Integrated outreach team manager jobs in Manchester

Key information

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Start date: ASAP (we are happy to work with notice periods)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £41,905 - £45,090 per annum if based in London. £39,255 - £42,440 per annum if based in Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.

Application deadline: Monday 11th May 2026

This application process will consist of 3 stages: Written application, Telephone interview and Assessment Centre (interview & presentation).

Role Summary

As a Senior Partnerships Manager at upReach, you will play a strategic leadership role in shaping the growth, quality, and impact of our partnerships at upReach.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships within the Income Generation and External Engagement team, you will take strategic ownership of a portfolio of high-value partnerships (5, 6, and 7-figure) within the Tech and STEM sectors, alongside building crucial new partnerships in the sector. Moreover, you will have responsibility for delegated projects that strengthen our partnership strategy and visibility, you will line-manage members of the partnerships team, providing coaching, direction, and support to ensure the team consistently delivers high standards of stewardship, innovation, and income generation.

You’ll act as a senior representative of upReach, cultivating relationships with high-level external stakeholders, championing collaboration across internal teams and identifying new opportunities to raise the visibility and influence of upReach to help drive our mission.

Core Responsibilities

You will play a critical leadership role in advancing upReach’s mission by shaping and scaling high-impact, income-generating partnerships with top employers committed to social mobility. You will lead on delegated strategy projects, mentor and manage members of the partnerships team, and play a key role in upReach’s organisational growth and influence.

Your work will directly support the charity’s strategic partnership priorities: driving sustainable income growth, enhancing partnership impact, and increasing our brand visibility. This role offers scope to lead complex partnerships, influence internal strategy, and champion innovation in partnership delivery. While not exhaustive, your key areas of responsibility include:

Leadership of Employer Partnerships

• Lead the strategic management and growth of a portfolio of high-value, multi-year partnerships in Tech and STEM, ensuring strong alignment with upReach’s mission and priorities.

• Oversee the quality and consistency of partnership engagement across the team, including partnership health reviews, ensuring best-in-class stewardship and measurable partner outcomes aligned with the Partnerships team's OKRs.

• Identify opportunities to deepen relationships, co-create new initiatives, and embed partners in long-term collaboration with upReach.

• Working closely with upReach’s Programme teams to ensure partnerships and programmes are delivered to a high standard.

Develop and Secure New Partnerships

• Proactively identify, cultivate, and convert a pipeline of four-seven figure prospective partnerships aligned with upReach’s mission and strategic goals.

• Lead high-quality prospecting and relationship-building activity, targeting income-generating partnerships that also deliver high-impact opportunities for Associates.

• Build strong relationships with key contacts at potential partners, including senior stakeholders within your sectors, through regular in-person and virtual meetings.

• Deliver compelling, insight-driven proposals and presentations tailored to organisational priorities and demonstrating mutual value.

Strategic Development

• Support the Head of Partnerships in setting partnership strategy and income targets, and contribute to organisational planning and forecasting.

• Analyse market trends to identify emerging opportunities and inform the evolution of upReach’s partnership offer.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of new strategic initiatives that enhance income diversification and partnership sustainability.

• Work cross-functionally to ensure partnership activity is evidence-led, data-informed, and aligned to organisational objectives.

Management within the Partnerships Team

• Line manage a Junior Partnerships Manager, supporting their professional development and building team capabilities.

• Provide leadership and guidance in managing complex partnerships, offer escalation support, and ensure strategic consistency.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that values innovation, accountability, and shared success.

• Champion continuous improvement across the team, ensuring processes, tools, and resources support efficiency and growth.

Stakeholder Representation and Engagement

• Deputise, where required, for the Head of Partnerships as a senior representative of upReach at external meetings, conferences, and industry events, building influence and credibility across the social mobility landscape.

• Develop relationships with senior external stakeholders, including executive sponsors, industry leaders, and cross-sector collaborators.

• Serve as an ambassador for upReach’s mission, promoting our partnership approach and outcomes to new and existing audiences.

• Use insight from partner feedback to inform organisational strategy and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation

• Collaborate with Programme, Finance, Marketing, and Impact teams to ensure partnership activities are well-integrated, efficient, and mission-aligned.

• Support the continuous improvement of internal systems (CRM, contracting, invoicing, and reporting) to enable effective delivery and forecasting.

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to design and deliver strategic campaigns, thought leadership, and storytelling that elevate upReach’s employer partnerships nationally.

• Lead or contribute to cross-organisational projects that enhance income generation, innovation, or partnership experience.

• Uphold upReach’s legal, ethical, and data protection responsibilities in all partnership activity.

Skills and Experience

• The ideal candidate for the Senior Partnerships Manager should display these behavioural skills:

• Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to lead complex projects and manage multiple strategic priorities autonomously.

• Confident and pragmatic decision-maker who exercises sound judgment and provides strategic direction in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience leading employer engagement, account management, new business development, or fundraising activity within a purpose-driven, education, or social mobility context.

• Proven ability to design and deliver partnership growth strategies that deepen engagement, generate mutual value, and contribute to organisational goals.

• Skilled communicator and influencer, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly and persuasively through written reports, presentations, and external representation.

• Collaborative leader with experience guiding and supporting colleagues across teams and functions to deliver shared objectives and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Proficient in using CRM or data management systems to oversee pipelines, generate insights, and inform strategic decision-making.

Desirable

• Strong understanding of ED&I, CSR, or early careers recruitment priorities and how they inform partnership strategy.
• Experience collaborating with marketing and communications teams to create strategic campaigns or content that enhances employer visibility and engagement.
• Experience in management or mentoring others to develop partnership capability and performance.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us. 

• Birthday leave and Volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, which increased to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• Monthly socials and annual wellbeing days

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aid Training. 

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network 

Ready to apply?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.

Applications close on Monday 11th May at 12pm.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Diversity in the workplace creates dynamic and effective organisations and we are actively working to build a more inclusive workforce by continuously improving our recruitment, retention, and development practices. We  encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities , those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: Northeast/ Yorkshire/Northwest
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

 

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 
   

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE)
Location: Midlands 
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 
   

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: South of England / London
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.