personalised progression plan, focused on further education, employment or training and reflecting their individual aspirations, skills and circumstances.

· Oversee effective transition arrangements at the end of the programme, connecting young people with employers, education and training providers, mentors and other appropriate community support.

· Identify and help address barriers to successful progression, working with colleagues and external partners to ensure young people can access the practical and personal support they need.

· Monitor progression and sustained outcomes following graduation, ensuring the impact of the youth programmes is captured and opportunities for improvement are identified.

Employer and Partnership Development

· Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to secure meaningful employment opportunities for prison leavers and young people progressing from our youth programmes.

· Develop productive partnerships with HMPPS, Probation, prison governors, prison employment leads, local authorities, education and training providers and voluntary sector organisations.

· Represent the organisation confidently across prison establishments and community settings, adapting delivery to local operational requirements while maintaining consistent service standards.

· Promote the benefits of inclusive employment and encourage employers to create opportunities for people who may face barriers to entering the workplace.

Performance and Service Improvement 

· Monitor and manage performance against contractual KPIs, organisational objectives and progression and employment outcome targets.

· Analyse performance data to identify trends, improve delivery and maximise sustained progression and employment outcomes.

· Prepare accurate reports for senior managers, commissioners and funders as required. Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, sharing best practice across all areas of service delivery.

· Ensure participant records and case management systems are maintained accurately and in a timely manner.

Safeguarding, Risk and Compliance 

· Ensure full compliance with HMPPS requirements, safeguarding procedures, organisational policies and relevant legislation across both custodial and community settings.

· Ensure that safeguarding practice reflects the different needs and requirements ofadults and children, with particular regard to the enhanced safeguarding responsibilities associated with working with young people under the age of 18.

· Ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are embedded within the youth projects, working closely with Support Workers and other colleagues to identify concerns, manage risk and escalate or refer safeguarding issues appropriately.

· Promote a culture of professional accountability, confidentiality, appropriate professional boundaries and safe working practices across all areas of service delivery.

· Identify, assess and manage operational and safeguarding risks, escalating concerns promptly and appropriately.

· Ensure the safe handling of sensitive information in accordance with UK GDPR, data protection requirements and organisational policies.

· Maintain an up-to-date understanding of prison security procedures and ensure these are consistently applied across all establishments.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience 

· Significant experience of supporting prison leavers, young people at risk of offending, or individuals facing complex barriers to achieve positive and sustainable employment, education or training outcomes.

· Demonstrable experience of delivering or managing Through the Gate, reintegration, employability, youth or similarly complex support programmes.

· Proven experience of successfully leading and developing geographically dispersed or multisite teams.

· Experience of working across multiple prison establishments or similarly complex operational environments.

· Experience of working effectively with young people with complex or multiple needs, including those at risk of offending or disengagement from education, employment or training.

· Experience of building effective partnerships with HMPPS, Probation, employers, education and training providers, local authorities and community organisations.

· Experience of managing services against contractual KPIs, performance targets and outcome measures.

· Experience of using performance data to improve operational delivery and achieve measurable outcomes.

· Experience of quality assurance, case management oversight and continuous service improvement.

Knowledge 

· Strong understanding of the criminal justice system, reintegration and resettlement.

· Good understanding of the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from custody into employment and the barriers that can prevent successful resettlement.

· Good understanding of the challenges faced by young people at risk of offending or disengagement, and the support required to enable successful progression into education, employment or training.

· Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and professional boundaries, including the different safeguarding requirements associated with working with adults and children under the age of 18.

· Understanding of employer engagement, inclusive recruitment practices and the barriers faced by people who may be disadvantaged in the labour market.

· Awareness of employment, education and training pathways and relevant labour market opportunities. 

Skills and Competencies 

· An inspiring and supportive leader who motivates others to deliver excellent outcomes.

· Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with prison staff, young people, employers, commissioners and partner agencies.

· Excellent coaching and people management skills.

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple locations and areas of service delivery.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication appropriately for different audiences.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, using evidence and sound judgement to make informed decisions.

· Confident in the use of Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.

· Able to work independently while managing a complex and varied operational workload.

Personal Qualities 

· Passionate about reintegration and creating opportunities for people to make lasting positive change.

· Committed to improving outcomes for prison leavers, young people at risk of offending and others who have experienced disadvantage.

· Able to build trust and rapport while maintaining clear and appropriate professional boundaries.

· Highly professional, resilient and personally accountable.

· Calm and adaptable when working in challenging and changing operational environments.

· Collaborative, approachable and committed to supporting colleagues to succeed.

· Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both employment and service delivery.

Additional Requirements 

· This is a highly visible operational leadership role requiring regular travel between prison establishments across the Home Counties, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, as well as our youth projects in South London and Guildford.

· The successful candidate will be expected to spend a significant proportion of their working week on site, either within prison establishments or at our youth projects, building relationships with local teams, supporting staff, engaging with employers and partners, and maintaining a strong operational presence across the service.

· The post holder must be able to meet the security clearance requirements necessary to work within HM Prison establishments.

· A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable, or the ability to travel efficiently between locations.

REPORTING LINES AND MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS

You will report directly to the Head of Training and Impact, THE Executive Leadership Team, but also work closely with Operations team in the prisons and related Clink project leads in the community.

GENERAL CLINK CHARITY INFORMATION

All staff are expected to:

· Comply with all current legislation

· Comply with all prison operational policies

· Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook

· Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Special Requirements:

· You must pass prison security vetting process to be able to draw keys.

· Must have a valid driving license.

Benefits:

· 28 day holiday plus bank holidays

· Company pension scheme

· Free meals on duty when based in a restaurant or visiting for business

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell at our HR Consultants Solution22 via this job posting.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Monday 31 August at 0900.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

References

If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with thedetails of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made. All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to The Clink Charity, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).

Personal information

The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how The Clink Charity will deal with the personal and sensitive datayou have provided in your application form and supporting information.

 EDI

We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. In addition, as this role works directly with people in prison and those at risk of offending, those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Accessible recruitment

The Clink Charity is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview, or appointment stage, please make us aware in your application.