593 Youth and children jobs

About us

The Alliance for Youth Justice is an alliance of more than 70 non-profit organisations advocating with and for children to drive positive change in youth justice across England and Wales. We mobilise our members’ frontline expertise, children’s lived experience, and evidence from research to champion a child-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed system that treats contact with the justice system as a sign of unmet need and systemic failure, prioritises support over criminalisation and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.

We're widely recognised as the most influential group campaigning for improvements to the system, with trusted access to decision makers, working towards three goals: keeping children safe from the youth justice system through prevention and diversion; racial justice across the system; and custody as a last resort for children.

About the role

Following the launch of our new strategic approach, our Influencing Manager will lead the development and delivery of AYJ's influencing, policy, public affairs and campaigning work to shift policy, legislation, practice and public narratives.

Campaigning, policy and public affairs (70%) — lead our influencing strategy alongside the CEO, spot opportunities for systemic change, develop evidence-driven policy positions and briefings, and build relationships with members, politicians, civil servants and stakeholders.

Strategic communications (30%) — ensure the reach of our influencing, write high-impact influencing content for our digital channels, and act as first point of contact for media enquiries.

Anti-opressive, anti-racist practice and youth voice run through everything, including involving children and young people with lived experience safely and meaningfully in our work.

About you

You have a proven track record of influencing for systemic change through policy, public affairs, communications or campaigning within a voluntary sector organisation or coalition, and know how to turn complex policy and research into compelling written communications for varied audiences. You have a thorough understanding of the political environment and Parliament, strong relationship-building skills, and excellent project management. You bring a genuine interest in youth justice and the issues facing children in England and Wales, alongside a personal commitment to anti-racism, social justice and child rights.

Why join us

We're a small team of three punching well above our weight, with real scope to shape how we work and few layers of hierarchy. We offer flexible, trust-based home working (within core hours), plus 25 days' leave (pro rata), Christmas office closure, and a 5% employer pension contribution.

We encourage applications from historically marginalised groups even if you don't meet every requirement, and we do not use criminal records to exclude candidates.

Please download the reruitment pack to find out more and read the full job description and person specification.

YEF Detached Youth Work Project Lead

Relationships change lives.

At M13 Youth Project, we believe every young person deserves trusted adults who believe in them, walk alongside them and help them discover who they are, what they have to offer and the difference they can make. For over 30 years, we've built those relationships through detached youth work - meeting young people where they choose to be, listening deeply and creating opportunities for belonging, belief and hope.

We're now looking for an experienced Detached Youth Work Project Lead to join our team and play a central role in one of the UK's most ambitious detached youth work research pilots.

M13 is leading the Greater Manchester consortium delivering the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) Detached Youth Work Pilot. The Pilot aims to build a strong evidence base for researching detached youth work, combining outstanding frontline practice with rigorous evaluation to shape the future of youth work nationally.

Reporting to the Founding Director, you'll provide the day-to-day leadership of M13's delivery of the pilot. You'll lead a small team of detached youth workers, coordinate operational delivery across intervention neighbourhoods and ensure the project is delivered safely, consistently and in line with the YEF Shared Practice Model and research requirements.

This is first and foremost a practice leadership role. You'll spend much of your week out in parks, streets and neighbourhoods, building trusted relationships with young people through high-quality detached youth work. Alongside this, you'll supervise and support colleagues, oversee monitoring and reporting, build positive relationships with community members and partner organisations, and, together with the Founding Director, work closely with the Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) and consortium partners to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

We're looking for someone who is an experienced detached youth worker, confident leading others and passionate about relational practice. You'll be organised, reflective and proactive, with experience of supervising staff, coordinating projects, maintaining high-quality records and working collaboratively with partners. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that relationships are the foundation for meaningful change.

This is a 35-hour per week, office- and community-based role. (M13's full-time week is 37.5 hours). Your week will include six detached youth work sessions (three afternoons and three evenings), alongside team leadership, partnership working, supervision, monitoring and project coordination. Some flexibility can be offered around when office-based work is undertaken, where operationally possible.

In return, we offer a supportive, reflective and values-led working environment, regular supervision, ongoing professional development, a generous employer pension contribution, TOIL for out-of-hours working, additional Christmas gift leave and the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research that could shape the future of detached youth work.

If you're an experienced detached youth worker ready to combine excellent frontline practice with leadership, learning and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

This Youth Development Mentor for young men is part of Bright Futures, our mentoring and employability support programme for young Gypsy and Traveller people aged 15-25. You will build trusted, consistent 1-1 mentoring relationships with young men, supporting them to grow in confidence, work out what they want, and build the skills to get there.

You will deliver the programme's set mentoring offer, adapting your approach to individuals as needed, alongside group sessions on skills and personal development. Many of the young men we work with have had negative experiences of school or other services and are often not in education, employment or training (NEET). The role is about helping the young men move forward at a pace that works for them, towards something they've chosen and can stick with, rather than pushing them down a set route. You will keep detailed records of progress and milestones reached.

You will also play a role in outreach and community engagement – building relationships with families and community members. This includes keeping up good working relationships with colleges, training providers and employers, and making sure young people's voices are heard, both within Bright Futures and externally.

This role is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

About You

This role is for someone who wants to make a real difference in young people's lives – someone committed to supporting young men from marginalised and underserved communities to get equitable access to opportunities, and to helping bring about wider change for those communities.

You will enjoy the challenge of working with young men who may take time to trust and engage, and see that as part of what makes the role rewarding.

The role is ideal for someone with experience of mentoring, youth work or a similar community-based role working with young men (paid or voluntary). Someone patient, non-judgemental and comfortable adapting support to suit the person in front of you. You will be just as comfortable speaking to family members as with college staff or social services.

We don't expect you to already have all the answers – what matters most is your commitment and ability to build genuine, trusting relationships and to keep going with young people who may take time to open up. We will support your development through supervision, training and a small, collaborative team environment.

We know not everyone will meet every requirement in the job description below, but if you feel you have what it takes, please apply and tell us how your experience and skills make you suitable.

If you are not sure what the work looks like or you want to ask questions before applying, we are happy to chat with you about the role. Please contact Mini Ravi (Programme Lead) by calling our office phone.

About LGT and Bright Futures

London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT) challenges social exclusion and discrimination, working for change in partnership with Gypsy and Traveller communities living on council caravan sites, roadside camps, in flats and houses, and those experiencing homelessness.

Bright Futures supports Gypsy and Traveller young men and women aged 15–25 through mentoring, skills development, employability and wellbeing support. The programme helps young people build confidence, develop practical skills and identify realistic pathways into training and employment, working at their own pace and around their needs and interests. The programme is shaped by a deep understanding of the Gypsy and Traveller culture, and designed to empower young people to engage with wider society with pride, motivation and confidence.

Our services also include accommodation advice and advocacy, family support, community development, research, policy work and campaigns, and we support hundreds of individuals and families each year.

We are a small, committed and supportive team who seek to live our organisational values throughout our work: Collaboration, Courage, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Equity, Community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and workforce diversity. We strongly encourage applications from Gypsy and Traveller communities.
 

To Apply

Review the responsibilities and person specification in the job description enclosed.

Using the ‘Apply Now’ button, please submit your CV

Instead of a cover letter, please submit answers to the following 3 questions in the space provided when you apply.

1. Briefly tell us about your experience of working with young men/people. What did you do and what kind of support did you provide?

2. What is one of the barriers young men from vulnerable or marginalised backgrounds face around education, training and work? Why?

3. Why are you interested in this role and working with London Gypsies & Travellers?

250-300 word answers for each question is enough, but you are welcome to write more.

There is no right answer and we are not interested in perfect responses. We want to know about you and the knowledge, skills, and experience your will bring to the role.

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 14th October (stage 1, in person), Thursday 22nd October (stage 2, online)

Please check you are available on these dates before applying, in case you are shortlisted for interviews.

Please note: An enhanced DBS check is required for the role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

At The Sick Children’s Trust, we believe no child should face hospital alone and no family should be separated during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Through our ten ‘Homes from Home’ across England, we provide free accommodation and vital support, keeping families close to their seriously ill child’s hospital bedside.

We’re looking for a talented and ambitious Senior Trusts & Foundations Officer to join our passionate team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownerships of a strong portfolio of charitable trusts and foundations, developing long-term relationships and securing multi-year funding to sustain and grow our services.

You’ll have the opportunity, skills and talent to write compelling, tailored funding proposals, deliver excellent stewardship, and work directly with funders to demonstrate the impact of our work.

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service provides specialist care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families. Our services extend across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Care to join our Senior Clinical Team and provide strong operational and clinical leadership across our care services.

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, working closely with the Director of Care and Lead for Quality and Governance to ensure that children and families receive safe, effective and compassionate care.

About the role

As Head of Care, you will have responsibility for the operational management, quality and delivery of our care provision, including community care, day care, inpatient care, education and after-death care.

You will provide visible and supportive leadership to the Care Team, ensuring appropriate staffing, skill mix, competence and professional development. You will also lead our Practice Education Team and help embed a positive, inclusive learning culture across the organisation.

Working as part of the Senior Clinical Team, you will contribute to clinical strategy, governance, risk management, audit, service development and CQC compliance. You will also act as a Joint Registered Manager and deputise for the Director of Care when required.

An important part of the role will be building effective relationships with external health and social care professionals and partner organisations, helping to develop an integrated palliative care model across Berkshire and surrounding areas.

About you

You will be a Registered Children's Nurse (RN Child) with significant clinical management experience and a strong understanding of caring for children and young people with complex health needs.

You will bring:

• Experience of clinical leadership and managing and motivating teams.
• Experience of delivering high-quality care to children and young people with complex needs.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance, audit and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Strong organisational, leadership and team-building skills.
• A relevant degree or equivalent and postgraduate study, ideally in palliative care, leadership or education.
• Experience of working in children's palliative care, with experience of end-of-life and post-death care desirable.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, dignity and family-centred care.

Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and compassionate, with the ability to inspire others and translate our values into everyday practice.

Why join Alexander Devine?

This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a growing children's hospice service where your experience, ideas and leadership will have a direct impact on children and families.

You will join a committed and supportive Senior Clinical Team and have the opportunity to shape the future development of our care services, while helping to develop the skills, confidence and wellbeing of the wider Care Team.

Our values – determined, empowering, valuing others, integrity, nurture and empathy – are at the heart of everything we do.

If you are an experienced children's nurse looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership role where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, including appropriate barred lists, a current full driving licence and satisfactory Occupational Health clearance.

Youth Outreach and Community Worker (London - Waterloo)

Railway Children (UK Programme)

£32,000 per year plus 10% London weighting

Full-time – Permanent

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same?

If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As part of our current strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.

The role
We are looking to recruit a Youth Outreach and Community Worker in London as part of our UK Programme.

This role requires close working with partners, engaging and safeguarding young people in and around Waterloo Station, helping to identify and safeguard young people at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

You will be working closely alongside key partners such as British Transport Police, security staff, Train Operators, Youth Services and other local stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the development of our UK Safeguarding on Transport Programme and part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s safeguarding programme in the UK.

About you
We are looking for someone who brings experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people as well as experience of working in an outreach or similar community setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.

Alongside this you will be able to work effectively with community and statutory partners to safeguard young people.

You will have completed relevant training, have experience in safeguarding and in the issues relevant to vulnerable young and families. Therefore, you will be an experienced practitioner with an excellent understanding of safeguarding processes and procedures, who is able to work creatively, independently and within professional boundaries.

Your base would be at Waterloo station with regular travel to other stations and some home working. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

A full job specification can be found in the job pack.

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience.

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed.

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September

Online Interviews: Wednesday 30th September/Thursday 1st October

In person interviews: Wednesday 7th October/Thursday 8th October

About the role

This is a training and development role within the Children and Young People's Psychological Trainings programme (CYP-PT), for a practitioner training to deliver evidence-based, low-intensity interventions and guided self-help to children and young people. The post holder will be based within Croydon Drop In's (CDI) Community Counselling Service, delivering early intervention in community-based settings, while undertaking the Child Wellbeing Practice Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) at King's College London (KCL). The post holder will develop and deliver evidence-based, low-intensity interventions and guided self-help for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties such as anxiety and low mood, working in partnership with children, young people, their families, schools and community settings. The training and service experience will equip the post holder with the necessary knowledge, attitude and capabilities to deliver high-quality, evidence-based clinical practice and to operate within an inclusive, values-driven service. The post holder will attend all KCL-based teaching and Onsite Protected Learning Time required by the education provider, as specified within the agreed national curriculum, and apply their developing low-intensity clinical skills in the service for the remaining days of the week, including carrying a clinical caseload.

Help young women thrive at Alford House through health, fitness and wellbeing.

We’re looking for a passionate and engaging Female Health & Wellbeing Youth Worker to help shape and lead our female provision in Kennington.

About Alford House

Alford House is a youth and community organisation with a long history of providing young people with safe, welcoming and structured opportunities. We believe young people need places where they can feel comfortable, build trusted relationships and develop their confidence.

We are looking for someone who can help us make Alford House an even more welcoming place for young women.

The role

As our Female Health & Wellbeing Youth Worker, you will lead our female participation strategy through health, fitness and wellbeing programmes.

You will deliver female gym sessions, provide mentoring and wellbeing support, promote healthy lifestyles and positive physical activity, and help young women access the wider opportunities available at Alford House.

This is more than delivering sessions. We want someone who can build genuine relationships with young women, understand what they need and encourage them to become part of the wider Alford House community.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver engaging female gym and wellbeing sessions.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young women.
• Provide mentoring and wellbeing support.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and positive physical activity.
• Support our wider open-access youth provision.
• Encourage young women to take part in other Alford House activities and opportunities.
• Accurately record attendance and outcomes using Juice.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Work collaboratively with youth workers, volunteers and the wider Alford House team.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with young people and can create an environment where young women feel welcomed, listened to and supported.

You will need:

• Experience of working with young people.
• A good understanding of safeguarding.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to build positive and professional relationships.

A Level 2/3 Youth Work qualification, PT or fitness qualification and First Aid training would be desirable, but we are particularly interested in your ability to engage and connect with young people.

What success looks like

The right person will help us increase female participation at Alford House, create safe and engaging sessions, and ensure that young women feel welcomed and supported.

Most importantly, we want participants to feel that Alford House is a place where they belong and where they can access opportunities beyond the sessions they initially attend.

Hours and pay

10 hours per week

Wednesday 3:00pm–8:00pm
Friday 3:00pm–8:00pm

£14.80 per hour

Part-time employment based at Alford House, Kennington.

Safeguarding

This role involves direct work with children and young people. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and completion of safeguarding training.

How to apply

Please complete the accompanying Alford House application form and provide a CV. In your application, please clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the essential criteria.

We are looking for an experienced Project Lead to lead the delivery of Thriving Change Makers, an exciting new programme supporting young people in Barnet to develop leadership skills, lead social action and influence the services and communities around them.

You will lead the mobilisation and delivery of the programme, supporting approximately 60 young people in Year 1 across two cohorts. You will provide leadership to programme staff, build strong partnerships with schools and community organisations, oversee safeguarding and risk, manage the delegated budget, and ensure the programme delivers against its outcomes.

A key focus will be ensuring that young people have a genuine voice in shaping the programme, with opportunities to develop their skills and progress into youth ambassador, advisory and governance roles.

We are looking for someone with substantial experience of leading youth, community or social-action programmes, with strong skills in project management, safeguarding, partnership working, monitoring and evaluation. You will be organised, collaborative and committed to inclusive, accessible and youth-led practice.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a new programme from the ground up, support young people to lead change and help build a model that will expand into Enfield and Brent in future years.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details about the role and requirements.

What we offer:

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 28 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Flexible and hybrid working (dependent on role) to ensure you enjoy a good work-life balance.
• Christmas office closure
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Promoting a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At CB Plus, we promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where we can all be ourselves. Everyone is treated fairly, individual differences are celebrated, and all employees are valued and respected. We actively encourage applications from disabled applicants, including those with mental health conditions, people from Global Majority and minoritised communities, and those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria as outlined in the Disability Confident Scheme. However, in the event of a high number of applicants, it may not be possible to interview all candidates who meet these criteria, and we reserve the right to limit interviews to a manageable number.

We also have experience supporting Access to Work applications to ensure that employees who need adjustments have the support they need to feel confident and do their best in their roles.

If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.

The Youth Worker (Mentoring) will support Inspiring Inclusion’s Our Schools, Our Change programme by providing trauma‑informed, one‑to‑one support to Black and racially minoritised young people with adverse childhood experiences. Working closely with Camden schools and community partners, they will build trusting relationships that help young people feel seen, heard, and empowered while wider systems change progresses. They will use holistic, strengths‑based, participatory approaches, contribute to a test‑and‑learn model, and bring strong reflective and organisational skills. Personal experience of racial profiling in state education is essential, enabling deep empathy and authenticity. The postholder will be a collaborative practitioner committed to equity, inclusion, and ensuring young people have real influence over decisions shaping their education and futures.

Job Title: Marketing Officer

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Location – London (Hybrid)

About Coram

Coram is the first and longest serving children’s charity in the UK. Established as the Foundling Hospital in 1739, today we are a vibrant charity group of specialist organisations – the Coram Group – supporting hundreds of thousands of children, young people and families every year.

We do this by championing children's rights and wellbeing and making their lives better every day through our range of services. These include reading support and life skills education in schools for 300,000 children, adoption services for children waiting to find a home, mental health support, cultural programmes, and legal advice and advocacy for thousands of children and families every year.

The role sits within Coram’s Communications and Marketing team, which manages branding, communications and marketing across the group, supporting both the Head of Marketing and working alongside the Marketing Manager.

We are looking for a marketing professional with strong design eye, established production expertise and marketing project management skills with an entrepreneurial approach. The Marketing Officer will work closely with our traded charitable and commercial activities and with the Corporate Affairs function to deliver and display materials, promotional materials and report production.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026 23.59pm

Interview Date: w/c 5th October

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Job Title: School and Volunteer Administrator

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 21 hours per week

Salary: £14,790 per annum (£24,650 FTE)

Location: Hybrid with Homebased considered.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram Beanstalk

Coram Beanstalk wants a future where every child becomes a reader.

We enable people to give children positive experiences of reading through the wider support they need to switch on to reading, learn to read and become confident, independent readers.

We manage volunteers as part of our core business: one to one reading support in primary schools.We also deliver early years and secondary programmes, and training and support to parents/carers, school communities and other organisations. We generate income from these customers and a range of fundraising sources.

Operating within the Coram Group, Coram Beanstalk has a small and dynamic staff team, with the Salesforce system sitting at the heart of all our activities.

About the role

We are seeking a friendly, confident person who can work under their own initiative and is looking to establish or further their career in administration. You would be working in a suitable home working environment, regularly connecting online with the administration team to ensure our volunteers and school partners receive a positive and helpful response to their enquiries and maintain efficiency and data integrity through our onboarding processes.

You will work closely with our support team and trainers to ensure that our volunteer and school customer journeys run efficiently and help raise awareness in local communities.

Day to day you will process safeguarding checks and support new volunteers to progress smoothly through our training journey, often interacting via online calls. You will manage incoming enquiries via phone and email and support the wider remotely based team with administrative tasks. Use of Salesforce is integral to the role, with accurate records enabling us to provide a high level of customer service.

The Coram Beanstalk team is friendly and welcoming, everyone will help you to both settle in and thrive within your role working for a cause you care about.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application. Please note, we reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable amount of high quality applicants to take forward to interview prior to the closing date.

Closing date: 5th October 2026

Interview date:TBC via Zoom

Expected start date: 1st December 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We will prioritise applicants within reach of the Coram Campus to support office-based duties, if we do not secure a suitable match, we will consider applicants from anywhere in England. Please indicate your location and travel time to campus within your statement.

Oversees applicants are not eligible for this role.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

At One YMCA, we work alongside young people to help them develop confidence, skills, resilience, and positive futures. We are looking for an inspiring, experienced and motivated Youth Work Manager to lead and develop our local youth work provision, ensuring that high-quality, impactful services reach young people across our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our Youth Work Strategy, managing a dedicated team, driving quality and developing services that make a real difference in the lives of young people.

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Youth Work, you will take operational responsibility for the delivery, development, monitoring, and quality assurance of our youth work services. You will lead and support Youth Work Coordinators and wider youth work staff, ensuring services are safe, effective, youth-centred, and aligned with One YMCA's strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of youth work programmes, specialist support services, mentoring initiatives, life skills courses, and large-scale youth events.
• Managing and supporting staff through recruitment, induction, supervision, training, and performance development.
• Monitoring contract performance, outcomes, impact data, and key performance indicators to demonstrate the difference our services make.
• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Leading quality assurance, compliance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement across the service.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and participating in the safeguarding on-call rota.
• Working with young people and teams to ensure youth voice is at the heart of everything we do.

We're looking for someone who combines strong operational leadership, experience in managing contractual compliance, with a genuine commitment to young people.

You will bring:

• Significant experience delivering and managing youth work programmes, projects, or contracts.
• A strong understanding of issues affecting young people's lives and a passion for helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing staff teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and partnership-working skills.
• The ability to analyse data, monitor impact, and use insight to improve services.
• A youth work or related community-focused qualification at degree level, or significant equivalent experience.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Location: Home-based role but with regular travel to YMCA youth work delivery sites across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, as well as to support the broader youth work within One YMCA. 

Driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.

If you are an experienced youth work leader ready for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you! 

Important: Please include a supporting statement with your application/CV.

We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, generally Monday to Friday but with flexibility of working pattern to support both the ideal candidate and business need. Some evening work expected, and occasional weekend, overnight stays or residential work.

Centre Manager

Norbrook Youth Centre, Bordley Walk, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 0AR

Grade 6 Point 20 – 25, £30,750 - £34,303. (Full Time 35 hours, Permanent)  

Introduction

Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage. Our work is rooted in youth voice, inclusion, strong relationships, and high-quality youth work practice that supports young people to develop confidence, resilience, and skills for life.

GMYF also delivers outdoor education and residential experiences, including provision at Ormside Mill in Cumbria and other residential settings nationwide, as part of its wider youth work offer, working across teams to ensure young people benefit from safe, inclusive, and developmental opportunities beyond their local communities.

Purpose of Role:  

The Centre Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the youth centre and its wider community reach, with responsibility for high-quality youth work delivery and day to day centre operations, working within GMYF’s wider operational ad estates frameworks.  high-quality, inclusive local provision. The postholder is the professional lead for youth work practice and delivery within the centre, with responsibility for shaping, developing, and continuously improving provision in line with GMYF’s values, safeguarding standards, and strategic priorities. 

Reporting to the Director of Programmes, the Centre manager leads people, partnerships, and placebased development, ensuring the centre delivers strong outcomes for children and young people while contributing to the wider aims of GMYF.

Outdoor Education and residential opportunities are an integral and embedded part of the centre’s youth work offer, and the Centre Manager plays a key role in shaping, embedding, and developing these opportunities in partnership with the Outdoor Education Team to ensure they meet the local need and are accessible to young people.

This is a hands-on leadership role, balancing operational oversight with visible presence, relationship based practice, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management of Youth Work Delivery

• Provide strategic leadership for youth work delivery at centre level, including centre-based provision, outreach, and integrated Outdoor Education and residential opportunities, ensuring provision is planned, resourced and developed in response to local need, youth voice, and GMYF priorities.
• Provide clear professional leadership for high quality, inclusive youth work across centre based provision, outreach, offsite venues, and outdoor education youth work.
• Embed and champion GMYF’s youth work values, including youth voice, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Line manage staff including Youth Work Coordinator(s), Youth Workers, cleaners, and volunteers.
• Provide supervision, appraisal, and performance management, promoting reflective practice and professional development.
• Ensure staffing structures, rotas, and skills mix support safe, effective delivery.
• Foster a positive, professional, and supportive team culture.

Safety, Safeguarding and Compliance 

• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Hold overall safeguarding responsibility for the centre and linked activities.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are embedded, understood, and consistently applied.
• Promote inclusive, restorative and trauma informed practice.
• Ensure all safeguarding and behaviour related incidents are recorded, reviewed, and followed up.
• Maintain compliance with legislation, statutory guidance, and GMYF policies.

Centre Operations, Site Management and Health & Safety  

• The Centre Manager holds responsibility for day-to-day site oversight and compliance, with additional estates support provided through GMYF’s central operations arrangements.  
• Ensure the centre meets all Health & Safety and statutory requirements, working with GMYF’s Central Team and systems to maintain compliance.
• Oversee day-to-day site issues, Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), compliance checks, and inspections, escalating and co-ordinating works as required through organisational processes.
• Maintain oversight of building safety, security, and use of space.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained for staff, visitors, and young people.
• Ensure all off site activities, outreach, visits, and residentials are risk assessed and appropriately staffed.
• Hold overall responsibility for the safe opening and closing of the centre and the planning and oversight of fire, evacuation, and lockdown procedures, delegating operational leadership as appropriate when not on site
• Maintain good relations with neighbours and the local community.

Quality, Development and Partnership Working 

• Lead centre-level self evaluation and contribute to GMYF organisational development and quality frameworks.
• Monitor outcomes for children and young people and use learning to improve provision.
• Contribute to funding bids, monitoring, and reporting.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with stakeholders including schools, community organisations, statutory services, and internal teams to support joined-up opportunities for young people.
• Represent the centre in organisational initiatives and networks.

Outdoor Education and Residential Provision

• Hold responsibility for pastoral leadership of young people accessing Outdoor Education provision linked to the centre, while the Outdoor Education Team is responsible for developing and providing outdoor education opportunities. 
• Work collaboratively with the Outdoor Education Team to plan high-quality residentials and Outdoor Activities for the young people from the centre.
• Ensure good pastoral and wellbeing leadership before, during, and after residentials.
• Act as Group Leader and drive the minibus where required and appropriate, in line with compliance regulations.
• Lead reflective reviews following residentials and outdoor education activity.

Professional Conduct and Organisational Responsibilities

• Uphold GMYF’s values, policies, and professional standards.
• Ensure conduct reflects the responsibilities of a leadership and management role.
• Maintain a strong commitment to continuous professional development and reflective leadership practice, using supervision, learning, and organisational feedback to enhance personal effectiveness and support high-quality youth work delivery.
• Contribute positively to the wider culture and strategic development of GMYF.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role. 

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Professional Development

• Relevant qualification in Youth Work OR significant experience delivering youth work or related children and young people’s provision
• Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) and reflective leadership practice
• Willingness to undertake further relevant professional or leadership qualifications and development as required

Experience

• Experience delivering youth work or similar provision in a centre based, community, or outreach setting
• Experience supporting, supervising, or coordinating staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience working within safeguarding frameworks, including recording concerns and escalating appropriately
• Experience working with children and young people facing additional barriers to participation (e.g. SEND, trauma, disadvantage)
• Experience contributing to the planning, delivery, or improvement of provision, balancing operational delivery with quality and learning

Knowledge & Skills

• Sound understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and inclusive practice within youth or community settings
• Ability to promote positive behaviour cultures using restorative and trauma informed approaches.
•  Ability to provide clear professional direction and guidance to team and colleagues
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, adaptable to young people, families, partners, and professionals
• Ability to oversee the safe delivery of centre based, outreach, and off site activities
• Ability to maintain accurate records and contribute to reports and organisational learning
• Competence in using IT systems to support communication, administration and service delivery

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Ability to provide visible, values-led leadership within a busy operational environment
• Sound judgement and confidence in decision-making, with appropriate use of supervision, escalation and advice 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a wider organisational structure and across internal teams
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and young person-centred practice
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities and pressures

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and occasional weekends
• Willingness to complete required training (e.g. First Aid, safeguarding, fire safety) within agreed timescales
•  Enhanced DBS check

Desirable Criteria

• Degree level qualification in Youth Work
• Leadership or management qualification, or experience of leading teams in a youth work setting
• Experience contributing to funding bids, monitoring, evaluation, or reporting processes
• Experience leading or contributing to centre self evaluation or quality assurance frameworks
• Experience working in partnership with schools, local services, or community organisations

Other requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

This is a UK-based post and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your covering email. 

Please let us know if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process and we’ll be happy to support you.

• Closing date for applications: 21st September 2026 @9:00am
• Formal nterview date:29th September 2026
• Young person part of interview date: 30th September 2026
• Start date: As soon as possible