Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Title: Blended Team Service Manager
Post no: 659
Working base: Dunstable CMHT (Community Mental Health Teams) LU5
Area covered: Bedfordshire
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Salary: £29,355.00 per annum
About the Service and the Role
This role is an exciting opportunity to work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) to manage the daily operations of our Blended Teams functions.
This includes managing a core team of workers in a diverse range of projects and services often in partnership with the NHS and other VCSE and community groups. The role will involve multi-agency working and ensuring the continuous development of our services to ensure that they meet the needs of the community and blended team outcomes.
Ideally, you will be required to have knowledge of managing remote teams who may be imbedded in NHS services and the ideal candidate would have the skills to support staff with the complex challenges that come with blended working as well as maintaining and building relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be required to hold your own caseload, supporting the teams with more complex service users and cover gaps in services.
Key Responsibilities and Service Delivery
- Operate a service and ensure outcomes which support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with Mind BLMK’s and blended team model and contract requirements.
- Work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) and senior managers to ensure the management of an effective workforce including recruitment and performance management challenges
- Ensure that services with complex partnerships and remote teams are effectively managed and maintained, through effective relationship building and multi-agency working.
- Ensure regular involvement of service users, volunteer and staff on local service delivery, organisational matters and wider mental health strategies.
- Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks.
- To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources.
- Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
- Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
- Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
- To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
- Maintain an effective workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (recruitment, line management, workload planning, support and development of crisis workers, peer support workers and volunteers).
- Hold responsibility for health and safety, data collection and cash handling in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures and guidance.
The successful candidate will have experience of managing diverse staff resources, multi-agency working, 2 years’ experience working with people with mental health and managing remote teams. Level 3 Social Care (or equivalent) and Management and Leadership qualifications are desirable.
Entitlements/benefits:
- 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
- Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
- Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
- In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
- Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)
If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.
Closedown: 5pm on Thursday 23rd July 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Service Manager, Community Services Manager, Service Coordinator, Mental Health Team Leader, Service Delivery Manager, Community Support Manager, Operations Manager, Wellbeing Centre Manager or Mental Health Project Manager.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.
Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
No agencies please.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.
About Hackney School of Food
Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.
Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.
We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.
About the role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.
This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.
Key priorities
In your first 12 months you will:
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Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.
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Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.
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Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.
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Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.
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Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives.
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Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.
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Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.
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Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures.
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Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
Financial sustainability and income generation
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Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.
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Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.
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Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.
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Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Partnerships & External Relations
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Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.
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Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.
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Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations.
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Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation.
Governance and public benefit
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Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit.
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Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.
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Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.
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Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.
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Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.
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Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks.
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Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.
People, Culture and safeguarding
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Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
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Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.
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Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles.
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Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.
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Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
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Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements.
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Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.
Risk Management & Compliance
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Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
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Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation.
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Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation.
Personal specification
Essential experience
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Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability.
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Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.
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Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.
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Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery.
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Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders.
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Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
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Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.
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Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.
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Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.
Essential skills and attributes
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Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection.
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Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership.
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Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.
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Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.
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Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills.
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Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability.
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Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.
Desirable
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Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.
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Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.
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Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.
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Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.
An inclusive workplace
We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.
How to apply
The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.
You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information.
Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July)
Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation.
We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment.
The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references.
We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.
If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the Cardinal Hume Centre and use your estates expertise to help create a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment for young people, children and families facing homelessness and poverty. This is a rare opportunity to lead both the long-term stewardship of a significant Central London site and the day-to-day delivery of facilities, compliance and improvement works that directly support life-changing services.
Working closely with the CEO, Head of HR and Operations and Board of Trustees, you will shape future plans for the Centre’s estate while ensuring the building remains safe, compliant, efficient and fit for purpose. If you are a strategic and practical estates professional who wants their work to make a tangible social impact, we would like to hear from you.
What you’ll do
· Lead long-term estate planning, capital works and building improvements – you’ll support our master planning for the site
· Oversee day-to-day maintenance, facilities management and contractor performance to keep the Centre running effectively
· Take organisational responsibility for health and safety, fire safety and statutory compliance
· Manage budgets, procurement and reporting, delivering value for money while supporting excellent services
· Support sustainability and environmental improvements that strengthen the Centre for the future
What we’re looking for
· A skilled estates, facilities or property professional with strong experience in building compliance, maintenance and project delivery
· A confident communicator who can work effectively with senior leaders, trustees, contractors and colleagues across the organisation
· Someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational oversight
· A values-led individual who is motivated by the opportunity to support a charity tackling youth and family homelessness
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.