Literacy project manager jobs in Belfast

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

 Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. 

JOB TITLE: Membership Executive (Wales and Ireland) 

CONTRACT: Permanent, Part Time (21 hours per week) 

ORGANISATION: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) 

DEPARTMENT: Membership and Education

LOCATION: Home/Field based 
*with regular travel throughout Wales and Ireland, and to RLSS UK HQ, where required 

REPORTS TO: Head of Membership 

SALARY: £27,308 (Grade E) *Pro-rata for Part Time Hours

 
ROLE OVERVIEW 
We are seeking a self-motivated, personable, and enthusiastic individual to work as part of a team to support and grow our Branches and our lifesaving clubs as well as developing and grow recognition of and participation in Lifesaving Sport.

Pivotal to the role will be the collaboration with external agencies and branches and clubs in Wales and Ireland, to strengthen and publicise our water safety education throughout the region together with supporting the needs of clubs in the region. 

KEY TASKS, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• To build and maintain productive relationships with organisations involved in the field of water safety, particularly with Water Safety Wales, Water Safety Ireland and associated partners including attendance at relevant meetings in coordination with the RLSS UK team
• To actively recruit and increase the number of clubs affiliated to RLSS UK 
• To support our Branches and their work in the regions through ongoing communication, sharing RLSS UK updates and feeding back on Branch activities and requirements
• Understand the water safety and drowning prevention geographical landscape across Wales and Ireland and actively seek to enhance lifesaving provision in areas of low activity 
• In partnership with the Volunteering and Events Team and Sports Committee, continue to develop and grow participation in Lifesaving Sport 
• Support clubs to achieve and maintain the appropriate accreditation in line with RLSS UK requirements and policies 
• Support clubs to ensure they have the appropriate status, governance, and structure to enable them to be sustainable and effective 
• Support clubs, branches and working groups to offer effective pathways for the development of talent, growth, and retention of members 
• Support clubs to ensure they are compliant with the safeguarding requirements set out by RLSS UK 
• To support clubs to have an affective and appropriate workforce in place, including supporting them to recruit, train and retain 
• Contribute to RLSS UK’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion work to ensure affiliated clubs grow their capability to ensure every community enjoys water safely 
• Ability to attend occasional evening events 
• Willingness to travel throughout Wales and Ireland as required

Other Duties & Responsibilities 

•  Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required 
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager. 
• To demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards 
• Proactively participate in the Society’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and training, and to promote a culture of respect and inclusion for all staff and customers 
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up to date as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme. 

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes 

• Experience of working with volunteers and sporting clubs 
• Experience of planning, prioritising, and managing a varied work programme and number of projects 
• Experience of effective liaison with external stakeholders to deliver outcomes and impact 
• Able to communicate effectively with people at all ages and all levels 
• High level of computer literacy 
• Excellent accuracy in numeracy and literacy 
• Ability to act on own initiative and to work as part of team with excellent interpersonal skills 
• A positive ‘can do’ attitude 
• Hold a Full UK Driving License, or have the ability to travel

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes 

• An understanding of lifesaving and water safety sector/community 
• An understanding of working with branches
• An understanding of the aquatic sector and the structure of lifesaving clubs across the UK and Ireland 
• Demonstrable experience of increasing participation in underrepresented groups 
• Experience of working with governing bodies 
• Sport or Community Development qualification 
• Demonstrable experience of running or being involved in a sport club 
• Ability to adopt a flexible approach to work to meet the needs of the role 

YOUR STRENGTHS 

Personable – You can communicate effectively with people at all ages and levels. 

Relationship Building – You can develop positive and long last relations with clubs, organisations, and partners. 

Flexibility – You remain adaptable and flexible in the face of unfamiliar or changing situations.

Empathy – You readily identify with other people’s situations and can see things clearly from their perspective. 

Initiative – You take independent action to make things happen and to achieve goals. 

Resilience – You deal effectively with setbacks and enjoy overcoming difficult challenges. 

Optimism – You remain positive and upbeat about the future and your ability to influence it to your advantage. 

Developing Others – You promote other people’s learning and development to help them achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. 

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV and a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Membership Executive (Wales and Ireland) 

Closing Date – 5pm, Wednesday 13 May 2026

Interview Date – Thursday 21 and Friday 22 May 2026 our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee at HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader