Head of youth development jobs

Voyage is seeking a part‑time, income‑focused and results‑driven Head of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help secure long‑term, diversified investment for our youth leadership programmes, with a particular emphasis on trusts and foundations, business development and strategic partnerships in the CSR youth, heritage and environmental space.

We are therefore seeking an experience professional who has a great production understanding of the role fund raising plays in shaping applications and grants. We therefore seek someone who can equally sit across trusts and foundations, business development and partnership building and help Voyage move from “opportunity‑led” to strategic, long‑term income growth.

The Senior Organisational Development Manager is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of organisational development strategies and programmes to foster a high-performing culture, improve employee engagement, and support the achievement of strategic business goals. 

This role involves partnering with senior leadership, identifying organisational needs, and developing innovative solutions to complex challenges related to structure, processes, leadership, and talent. 

This role is not open to sponsorship.

Staff benefits include shuttle bus, and more… Read more below.

Role Requirements

• Lead strategic OD initiatives that build leadership capability, drive cultural change, and support talent development as part of the organisation’s 2030 Strategy.
• Establish an organisational EDI framework with clear priorities, metrics and governance.
• Continue to embed and further develop the organisational Wellbeing strategy and embed practises that support emotional resilience.
• Champion EDI and Wellbeing initiatives, ensuring these are integral to the OD Plan and embedded in the Workforce Strategy.
• Lead the design and implementation of a trauma-informed, psychologically safe organisational culture.
• Develop frameworks for staff engagement, inclusion, and psychological safety to create a wider positive and high-performing culture.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to shape organisational behaviours, leadership styles, and decision-making that reflect our mission and values.
• Undertake diagnostics analysis to identify cultural, behavioural and capability gaps and develop/ implement a plan to address.
• Drive cultural alignment and leadership cohesion following organisational change, ensuring leaders are equipped to model values, foster collaboration, and lead change effectively across all directorates.
• Design and deliver leadership development programmes that equip leaders to inspire, manage change, and drive organisational success.
• Ensure the fulfilment of current and future commitments to the Leadership Development programme ensuring that our leaders are equipped with the tools they need to drive the organisation forward together with inspiring their individual teams.
• Support succession planning and talent pipelines, ensuring future leadership capability and culture aligns with strategic priorities.
• Provide sound recommendations and strategic direction on learning, career and leadership development, across the organisation based on observation of best practice externally.
• Oversee the Apprenticeship Scheme and core training programmes, ensuring alignment with workforce growth and retention goals.
• Manage the central training budget, ensuring efficient delivery of mandatory and developmental training.
• Continuously review induction and learning programmes, adapting content and processes to meet evolving organisational needs and cultural development.
• Drive organisational initiatives aimed at achieving elevated professional standards and qualifications.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Terms and Conditions

Strictly no agencies, please.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as Linked In. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

The Outward Bound Trust’s mission is to inspire young people to believe in themselves and achieve more than they ever thought possible. For over 80 years, we have been transforming lives through outdoor learning and adventure, helping young people from all backgrounds develop resilience, confidence, and leadership skills. Every year, we reach thousands of young people, working closely with schools, local authorities, and community groups to provide experiences that truly change lives.

We are a collaborative, forward-thinking charity that values creativity, inclusivity, and impact. Joining us means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of young people across the UK.

The Role
Reporting to the Head of Development (New Business & Philanthropy) and working closely with our Development Managers, the Development Executive will play a crucial role in generating new income opportunities for the Trust. You will research, identify, and qualify prospects across corporates, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals. Using tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Dynamics CRM, and wider sector insight, you’ll build a strong, insight-led pipeline of opportunities that support our mission.

This is an excellent opportunity if you are proactive, organised, and eager to grow your experience in business development or fundraising. You will see the direct impact of your work, helping to secure the resources that allow young people to thrive.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Researching and mapping new corporate, trust/foundation, and HNWI prospects aligned with our mission.

• Supporting Development Managers by qualifying leads and preparing briefing packs, proposals, and tailored pitch materials.

• Coordinating research, logistics, and follow-ups for meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

• Maintaining accurate, GDPR-compliant data in the CRM system, tracking all approaches, communications, and outcomes.

• Producing insights and reports to inform strategy and pipeline management.

• Collaborating with Marketing & Communications, Programme Delivery, and Evaluation & Impact teams to ensure proposals are compelling and supported by robust evidence.

• Contributing to the creation of innovative approaches to engage new partners and donors.

This Job Is For You If…

• You’re motivated by creating opportunities that make a real difference in young people’s lives.

• You have strong research and analytical skills and are confident in using digital tools for prospecting and data management.

• You enjoy building relationships and working collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• You are highly organised, able to manage multiple projects, and have an eye for detail.

• You are enthusiastic about learning and developing your career in business development or fundraising.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in fundraising, business development, or sales, particularly in the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience contributing to income targets and producing marketing or proposal materials.

• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection in fundraising.

What We Offer

• 24 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by 1 day per year to a maximum of 30.

• Life Assurance: 3x salary, from day one, including Employee Assistance Helpline.

• Long-term disability insurance, health cash plan, and personal accident cover.

• Pension scheme with auto-enrolment after three months.

• 8 weeks’ sick pay at full salary in any 12 months.

• Staff bursaries, childcare vouchers, Berghaus uniform items, and discounts.

Deadline: Monday 5th January 2025
First Interviews: Wednesday 7th – Friday 9th January 2025
Second Interviews: Wednesday 14th January 2025

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

This is a fantastic opportunity to build and grow Molly Rose Foundation's lived engagement and youth programmes, and to push for a safer online world driven by the needs and perspectives of lived experience.

Working at the intersect of tech accountability, online safety and suicide prevention, Molly Rose Foundation was founded following the death of 14-year old Molly Russell.

Today we’re committed to building and amplifying the voices of those with lived experiences of online harm – and to challenging government, regulators and tech firms to listen to and act decisively on what they have to say.

MRF is grounded in youth and lived experience, and we will always ensure the lessons of Molly's death act as a catalyst for positive change. You’ll help us maintain and grow our networks to build and amplify the voices of youth, bereaved parents and young people directly impacted by harms, and have a track record in working in partnership across the sector.

As Lived Engagement and Youth Manager you'll build strong internal and external relationships and ensure lived experience and youth runs through everything we do.

You'll manage day-to-day relationships with youth and lived experience advocates and have a strong focus on safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.

This is a rare opportunity to build a lived experience programme that really counts. We’re looking for an exceptional individual who’s motivated by the chance to really make a difference. Your work will help to ensure that tomorrow’s young people live long and stay strong.

MRF is committed to flexible working and we know that a diverse team makes us stronger. While we are recruiting for a full-time position, we will actively consider part-time and flexible working requests.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter, no more than two sides each, to apply for this role. Please refrain from overly relying on AI in your application. 

High Trees are seeking a new team member to provide full administrative and programme support to the Research & Impact team. You will be joining us at an exciting time as High Trees continues to grow the reach and scale of our research and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful and proactive individual to work within a small, collaborative and dynamic team in a varied role. You will be passionate about ensuring that the voices of the communities that we work with remain at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

This role is central to supporting the team in the day-to-day running of our service. You will be responsible for producing dynamic and impactful marketing and communications content, and providing administrative support for our research, evaluation and partnership activities and events. You will also be proactive, keeping abreast of developments and opportunities in the sector to raise the profile of our work. You will be highly organised and details-focused, a compelling communicator, and confident to take initiative.

Collaboration with colleagues is an essential part of this role and you will enjoy working with others and be a valued partner, peer and colleague. Supporting the Head of Community Research and Impact and the wider team, you will actively contribute to delivering and shaping our service. You will need to be highly responsive to the needs of colleagues, service users, partners, and be able to provide practical solutions for a range of situations. This is an entry-level post, and you will be encouraged and supported to grow and develop your skills and expertise across a range of areas.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated fundraising professional to oversee corporate partnerships and individual giving, embedding the corporate and individual giving journey into all aspects of ERIC’s communications, and broadening the charity’s approach to donor stewardship to treat all service users and website visitors as future donors. You will also oversee all ERIC’s external and internal communications including our website, social media and PR.

As part of ERIC’s Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategic planning, policy and decision-making across the whole organisation. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for ERIC’s fundraising and communications team. You will play a pivotal role in maximising supporter-led fundraising income, ensuring every supporter has a positive experience and feels inspired to continue supporting ERIC.

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, and a Senior leadership team member you will be responsible for implementing ERIC’s overall strategy. Our primary strategic objective in this area is to build our corporate and individual donor base, and you will use user data, stewardship strategy, website user experience, social media, segmented email and online service design to deliver this.

You will work closely with the CEO and provide effective line-management for two staff, and you will work with contractors and freelancers who provide social media support, videography and web development services etc.

ERIC’s reputation is built on providing families and professionals with health information that is accurate, up-to-date, clearly written and accessible. You will work with our team of qualified and experienced staff to ensure that robust systems are in place for checking and approving all the health information that ERIC publishes.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, ERIC offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 25 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays per year), rising one day per year as a long service reward up to a max of 5 days.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing resources
• 3% Employer Pension contribution
• Living Wage Accredited Employer

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital training programmes and other training as required by the role.

Leading UK drug education charity the DSM Foundation is recruiting a Head of Business and Organisational Development to join their senior management team. This role involves working with the Director and Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to the DSMF team on all aspects of organisational and business development with a long-term income growth strategy, and alongside the Head of Operations and Head of Education and Engagement, to ensure that DSMF is a well-managed and successful charity with a clear strategic vision. 

Suitable candidates will:

• Be passionate about supporting young people to make safer choices about drugs and alcohol.
• Have experience of strategy development and delivery, business and work stream development and income generation.
• Have a deep understanding of finance and market conditions.
• Be experienced in managing projects and performance.
• Be skilled in organisational development and people management.

Key information:

The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation is a drug and alcohol education charity, founded by Fiona and Tim Spargo-Mabbs in 2014 in response to the death of their 16-year-old son Dan having taken ecstasy. The charity aims to support young people to make safe choices and reduce harm, through increasing their understanding of the effects and risks of drugs and alcohol, and improving their life skills & resilience. They work with young people, parents, teachers and professionals, in schools, colleges and communities across the UK.

This role will be primarily based in the DSMF office with some opportunities for remote working.

Closing date for applications: 20th January 2026

Shortlisting: Week beginning 26th January 2026

Interviews: 23rd February 2026

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is one of the UK’s largest independent grant-making foundations. We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and lead fulfilling, creative lives.

Contract: Fixed-term contract – 18 months
Hours: Full-time post, 35 hours per week
Salary: c. £54,000 per annum
Location: London / Hybrid (40% of time in our central London offices)

Role Overview

We are seeking a mission-driven senior leader to shape and deliver our work supporting young people across the UK.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will shape and drive the Foundation’s grant-making strategy in support of young people, ensuring our funding delivers systemic change and champions youth-led approaches. You will lead the Youth Fund and related initiatives, setting direction, overseeing grant-making, and influencing practice across the youth sector.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will lead the strategic development, direction and delivery of the Foundation’s Youth Fund and related initiatives. You will oversee grant-making, champion youth-led practice, and influence sector-wide learning and collaboration.

Reporting to the Director of Grants, you will have direct responsibility for a high-performing team composed of two Grants Managers and one Grants Assistant. You will oversee the strategic development and delivery of the Youth Fund and Follow-on Fund, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and best practices in youth-focused grant-making.

You will work closely with funded organisations, trustees, advisors, and sector partners to strengthen their impact, embed learning, and ensure our funding supports long-term systemic change.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, values-led leader with:

• Significant experience in the youth, charity or civil society sector, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people.
• Deep knowledge of youth policy and practice, and the ability to translate that insight into impactful funding and support for organisations.
• Proven expertise in grant-making, including assessment, due diligence, monitoring and learning.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to develop and motivate teams and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• A track record of working in partnership with funded organisations and sector stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

Here at SJT we have long recognised that our role needs to extend beyond simply the provision of entertainment. We firmly believe that culture and creativity bring people together; that the act of sharing stories and experiences helps to build communities; and that, through this collaborative approach, we can be part of helping to solve the challenges our coastal home of Scarborough faces.

We are a producing theatre, working locally, regionally and nationally. We offer a year-round programme of high-quality theatre and film, alongside a wide range of participatory work working with all ages and communities, including youth theatres, community choirs, activities for those with dementia, and schools’ workshops.

We’ve been growing audiences and participants steadily for the last four years and are now ready both to deepen that engagement and to reach out to new demographics. We want to grow our already fruitful partnership between our marketing and fundraising functions; and we want to explore wider organizational marketing, building the SJT brand locally and nationally.

Which is where you come in – a collaborative and hands-on Head of Marketing.  Whilst your experience and expertise will be important in this role, what is every bit as important to us will be your belief in our vision and purpose and your enthusiasm for what we are trying to achieve. If that sounds like you, we’d love you to get in touch.

Job Title: Head of Marketing

Line managed by: Executive Director

Line manages: Marketing Officers, Press Rep, Box Office Manager

Job Purpose

The Head of Marketing is a member of the Senior Management Team and plays a key role in the development and delivery of the company’s marketing, audience engagement and communication strategies. The Head of Marketing is responsible for the delivery of all programme campaigns, as well as working with the Joint Chief Executives on the delivery of a consistent and appropriate external message.

Key responsibilities

To be responsible for the implementation and continued development of the audience engagement strategy;

To lead on the delivery of the brand communications strategy and to work with the Joint Chief Executives on overall brand awareness;

To be responsible for the delivery of the company’s segmentation strategy and to work with the Senior Management Team to ensure a joined-up approach to audience across the organisation;

To work with the Joint Chief Executives and the Senior Management Team on the development and implementation of the digital strategy;

To commission appropriate audience research, carry out regular analysis of audience data, including digital / social analytics, and use insight gathered to help inform future campaigns, audience development and programming plans;

To oversee the effective use of SJT’s box office and CRM system including management of the relationship with Spektrix;

To set and manage sales targets and pricing strategy in consultation with the Executive Director.

Person Specification

Proven experience in delivering and developing audience engagement strategies

Proven expertise in planning and implementing audience campaigns to meet or exceed objectives

Expertise in analysing audience data and reporting on insights

Great attention to detail, with experience of proofreading and adapting campaigns to deliver in line with both strategic goals and brand guidelines

Experience in planning and implementing digital content (website, social, video etc.) to meet or exceed audience objectives

Proven ability to track and monitor the effectiveness of campaigns

Proven ability in developing and managing budgets

A love for theatre and a desire to bring people together to share experiences and stories

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development programmes, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 23:59pm

Provisional Interview Dates: 12th and 13th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Join Shaftesbury – Where every role adds up to a life well lived

We’re looking for a Head of Individual Giving to join our dynamic Fundraising and Communications team — a passionate group of people who want to make a difference. If you’re strategic, creative and driven, this is your opportunity to play a key role in Shaftesbury’s work.

At Shaftesbury, we’re more than a disability charity — we’re a team dedicated to helping children, young people and adults live full, flourishing lives. Guided by our values of being Open, Enabling, Inclusive and Courageous, we deliver personalised care and support that changes lives every day.

Please note this role does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

For the full recruitment pack and application form, please visit our website. We can only accept applications via our website portal. 

ABOUT CAUDWELL YOUTH

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.

Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.

We support at-risk young people who are care experienced, have mental health challenges, or are at risk of exploitation or offending.

WHAT WE DO

Caudwell Youth shapes young people’s futures by providing person-centred support to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme.

Our mentoring service is designed to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported. Each young person gains a trusted adult (a trained volunteer) who meets with them once a week to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.  

This year, we have supported more than 400 young people.

Our vision is to help every young person at-risk in the UK. We give young people the time, trust and support they need to shape a positive future, no matter their starting point.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To support the Deputy CEO in ensuring the effective delivery and growth of Caudwell Youth’s services.

To oversee the management of operational programmes, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for young people. To contribute to business development, leading expansion via statutory grants and contracts.

On appointment, you are expected to have significant knowledge and professional experience of your area of specialism and the ability to quickly take on significant responsibility very quickly.

KEY DUTIES

Strategic and External Leadership:

• Lead the effective delivery and development of Caudwell Youth’s programmes, in line with our strategic plan.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, and strategic partners, with support from the Deputy CEO.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities, leading on public sector bids and tenders, in line with our strategic plan
• Ensure a youth participation and evidence-based approach in all aspects of service delivery and development.

Services:

• Develop, oversee and report against Operations department budget and plans.
• Oversee operational systems, risk assessments and data to ensure services are safe, needs-led and effective.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are embedded across delivery, acting as DSL if required.
• Support and develop high-performing teams, ensuring training, appraisal, and performance management frameworks are in place.
• Ensure that all programme delivery is trauma informed and person-centred
• Oversee quality assurance processes, ensuring consistent standards across all delivery regions.
• Lead on operational compliance, including health & safety, data protection, incident reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality practice across the organisation.
• Ensure that programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively and that reporting requirements are met, working with the fundraising team as required

Business Development:

• With support from the Deputy CEO, develop plans to implement a growth strategy focused on securing statutory contracts.
• Act as a key point of contact for commissioners, local authorities, and strategic partners.
• Identify and respond to commissioning opportunities across local government (crime, education, and health sectors) in line with our strategy.
• Lead on bid writing, proposal development, and contract negotiations for statutory contracts and grants
• Work with finance and fundraising teams to create budgets, proposals and tender submissions for statutory contracts
• Be responsible for starting up and implementing new funded programmes to ensure quality in delivery
• Identify new trends, emerging needs and opportunities for partnership projects.

General:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Ensure good administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and other regulations.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

For the full job description and to make an application, please visit our website.

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development.

We activate teenagers’ confidence, optimism and skills to play their part in the world today, through performing and sharing extraordinary music.

We are looking for a Youth Support Co-ordinator to help deliver pastoral care and safeguarding across NYO’s national programme. This role is central to ensuring that young people feel happy, listened to and secure while participating in NYO activities. It blends practical organisation, careful administration and a young person-centred approach to embed NYO’s ethos into every aspect of delivery.

You will coordinate the recruitment, induction and deployment of our freelance Support Team, and provide high-quality administrative and logistical support for all youth-facing activities. You’ll be confident handling conversations with teenagers and their parents/carers, managing sensitive information with discretion, and supporting the smooth running of travel, accommodation and project logistics. You will also assist with casework administration, help deliver care plans with the NYO Nurse and project leads, and ensure accurate records in Salesforce.

This is an excellent early-career opportunity to play a key role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and development through music. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, and be a visible, supportive point of contact for young people and staff on the ground.

At the National Youth Orchestra, you'll work as part of a supportive, friendly, and adventurous staff team. Learning and personal growth are intrinsic to every role.

Our offices near Holborn in central London are a hive of activity, a space for collaboration and ideas. Hybrid working is standard for most roles, with a flexible and supportive culture. NYO offers a season ticket loan scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, health cash plan, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline.

Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 12 January 2026