Purpose of the job
The Operations Officer provides vital administrative and operational support across UK Youth, helping ensure our people, systems, and workplaces are set up for success. You will play a key role in keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly and ensuring teams have the tools, resources, and information they need to work effectively.
Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will take responsibility for core operational processes including systems administration, facilities coordination, cross-departmental events and compliance support.
This role strengthens the foundations that enable UK Youth to deliver for young people in the long term by supporting strong systems, effective ways of working, and a positive workplace environment.
Why work at UK Youth?
UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning, so that every young person has someone who believes in them. Our vision is a society that backs every young person - through each spark, struggle and success.
As the UK’s national infrastructure body for youth work, we strengthen and champion a diverse network of youth organisations, unlock investment, shape policy and build the evidence base for what works. At a time of growing need and inequality of access, our work has never been more important.
We are entering an exciting new phase of our strategy - focused on long-term resilience, income diversification and a transformational Capital Appeal to develop Avon Tyrrell as a national centre of excellence for outdoor learning. Joining UK Youth means being part of an ambitious, impact-driven organisation committed to strengthening youth work for generations to come
Key responsibilities
IT & Systems
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Manage the day-to-day relationship with our IT support partner, including monitoring support tickets, approving change requests, and escalating issues to the Head of Operations where required.
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Support the maintenance and monitoring of IT equipment in collaboration with our IT Support Partner
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Maintain our IT asset register; be responsible for ensuring all IT equipment is accounted for and organising its safe distribution.
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Maintain and improve UK Youth’s SharePoint and MS Teams sites and channels, ensuring efficient organisation, accessibility of information and compliance with information and data protection policies
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Support operational improvement projects, including process automation e.g., use of Microsoft Forms and Power Automate to streamline and automate internal workflows such as onboarding, approvals, and data collection.
Office Management
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Serve as the primary point of contact for all London office facility needs, liaising with landlords, contractors, suppliers, and cleaners to ensure the workspace remains safe, functional, and well maintained.
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Manage staff building access and oversee the use of UK Youth’s storage facility, ensuring secure and efficient use of space.
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Manage and maintain the room booking systems, ensuring availability, access, and efficient use of meeting spaces.
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Manage departmental shared inboxes, general phone lines and post, ensuring timely and helpful responses.
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Coordinate purchasing and maintenance of office supplies and equipment, ensuring value for money and timely delivery.
Health & Safety
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Act as the main contact for Health & Safety within our London office, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
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Coordinate H&S inductions and site orientations for all new starters and maintain risk assessments, compliance logs, and required documentation.
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Maintain UK Youth’s risk assessment log and review schedule
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Support the collection, tracking, and reporting of organisational H&S compliance data, contributing operational reporting.
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Contribute to the development and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and internal process playbooks.
Team Support
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Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support to the People and Operations Team.
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Maintain departmental calendar, schedule meetings, and coordinate agendas, papers, and minutes.
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Lead logistics for key organisation-wide events such as our quarterly Town Halls.
Experience we're after
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Experience supporting operations, administration, compliance, or facilities within a busy organisation.
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Experience coordinating service providers, contractors, or suppliers.
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Experience supporting digital systems (e.g., Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams) and contributing to process improvements.
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Experience handling sensitive information and maintaining accurate, high-quality records.
What we can offer you
We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:
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Flexible/Agile Working
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27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)
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Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity
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Other training available in support of your personal and professional development
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Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)
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Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary
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Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally
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20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.
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IT equipment provided for the duration of contract
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CycleScheme and TechScheme
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.
Closing date: 10th July 2026 at 23:59 (midnight)
Provisional Interview Dates: 21st and 23rd July 2026
As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Main Duties & Responsibilities
The function of the Maintenance Operative is to support the safe, compliant and effective maintenance of the Hospice estate, including grounds and retail properties, by undertaking a wide range of reactive and planned maintenance tasks.
The postholder will ensure that facilities remain safe, functional and well-presented, working under the direction of the Estates & Facilities Lead to deliver maintenance activities, support statutory compliance, and assist with the coordination of contractors and improvement works across all sites.
- Daily walk-through main site & grounds to identify problems/issues including checks of lighting, wells, sewage system, CCTV/security & BMS login
- Report & take action on any breakdown or defects in premises, copiers, plant, equipment & grounds taking action promptly, notifying senior managers & prioritising safety
- Undertake a wide range of general maintenance and minor works, including basic plumbing, carpentry, decorating and repairs, ensuring work is completed safely and to an appropriate standard.
- Organize moving & storage of items delivered to the main hospice site
- Oversee contractors on site as agreed with the Estates & Facilities Lead
- Ensure weekly check of generator fuel, roadworthiness of all hospice vehicles, fire alarm test, flushing & logging results on a web portal & agreeing a remedial plan with Affinity water if necessary
- Management of copiers and any issues with them to include lease renewal
- Support the Estates & Facilities Lead with weekly maintenance support & response to emergency facilities requests for all retail premises, liaising with shop staff as necessary & ordering & collecting supplies
- Manage and prioritise jobs as required using the PPM
- Use the Estates PPM system to log, update and close jobs, ensuring accurate and timely record keeping of all maintenance activities
- Participating in the departmental meetings reporting on: Quantity of outstanding works &/or repairs with subcontractors, health and safety and any regulatory compliance risks
- Support the coordination of servicing and maintenance of clinical equipment as required, recognising that responsibility for clinical assets and compliance remains with the relevant clinical teams.
- Progress chasing outstanding work with the in-house team and contractors
- Ensure all weekly checks and planned tasks are carried out
- Ensure drinking water stations are replenished whenever necessary
- Monthly check of emergency lighting
- Check products against the COSHH register and dispose of any that are not required or should not be held. Carry out COSHH Risk Assessments as necessary
- Check all Health and Safety Notices are current and update/replace/remove those that aren’t
- Co-ordinate quarterly fire drills, support the Fire Marshalls meeting and ensure feedback at Link Up
- Support the Estates & Facilities Lead in water management (including septic tank and well water filtration) in compliance with statutory processes & procedures to ensure HSG274 compliance
- Ensure all quarterly checks and planned tasks are carried out, including in-house PAT test scheduling
- Support the Estates & Facilities Lead to ensure compliance with biannual services of all patient equipment subject to LOLER regulations, the biannual water quality test, the dismantling and clean extractor fans, ventilation shaft and solar panel checks
- Check Hospice vehicles ensuring records of services, inspections, road tax, MOT; and that the competencies and licences of minibus drivers comply with appropriate regulations
- Assist with the preparation of the annual maintenance budget
- Assisting with energy monitoring and reduction strategies
- Provide direction and support to maintenance staff
- Promote a proactive, solution-focused team culture
- Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times
Qualifications, Skills, Experience, Knowledge & Approach
- A good standard of general education.
- Proven experience in estates, facilities or maintenance environment
- Strong practical, hands-on maintenance skills
- Experience coordinating maintenance activity
- Experience working with contractors
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions
- Knowledge of health and safety compliance requirements, including correct use of PPE, COSHH, Manual Handling, Legionella, Risk Assessments etc
- Ability to work with a diverse team of volunteers effectively i.e. with varying motivation, age, gender, and physical and mental capacities
- Maintaining a large and varied Estate to a high standard, including grounds, structures and buildings
- Proficiency in operating various tools and powered equipment
- Training others on maintenance techniques and safe use of equipment
- Monitor and address hazards such as severe weather conditions like heatwaves, snow, ice, and remove litter to ensure safety of visitors, volunteers and staff
- Proficiency in operating various garden tools and powered equipment
Communication
· Effectively engage with staff, volunteers & the public
· Maintain a visible and approachable presence across the organisation
· Problem solving skills, ability to address issues and make informed decisions
· Explain technical issues in a practical and accessible way
· Documenting work schedules and staff instructions.
· Ensure the Estates & Facilities Lead is appraised appropriately in all estates and H&S matters
· Identify when tasks are beyond own competence and escalate appropriately to the Estates & Facilities Lead or external contractors.
Decision Making
- Prioritise competing workloads and risks
- Make operational decisions relating to maintenance and safety
- Planning and prioritisation
- Problem solving under pressure
- Escalate significant risks appropriately
Mental & Physical Consideration
· Role requires manual handling
· Combination of practical and administrative work
· Occasional exposure to sensitive or emotional circumstances when meeting patient and families
· The post holder will be required to work in a high volume, fast paced environment. Frequent interruptions should be expected. Competing priorities are commonplace.
· The post holder will be required to visit other hospice building (shops) or event and will need to have the availability to travel there (car/ public transport)
Working Conditions & Environment
· Combination of site based, and outdoor work
· Multi-site working including retail locations
· All weather conditions
· Work independently or as part of a team, including lone working where required, and support out-of-hours or emergency response arrangements where necessary
· Work sensitively within a hospice environment, demonstrating respect and professionalism when working in clinical and patient-facing areas.
Health & Safety
· Comply with all Health and Safety, Fire and Infection Control regulations
· Complete all mandatory training and ensure compliance and safe working practices for all staff, direct reports, volunteers and contractors
· This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
· Available to respond to out of normal hours emergency situations on a rota basis
· Work in accordance with all Health & Safety procedures, always using appropriate PPE and safe working practices, and report any accidents, incidents or hazards promptly.
Safeguarding
Act in a manner at all times to safeguard the interests of individual patients/clients and their families and justify public trust and confidence in the Hospice of St Francis.
The Hospice of St Francis helps local people and their families, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well.



Head of Communications & Public Affairs
The Head of Communications & Public Affairs is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world-leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.
Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead the organisation’s approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.
With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, this role will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Closing date: 09:00am (BST) on Monday 20 July 2026
First interview date: 30 July 2026
Second interview date: 5 August 2026
Recruitment information:
Further details on the job description, person specification, and how to apply can be found in the candidate pack for the role on our website here: Head of Communications and Public Affairs Candidate Pack