Head of youth development jobs

We are looking for an experienced leader to manage a growing Evidence and Evaluation Team and lead cross-functional programmes to drive systemic improvements in youth employment outcomes.

As an experienced leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the national evidence base on what works to improve youth employment.

The role will be based within the Impact and Evidence Directorate, reporting to the Director, but with strategic responsibility for generating evidence through evaluation for maximum impact.

• You will lead a high-performing team, influence external partners, and ensure the rigour and relevance of our programmes to drive real-world change for young people across the UK.
• You will be able to identify opportunities for high quality impact evaluations using a variety of methods and stay up to date on latest evaluation developments and how they intersect with the youth employment landscape.
• You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure a ‘What Works’ approach is and remains at the heart of Youth Futures.
• You will provide intellectual leadership and co-ordinate work across specialist teams, mainly in Impact and Evidence, but also from Programmes and Grants, Policy and External Affairs, Employer Engagement and Operations.

This role can be based at any of our hubs located in Birmingham, Leeds or London. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For a full description and person spec, please download the Recruitment pack.

Lead Impactful Change as Head of Fundraising & Communications – 224 Youth Zone, South Bristol

Are you a strategic, relationship-driven fundraising leader ready to make a real difference? At 224 Youth Zone, we’re building a life-changing space for thousands of young people and we need your expertise to secure the £1.4m annual income that will make it thrive.

You'll lead our fundraising and communications strategy, manage and grow a high-performing team, and build lasting relationships with major donors and local businesses through our Founder Patron campaign. This is your chance to shape the future of a brand-new Youth Zone, diversify income streams, and inspire a movement of support across South Bristol.

If you're an ambitious, proven income generator with a passion for youth opportunity, this is your platform to lead with purpose and legacy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Generate the requisite income (c£1.4m pa) to ensure the Youth Zone operates as per the OnSide DNA.

•  Lead an effective stewardship programme to ensure the Founder Patrons, and any donors, thereafter, are retained and uplift their giving.

•  Build and lead a team of fundraisers who each have personal income targets and a clear but small set of Key Performance Indicators that guide their work.

•  Be personally responsible for a small but high level portfolio of prospects to drive a personal annual income target, c15-20 annually.

Location: Birmingham - hybrid role, 3 days a week in the office. Must also be willing to travel to other offices for celebrations as and when required.

Interviews: Face-to-face 02/06/2025

For more information, or to apply, please click 'apply now' to be directed to our website.

Are you ready to make a real impact on the lives of young people? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where every day is a chance to make a difference? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

At The King's Trust, we're on a mission to empower our young people to reach their full potential. And right now, we're on the lookout for someone who's as passionate about this mission as we are. If you're up for the challenge, join our team as a Youth Development Lead, and let's make a real difference together. As a Youth Development Lead, you'll be the driving force behind our Development Award Programmes. These programmes are all about giving young people aged 16-30 the boost they need to enhance their skills, find their path in education, training, or employment, and build a brighter future. It's not just a job; it's an opportunity to be a mentor, a guide, and a champion of change.

You'll work closely with our Outreach and Marketing colleagues and our customer service centre to ensure that young people are not only safely recruited but also engaged effectively. Your teamwork will be the driving force behind our mission.

If you've got a knack for staying organised and thriving in a fast-paced environment, this role could be perfect for you! Picture yourself as a catalyst for change, making a real impact on the lives of young people as they navigate their way through education, training, and work. Additionally, it presents an excellent opportunity for Youth Development Leads to foster meaningful connections with local colleges and organisations.

We’re also a massive advocate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion so it would be amazing if you could lead the charge in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, by implementing a local action plan that supports our big-picture EDI goals. Let's make positive change happen!

If you feel you are flexible and someone who is ready to step in wherever needed within The Trust, including deputising as necessary in activities relevant to your area of responsibility, you could be just what we are looking for.

If you're a passionate advocate for young people, have an eye for detail, and a knack for turning challenges into opportunities, we want 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 Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

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 
• 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 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Equal Opportunities 

Here at The King's Trust, we're committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives. 

We are looking for people who can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  

We’re a Stonewall Diversity Champion and we are an employer that is Disability Confident. Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).

Safeguarding 

The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks by the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!

Req ID: 3503 

Head of Development & Partnerships

Salary £55k per annum pro-rata (0.6 FTE)

React

React is a small, well regarded, charity that was established in 1989.  It provides Rapid Effective Assistance to Children with Potentially Terminal illness.

React works to give children comfort, dignity and where possible, greater independence. 

We supply essential equipment that is not available through the NHS or local authority, from specialist wheelchairs, beds, baths and mobility aids to essential everyday homecare items like pushchairs and domestic appliances.

We also provide our families with holidays and the opportunity to create special memories at our mobile homes situated across the UK. 

Since the pandemic we have moved to a fully remote / home based working model.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate, creative and innovative fundraising professional with a history of successful income generation and fundraising development.

Join us at an exciting time in our history and be part of our future as we build on our strong foundations to grow our income further, enabling us to provide greater impact.

You will be responsible for:

• · Leading income generation for the charity.
• · Creating, implementing and delivering our fundraising strategy.
• · Develop new and nurture existing relationships with funders including individuals, trusts and corporates.
• · Managing our existing fundraising activities across the charity.
• · Identifying new income streams and relationships.
• · Bringing a culture of innovation and new ideas

You will report directly to the Director who is responsible to the Trustees for the overall running of the charity. 

Salary & Hours

This part-time 3 day per week is a flexible post that can be designed to suit within normal working hours. Competitive Salary £55,000 pro rata

Location  

Although home based, the Head of Development & Partnerships will be expected to meet from time to time with major fundraisers and donors, which may occur in person or online.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria  

• · A successful track record of income generation for charities across: Charitable Trusts, Companies, Individual Giving, Major Donors.
• · A proven history of maintaining relationships with Trusts & Foundations, corporate partners & donors.
• · The ability to train, manage and motivate a team.
• · Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• · The creativity to develop and grow fundraising activities.
• · Working collaboratively and flexibly across the charity.

Desirable Criteria

• · A good understanding of marketing, PR and communications.
• · Digital and online fundraising strategies and campaigns.

Personal Attributes

• · Passion and belief in the ability of small charities to make a difference.
• · A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• · Authoritative, professional and inspirational.
• · Warmth, enthusiasm and dedication.

Head of Policy

We are looking for a Head of Policy to join the team. This critical role leads policy work with Whitehall departments and external organisations to ensure policy and spending decisions are informed by evidence.

If you want to join an impact driven organisation, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families then apply today!

Position: Head of Policy

Location: London/hybrid

Hours: 35 hours (flexible working available)

Salary: £69,700 plus generous benefits

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 8 June 2025 23:59

Interviews: 17 June 2025

The Role

Leading discussions with policy makers in central government departments and leading sector organisations, you will understand their needs, keep abreast of the current policy context and work to ensure robust evidence on effective policies, programmes, and practices is at the heart of spending and operational decisions.

You will work to:

• Ensure the research is policy relevant
• Identify policy implications from research
• Develop the organisations policy positions
• Provide evidence and advice to inform government policy development as needed.

Key tasks include:

• Lead policy influencing
• Deliver the work programme
• Team and organisational leadership.

About You

You will have in-depth understanding of key public policy and services at the national and local level, including the current local practice and delivery climate in local authorities – particularly relating to children’s services – as well as exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills

You will have experience of:

• Working in a policy environment in government, a national charity or think tank to secure change within national government and other national organisations
• Translating complex academic evidence accurately and rigorously to create effective outputs that meet a variety of needs
• Working with What Works evidence standards and how to apply them practically to achieve impact 
• Building effective high-level relationships to secure change within national government and other national organisations.

The Organisation

This is a great place to work, where everyone is high performing and where together everyone can achieve impact that makes a real difference for vulnerable children and families. Focussing on using and championing high-quality evidence, working directly with government and local leaders, the team provide practical solutions and encourage change. This is an organisation with ambitious aims and people are essential to its success.

Some of the great benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave, plus one extra day off for your birthday,paid bank holidays, and up to three can be switched for religious observance
• Up to five days carers’ leave, in a 12-month period, three days paid
• Paid compassionate leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced parental leave and pay
• 6% employer and 3% employee contribution. No limit on any additional employee contributions made via auto enrolment.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 counselling, legal & information line
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP
• Mental health support
• Life cover at x4 annual salary
• Bike to work scheme.

The organisation values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees. People are at the heart of what does, and it’s vital that the workforce reflects the diversity of stakeholders and the wider society in the UK. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities and offer excellent salaries, learning and development opportunities and a great office location situated in the heart of St James’. The team works in a hybrid and flexible way and recognises the importance of a good work-life balance.

You may have experience in other areas or roles such as: policy; research; research and policy; policy and Influencing; Head of Policy; Head of Research; Head of Research and Policy; Head of Policy and Influencing; Director of Policy; Director of Research; Director of Research and Policy; Director of Policy and Influencing. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Deputy Head of Youth Work

The Deputy Head of Youth Work (Targeted & Partnerships) is a crucial role sitting within the Youth Zone Delivery Team. Reporting to the Head of Youth Work, you will be responsible for closely supporting the co-ordination, planning and delivery of an exceptional seven day per week youth offer within a state-of-the-art multi-million-pound centre.

If you have a passion for putting young people first, then we want to hear from you!

Position: Deputy Head of Youth Work (Targeted & Partnerships)

Location: London W12 7TF

Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Friday 23rd May 2025

About the Role

Through line management of your team and in collaboration with partners, you will ensure that the Youth Zone is accessed by all young people who need it the most. You will oversee community engagement outreach as part of the delivery ensuring the organisation continues to have a strong reputation and there remains a good awareness of the offer.

You will also be accountable for ensuring strong evidence of effective performance in line with vision, mission, values, and strategic objectives and that the team are afforded continuing professional development opportunities. You will need to be a big voice within a large team, owning and demonstrating a strong ethos, commitment, and dedication to improving the lives of children and young people and uniting them to fulfil their full potential. You will be confident in your abilities and able to deputise effectively for our Head of Youth Work as and when required. You will also be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Key responsibilities include:

• Line management of Female Engagement, Employability, Inclusion Coordinator and Outreach

• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all sessions including restricted-funding projects 

• Ensure the quality of the youth work offer across all direct report areas meet the standards of the organisation 

• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships

• Manage one off projects, events and promotional activities 

• Identify suitable restricted-funding projects 

• Support, and in some cases manage, targeted projects as and when they come up, including budget management, and ensuring full monitoring and evaluation compliance

• Ensure that overall programme participation targets are consistently met

• Oversee budget lines of direct reports

• Work with the Head of Youth Work to prepare rotas 

• Working alongside the Head of Youth Work to ensure programmes are structured effectively and safely

• Lead sessions when required (usually this will be to cover annual leave or other staff absence)

• Produce the required reporting for Trustee and Board Sub-Committee meetings

Once you click to apply, you will be able to read the full Job Pack and scope of the role. 

About You

You will have strong safeguarding and sign posting experience and proven experience within the youth sector, including overcoming barriers to participation.

You will also have experience of:

• Successfully project managing programmes including reporting to funders on outcomes

• Working with young people

• Project management, including project design, coordination of logistics, coordination of project staff, monitoring and evaluation

• Working in partnerships with communities and organisations to improve positive outcomes of young people

• Line management

If you’re excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every requirement in the person specification, we encourage you to still apply and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable for this role. You may be just the right candidate.

About the Organisation

Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) is a London Borough of wide disparities, with an acute need for youth services. This vast difference between those living in different parts of our borough can lead to radically different life outcomes. The Youth Zone is a vital provision that will make a huge impact on the lives of young people, and on the whole borough, levelling the playing field for our young people. 

Open 7 days a week, while schools are closed - that’s evenings and weekends, plus all through the school holidays. We offer a safe and active space for young people to flourish in their leisure time, where their interests can be nurtured, and they can grow as individuals. This is a charity that the whole community can be proud of, and you can be part of that journey

As an equal opportunities’ employer, applications are welcome from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.  Our dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion at OnSide, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

The charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable groups. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. They value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

You may have experience in areas such as Youth Work, Head of Youth Work, Deputy Head of Youth Work, Director of Youth Work, Youth Work Manager, Partnerships Manager, Youth Work Partnerships Manager. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Salary: £50,000-£55,000
Contract: Permanent – Full Time
Location: Hybrid – Once per week in the London office 
Closing date: ASAP
Benefits: 25 days holiday per annum (3 days over winter break), interest-free season ticket loans, 2 volunteering days per year, 2 wellbeing days per year.

We have a great opportunity for a Head of Fundraising working for the fantastic City Year UK (CYUK), an empowering youth charity.  This is an exciting chance to grow the fundraising team, focused on securing funding from corporates, foundations and trusts. This role will report to the Director of Development and External Relations (DEE) and will work directly with the SLT.

As part of this exciting role, you will support and implement fundraising goals to sustain and grow CYUK, line manage the Development Team, and lead on new business opportunities, securing long-term financial prospects.

To be successful as the Head of Fundraising, you will need:

• Extensive experience working in a fundraising environment and demonstrable experience of developing and securing five to six-figure corporate partnerships
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and presentation skills with an ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences
• Experience in managing fundraising income budgets, forecasting and financial planning

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please call or email your interest along with your CV.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.
 

An exciting opportunity has been created for someone who is strategic, creative and passionate about youth services to work across Barnsley.  The new role will be employed by Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services but will work to develop the role, identity and strategy of Barnsley’s Youth Alliance.

Barnsley Youth Alliance currently has a membership of xx youth charities in Barnsley and they are in a pivotal period which requires the skills of a dedicated staff member to help the group navigate how they develop their constitution, their influence across Barnsley and the growth of youth services where there are gaps or barriers.  You will be responsible for coordinating the youth alliance, establishing the governance, coordinating and shaping bids for funding, designing communication methods, representing the alliance to key stakeholders and working with partners and young people to co-produce a well-rounded youth service offer for Barnsley.  You will need excellent communication and literacy skills, strong knowledge of governance and strategy and the ability to understand the needs and voices of a wide range of stakeholders.  You will be comfortable with innovative thinking, navigating political or challenging conversations and working with young people and the VCSE sector.  

This role has the potential to develop in a variety of directions.  The future of the role will be shaped by the successful applicant and the way that the alliance develops during this key period.

Position: Youth Alliance Development Manager

Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours: 30 hours per week over 4 – 5 days

Salary: £36,017 pro rata

Contract type: Fixed term, 21 month contract with potential extension pending funding

Start date: July 2025

Reportable to: Head of Partnerships

Direct reports: N/A but responsible to oversee multiple members

Employee benefits:

• 5% pension contribution
• 33 days of annual leave entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays) pro rata with incremental rises with service length
• Volunteer leave to give to a charity of your choice
• Local gym discount
• Additional annual leave between Christmas and New Year not taken from your entitlement
• Free parking
• Lots of tea, coffee, biscuits and fun

Job Title: Head of Fundraising

Location: Leamington Spa (40%-60% of working time)

Salary: £55,000 per annum

About Us: The Smallpeice Trust is an energetic and independent educational charity dedicated to addressing the shortage of engineers in the UK. We engage and inspire young people aged 8-18 to choose pathways leading to a career in engineering. Our vision is to get young people excited about STEM subjects, no matter their background, through fun, sustainable and educational activities delivered by inspiring experts and partnerships. We want to inspire the young people of today to become the changemakers of tomorrow.

Role Purpose: We are seeking a passionate and dynamic individual to lead the development and delivery of The Smallpeice Trust’s fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth from trusts, foundations and public sector sources. A natural leader and an effective communicator, the Head of Fundraising will find new and engaging ways to inspire and work with colleagues across the organisation, embedding a culture of philanthropy and external engagement that supports the Trust’s ambitious business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of the annual Fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with the wider organisational goals
• Proactively identify and pursue new funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and public sector bodies
• Lead the development and submission of large-scale funding bids (£100k+), clearly articulating the societal and organisational impact of supporting The Smallpeice Trust.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with a network of loyal partners who support The Smallpeice Trust’s mission
• Own the fundraising pipeline and lead reporting across the team, including regular updates to pipeline meetings, CEO briefings and Board reports
• Work closely with internal teams, including Content & Impact and Programme Delivery, to ensure high-quality, impact-led reporting to funders
• Provide clear leadership and support to any direct reports or cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
• Create and manage the fundraising team’s income and expenditure budget, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are effectively allocated
• Contribute to wider organisational planning and act as a strategic voice in senior-level conversations, championing income generation and external partnerships

What We’re Looking For:

• A proven track record of securing significant income from trusts, foundations and public sector funders, including six-figure grants

· Strong bid writing skills, with the ability to develop compelling cases for support tailored to different funders

· Experience developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies and meeting or exceeding ambitious income targets.

· Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across departments and working at senior levels.

· Familiarity with fundraising compliance, sector standards, and the use of CRM systems for pipeline and performance tracking.

· Ideally, experience workiing in or with education, STEM or charitable sectors

Apply Now: Join us in inspiring the next generation of engineers! For full details of the role and requirements, please download the job description below

What can we offer you?

The salary for this role is £55 000

You will start with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (which increases after 2 years). We also offer a generous pension scheme (7% employer contribution), free health care provision, death in service benefit.

We are committed to helping our team members maintain a healthy work-life balance, so offer hybrid working opportunities, with an expectation of being in the Leamington office 2-3 days each week, but this may increase slightly during busy periods.

Diversity Equality and Inclusivity Commitment

We want to seize every opportunity to build a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, making sure we best reflect the values of the Trust and the diversity of the communities we engage with. We work hard to ensure that we are making exciting opportunities available to all, and everyone feels valued, heard and respected so that they can reach their full potential.

If you feel you don't meet every requirement, please apply anyway. We are committed to supporting your growth.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview stage, please contact us.

The closing date for applications is: 25th May 2025.

First interviews will be held via MS Teams and are currently scheduled for 6th June 2025.

Any second-stage interviews will be held in person at our office in Leamington Spa.

As a children’s charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. This role will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

Please note that you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply.

Location: South Coast (You will work from home but with frequent visits and activity in Southampton & Portsmouth)

Interviews: 04/06 

For more information or to apply, please click 'apply now' to be directed to our website.

Are you ready to join The King's Trust and step into a vibrant role where you'll build meaningful connections and nurture relationships with our extraordinary external delivery partners and volunteers, all in the pursuit of connecting with the young hearts and minds we're devoted to supporting? If the answer is yes, read on!

Take the lead in welcoming, training, and expertly managing a group of delivery partners and volunteers. Your mission will be to ensure that our young people have an exceptional experience and achieve those positive outcomes that change lives. You will also be kept engaged as you’ll be required to travel within your local area to support the delivery of programmes as well as programme visits.

Assist and support our delivery partners and volunteers in bringing The Trust's programmes to life. They'll rely on you for access to training, resources, qualifications, and guidance in adhering to our top-notch quality standards. You’ll also be our compliance hero, ensuring that our delivery partners and volunteers are up to speed with all the necessary policies that keep things running smoothly. You'll be our go-to person, ready to tackle any minor concerns or issues that come our way.

Your knack for precision will shine through as you meticulously record information and data on young people, volunteers, or partners. It's all about ensuring that each step of their journey is accurately documented in our systems and aligns perfectly with the requirements of our funding contracts and is at the forefront of championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Your sheer enthusiasm and commitment will ignite some transformative action, sparking real change as we put those local plans into play and excel in achieving our EDI goals!

Do you have the creativity to facilitate best practice sharing, energise networking sessions, and throw sensational end-of-programme parties? Are you ready to step up and lead sessions with young people when the moment calls? Having a background in education or an understanding of the education system could be an advantage when joining some of our teams, it's like having an ace up your sleeve, whether you're familiar with the intricacies of the school year or you've walked in the shoes of a teacher.

If you are a strong communicator with sharp problem-solving skills and can transform ordinary moments into unforgettable events, you could be just the person we are looking for.

Expect the unexpected and embrace it. Come and be a part of our mission!

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 Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

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! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• 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 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Equal Opportunities 

Here at The King's Trust, we're committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives. 

We are looking for people who can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  

We’re a Stonewall Diversity Champion and we are an employer that is Disability Confident. Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).

Safeguarding 

The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks by the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!

Req ID: 3462 

Join us to support people-led change across the UK.

The Churchill Fellowship is a community of changemakers whose mission is to learn from the world and transform lives across the UK.

We support outstanding individuals pursuing their own vision for change in an issue where they have first-hand experience. They are driven by a personal commitment to tackle today’s key issues, to develop new solutions for their communities and sectors, and to exchange ideas throughout the UK and beyond. They work across all of today’s most pressing challenges, from protecting the environment to preventing domestic abuse, from increasing youth employment to enriching urban spaces and much more.

Collectively, they create change that reaches across the country. Every year we select over 100 new Fellows and fund them to spend up to two months discovering new approaches around the world for practical issues they care passionately about. Fellowships cover every aspect of UK life because our approach is universal, responsive and inclusive. We respond to emerging trends and challenges and our Fellowships are open to all UK adults regardless of qualifications, background or age. Fellows propose their own programmes of research and action and bring their lived or learned experience of their chosen subject.

We believe in the power and potential of individuals and prioritise people and topics that would not be funded elsewhere.

This inclusive approach gives the Fellowship a unique range and authority and has created a powerful model for change, based on real needs, frontline insight and personal dedication. It offers dynamic individuals the recognition, funding and support to pursue what is often their mission of a lifetime.

The Fellowship was created by public subscription in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill. Since then we have made almost 6000 grants to inspiring individuals who possess the passion and commitment to make a real difference. Many Fellows become knowledge leaders and influencers for the long term and continue to feel the beneficial effects of the Fellowship decades after being awarded.

The Churchill Fellowship is a community of changemakers whose mission is to learn from the world and transform lives across the UK.

The Activate Fund:

For 60 years, the Churchill Fellowship has been supporting remarkable individuals to source solutions from around the world to tackle critical issues affecting communities in the UK. The Activate Fund is an extension of the Fellowship which provides further funding and support to Fellows on their return to the UK to turn their ideas into action and achieve real and lasting change.

Purpose of the role:

This is a new role which sits within the Fellowship team and will be responsible for the re-opening of the Activate Fund in June 2026, following completion of a successful pilot. The Head of Activate will lead on all aspects of the application and award cycle and on the development of additional forms of support to enhance Fellows’ impact on society. The role will be supported by the Activate Manager, work closely with the Salesforce and Engagement teams, and alongside colleagues managing the annual Fellowship selection process.

This is a new role which is being recruited with sufficient lead-in time for the Head of Activate to be inducted into the existing processes to deliver the first year of awards, with scope to introduce new ideas to enhance the Fund’s impact from Year 2.

Key responsibilities:

Delivery of Activate

• Lead on the re-introduction of the Activate Fund; responsible for ensuring that potential applicants and relevant stakeholders understand the purpose, scope and criteria of the Fund and that all systems and processes are in place for applications to open in June 2026.
• Lead on the selection process from pre-applicant support to application, assessment and award, supported by the Activate Manager, working closely with the Salesforce team and the Comms team, and ensuring the process is aligned with TCF’s EDI values and strategic priorities.
• Lead on the iterative improvement of application and award documentation, throughout the lifetime of the Fund, working closely with the Salesforce team to ensure that any process changes are agreed with sufficient planning time to be implemented ahead of the next cycle.
• Oversee and participate in the longlisting and shortlisting of applications to the Fund, alongside other Fellowship staff and external assessors, where required.
• Responsible for establishing and convening (an) award panel(s) for the Activate Fund and working with the Chief Executive and Engagement team to identify panel members, likely to be drawn from the Fellowship’s Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, expert working groups and/or previous Activate grantees.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate due diligence is conducted on applicants and where relevant, host organisations, to ensure that Activate grants are awarded in line with TCF’s charitable objectives and for a purpose that benefits individuals and communities in the UK.
• Attend and play a key role in the Activate selection interviews, including supporting Panel decision making according to agreed selection criteria, grant-setting and providing feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
• Oversee the award, payment and reporting of Activate grants, including the development of appropriate terms and conditions, and reporting requirements.
• Manage the Activate annual budget, ensuring that grants awarded are in line with the annual budgetary allocation for the Fund and report as required to the SLT.
• In collaboration with the Development team and Salesforce team, set up appropriate reporting mechanisms so that funding partners contributing to the Fund are informed of relevant Activate awards and updated on progress, as required.

Safeguarding and EDI

• Work with the Fellowship’s safeguarding lead and with the Fellowship Director to identify safeguarding risks and develop appropriate processes that are specific to the Activate Fund, for example where Fellows are working with children and adults at risk.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the Fellowship’s approach to Fellows’ wellbeing, particularly when awarding grants to Fellows with lived experience of the issues they are addressing in their project. 
• Work closely with the Fellowship’s EDI lead to ensure a proactive and consistent approach to EDI in the delivery of the Fund; in particular, that the Activate Fund’s selection processes are accessible to all Fellows eligible to apply, that EDI is core to the development of pre-application and non-financial support, and that the Fund’s messaging is inclusive and representative of the diversity of Churchill Fellows.

Enhancing Fellows’ capacity to achieve UK impact

• Building on learning from the Activate pilot, work closely with the Activate Manager to develop a support offer for Activate grantees that enhances their capacity to deliver their funded project and create change in their chosen sector or community; this could include 1:1 support such as mentoring and coaching and/or peer learning, convening and networking opportunities with the wider Fellowship community.
• Working closely with the Fellowship Director and Head of Fellowship, explore if there might be opportunities for scaling support which has been tried and tested with Activate grantees, to Fellows at different stages in their Fellowship journey.
• In collaboration with the Engagement team, support Fellows to develop relationships with individuals and organisations in relevant sectors that will amplify the impact of their Activate project and proactively explore opportunities for Knowledge Partners to contribute time, expertise and networking support to Activate grantees.  

Evaluation and Learning

• Working closely with the Engagement Director, to develop an approach for evaluating how the Activate Fund enhances Fellows’ capacity to create change in the UK.  
• Apply lessons learned from stakeholder feedback to improve the experience of Activate applicants and grantees through changes to the selection process, development of new forms of support and extension of networking opportunities with the wider Fellowship community.
• Working closely with the Fellowship Director to undertake a strategic review of the impact of the Fund from the end of Year 3.
• Keep up to date with new thinking and research around supporting and developing individuals and good practice in grant making, including developing relationships with relevant individuals and organisations.

Fellowship team

• Attend quarterly leadership meetings, where appropriate and, in particular, to contribute to thinking about TCF’s role in supporting Fellows to achieve change in the UK.
• Attend Fellow-led events as appropriate and utilise knowledge of Fellows’ activation of their Fellowship learning to contribute to the design and delivery of Fellowship events, such as Connect & Inspire, as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree level or equivalent transferable skills

Skills & Experience

• 10 years’ experience in grant making, with at least 3 years in a senior grant making role with responsibility for designing and delivering an end-to-end grant making process.
• Experience of managing a multi-year grant making or support programme and balancing ongoing delivery with innovation and improvement.
• Experience of working with and supporting individuals to create change whether through grant making, learning and facilitation or movement building. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of different grant making practices and a commitment to trying out new approaches to remove barriers to those furthest away from funding.
• Experience of convening and managing relationships with multiple stakeholders to deliver time-sensitive projects or programmes and confident in liaising and negotiating with busy people in senior positions.
• Previous line management experience. 
• Experience in safeguarding and or risk management. 
• Experience in analysing and interpreting data for the purpose of monitoring, evaluation and improvement.
• Experience using and interacting with Salesforce (or similar CRM) and of working collaboratively with a data management/systems team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for communicating face-to-face, in writing and by telephone with individuals at all levels.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office and comfort with facilitating meetings via video conferencing platforms.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Evidence of managing a team and contributing to the creation of inclusive and collaborative working environments.
• Experience of liaising with, negotiating and managing relationships with external organisations, teams, and individuals. 

Personality Characteristics 

• A confident and reflective leader, with the ability to inspire and support a new team and to contribute to a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Ability to balance an appetite for innovation and improvement with a pragmatic approach to working within an annual grants cycle. 
• Ability to work with good humour, a positive attitude, tact, and diplomacy and to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to meet deadlines, and to work under pressure when required.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive and able to work well independently as well as part of a team.
• Passionate about achieving excellence through personal development and continual learning.
• Self-motivated and a great team player with a pro-active, confident, and positive approach and the ability to contribute to a culture of collaborative working.
• To have a genuine commitment to the values and ethos of the Churchill Fellowship and an interest in the social impact and the work of the TCF Fellows.

Working for The Churchill Fellowship

Detailed package, benefits and wellbeing package:

• Salary c. £50-£55,000 per annum (5 days per week / 36.5 hours)
• Hybrid working policy (minimum of 1-2 days per week in the office)
• 5 weeks holiday a year, with additional paid leave when the office closes over the Christmas Break
• 1 weeks paid leave for volunteering
• Non-contributory pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Bike purchase salary sacrifice scheme (Cycle2Work)
• Personal Development Budget for training

Standard working hours are 36.5 hours a week 9.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and from 9.30am until 4.00pm on Friday, including a paid lunch break of one hour.

We have embraced the benefits of working from home and at the same time, we value the contribution of face-to-face contact in building teamwork, collaborating with your colleagues, exchanging ideas and know-how, and for work efficiency. We therefore operate a hybrid working policy, where staff can work from home if they wish, however everyone is required to work in the office a minimum of 1 to 2 days a week with Tuesdays as the core day for regular whole team meetings, and Thursdays as an additional core day for Senior Leaders.

Note: unfortunately, we are not currently in a position to offer sponsorship for visas and all applicants will need to have, and be able to prove, the right to work in the UK.

How to apply

Please use your CV and cover letter as an opportunity to tell us a bit more about who you are as a person. We want to understand how you as an individual are going to be a great fit for this role.

We will be scheduling first round interviews as candidates apply, we will then complete a round of second interviews with a shortlist of candidates once the advertising has closed, with the view to appointing the role as soon as possible after that.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are core to the values and ethos of the charity’s work across all activities. The Churchill Fellowship is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences.  Our office accommodation is accessible. 

Our Youth and Play Workers will play a pivotal role in the Children, Young People and Families team, working as a core team of practitioners to ensure the smooth running of our programmes and services. In this role you will be part of a small and dynamic team which delivers a wide range of programmes and activities, both from Tulse Hill Adventure Playground and within local schools. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse and varied. Our current services include open access adventure play and youth activities at our Adventure Playground, school holiday programmes with off-site trips and activities, coaching in local schools, a Young Leaders programme offering paid work experience to young people, and working together with our youth partnerships Building Young Brixton and Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

We are experiencing an exciting time of development for the team and are currently looking to recruit four Youth and Play Workers. To support our range of children and young people, our team will be made up of specialist Youth Workers and Play Workers bringing in relevant skills and experience. Whilst you will work across all of our Children, Young People and Families services you will have a specific focus:

As a Youth Worker you will:
• Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
• Plan and run appropriate activities
• Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
• Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities

As a Play Worker you will:
• Focus on our primary age cohort
• Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run engaging activities
• Foster relationships with families and local primary schools

Both roles will include an element of mentoring, relevant training will be provided to give you the necessary skills to deliver this.

Please specify in your supporting statement which specialism you would like to be considered for and outline your experience in this area.

To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs.

Employee Benefits
• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual Staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

As a key member of the newly formed Programme Delivery Team, you will contribute to the growth, reach, and impact of Leadership Skills Foundation programmes among underserved and under-represented individuals and communities. Your work will play a vital role in benefiting thousands of young people across the UK.

We are looking for an energetic and innovative relationship-builder who can establish and manage partnerships with local community groups across England.  Through strong relationship management, you will play a key role in identifying learnings through the programmes delivery and will be confident to use the learnings to influence future strategy and delivery plans.

The role requires someone who is excited by the challenge of trying new things and working differently through a test and learn approach.  You will need to be comfortable working collaboratively as well as independently and want to pro-actively lead on making a positive social difference to the individuals and groups benefitting from our programmes.

The role will initially be a fixed term contract (to July 2027) but we aim to secure further funding for the role to extend. 

Main duties and responsibilities

Responsible for co-ordinating, engaging and managing multiple local community organisations across c. 5-7 locations in England to deliver leadership programmes with identified target audiences, groups and individuals.

Design, develop and manage a delivery plan for the Programme, which engages key stakeholders, and is based on the principles of co-creation, trust and flexibility.

Support identified stakeholders to test adapted leadership skill programmes and learn from the delivery to inform future delivery.

Through learnings from local delivery partners and working with research colleagues, develop a shared understanding of the needs and barriers young people in underserved communities face in accessing leadership skill development and volunteering opportunities.

Work with colleagues in the Innovation team to provide support to local delivery partners to address and overcome these barriers to engage the target audiences.

Deliver training, support and orientation to local delivery partners

Work with the Programme Research Manager to establish a delivery feedback loop to inform the development of learning resources and programmes to overcome the needs and barriers young people in underserved communities face. 

Provide opportunities for the research plan, developed by the Programme Delivery Research Team, to be implemented to drive the improvement of strategic, business and operational planning and delivery.

Provide connectivity between your work/engagement with delivery centres and the work of the Business and Market Development Teams. 

Work with the Programme Research Manager to capture and share best practice to support the wider adoption across community and partner networks. 

Work collaboratively to successfully influence and deliver agreed programme objectives and key results.

Maintain a working knowledge and up to date awareness of the landscape and audiences the Leadership Skills Foundation works with and aspires to work with.

Key Relationships

Internal

• Head of Programme Delivery (line manager)

• Programme Delivery Research Manager

• Programme Delivery Research Executive

• Innovation Officers

• Finance Manager

External

• Local delivery centres and partners

• Strategic partners including organisations such as Sport England and Active Partners

• Research and insight partners

Skills, experience and knowledge

Essential

• Strong experience of proactively supporting and managing local and regional stakeholder relations.

• Experience of working with community organisations and good understanding of the voluntary and community landscape

• Experience of supporting individuals/teams and organisations to deliver projects and programmes.

• Confidence to act as the lead contact point for the local delivery of a nationally funded programme.

• Experience of working flexibly, responding to need and opportunities

• Familiarity with delivering and carrying out operational workplans and working collaboratively with teams to achieve them

• Effective resource management

• Analytical thinking and evaluation skills- experience of using data and insight to learn, adapt and tell stories 

• Strong interpersonal, presenting and communication skills with the confidence and ability to adapt styles to different groups. 

Desirable

• A proven track record in leading and delivering purpose-driven programmes.

• Experience of delivering/managing test and learn projects

• Experience of working with under-represented/under-served young people

• Experience of Place-based working and community development

• Experience of supporting programme innovation, development, and design. 

• An understanding of the sport and physical activity landscape in England.

• Experience of delivering informal education, employability or skill development programmes

Personal qualities

• A people- person with strong interpersonal skills to initiate, engage with and build strong and impactful relationships with a range of external stakeholders.

• A confident, collaborative individual that wants to lead and make a positive social difference.

• Effective and confident communicator, able to inspire and engage stakeholders.

• Detail-orientated, organised and capable of balancing multiple and complex priorities.

• A team player, flexible and able to respond positively to evolving opportunities and challenges in a fast-paced environment. 

• Optimistic and energetic outlook, keen to maximise the positive change that the programme can deliver.

• Self-starter and independent thinker; able to solve problems and instigate solutions.

• Takes initiative and responsibility for their own workload.

• Adaptable to operational requirements with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback as part of a growth mindset.

• The ability to multi-task and manage partner relationships at various stages

• Comfortable working from home, with regular travel across England as required