Innovation manager jobs
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.
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Mission and Evangelism
The successful candidate will come to serve alongside me and our other leaders. They will bring significant knowledge and
understanding of the Anglican church, the challenges and opportunities it faces in evangelism to those on the margins, and a creative empowering approach to answering those challenges. As Church Army continues its journey of significant strategic reshaping, you would play a vital role in shaping the vision and strategy and then leading the work of Church Army for the next season of ministry. As Church Army reorientates itself towards a much stronger focus on training and equipping for evangelism on the margins, the new Director will be able to demonstrate both understanding and experience in this area. You will also be able to demonstrate an ability to engage in the wider work of the Anglican church, as we seek to work in closer partnership on numbers of projects.
Matt Barlow
CEO, Church Army.
We want everyone everywhere to encounter God’s love and be empowered to transform their communities through faith shared in words and action.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a purpose to advance social well-being through research. Our Strategy and Engagement team is responsible for ensuring this research has impact and influence, and we are now recruiting to the new role of Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator to support our communications, policy and public affairs activities.
The Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator will work with colleagues across the teams to support a breadth of activities. Acting as the owner of the Foundation’s engagement planning tools, you will ensure our communications policy and public affairs activity is forward planned, well organised and up-to-date. You will assist in the co-ordination and delivery of events, support the production and publication of content, and help with copywriting and curating a wide range of materials for internal and external audiences.
You will work with policy, public affairs and communications colleagues with preparing letters, policy briefings and stakeholder mapping, and keeping stakeholder lists up to date on Salesforce. This role will also support the communications and public affairs teams with proactive monitoring of the external policy, political and media landscape (at both a national and local level) and disseminate round-ups and relevant information to colleagues across the Foundation.
You will already have experience of working in an administrative and/or team coordination function, ideally in a communications, or policy and public affairs role. You will be a strong communicator (both in person and in your written outputs), able to work across a varied range of internal and external stakeholders, and manage competing priorities. You will have a collaborative and inclusive approach to working, with the ability to work well in a team and also independently. Some knowledge of social policy issues will be advantageous, and you will be committed to the Foundation’s mission.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career looking to build their skills and experience across the breadth of our communication and engagement functions.
About us
The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being.
We achieve this by funding and undertaking rigorous research, encouraging innovation, and supporting the use of sound evidence to improve people’s lives. We tackle pressing, complex questions. Our aim is to open up opportunities and to improve lives for individuals, families and communities, within a just and inclusive society. Our work addresses the inequalities, disadvantage, discrimination and vulnerabilities that people face, and considers the social and ethical implications of scientific and technological advances.
We are the founder and co-funder of Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and the Ada Lovelace Institute.
We value diversity in background, skills, perspectives and life experiences.
Further information and how to apply
For further information about the role, please click through to the vacancy listing on our website. The closing date for applications is 09:30am (GMT) on Monday 8th December 2025. Interviews will take place on the 7th, 8th and/or 9th January 2026.
We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:
- As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job.
- making any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc
- reimbursing reasonable travel costs (and any childcare or care costs) for interviews where in-person attendance is required.
Our benefits package includes:
- Genuine flexibility - we are open to requests for part-time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares.
- 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (prorated for part time staff).
- A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.
- Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.
- Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading days for personal development and reflection.
- Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.
The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're seeking a Learning Support & Events Coordinator to join us at an exciting moment of growth and transformation.
You'll be the practical heartbeat of our training programmes — the person who ensures that students, tutors, and staff can focus on deep learning and meaningful connection, knowing that the details are being held with care.
Working closely with our Programme Development Lead, you'll coordinate the logistics that make our work possible: organising retreat venues and online gatherings, maintaining our digital learning hub, supporting tutors and students through transitions, and keeping our systems clear and current.
This role combines event logistics, learning administration, and day-to-day coordination. It's perfect for someone who finds satisfaction in bringing order and efficiency to a values-led organisation — someone who understands that attention to detail is itself an act of care.
What You'll Do
- Learning Support - Help prepare and maintain curriculum materials, upload resources to our online Hub, track progress across projects, and support students through enrolment and onboarding.
- Events & Venues - Organise venues, travel, and catering for residential retreats, ordination ceremonies, and training weekends. Coordinate online events and ensure smooth communication with all participants.
- Administration & Systems - Maintain shared calendars and project boards (Asana), schedule meetings, prepare agendas and notes, and ensure documentation is accurate, accessible, and properly stored.
- Team Communication - Liaise warmly and professionally with faculty, tutors, students, and external partners, supporting the flow of information across our dispersed team.
- Data & Compliance - Handle all information with care, following our Data Protection and Confidentiality policies with rigour and respect.
Please read the full job description and person specification before applying.
To Apply:
Please complete our online application form: https://lsec2025app.paperform.co/
Closing Date: midnight on 7 Decemmber 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care service in Hammersmith & Fulham.
£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
For a full job description, please visit our website.
This role is a 12-month FTC maternity cover.
Look Ahead's Hammersmith & Fulham Mental Health Service is a Mental Health supported accommodation which is a pathway service for people to work towards their independence.
As a Support Worker, you will play a key role in supporting our residents to help them to enhance life skills and increase independence and manage their health. This also includes tenancy management and other life skills.
Support Workers in the service work across all 3 projects in Hammersmith and Fulham; working with customers with varying levels of support needs. Many of the customers have complex needs including dual diagnosis and Support Workers are expected to liaise with other agencies within the borough to best support customers. Support Workers are expected to support customers on their journey to independence in a person-centred, non-judgemental way, whilst adhering to the Look Ahead core values.
The work schedule for this position follows a 5-week rotating pattern. It involves working on weekends and bank holidays. In this 5-week cycle, there are two weekends off and one full weekend of work.
About you:
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Approachable and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
Flexible
Open to feedback and self development
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is essentially customer-focused
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours
Essential:
NVQ Level 2/3 or transferable skills in customer centred roles
Desirable:
Experience working in mental health sector
Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Support worker to join our Homelessness and complex needs Service in Kensington & Chelsea.
£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will devise person centred support plans with customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet their needs and goals. This will include sign posting them to the local drug and alcohol services to address substance misuse issues. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
Staff are expected to work 8 hours daily on a shift rota basis. This will include weekend working. Shifts are 7.30am to 3.30pm and 2.00pm to 10pm.
The fixed term contract is for 6 months.
What you'll do:
* If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer.
* Support customers to maintain their tenancies.
* Support to budget and prevent rent arrears.
* Assess their practical and emotional needs to incorporate in their support plan.
* To develop support plans and risk management plans.
* Carry out weekly health and safety checks.
* Carry out security duties / welfare checks to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
* Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Flexible
* Open to feedback and self development
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
* Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
What you'll bring:
Essential:
* NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector
Desirable:
* Relevant specialism experience
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please full Job description on our website
We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Support worker to join our Learning disabilities Service in Tower Hamlets.
£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
As a Support Worker you will be expected to undertake duties and work as part of the staff team to support customers with daily support to achieve personal goals by using person centred approach.
What you'll do:
* Work proactively with the team to handle the service caseload and support an effective team approach to meeting each customer's identified needs.
* Contribute to a positive service environment, ensuring the service is supportive and a place of safety and stability for customers. This includes working flexibly and being proactively in delivering, reviewing and arranging effective support for emerging needs and risks in order to prevent escalating concerns.
* Ensure Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are always adhered to, to ensure the safety of the customers, colleagues, visitors, contractors and premises including responding to maintenance, fire and health and safety issues.
* The ability to follow Infection Control guidelines and use initiatives to manage it. For example, following a thorough cleaning rota and completing all relevant checks such as living standards checks.
* Deliver all aspects of support to enable customers to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. This may include practical tasks, delivering personal care (if required), including but not limited to prompting and or supporting with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management and personal finances support as required.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
? Good values and interactive personality.
? Trustworthy, professional, able to work in partnership and willing to achieve outstanding outcomes.
? Capable of working as part of a group or team and able to use ow initiatives.
? Able and willing to listen to others and share own ideas and knowledge.
? Fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
Essential:
? Has good values, professional and willing to learn to gain experience
? Demonstrable willingness and or experience of supporting adults with Learning Disabilities
Desirable:
? NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent or willing to complete the qualification
? Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
? Local and or familiar with the borough
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for ful Job description