Lead programme manager jobs in dacorum, hertfordshire

Join Isabel Hospice as our new Senior Philanthropy Manager and play a leading role in shaping the future of our high-value fundraising.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to lead and inspire our Philanthropy Team, driving income from corporate partners, charitable trusts and foundations, and major donors.

You’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on relationship management, developing long-term, meaningful relationships that help ensure every person in eastern Hertfordshire receives the compassionate end-of-life care they deserve.

Working closely with senior leaders, trustees, and colleagues across the hospice, you’ll lead by example: crafting compelling proposals, inspiring engagement, and ensuring every donor feels valued and connected to the impact of their support.

About you

You’ll be a confident, emotionally intelligent leader with a proven track record of securing significant income and building trusted partnerships. You’ll bring creativity, warmth, and the ability to motivate others, both your team and your supporters.

You’ll also have:

• Experience leading high-performing fundraising teams and delivering ambitious income targets
• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills at a senior level
• Strong strategic and organisational ability, with a collaborative mindset
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• A deep commitment to the mission and values of Isabel Hospice
• A driving licence and own car

What we offer

• A supportive, values-led environment where your work truly matters
• The opportunity to shape and grow high-value fundraising at a respected local charity
• The chance to make a tangible difference to local families when they need it most

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension and life assurance schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Service Discounts
• Refer a friend bonus

We reserve the right to close this job earlier if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check. 

UnLtd is a vibrant, ambitious organisation at the heart of the UK’s social enterprise sector. As a key stakeholder and leading funder and supporter of social entrepreneurs, we continuously learn and adapt to better meet their needs and maximise their impact.

We are seeking a talented Communications Manager to amplify UnLtd’s voice and influence within the sector while shining a spotlight on the incredible work of social entrepreneurs. This role is about balance: telling inspiring stories that bring their journeys to life, while also demonstrating measurable outcomes, addressing challenges, and showcasing how our unique funding and support model drives impact.

As a core member of a small, collaborative team, you will create and deliver high-quality communications across multiple channels. Your work will include managing media relations, overseeing day-to-day digital communications and social media, updating and optimising website content, producing marketing and campaign materials, managing communications projects, and supporting events.

We are looking for someone with experience in a broad communications role, including press office expertise, who thrives in a dynamic environment and brings a proactive, learning mindset. The potential for impact is significant: your work will strengthen UnLtd’s positioning as the UK’s leading organisation backing social entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, while engaging funders, partners, and communities to build a fairer, brighter future together.

Join Isabel Hospice as our Senior Data Manager (Fundraising) and play a leading role in turning insight into income, helping us fund the vital care we provide every day.

About the role

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how we use data to drive growth across all areas of fundraising. From identifying new income opportunities and analysing supporter trends, to improving data quality and reporting, you’ll help ensure every decision we make is insight-led.

Your work will directly influence fundraising strategy, helping the team plan smarter campaigns, reach new audiences, and increase income through the intelligent use of data. You’ll also oversee our Raiser’s Edge CRM and lead our Supporter Care team to champion accuracy, efficiency, and a culture of data-driven improvement.

About you

You’re an analytical, strategic thinker who understands that behind every number is a story and an opportunity. With strong technical skills and a creative approach to insight, you know how to use data to drive action and income.

You’ll also bring:

• Experience in using data insight to identify and deliver new income opportunities
• A proven track record of improving fundraising results through data analysis and testing
• Strong skills in Raiser’s Edge (or similar CRM), reporting tools, and data visualisation
• A collaborative approach and excellent communication skills, enabling others to see the power of data in action

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape a data-led fundraising culture that delivers real income growth
• A supportive, values-led environment where insight drives impact
• The chance to make a meaningful difference every day through smarter, more informed fundraising

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension and life assurance schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Service Discounts
• Refer a friend bonus
• A friendly, supportive team that cares about your growth and wellbeing

We reserve the right to close this job earlier if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check. 

Exciting Opportunity

Fixed Term until the end of January 2027

Regional Manager, North East & Cumbria (0.8 FTE)

We are pleased to offer a fixed-term opportunity within the Lloyds Bank Foundation due to the current Regional Manager taking a secondment.

This is a part-time (4 days per week) position, working from home, with regular travel across North East & Cumbria and to London. The post holder must live in the North East or Cumbria.

About the Role

Are you passionate about supporting local charities and driving community-led change? The Lloyds Bank Foundation is seeking a Manager for the North East & Cumbria region to play a pivotal role in our evolving strategy.

As Manager for North East & Cumbria, you’ll:

• Build trusted relationships with local charities, helping them grow stronger and more resilient.
• Support organisations to identify and overcome challenges, connecting them with resources and opportunities.
• Champion community-led change and ensure our work is shaped by the communities we serve.
• Collaborate with partners, stakeholders, and colleagues to maximise the impact of our investments.

About you

You’ll have extensive knowledge of the voluntary sector, experience supporting local charities, and excellent relationship-building and organisational skills. You’ll be proactive, collaborative, and comfortable navigating change.

You’ll be responsible for managing a portfolio of relationships with charitable partners and collaborating with other charities.You will support our charity partners in becoming more resilient and stronger, enabling them to thrive beyond the duration of their relationship with us.  You will do this by building trusted relationships with them, supporting them to identify their most pressing organisational challenges; and help them overcome the challenges by building the knowledge, skills and capabilities of staff and trustees.  You will work with charities, CICs, and partnerships to identify the most appropriate form of support to respond to the identified priorities.  Further information about LBFEW and our approach to supporting charity partners can be found on our website under the 'Development' section. 

You’ll be the face of the Foundation in the area, able to build strong and trusting relationships and be an advocate for community organisations across the patch. You’ll have a good understanding of the operating environment in the North East & Cumbria with well-established networks across the patch. You will also play a pivotal role in sharing learning, intelligence and insights to ensure the Foundations’ strategy development, delivery and relationship with the Lloyds Banking Group considers regional needs and the operating context of our funded partners.

If you have experience working with or in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector and are creative, adaptable, resilient, flexible in your approach, keen to learn and hungry for change, then this could be the role for you! 

About the Foundation

We’re an independent charitable foundation funded by Lloyds Banking Group. We work in partnership with local charities and community-led organisations, connecting people, and providing money and resources so that communities can thrive. 

This is an exciting time to join Lloyds Bank Foundation. We are coming to the end of our strategy period and, under the leadership of a new CEO, we are developing and rolling out our new strategy, brand and values. We believe this will enable us to turbocharge our work, allowing us to have an even bigger impact to create social change and cohesion and ensuring people in England and Wales are in a good place.

We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership. We want an inclusive organisation that reflects our community and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We believe our organisation will be a better, more creative and innovative place to work if we can harness the benefit of different perspectives.

The Foundation is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as inclusive as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for people who have a disability or long-term health condition. If you need any adjustments such as our application form in an accessible format such as a Word document, or for any part of the recruitment process, please email us in confidence to discuss this.

How to Apply

· Closing date: 23:59  on 18 December 2025

· 1st Interview (Newcastle, venue to be confirmed) 13th January 2026

· 2nd Interview (online) 19th January 2026

Make a real difference in the lives of asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees! Join New Citizens’ Gateway as an Outreach Project Manager and lead the delivery of vital frontline support to people residing in temporary accommodation across five hotels in Barnet. You will oversee a dedicated outreach team working to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and empower individuals seeking asylum.

We offer a supportive working environment with excellent benefits including:

• 6% employer pension contribution
• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

New Citizens’ Gateway (NCG) is an independent, registered charity working to reduce health inequalities, combat social exclusion and poverty, and support the integration and independence of refugees and asylum seekers.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Outreach Project Manager to lead our outreach service. This role is responsible for managing outreach staff, coordinating support across multiple hotel sites, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and quality standards, and providing specialist guidance to the team on complex client issues.

The successful candidate will have at least two years’ project management experience and direct experience supporting refugees and asylum seekers, with strong communication and organisational skills. Ability to speak a community language is desirable.

New Citizens’ Gateway is committed to equality, diversity, and creating a workplace that values lived experience. We welcome applications from people of refugee background and others with direct experience of the issues our clients face.

Closing date: 04/01/2026Interview date: 08/01/2026 (please keep this date free)

Introduction
Digital Care Hub CIC (DCH) is the leading digital support organisation for adult social care providers in England. We provide practical guidance, resources, and leadership to help care services adopt and implement digital technologies safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory expectations. As digital transformation accelerates across health and care, Digital Care Hub plays a crucial role in shaping a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, human-centred care. As part of our continued development, we are expanding our regional delivery model to ensure greater alignment, visibility, and consistency across our support offers. The Regional Strategic Manager will play a key leadership role in this model.

About the role
The Regional Strategic Manager will act as the main point of coordination and leadership for our work across all 9 regions, ensuring local support is high quality, consistent, and strategically aligned with national goals.

You will work closely with our Local Support Organisations (LSOs), local authorities, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), system partners and care associations to build strong regional networks, ensure insight flows between local and national levels, and embed DCH and Better Security, Better Care (BSBC) priorities.

Reporting to the Programme Director, you will be part of the national delivery team but focused on regional strategy, delivery oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities
• Provide strategic oversight of all regional delivery activity, ensuring alignment with the national programme objectives.
• Act as the main point of contact for LSOs in the region, supporting them to meet their grant requirements and develop high-impact local delivery plans.
• Coordinate and facilitate regional & cross-regional networks, communities of practice, and events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key regional stakeholders including local authorities, ICSs, ADASS branches, and care associations.
• Lead regional reporting and insight gathering, ensuring local intelligence informs national strategy and vice versa.
• Support consistency and quality of LSO delivery across the region, sharing best practice and facilitating joint working.
• Represent DCH and BSBC at national and regional meetings, boards, and strategic forums.
• Feed into the development of regional strategies, funding bids, and improvement plans.
• Work closely with the national team to ensure strong integration of regional activity within wider programme delivery. 

About you
Skills and experience
• Proven experience in a strategic or delivery leadership role within health, care, or the public sector.
• Strong understanding of adult social care and/or digital transformation within the care system.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders and build collaborative networks.
• Experience supporting or overseeing delivery partners or commissioned services.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team.
• Confident in using data and local insight to drive planning and improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal presentation and written reporting.
• Highly organised and adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving context.
• Understanding of regional policy structures, local government, or ICS and ICB governance is desirable. 

Empower Technology, lead innovation: Join us as our Infrastructure & DevOps Team Lead!

Are you passionate about building secure, scalable, and resilient technology platforms? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your leadership shapes the future of cloud and DevOps practices?

We're looking for an inspiring Infrastructure & DevOps Lead to join our team and drive operational excellence for Victim Support's critical services.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the role

What You'll Do:

• Lead and mentor a talented team of Infrastructure Engineers and DevOps specialists.
• Shape and deliver our infrastructure and DevOps strategy, ensuring our Azure and AWS environments are robust, secure, and future-ready.
• Oversee cloud operations, automation, and CI/CD pipelines-championing best practices in Infrastructure as Code and container orchestration (Kubernetes, AWS Lambda).
• Collaborate across teams to deliver integrated, secure, and high-performing solutions.
• Ensure compliance with security frameworks (ISO27001, GDPR) and drive continuous improvement in service delivery.

Who We're Looking For:

• A proven leader with hands-on experience in infrastructure and DevOps roles (ideally 2+ years).
• Expertise in AWS and Azure cloud environments, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/CloudFormation), and automation tools (GitHub Actions).
• Strong background in CI/CD, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and cloud security.
• Excellent communicator and mentor, able to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real impact supporting vital services for Victim Support.
• Work remotely with a supportive, forward-thinking team.
• Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and certification.
• Be part of an organisation that values innovation, well-being, and work-life balance.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you're excited to drive technology transformation and empower others, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now and help us shape the future of Victim Support's technology estate.

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Role

The Events Manager will lead the planning and delivery of Degrees’ international events, including workshops that bring together funded researchers and the biennial Degrees Global Forum conference. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, they will design and manage high-quality events that strengthen collaboration, showcase research outcomes, and advance Degrees’ mission to support equitable SRM research in the Global South. This role requires strategic oversight, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver complex international events from concept to completion. 

Key responsibilities

Lead planning and delivery of events 

• Be responsible for the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of Degrees’ international events, including the biennial Degrees Global Forum and—in cooperation with the programmes team—quarterly regional research workshops.
• Support the delivery of policy engagement and fundraising events.
• Develop event concepts, agendas, and formats that align with organisational priorities. 
• Work closely with colleagues across other workstreams—particularly the Fundraising and Policy Engagement teams—to ensure that events are aligned with strategic priorities, that logistical planning complements programme content and policy objectives, and that participants and speakers are appropriately supported.
• Be responsible for end-to-end event budgets, forecasting, variance reporting; lead procurement;

Operational and logistical management 

• Ensure the smooth delivery of all event logistics, including venue selection, letters of contribution to participants, travel and lodging arrangements, visas, supplier contracting, budget management, insurances and risk assessments.
• Ensure events run smoothly, on schedule, and within budget, whilst maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and participant experience.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement 

• Work closely with colleagues across Degrees’ teams (programmes, policy engagement, communications, fundraising, and operations) to ensure events support strategic goals.
• Liaise with external partners, funders, and speakers to build strong relationships and deliver impactful, collaborative events.

Monitoring, learning, and continuous improvement 

• Capture lessons learned from each event and contribute to refining Degrees’ event strategy and processes.
• Support post-event communications, reporting, and knowledge sharing to maximise the impact and visibility of Degrees’ work.

Key relationships

• Within the Programmes team forge close working relations with the Programmes Manager and the three Programme Officers.
• Develop strong working relations with colleagues from the following teams i) Operations, ii) Policy & Engagement and iii) Communications
• Depending on future organisational growth, the role may require managing an Events Officer

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

Could you make a difference where it matters most?
At Isabel Hospice, every pound raised helps us provide compassionate care, comfort and support to people facing one of the most difficult moments in life. Community fundraising sits at the heart of this mission, and we’re now looking for an experienced, inspiring and values-driven Community Fundraising Manager to lead and grow this vital area of income.

This is a big and meaningful role. You’ll shape the future of our community and challenge events fundraising, build powerful relationships across eastern Hertfordshire, and ensure every supporter has an exceptional and ethical fundraising experience, fully aligned with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice.

About the role

As our Community Fundraising Manager, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of our Community & Challenge Events Fundraising Strategy
• Grow sustainable income by inspiring individuals, groups, schools, businesses and volunteers to support our work
• Build meaningful relationships and provide outstanding donor care from first contact through to long-term stewardship
• Ensure all community fundraising is fully compliant, safe and ethical, protecting supporters, volunteers and the reputation of Isabel Hospice
• Manage, support and develop a motivated Community Fundraising Team
• Work closely with colleagues in Marketing, Communications and across the organisation to deliver compelling, insight-led campaigns
• Represent the hospice at community events, presentations, and meetings, proudly sharing our purpose and impact

This is an opportunity to bring your ideas, your energy and your leadership to a growing and ambitious charity.

About you

You’ll be confident, outgoing, and able to build rapport quickly with people from all walks of life. You’ll bring creativity, warmth, and excellent organisational skills, along with the drive to meet income targets while delivering outstanding supporter care.

You will also bring:

• Proven experience in community and/or events fundraising
• A strong understanding of the supporter journey and how to nurture long-lasting relationships
• Excellent planning, budgeting and organisational abilities
• Experience managing or mentoring staff or volunteers
• The ability to communicate confidently and compassionately with a wide range of people
• A love of variety - you’ll be out in the community, leading your team, analysing data, and developing new ideas
• A commitment to compliance and an understanding of ethical, transparent fundraising
• Self-motivation, creativity, and determination to deliver exceptional fundraising for a cause that truly matters
• A full driving licence and access to your own car

Why join us?

Working at Isabel Hospice means joining a warm, supportive and passionate team who care deeply about our community. You’ll be encouraged to innovate, to build meaningful partnerships and to make the role your own, all while knowing your work is transforming lives every single day.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension and life assurance schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Service Discounts
• Refer a friend bonus

If you're ready to use your experience and energy to connect communities and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

We reserve the right to close this job earlier if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check. 

Role

We seek a Finance Manager to lead the day to day running of the charity’s finances including overseeing the work of our outsourced financial provider. As a grant giving organisation, there will be regular interaction with the programmatic workstreams in this position, offering a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to increase the capacity of a field-leading charity, help empower researchers in the Global South, and contribute to one of the world’s most important climate debates. If you are an ambitious qualified finance professional, this is an opportunity to step into a role with purpose, international influence, and real impact.  

Working with the COO, you will undertake organisational financial planning, budgeting and forecasting so that the senior staff and trustees have comprehensive information for decision making. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Development Manager, this role will support the submission of funding bids and reporting to funders to ensure the continued growth of the charity.

Responsibilities

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items include:

• Financial Oversight: Overseeing the outsourced finance provider, ensuring service delivery meets organisational needs and deadlines. You will be the primary liaison between our financial services provider and the staff, ensuring that they make payments on behalf of the organisation, runs payroll, completes the bookkeeping via QuickBooks, the monthly management accounts, and the annual statutory accounts. 
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Preparing and monitoring annual organisational budgets including a mid-year adjustment, cash flow forecasts, financial models and annual accounts to support the annual business cycle and fundraising bids.
• Reporting: Finalising monthly management accounts prepared by outsourced financial provider, deliver financial reports for the COO, senior leadership, and trustees, and preparing donor financial reporting.
• Financial Strategy and Investment Oversight: Working with the COO to manage financial resources and reserves including developing the investment policy to support the long-term goals of the charity.
• Audit & Compliance: Leading on annual audits, maintain compliance with UK charity finance regulations, and ensure adherence to funder requirements.
• Programmatic financial support: Working closely with the programmes teams to ensure their payments processes run smoothly with the outsourced financial provider, and regularly reviewing their grant and event expenditure is in line with their own managed budgets.
• Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities to streamline financial processes and implement best practices, such as working with Operations to improve payments & expenses software, opening new bank accounts, or finding new platforms to reduce international payment fees.

Key relationships:

• Supervised by COO 
• Primary liaison with our outsourced financial provider (including a management accountant, payments officer and bookkeeper)
• Works with the Development Manager
• Grants Manager
• Operations team

White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.

This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.

Location: This post can be fully remote or hybrid working at our offices in Hebden Bridge, but you must be willing and able to travel to meet with colleagues and attend events and meetings throughout England and Wales.

You will be working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement an Engagement Strategy, developing our brand, updating our website and growing our social media channels.  You will be helping to deliver our flagship campaign White Ribbon Day and the following 16 days of activism.

Are you passionate about school libraries? Do you believe in the power of school libraries to transform children and young people’s experiences in education? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?  

The School Library Association (SLA) supports approximately 2000 members working in schools across the UK with advice, training and advocacy. The School Library Lead will be at the forefront of our member offer and outreach, to help us deliver on our mission to support all those working in school libraries, so that more children and young people reach their full potential through the school library.   

This role will lead on providing advice, inspiration and support for schools looking to develop their school library provision and all the benefits this brings. An expert in school libraries, you will be comfortable supporting members 1:1, delivering training to larger audiences, providing consultancy to schools and sector organisations, writing training and resources, or preparing book recommendations. An exciting opportunity for someone experienced in school libraries with knowledge of the curriculum, teaching and learning and children’s books, you will be the first port of call for library advice and expertise, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the membership network.

You will be experienced in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders at all levels relish a busy role. This will include supporting our Branch network, collaborating on initiatives for development, delivery and new projects as they come online. As resident children’s book expert, you will support with programmes and projects such as the SLA Information Book Award and member book-related events. You will work with your SLA colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality member events and training as well as advocacy events to raise awareness of the importance of school libraries. Using your sector insight, you will identify opportunities for development of initiatives that will support the SLA vision and mission enabling us to reach more children and young people through our work.  This is a busy and rewarding role and will suit someone with passion and resilience. 

This is a full time role working remotely, throughout the year (37 hours per week). Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack. 

Application deadline: 19th December 

Interviews: First round interview (online): 13th/14th January

Second round interview in person TBC: 20th/22nd January 

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.   

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.  

We're Hiring: Play & Youth Work Lead | Doorstep Homeless Families Project

Location: North London

Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum.

Hours: 28 Hours per week - 20 hours face to face and 8 hours for admin

Benefits:

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 5% of gross salary
• 30 days paid holiday

The hours onsite will be worked over Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday, with normal working hours falling between 9.30am ( the earliest start) and 8pm (the latest finish).

Job Introduction

At Doorstep, we open more than just doors — we open possibilities.

Every day, we stand alongside families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe, welcoming space within a large family hostel where children can play, learn, and simply be themselves.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Lead Play and Youth Worker to guide and inspire our work with children and young people aged 0–18. This is a special role — one that blends leadership, imagination, and empathy. You will manage a small, dedicated team, shaping and delivering play and youth activities that bring light, laughter, and a sense of belonging to children whose early experiences have often been marked by instability.

At Doorstep, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We work with families over years, not weeks — building trust, celebrating progress, and helping each young person discover their strengths. Our unique model of support is widely respected and deeply valued, and this role offers the chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in young lives.

If you are someone who believes in the power of play, creativity, and care to transform childhoods — we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Lead Play and Youth Worker at Doorstep, you’ll be at the heart of our mission — creating moments of joy, stability, and growth for children and young people who are living through uncertain times. No two days are the same. One moment you might be leading an energetic after-school club session; the next, you’re supporting teens to express themselves through art, music, or discussion.

You’ll manage and inspire a small, talented team of play and youth workers, ensuring that every activity we offer — whether it’s creative play, learning support, or outdoor adventure — reflects Doorstep’s core values of respect, belonging, and hope. You’ll plan and deliver programmes across all age groups (0–18 years), adapting to the needs and interests of children and young people as they grow.

Collaboration is central to this role. You’ll work closely with families, colleagues, and partner organisations to provide continuity and care, helping to make Doorstep a place where children feel seen, valued, and free to thrive.

This is not just a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to build something lasting. Your creativity, empathy, and commitment will help shape the next chapter of Doorstep’s play and youth work, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors is met with warmth, opportunity, and care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and support a small team of play and youth workers and volunteers.
• Provide regular supervision, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment that reflects Doorstep’s values.

Programme Planning and Delivery

• Design, plan, and deliver a varied programme of play, creative, and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
• Ensure all activities are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the needs and interests of participants.
• Encourage children and young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop positive relationships.
• Plan and oversee trips, events, and holiday programmes, ensuring safety and inclusivity at all times.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• To fulfill the statutory responsibilities of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in Doorstep’s services.
• Ensure staff and volunteers follow safeguarding procedures and receive appropriate training.
• Respond appropriately to any concerns, working in partnership with relevant agencies where necessary.

Partnership and Family Engagement

• Build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers, and families, encouraging their involvement in children’s play and learning.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals and partner organisations to enhance support for families.
• Represent Doorstep at relevant meetings, forums, and networks to share best practice and strengthen partnerships.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Administration

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and outcomes in line with organisational requirements.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes to demonstrate impact and inform future development.
• Support funding applications and project reports by providing relevant data and case studies.

General Duties

• Uphold Doorstep’s ethos, values, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Contribute to the overall running and development of Doorstep as a small, specialist organisation.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective delivery of Doorstep’s mission.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Relevant qualification in playwork, youth work, early years, or a related field (Level 3 or above) or equivalent.
• Significant experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating play and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
• Experience of supervising or managing staff and/or volunteers within a play, youth, or community setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and the role of play in supporting wellbeing, resilience, and growth.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Experience of working with families facing disadvantage, housing instability, or other complex challenges.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, parents, and professionals.
• Creative and resourceful approach to planning activities that engage children of different ages and abilities.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team to achieve shared goals.
• Confidence in managing behaviour in a positive, trauma-informed way.
• Competent IT skills for administration, reporting, and communication purposes.

Personal Qualities

• Warm, approachable, and empathetic, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for families experiencing homelessness.
• Reliable, flexible, and resilient in the face of challenging circumstances.
• Reflective, open to learning, and committed to professional development.
• Enthusiastic about play and youth work as powerful tools for change and belonging

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like the job and what you believe you can bring to it.

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026.