Jobs for the Youth and Children sector

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young carers?

We are looking for new sessional workers to join our Young Carers team. Our sessional workers play a key role in supporting the delivery of a programme of activities designed for our young carers aged 5 to 15 and the delivery of monthly peer support groups and activities for young adult carers aged 16 to 21.

Carers’ Hub plays a vital role in Lambeth, supporting unpaid carers across the borough with 1-1 and peer support, signposting, monthly forums, training, workshops and social activities. Our young carers team works with children from the age of 5 upwards, offering support and information to young carers and their families. Adventure, friendship and support are super-important for young carers, so we split our work into four areas:

1. We organise a mixture of exciting activities throughout the year

2. We run monthly young carers groups – a space to relax and have fun

3. We provide a listening ear and relevant help to young carers and  their families

4. We run dedicated projects working with schools to support young carers with their education

If you are passionate about delivering exciting activities and focused interventions to children and young people, we would love to hear from you. 

Please note, the majority of hours available will be during school holidays and the occasional weekend.

Closing date: 9am, Friday 10 July

Interview date: Wednesday 22 July

At Latin American House (LAH), advice is more than information, it is a lifeline. We aim to support individuals who have nowhere else to turn: migrants navigating an unfamiliar system, families facing welfare challenges, and vulnerable people who simply need someone who speaks their language and understands their reality.

This is your opportunity to begin a meaningful career in the advice sector, fully supported and trained from day one.

About us

LAH is a community-led charity driven by and for Latin Americans in the UK. For decades, we have been supporting Latin American and other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants, championing their rights, wellbeing, and inclusion. We are a small, close-knit team with big ambitions, and everything we do is rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our work takes place across London and at our community centre in Kilburn, North West London.

About the role

This is a part-time, fixed-term role (21 hours per week) and a genuine investment in your professional development. As a Welfare Benefits Trainee Adviser, you will receive structured, on-the-job training to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to provide high-quality, person-centred advice. You will work under close supervision, with the opportunity to achieve the AdviceUK Learning to Advise (LTA) Full Programme certification within your first six months, between September and December 2026.

Day to day, you will support service users with a range of practical needs: interpreting calls, helping with GP registrations, guiding people through form applications, assisting with school enrolment, and providing orientation on accessing government support. As your training progresses, your responsibilities will develop towards more in-depth welfare benefits advice.

This is not an entry-level role that leaves you unsupported. You will be supervised, mentored, and developed throughout, and if you complete your probation successfully, further training and qualification opportunities may follow.

What we are looking for

You will be an advanced Spanish speaker with at least six months of experience working with individuals or communities in a supportive capacity, paid or voluntary. You will bring empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to the communities we serve, alongside a structured, organised approach and a willingness to learn.

You do not need to be a qualified adviser yet. What matters most is that you are ready to grow into one.

We are particularly encouraging applications from people with lived experience of migration, and welcome applications from racialised, disabled, working class and LGBTQ+ backgrounds.

At Latin American House (LAH), sound finances underpin everything we do, from free advice services for migrants navigating complex systems, to community-led cultural activities open to everyone. Our space hire, Saturday School, and other self-generated income, alongside donations, are what make it all possible, directly sustaining support for the people who need it most.

About us

LAH is a community-led charity driven by and for Latin Americans in the UK. For decades, we have been supporting Latin American and other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants, championing their rights, wellbeing, and inclusion. We are a small, close-knit team with big ambitions, and everything we do is rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our work takes place across London and at our community centre in Kilburn, North West London.

About the role

This is a part-time, permanent role (14 hours per week) that sits at the heart of LAH's operations and administration. As our Bookkeeper, you will ensure our financial records are accurate, our compliance obligations are met, and our senior team has the reliable information they need to make good decisions.

Day to day, you will process invoices and payments, reconcile bank accounts, prepare records for our annual audit, manage our income tracking across all programmes, and support payroll administration, all using Xero. You will report directly to the Director and work closely with the wider team.

This is not a back-office role at a distance from our mission. You will be on-site with us, part of the team, and your work will be visible and valued.

What we are looking for

You will bring at least two years of bookkeeping experience, ideally in the voluntary sector, alongside a relevant accounting qualification (IAB, AAT or equivalent). You will be confident with accounting software (we use Xero), have a strong eye for detail, and be able to work independently while being a genuine team player.

Just as importantly, you will have an understanding of and commitment to the communities we serve, and you will bring that commitment to everything you do.

We are particularly encouraging applications from people with lived experience of migration, and welcome applications from racialised, disabled, working class and LGBTQ+ backgrounds.

Are you a passionate, bilingual community leader ready to make a real difference in the lives of Latin Americans and other migrant communities in the UK?

At Latin American House (LAH), culture is not just what we do, it is who we are. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a vibrant and innovative programme that puts community voices, creativity, and cultural pride at its heart.

About us

LAH is a community-led charity driven by and for Latin Americans in the UK. For decades, we have been supporting Latin American and other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants, championing their rights, wellbeing, and inclusion. We are a small, close-knit team with big ambitions, and everything we do is rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our work takes place across London and at our community centre in Kilburn, North West London.

About the role

This is an exciting new post that will give you the space and support to grow our Communities & Culture offer, from cultural festivals and participatory arts to community gatherings and creative workshops. You will work alongside artists, community groups, and partners to build something truly meaningful, while also playing a key role in LAH's wider organisational development.

What we are looking for

You will be bilingual in Spanish and English, with a strong understanding of the experiences, challenges and strengths of Latin American communities in the UK. You will bring experience of leading community or cultural projects or intiiatives, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine commitment to social inclusion and equity.

What we offer

In return, we offer a supportive and flexible working environment, a generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days pro rata, NCVO programme management training and deelopment opportunities in safeguarding and fundraising, and employer pension contributions through NEST.

If you have strong organisational, communication, and relationship-building skills, alongside a passion for community development and cultural participation, we would love to hear from you!

We are particularly encouraging applications from people with lived experience of migration, and welcome applications from racialised, disabled, working class and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. 

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two-year Impact Programme, we help build a joined-up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

We’re looking for an inspiring Head of Community Delivery to join our London-based team. This is a senior leadership role within our Delivery Team, where you’ll play a key part in shaping and delivering AllChild’s place-based programmes, ensuring they create meaningful and lasting impact across your region.

For further information, please view the Job Pack.

To apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9 July 2026.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process. 

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two-year Impact Programme, we help build a joined-up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths-based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early-help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is working in communities nationally to create lasting, place-based change.

We’re seeking people in the West London area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards within a Secondary School. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information, please view the Job Pack.

To apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9 July 2026.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process. 

Role Purpose

The Supporter Engagement Assistant is responsible for growing support for Bassetlaw Foodbank through partnerships, fundraising and community engagement. The role focuses on developing relationships with local businesses, organisations, volunteers and supporters to increase income, donations, and awareness of the charity’s work tackling poverty.

The post holder will represent the charity in the community, identify new opportunities to expand support and generate income, organise donation drives and events, and manage volunteers.

Outdoor and community-based working will be a regular part of the role, with occasional weekend working required.

About us

Bassetlaw Foodbank (BFB) was established in 2012 to tackle food insecurity across the district of Bassetlaw. Since 2020 the charity has expanded to tackle poverty on multiple fronts, running projects that focus both on the affordability and accessibility of food. We support residents of Bassetlaw who are in crisis, and those at risk of falling into crisis.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Income Generation

• Work towards agreed income generation targets.
• Approach and strengthen relationships with organisations, with a focus on corporate partnerships, to drive in additional funding for the charity.
• Develop and deliver community fundraising activities to increase income.
• Take the lead on income and donation generating activities, like standing at Retford Market, Charter Day and in store donation drives.
• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities including events, campaigns and community initiatives.
• Encourage individual and community donations through creative fundraising approaches.
• Support the development of donation drives and appeals.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build partnerships with local businesses, faith groups, schools and community organisations.
• Strengthen relationships with existing partners including local third sector organisations.
• Represent the charity at community meetings, events and networking opportunities.
• Identify collaborative opportunities with other organisations to expand support and impact.
• Encourage opportunities for corporate fundraising on behalf of BFB.

Donation Drives & Community Campaigns

• Organise and coordinate donation drives for food and other essential items.
• Engage local organisations and the public to participate in donation campaigns.
• Develop relationships with regular donors and supporters.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, coordinate and support volunteers involved in fundraising and community activities.
• Ensure volunteers feel valued, supported and engaged.
• Provide guidance and oversight for volunteer-led initiatives.

Advocacy & Public Engagement

• Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for BFB in the community.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with supporters and donors.
• Promote the charity’s mission and impact to increase awareness and support.

Growth & Development

• Identify new opportunities to grow the charity’s supporter base.
• Monitor local trends and opportunities for partnership, funding and engagement.
• Contribute ideas and strategies to expand the charity’s reach and sustainability.

Reporting

· Regular reporting to line manager on where activities are in relation to key targets.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in fundraising, community engagement, partnership development, or a similar role.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence representing an organisation in public and community settings.
• Ability to work independently and proactively identify opportunities.
• A willingness to work flexibly within the week determined by operational priorities. 
• Safeguarding training to Level 2 or a willingness to complete.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple activities.
• This role requires the post holder to be able to set up and take down stalls at events so the ability to carry out heavy lifting, following manual handling procedures, is essential.
• Full driver’s licence.

Desirable

• Experience working in the voluntary or community sector.
• Experience working with or coordinating volunteers.
• Knowledge of local community networks.
• Experience organising fundraising events or campaigns.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for tackling poverty and supporting a local community.
• Friendly, approachable and confident communicator.
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative.
• Collaborative and relationship-focused.
• Flexible and willing to work outdoors and in community settings.

About the role

Hours: 22.5 hours a week. We envision working across regular days throughout the week, with flexibility required to be able to attend fundraising and community events and opportunities.

Salary: £16,824 pa. (£28,041 FTE)

Location: The role will be based at Bassetlaw Foodbank’s two offices in Worksop and Retford, but regular travel to events, meetings and other opportunities across the district will be required.

Line Manager: Supporter Engagement Manager

Additional information: Outdoor working and community outreach are regular parts of the role. Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required to attend events or activities.

This role has been funded The Fore for 12 months, with the likelihood of extension if key targets are met.

Please note that as this role may include working with vulnerable adults so the successful candidate will be subject to a successful DBS check.

Managing Director – YMCA Cornwall

Lead Change. Inspire Futures. Make a Difference.

YMCA Cornwall, a respected and growing local charity, is seeking a visionary Managing Director to drive our mission: ensuring every young person has the foundation for a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. Based in Penzance, we support young people aged 16–24 at risk of homelessness, providing supported accommodation, life skills, and mentoring, as well as vital services for the wider community.

About the Role:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to a financially robust, values-driven organisation.
• Oversee and innovate youth services and supported housing, ensuring person-centred, safe, and effective delivery.
• Lead a talented team, foster a culture of inclusion and inspiration, and champion our values: seeking out, serving others, inspiring, speaking out, and welcoming all.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, funders, and community organisations, and represent YMCA Cornwall as a visible ambassador.
• Drive sustainable growth, manage budgets, and secure diverse funding streams.

What We Offer:

• Salary: £60,000–£65,000 + benefits
• 37.5 hours/week (flexible, some evenings/weekends)
• 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Pension, wellbeing support, and more
• Immediate start, permanent contract

Who We’re Looking For:

• Senior leadership experience in charity, public sector, or community settings
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver diverse services
• Strong strategic, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Values-driven, with a passion for empowering young people

Ready to lead the next chapter? Closing date:  midday, Friday 26th June 2026

YMCA Cornwall – Transforming our community so all young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.

Regional Manager

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Location: Hybrid with regular travel across our shop network 
• Salary: £40,000 per annum + company car
• Closing date: 8th July 2026 at 12 noon 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Regional Manager to lead and support a portfolio of retail locations. This is a dynamic, field-based role requiring strong leadership, commercial focus, and the ability to drive performance across multiple sites.

As Regional Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and delivering sustainable growth within your region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and support multiple retail sites to achieve sales and performance targets
• Develop and inspire store teams, creating a positive and high-performing culture
• Ensure consistently high standards of visual merchandising, compliance and operational delivery
• Monitor performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement effective action plans
• Build strong working relationships across teams and stakeholders
• Provide hands-on support where required, adapting to the needs of each location

About You:

• Proven experience in a multi-site retail or operational management role
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Commercially aware, with a track record of delivering results
• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Full UK driving licence required

Ready to bring your skills to a role that matters?

Applications will be reviewed and invited to interview as received. We reserve the right to close the advert at any time, therefore we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

Ready to use your expertise to guide and support a team delivering early intervention mental health support to children and young people?

This is more than a clinical role. It's an opportunity to develop your leadership skills, support the growth of others and help shape the quality of mental health support delivered in schools.

As a Supervising Practitioner, you'll be part of our vibrant Compass Bloom Mental Health Support Team, working alongside schools to deliver evidence based interventions, promote whole school approaches to mental wellbeing and ensure practitioners feel supported, skilled and safe in their practice.

As part of this role, the successful candidate will undertake a postgraduate Supervising Practitioner qualification with Prestwich University, beginning in September 2026. You will complete your studies alongside your role within the service, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high quality clinical supervision and support to practitioners working with children and young people.

You'll hold a small caseload and work directly with young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, while also providing clinical supervision, reflective spaces and day to day guidance to colleagues. You'll play an important role in embedding good practice, supporting professional development and maintaining high standards of care.

Working closely with schools, Team Leaders and the wider Compass team, you'll help drive quality, consistency and innovation across the service. Whether you're supporting practitioners, contributing to service development or building strong relationships with partners, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to both the team and the children and young people we support.

About You

You care deeply about children and young people's mental health and are ready to bring your experience, empathy and professional expertise into a role where you can support both young people and fellow practitioners to thrive.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) experience working within children and young people's mental health services, or a Qualified Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) qualification with a minimum of 2 years' post qualification experience

• Experience supervising others or supporting colleagues in a leadership, coaching or mentoring capacity

• A strong understanding of CBT informed approaches and evidence based interventions for children and young people

• Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with young people, families, schools and partner agencies

• A sound understanding of safeguarding, risk management and professional responsibility

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle or the ability to travel

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is ready to develop their leadership and supervisory skills through a postgraduate Supervising Practitioner qualification while continuing to make a difference to children and young people's mental health.

If you are a qualified Supervising Practitioner then we'd also love to hear from you!

About Compass
 

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people & vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment & rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes & associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, & encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills & empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive & representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!

We will be interviewing throughout the advert duration, so please apply as soon as possible!

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior Researcher
Contract: Fixed term for 24 months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum, Nationwide – £44,167 per annum for London
Location: NCB has offices in London, Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose, or this role can be homebased. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office if based in London.

The Vacancy

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Researcher to make a significant contribution on a 2-year fixed term contract to the design, delivery and management of research and evidence projects at NCB. Research projects at NCB involve a range of methods, often using a mixed-methods approach, that include evidence synthesis and systematic reviews, literature reviews, primary research using qualitative and quantitative methods and secondary data analysis.

A key focus of this role will be leading and delivering high-quality evidence synthesis, as a core component of our research portfolio.

NCB’s research focuses on a broad range of topic areas on behalf of a range of trusts and foundations, statutory, academic, voluntary and community sector funders, including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; youth violence and early years.

The postholder will work across a range of projects including the topics above and using a range of methods as appropriate, ensuring their work is delivered to NCB’s quality standards.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 7th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

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.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Job description

Kingston Bereavement Support is a friendly local charity that provides face to face counselling for children, young people and adults grieving the death of a person close to them. We are well placed to deliver this support, having provided specialist bereavement counselling in the Kingston community since 1988. We are partially funded by the local council and have strong referral pathways with GPs, schools and social services. Our model uses specially trained local volunteer counsellors, offering good value for money while supporting the development of skilled practitioners. As our services are available for free we ensure there is no financial barrier to accessing this support.

We are now looking for a part-time freelance Fundraiser to help secure and grow the income that makes this work possible.

Hybrid - remote working with occasional visits to the office in Kingston as needed (office is a 5 minute walk from Kingston train station, Greater London).

The Role

As a key player in our close-knit team, you’ll enjoy genuine autonomy and high visibility. You will take ownership of fundraising and income generation, ensuring we have the resources to sustain and grow our impact.
Initially, your main focus will be grant fundraising whilst also working with the Trustees to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy including mid and long term initiatives.

The ideal candidate will:

- Have a good understanding of the current fundraising landscape and the different types of fundraising activities

- Be skilled and experienced in identifying and securing funding from trusts and foundations

- Have the ability to write high-quality compelling funding applications

- Have experience building and maintaining a pipeline of funding opportunities

- Have excellent communication skills, able to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues, Trustees, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Fundraising

· Identify and secure funding from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies

· Write high-quality, compelling funding applications

· Build and manage a strong prioritised pipeline of funding opportunities

· Maintain relationships with funders, including reporting and stewardship

Other income sources

· Assess, prioritise and implement alternative fundraising activities including, for example, local fundraising events and community & individual fundraising initiatives.

Strategy, Compliance & Reporting

· Develop and deliver a clear fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals

· Track performance against targets and provide insight

· Ensure all fundraising is compliant with regulations and best practice

· Represent the charity externally with confidence and credibility

Working with internal and external stakeholders

· Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to gather impact data and develop compelling cases for support

· Work closely with Trustees to develop budgets for funding proposals

· Act as a key ambassador for Kingston Bereavement Support with funders and external stakeholders

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience:

1. Proven track record of securing five- figure grants from trusts and foundations

2. Excellent relationship- building and communication skills, able to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues,         Trustees, and external stakeholders.

3. Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive and compelling funding applications

4. Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills

5. An understanding of the fundraising landscape nationwide and in the London Boroughs as relevant

6. Familiarity with fundraising activities alternative to grants  

7. A proactive approach, with the ability to spot opportunities and drive activity forward

8. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Desirable, but not essential:

1. Experience securing six-figure and/or multi-year grants

2. Knowledge of the mental health sector

3. Experience contributing to fundraising strategy

Barnardo's is looking for an exceptional Responsible Individual to provide inspiring, values‑driven leadership across four residential children's homes, each committed to delivering therapeutic, relational care and each aspiring to be Outstanding.

This is more than a regulatory role. It is a chance to influence culture, strengthen practice, mentor Registered Managers, and ensure our homes are places where children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, fully aligned with Barnardo's vision of Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives.

Our homes are grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy). Every relationship, every team decision, and every child's plan is shaped by these principles. We are looking for a leader who not only understands trauma-informed, attachment-focused practice but lives it.

What Our Children Say They Want from the People Who Lead Their Homes

“Please make sure our staff feel supported. It helps us feel safe too.” – J, age 14
“We want people who don't give up on us… even when things get hard.” – S, age 11
“Help the homes be happy places.” – L, age 9

Who wouldn't want their work to be guided by such powerful voices?

Your Role

As the Responsible Individual, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for four children's homes
• Drive quality and consistency, ensuring each home is safe, thriving, and inspection‑ready
• Embed DDP and PACE across teams, culture, and decision‑making
• Lead improvement journeys towards Outstanding
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and regulatory compliance
• Champion the voice of the child and high‑quality relational practice
• Build collaborative working across internal and external partners
• Model reflective, compassionate, trauma‑informed leadership

What You'll Bring

• Significant leadership experience in residential childcare
• A Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Leadership and Management
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements across residential settings
• Experience in supporting and improving multiple sites/services
• Emotional resilience, reflective capacity, and clarity of purpose
• The ability to inspire, influence, and develop others
• A passion for helping children feel safer, more hopeful, and more connected

What We Offer

• Comprehensive leadership development and access to sector‑leading training
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A values‑driven organisation where care, compassion, and curiosity are central

 Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date. We encourage early applications.

What Our Colleagues Say About Working for Barnardo's
“Barnardo's invests in us. The training, the support, the supervision… it's the best I've had.” – Registered Manager
“I love that our values aren't just words, they show up in decisions, relationships, and how we treat each other.” – Deputy Manager

As Responsible Individual, you will nurture this culture, one where colleagues feel valued, reflective, motivated, and proud of the care they provide.

Join Us

If you are a courageous, compassionate leader who wants to help children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, and if you're ready to support managers and teams to achieve Outstanding, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us continue changing childhoods and changing lives.

Barnardo's Adoption Midlands and South West has an exciting vacancy for a Social Worker to join its Service covering work predominantly in the Midlands, East & West.  You will be joining an experienced and stable staff group who embrace working in a creative, open and transparent manner with adopters, to provide children with permanence in a family who understand the lifelong nature of adoption and the impact of issues such as developmental trauma, attachment and neuroscience.

As a Social Worker you have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of Children, Young People and Families by:

• Recruiting, assessing and approving a diverse range of adoptive families to meet the needs of waiting children
• Matching the needs of children nationwide with the skills of appropriate adopters
• Ensuring all adopters have access to excellent training, guidance and support when they require it, including managing ongoing contact with birth family
• Working directly with adoptive families promoting a trauma informed approach and helping build and maintain family relationships
• Being part of Barnardo's undertaking to children, young people and adopters to continuously learn and improve

If you have a passion and drive to make a positive difference to children and adopters we would like to hear from you.

This vacancy is for a qualified Social Worker who is registered with SW England or is able to register with SW England.

The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving license that enables them to drive in the UK and have use of a car and business use insurance.  Barnardo's is, however, willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by other means.

The applicant will need to be able to participate in an "Helpline" rota Out of Office hours. There is additional remuneration for providing this service.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work life balance we therefore offer flexible working arrangements as the role involves some evening/weekend working and travel with occasional overnight stays.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

When completing the application please refer to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the Service described. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible