Youth adventure trust jobs
High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Community Action to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.
This is an exciting and important role within our work, continually shaped by the needs and priorities of the communities we work alongside. While the focus of our Community Action service evolves year on year, it always centres on social action, capacity building, and strengthening community voice.
This coming year will see this work expand rapidly, following High Trees’ successful bid to deliver the local authority contract for capacity building support to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations across Lambeth. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in this area – although more important are the leadership, skills and aptitude to successfully oversee the delivery of this vital workstream. The service also plays a central role in driving forward social action within our flagship partnerships, including Building Young Brixton, the Lambeth Peer Action Collective, and the Lambeth Community Research Network – helping to ensure communities take a leading role in action linked to research and advocacy.
The Head of Community Action leads on a diverse range of areas, which shift each year in response to community needs and opportunities to strengthen civic voice and local infrastructures. In recent years, this has included supporting residents to lead community organising campaigns to improve the built environment, coordinating digital inclusion initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, capacity building Tenants and Residents Associations and supporting the creation of local neighbourhood plans that put residents’ voices at the centre of decision-making.
As part of High Trees’ senior management team, the Head of Community Action will not only oversee delivery in their service area, but also help shape organisational strategy, grow partnerships and income, and ensure we work as one High Trees – keeping our practice responsive, collaborative, and always led by community need.
About High Trees
Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for over 27 years. We delivery community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations, to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.
About the role
As Head of Community Action, you will:
- Lead and inspire our Community Action team to deliver high-impact, community-led work.
- Oversee a portfolio of projects and contracts, ensuring they are delivered to time, budget, and quality.
- Drive forward High Trees’ new local authority contract for capacity building support across Lambeth’s VCS.
- Work collaboratively across High Trees and with our partnership projects to support impactful community action and capacity building support.
- Support and develop High Trees’ consultancy and volunteering offer, including corporate social responsibility partnerships.
- Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, ensuring a joined-up approach across all our services.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Significant experience in community organising, social action, or community development.
- A proven track record of leading teams and managing complex projects.
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
- A passion for collaboration, and supporting communities to have a stronger voice.
Why join us? This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will shape meaningful, responsive community action work and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating lasting change.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Connecting with people and communities to strengthen skills and build stronger voices.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Title: Programme Manager
Reports To: Director of Programmes & Development
Salary: £29,000 - £31,000 per annum, dependant on experience
Location: Home-based, must be located in or with close proximity to Wiltshire and Somerset
Contract: Permanent, full time
Holiday: 25 days per annum, plus public holidays
Application: Application Form
Closing Date: Thursday 16th October 2025 at 9am
The Charity
The Youth Adventure Trust is a youth development charity working with vulnerable young people aged 11 to 16 years old from Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon. Our outdoor activity based YAT Adventure Programme enables young people to challenge themselves, experience success, learn to go beyond their own expectations and grow in confidence. Through a series of residential camps and day activities they are able to build resilience, self esteem and develop social and life skills. The YAT Resilience Programme works to the same outcomes through a year long programme of monthly activities, home-based challenges and reflective practice. Our Mentoring Programme works with those young people in need of some additional individualised support at the end of our other programmes. The Trust’s Bursary Programme is open to all those young people who have completed an initial programme, in order to assist their next steps into further activities. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and motivated Programme Manager to support, deliver and manage our outdoor based development programmes.
Responsibilities will include:
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Acting as the key point of contact to organise, deliver and oversee the programme to a group of young people, including managing and supporting residential adventure camps and activity days throughout the year.
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Recruiting young people to the programme, working in collaboration with our referral partners including schools and other organisations, ensuring all involved have an excellent understanding, relationship and experience with the Youth Adventure Trust.
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Working in partnership with the young people’s families to promote full attendance, effective participation and ensure they have all the information they require.
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Carrying out direct work with young people to help support their needs and fulfil the Youth Adventure Trust’s aims.
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Providing ongoing feedback to young people, parents, carers and schools.
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Supporting the effective monitoring of the programme and measurement of young people’s developmental outcomes.
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Working with the Mentoring Managers to select and support young people moving on to the Mentoring Programme, and promote take up of the Bursary Programme.
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Ensuring the highest standards of support, safety and safeguarding across the programme and all aspects of the Youth Adventure Trust’s work.
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Taking the lead with day-to-day administration and management of the programme. This will include maintaining a database, producing written communications and reports, information leaflets, website updates, budget monitoring, booking and negotiating with providers, and an array of detailed record keeping.
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Contributing to organisational planning and development, including supporting the development of further opportunities for young people.
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Supporting the fundraising team through providing feedback, reports or event support.
You will also;
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Be involved in sector networking and awareness raising on behalf of the Trust.
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Act as an ambassador for the Youth Adventure Trust at all times.
The post is subject to a six months’ probationary period.
The Candidate
To be up to the challenge you’ll need an excellent understanding and a proven track record of relevant experience working with vulnerable and challenging young people. You’ll need demonstrable skills at building effective relationships with young people, parents/carers and professional organisations. You’ll need strong influencing and motivational skills; the capacity to get the best out of people and confidently deal with issues and challenges. You’ll be an excellent communicator, planner and problem solver, a strong team player and an exemplary role model.
We need someone with:-
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Commitment to safeguarding and dedication to promoting the welfare of young people.
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Relevant experience of managing young people, preferably in a residential environment as well as outside of this.
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Experience in working in partnership with other professional organisations and parents/carers.
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Strong leadership and team skills to motivate, support and work alongside a team of volunteers, activity instructors and logistics staff.
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Self-motivation with the ability to work on their own initiative to plan and manage their workload.
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Strong IT skills including experience of MS Office, web based platforms and databases.
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Excellent administrative skills and a methodical and thorough approach.
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The ability to perform well and problem solve in high-stress and changing situations. Ability to be flexible and dynamic in approach.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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A positive attitude, high energy and enthusiasm for the work of the Youth Adventure Trust; an understanding of the positive impact outdoor adventure can have on vulnerable young people, and a desire to help inspire young lives.
In addition:-
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The ability to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends as required is essential - the role includes attending several residential camps over the year, and some weekend days working on activities. If you are looking for a predictable 9-5 work environment, this won’t be the right fit.
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A full current driving licence and access to your own vehicle is required.
Safer Recruitment
The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Please be advised;
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a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure with Children’s Barred List will be required for this post;
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we will seek references on shortlisted candidates before interview, and may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications;
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if the applicant is shortlisted, any relevant issues arising from his or her references or application will be taken up at interview;
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in accordance with due diligence checks, online searches may be conducted as part of the selection process on shortlisted candidates;
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if the applicant is currently working with children, on either a paid or voluntary basis, his or her current employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, including any in which the penalty is “time expired” (e.g. where a warning could no longer be taken into account in any new disciplinary hearing), and whether the applicant has been the subject of any child protection concerns, and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. If the applicant is not currently working with children but has done so in the past, then contact will be made with that employer who will be asked about these issues; and
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applicants should note that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and possible referral to the police.
Please review our Safeguarding Policy available on our website.
How to Apply
Please complete the Application Form which includes the opportunity to outline why you think you are suitable for this role, making specific reference to the Job Description and Person Specification above.
The Application Form should be returned to:
Abigail Hinds, Operations Coordinator
Applications Closing Date: Thursday 16th October at 9am
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 17th October
Interview Date: Monday 27th October in Frome, Somerset
A second interview will be held for selected candidates on Sunday 2nd November in the Wiltshire area.
The Youth Adventure Trust sincerely thanks all those who apply, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Unfortunately we are unable to reimburse interview expenditure incurred.
Data Protection Statement
For information about how we use your data, please see the Privacy Policy on our website.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement
The Youth Adventure Trust is an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.
Additional documentation:
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Application form
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Recruitment of Ex-offenders Policy
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Example Reference Questions
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We use outdoor adventure and one-to-one support to empower young people to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Our Youth and Play Practitioners will play a pivotal role in the Children, Young People and Families team, working as a core team of practitioners to ensure the smooth running of our programmes and services. In this role you will be part of a small and dynamic team which delivers a wide range of programmes and activities, both from Tulse Hill Adventure Playground and within local schools. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse and varied. Our current services include open access adventure play and youth activities at our Adventure Playground, school holiday programmes with off-site trips and activities, coaching in local schools, a Young Leaders programme offering paid work experience to young people, and working together with our youth partnerships Building Young Brixton and Lambeth Peer Action Collective.
We are in an exciting time of development for the team. To support our range of children and young people, our team will be made up of specialist Youth Workers and Play Practitioners bringing in relevant skills and experience. Whilst you will work across all of our Children, Young People and Families services you will have a specific focus:
As a Youth Worker you will:
- Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
- Plan and run appropriate activities
- Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
- Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities
As a Play Worker you will:
- Focus on our primary age cohort
- Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run engaging activities
- Foster relationships with families and local primary schools
Both roles will include an element of mentoring, relevant training will be provided to give you the necessary skills to deliver this.
To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Connecting with people and communities to strengthen skills and build stronger voices.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Senior Practitioner - Bracknell
Location: The Courthouse, Broadway, Bracknell, RG12 1AE
Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £23,613 per year (FTE)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2026
Are you looking for a role where every day is different, every child is celebrated, and your impact is immediate?
Join us as a Senior Practitioner and help create joyful, inclusive play opportunities for disabled children and young people. You’ll lead with creativity, support families with compassion, and inspire a team that’s passionate about making a difference.
Senior Practitioner – Supporting Disabled Children, Young People & Families
Make play possible. Make inclusion real. Make a difference.
We’re looking for a Senior Practitioner who is passionate about empowering disabled children, young people, and their families. This isn’t just a role—it’s a chance to lead, inspire, and create joyful experiences that build confidence, connection, and belonging.
What makes this role exciting?
- Impact with purpose: You’ll directly shape services that bring fun, freedom, and opportunity to children and young people.
- Leadership with heart: From mentoring staff to leading sessions, you’ll grow your leadership skills while making a visible difference.
- Creativity every day: Plan, deliver, and adapt activities that spark imagination and celebrate every child’s unique abilities.
- Collaboration that counts: Work hand-in-hand with families, schools, health and social care professionals, and community partners.
What you’ll be doing
- Designing and leading inclusive play and social activities where children’s voices guide the fun.
- Providing dedicated 1:1 support for children with multiple and complex needs.
- Mentoring and supporting play staff and volunteers to deliver their best.
- Taking the lead on outings and external visits, making new adventures possible.
- Acting as site manager when needed, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
- Keeping records and plans up to date, making sure families are involved every step of the way.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience working with disabled children, young people, and families.
- A track record of planning and delivering engaging group activities.
- Strong communication skills that adapt to children, parents, carers, and professionals alike.
- Confidence to work independently, problem solve, and use your initiative.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, equal opportunities, and the real-life challenges families may face.
- A minimum of GCSEs/NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent).
Why you’ll love it here
You’ll join a supportive, passionate team where your ideas matter and your work changes lives. We’ll invest in your training and development, celebrate your successes, and give you the freedom to shape services that truly put children and families first.
Why Join Kids?
We’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We care about your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. Here’s what we offer:
The Good Stuff/Benefits
- Join a company that truly cares about your wellbeing
- Enjoy an enviable annual leave package, starting at a generous 25 days and growing each year up to 30 days.
- Option to buy an additional 5 days holiday.
- Enjoy your entitlement to Bank Holidays.
- We've got your back with Maternity and Paternity Pay.
- Rest easy knowing you're covered with our Death in Service plan.
- Invest in your pension plan with the option to top it up knowing that Kids is also contributing 3%.
- Achieve work-life harmony with flexible hours tailored to your needs.
- Unlock exclusive discounts by taking up membership of a perks discount site
- Spread the word and reap the rewards with our enticing "Recommend a Friend" scheme.
- Access confidential support and expert guidance 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, helping you navigate both personal and professional challenges.
- Take care of yourself with Company Sick Pay which you are entitled to from your first day.
- 5 days of paid family/carers leave.
- Salary sacrifice schemes available
- Develop your mentoring skills by either being a mentor or signing up for our mentoring programme.
- Expand your horizons with Kids’ online learning platforms, offering a wealth of professional courses for your personal and career development.
- Apprenticeship programmes available for employees
- Benefit from a colleague engagement programme enabling your voice to be heard.
- Lean on us during difficult times with Bereavement Leave.
Safeguarding & Commitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. You’ll be trained and supported to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and inclusion.
Ready to step into a role where every day is different, every child is valued, and your impact is immediate? Apply today and help us create playful, positive experiences that last a lifetime.
Please note that we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Service Manager - Bracknell
Location: On site at The Courthouse, Broadway, Bracknell, RG12 1AE
Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £31,392 (FTE)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2026
Service Manager – Bracknell
Lead with purpose. Change lives. Build brighter futures.
At Kids, we’ve been supporting disabled children, young people and their families for over 50 years. Our services give children a safe place to play, grow and build independence — and give families the vital support they need.
Now we’re looking for a Service Manager to lead our play and short break services in Bracknell. This is your chance to make a real difference every day.
Why this role matters
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You’ll shape services that bring joy, independence and opportunity to children with SEND.
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You’ll give families the support and respite they need.
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You’ll lead a passionate team and help them be their very best.
This isn’t just management — it’s leadership with heart.
What you’ll do
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Lead and inspire staff and volunteers across after-school clubs, weekend and holiday activities.
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Build partnerships with schools, health teams and local authorities.
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Ensure services are safe, inclusive and meet (and exceed!) regulatory standards.
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Use feedback from children, young people and families to shape what we do.
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Drive innovation, growth and funding opportunities.
What you’ll bring
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Experience leading and developing services (children’s services, social care, education or similar).
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Strong people leadership skills — you know how to motivate and nurture a team.
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Knowledge of safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
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Good organisational and financial management skills.
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Level 5 qualification in Children and Young People / Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
(Bonus: experience working directly with disabled children and young people.)
Most of all, you share our values: inclusion, respect, collaboration and commitment to making a difference.
What we offer
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25–30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) + option to buy more.
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Flexible hours and family-friendly policies.
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Company sick pay from day one + paid family/carer’s leave.
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Pension contributions (3% from us).
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Maternity and paternity pay.
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Employee Assistance Programme for 24/7 wellbeing support.
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Discounts, rewards and perks site.
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Learning, mentoring and apprenticeships to grow your career.
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Recommend a Friend bonus.
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Bereavement leave and death in service plan.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to use your skills and passion to transform lives, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help children with SEND live life to the fullest.
Please note that we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Salary: £44,000 - £48,000, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (Part-time at 4 days/week considered)
Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week in Waterloo office
Closing date: Wednesday 9th October
Benefits: 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and 3 discretionary Christmas days), flexible working, paid emergency leave, reward voucher scheme, pension contributions up to 6%, and more
We’re thrilled to be partnering with the award-winning children’s mental health charity Free to Be Kids to recruit a Fundraising Manager to lead their fundraising and communications strategy. Free to Be Kids helps some of London’s most disadvantaged children transform their mental health through joy, adventure and the outdoors.
As Fundraising Manager, you’ll take headline responsibility for delivering Free to Be’s fundraising and communications strategy, aiming to raise around £700,000 annually. You’ll lead on securing high-value partnerships, five-figure grants, and individual giving, while line managing the Fundraising Officer and working closely with the CEO as part of the senior management team.
This is a hands-on, strategic role at the heart of a vibrant, passionate team, offering the chance to shape the future of a growing charity with a powerful mission.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A strong track record of securing five-figure funding from Trusts, Foundations, and Corporate Partners
- Experience in pitching, relationship management, and donor stewardship
- Experience managing fundraising systems and pipelines
- A collaborative, flexible, and proactive approach
- A passion for supporting vulnerable children and a belief in the power of adventure and belonging
Management experience is desirable, but we also welcome applications from ambitious fundraisers ready to step into a leadership role.
If you would like to have an informal discussion, please contact Ashby Jenkins Recruitment and ask to speak to Emma.
Ashby Jenkins Recruitment is a specialist charity recruitment agency. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the sector. You can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
If enough applications are received, we reserve the right to close the application period early.
Please quote reference 2706EI when applying.
