Lead youth development worker jobs

The Community Development & Health Programme Manager is responsible for the ongoing strategic development of the programme area, as well as maintaining oversight of the contracted delivery across its broad but integrated remit.  The Programme Manager also has a responsibility to be visible in the communities we serve locally and to attend meetings, events and community profile raising within and without normal working hours, as needed.

This role leads the operational line management and direction of a multidisciplinary team of Project Managers, Seniors & Development Workers, who are themselves are responsible for designing, fundraising for, delivering & evaluating services and activities which cover the needs of the entire community, across the whole age range to meet identified community needs and with a range of VCSE and statutory partners. 

The aim of these activities, services and events is to deliver support, develop learning, and build VCSE infrastructure, capacity and sustainability to deliver individual and community changes for those facing challenges. These currently include community events; community hub development; youth and family work; emergency and community food provision through community supermarkets, East Sussex and Lewes District Food Partnerships; community capacity building; VCSE infrastructure support; healthy lifestyles activities and community-rooted approaches to addressing health inequalities; access to green, open and blue spaces for health and wellbeing; development of active travel; addressing environmental issues and climate change at a community level. 

This work is achieved through the coordination and development of appropriate partnerships, and initiating and delivering activities and services through community development approaches which are community-rooted and build stronger, healthier and inclusive communities.

With responsibility for bid writing in support of SCDA’s charitably funded activities and services, and collaboration on larger tenders for SCDA community initiatives & services, the post holder will ensure quality of provision and that those projects run to agreed budgets and schedules.

About GMYF

GMYF is a long-established charity that works with young people across Greater Manchester to support their aspirations and create opportunities. We deliver a year-round programme of recreational and educational opportunities to young people within our stand-alone Centres as well as providing support to affiliated clubs.

GMYF opened our first youth centre in Partington in September 2022 and a second youth centre in Charlestown in July 2024. These Centres provide an ambitious and enriching curriculum for young people with a wide range of activities. We also jointly own an Outdoors Activities Centre in Cumbria – Ormside Mill. GMYF took on a management function for Norbrook Youth Centre, Wythenshaw from 1st May 2025, a previous affiliate member.

Now is a fantastic time to get involved with GMYF and support our work!

To find out more please visit our website.

Youth Activites Lead - Main Purpose of the job

To lead day to day operations providing a ‘hands-on’ management role to play & youth workers, oversight of external providers delivering activities to young people at Norbrook. Leading and implementing an enriching youth work curriculum, quality assurance and health and safety standards, providing outstanding outcomes young people. Working with external partners and attending partnership meetings.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

1. Provide curriculum and quality assurance framework for youth work at Norbrook,  providing a vibrant enriching offer for young people including youth voice and residential activities

2. Provide regular one-to-one support, coaching and appraisal of direct reports including Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

3. Support the centre self-evaluation process to inform GMYF Self Improvement Plan

4. Support the wider running of the charity though attendance at meetings and events

5. Complete small scale funding bids to enhance the centre youth offer   

 Health and Safety: 

1. Ensure centres meet health and safety standards/regulations including daily site checks, kitchen hygiene, risk assessments, fire drills, accident, and complaints logs

2. Provide clear guidance to centre staff and user groups on safe and compliant systems to ensure a safe, fit for purpose centre

3. Oversee all off-site trips and visits ensuring they are risk assessed, supervised, staff are briefed and staff understand their roles and responsibilities

4. Ensure a record of young people, staff and visitors on site is maintained

5. Manage a programme of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPE) ensuring centre remains compliant with current H&S requirements e.g. PAT testing, hygiene, shutters

6. Manage centre Assets Register

7. Hold responsibility for centres’ petty cash budget subject to approved limits

8. Line manage youth work team including Youthwork Lead

Curriculum/Safeguarding/Achievements:

1. To work with the Quality Assurance officer to plan and deliver an exciting and vibrant curriculum for children and young people, ensuring the needs of SEND are met

2. Maintain and update direct reports HR files

3. Approve and oversee the work of a range of support agencies to promote the well-being of children and young people e.g. Brook, Lifeline, NHS, Social Services

4. Lead and promote positive attitudes and high standards of performance for staff teams, using de-escalation skills to resolve issues in line with established policies

5. Set high standards for children and young people’s learning which support them to feel safe, ambitious, accepted and valued

6. Ensure recording of incidents, exclusions, interventions, actions taken on-site are managed in accordance with organisation policies and processes

7. Report and record safeguarding issues/concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

8. Manage the use of external visits and activities to ensure these are risk assessed, to budget and with set learning objectives

Professional and Personal Conduct:

1. Support and contribute to the overall aims of the charity carrying out all duties with full regard to the policies, procedures and high standards of GMYF

2. Ensure that personal conduct does not conflict with the professional expectations of the organisation

3. Promote positive images of the organisation to develop supportive and constructive relationships with children, young people,  parents, external partners

4. Carry out any other duties within the scope and purpose of the post as directed by the Operations Director.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for a qualified and experienced youth work professional with experience of line managing others.  Please see the job spec for more detailed selection criteria.

To Apply

Please send a CV and covering letter to us on the link provided, stating how your experience and skills make you suitable for the above position.  The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 Noon on Monday 19th May 2025.  Interviews will be held at Norbrook Youth Centre on Thursday 22nd May 2025.

About GMYF

GMYF is a long-established charity that works with young people across Greater Manchester to support their aspirations and create opportunities. We deliver a year-round programme of recreational and educational opportunities to young people within our stand-alone Centres as well as providing support to affiliated clubs.

GMYF opened our first youth centre in Partington in September 2022 and a second youth centre in Charlestown in July 2024. These Centres provide an ambitious and enriching curriculum for young people with a wide range of activities. We also jointly own an Outdoors Activities Centre in Cumbria – Ormside Mill. GMYF took on a management function for Norbrook Youth Centre in Wythenshaw from 1st May 2025, a previous affiliate member.

Now is a fantastic time to get involved with GMYF and support our work!

To find out more please our website.

Youth Worker Summary

We have two roles available, a full time youth worker role and a part time youth worker role 17.5 hours per week.

The role of a GMYF youth worker is to be young person centred, providing a nurturing, safe and supporting environment for young people, building and maintaining positive relationships with them. You will be based at Norbrook Youth Centre working with 9-16 year olds, mainly in the 4pm – 8pm period. You will support the Youth Activities Lead in planning and delivering a full programme centre-based activities, as well as supporting our outdoor adventure team with outdoor activities and residentials.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Key areas of focus will include:

· Supporting young people, building and maintaining positive relationships with and recognizing their different needs and starting points. Have strong commitment to the values of acceptance and respect within youth work and being a positive role model. Encourage young people to take an active role in social action projects, youth voice and young leader activities

· Assist the Youth Activities Lead, working together with the team in planning and delivery of full program offer, including evening youth club sessions and off site educational visits, including to our outdoor centre in Cumbria with occasional over night stays . Assist in the development and introduction of additional activities such as twilight sessions, youth voice, targeted group work and mentoring

· Identify formal and informal educational, social, cultural and recreational needs of the young people and help to plan a positive interventions and innovations which enhances the knowledge, awareness and personal development of young people

· Articulate and record young people’s progression in sessional and project recording documentation and provide information for management and funding reports.

· Attend occasional weekend residentials and events at the GMYF’s outdoor pursuits centre and encourage young people to get involved. Support  the planning and delivery of off-site trips/activities at local  venues

· Comply with all policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, codes of conduct, health and safety and equality and diversity. Be alert to issues of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring the welfare and safety of young people is promoted and prioritized. Report any concerns and participate in regular safeguarding training

· Represent GMYF at events and meeting with partner agencies. Ensure conduct is professional and represents the charity in a positive manner to internal and external visitors, working with a wide range of local partners and community organisations

· Commit to continuous professional development with own training, accessing available training including youth work specific courses

· Carry out all duties with the scope of the role as directed with due diligence and professionalism

About You

We are looking for candidates who believe in GMYF’s mission, values, and are experienced in working with young people. You will be able and confident in building positive relationships with young people, always taking a young person centred approach. You will have experience planning and delivering activities, bringing creative and innovative ideas to share for young people. You will have good team working and organisational skills, understanding of safeguarding, and willingness to undertake further training.

Other Requirements

The post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

This is a UK-based post and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your covering email.

Equality and diversity matter to us. If you think you would be suitable for the role, we would love to hear from you regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality.

Applications

The closing date for applictions is 12 Noon on Monday 19th May 2025.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 28th May 2025 at Norbrook Youth Centre, Wythenshaw.

In the ever-changing landscape of youth work, it is vital that young people in Berkshire have access to safe spaces where they can build positive, trusting relationships and develop their talents, skills, and aspirations.

Berkshire Youth has been supporting youth organisations and delivering a range of youth services across Berkshire for over 85 years. This role will expand and enhance Berkshire Youth’s existing work, ensuring a dynamic and responsive youth offer at the Waterside Centre in Newbury.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for graduates who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as an Education Worker on IntoUniversity’s Graduate Scheme, helping to change the lives of young people. 

We believe that our Graduate Scheme is one of the most exciting in the charity sector, an excellent career opportunity with exceptional training and hands-on experience, opportunities for promotion, and the chance to work with young people and colleagues who will challenge and inspire you.

Locations: Bridlington, Coventry, Hartlepool, Leeds, London, Newcastle, Nottingham
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: 
London-based positions: £30,000 per annum (including £2,600 London contribution)
Non-London positions: £27,400 per annum
Applications close: 9am Monday 19th May 2025
Start date: 28th July 2025

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

As our Engagement Lead, you will work with the Head of Wellbeing to review, evolve and drive forward the way we bring young people into our services at OTR.

Alongside your team you will proactively engage young people with the work we do. You will have a particular focus on young people who are underserved by support organisations and, in line with our strategy, will be tasked with finding ways to reduce the barriers some young people face to accessing our support.

You will manage and inspire a team of Listening Support Workers, Youth Workers and our Wellbeing Co-ordinator to deliver quality, timely and relevant work for the young people we serve. Under your management the team will forge excellent working relationships with partner organisations across the BaNES area, working in joined-up ways that ensure young people are supported to access the right support for them when they need it.

Working alongside our Lead Counsellors, you will develop OTR’s assessment processes, ensuring that young people are being offered appropriate services for their needs and that staff are well prepared to work with the people they support.

LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner

Responsible to: CEO

Hours: Full time 37 hours

Salary: £28,000

Based: Fenny Stratford and hybrid working

Contract: Fixed term for 1 year (extension subject to funding)

Closing Date: Wednesday 4th June

Interview Date: Friday 13th June

Context

Q:alliance provides support, information and representation for the LGBTQ+ people who live, work and play in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges that organisations and individuals face locally.

It’s our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is well represented and supported.

Scope

This established role will engage the LGBTQ+ Schools Partnership Forum (Milton Keynes) to plan, deliver and evaluate educational programmes for young people and manage a 1:1 caseload of support for LGBTQ+ young people across schools, colleges, and youth services in Milton Keynes. You will develop and implement training to upskill teachers, education staff and youth workers. Working collaboratively with all partners to ensure safe spaces for young LGBTQ+ people across diverse settings with particular focus on increasing resilience, wellbeing, and mental health of LGBTQ+ youth communities.

You will work closely with our youth work team and CEO to determine targets for outreach, engagement, and effective monitoring systems to ensure robust reporting.

Main Responsibilities

· Networking – Strengthen the LGBTQ+ Schools Partnership Forum, supporting teachers, education staff and youth workers to access resources, implement inclusive learning environments and provide support for LGBTQ+ young people in their settings. Coordinate meetings with the network to update on shifting needs, priorities, and situations in a local and national context.

· Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work. Analyse local intelligence directly from LGBTQ+ youth communities and use this to co-produce plans with young people to ensure our youth services are engaging and meeting needs.

· Support, information and empowerment – develop and implement resources for 1:1 education and resilience work with LGBTQ+ young people, provide support for young people in crisis, ensuring effective signposting to relevant services and collaboration with parents, guardians, teachers and education staff where appropriate.

· Innovation – work with the CEO, LGBTQ+ Schools Partnership Forum and young people to innovate a schools accreditation system that will acknowledge and cultivate schools’ competence to provide safe spaces and support for LGBTQ+ young people.

· Stakeholder and community engagement – Work with Communications and Engagement Manager to plan outreach activities in line with Engagement Plan and communicate with youth communities in line with our Communications Strategy. Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.

· Education – Plan, develop and deliver positive and engaging classroom workshops and school assemblies to a wide range of young people, ensuring key messages are inclusive of diverse perspectives, including those from black and minoritized communities.

· Training - Develop and deliver training for teachers, education staff and youth workers with the aim of improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth communities and the capacity of those with the power to assist in this endeavour.

Skills and Experience

Expertise

· Vast experience working with and supporting young people

· Experience of developing and sustaining a network

· Proficiency in authoring innovative education and training packages, delivery, and evaluation

· Knowledge of the challenges affecting young LGBTQ+ people

· Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s mental health and the skills required to build resilience

· Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills

· Expertise in safeguarding young people, ensuring welfare of all by following policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead

· Ability to observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people and the schools, colleges and youth settings in which you support through your role in the developing network

· Capable to respond to a young person in crisis and establish the right tools and resources to assist them

Communication

· A high standard of written English, including an ability to write thorough reports, make referrals to partner agencies, maintain outreach files, and record minutes of forum meetings

· An engaging and charismatic public speaking style with the ability to adapt delivery style dependent on context and audience

· Ability to adopt a positive constructive language style when talking to young people 1:1

· Confidence to communicate with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of young people

· Knowledge and proficiency in social media and a recognition of the role it plays in young people’s lives

Behaviours

· Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels

· Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional boundaries when working with young people and the importance of consistency

· Passionate about equality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and neurodiversity.

· Evident desire to improve service delivery using co-production initiatives with young people

· An ability to listen with empathy and act compassionately

· Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving

· Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage

Desirable

· Qualifications in youth work, teaching or mental health support

· Data, monitoring, and impact training, including up to date GDPR certificate (2 years)

· LGBTQ+ lived experience

Other

· Full driving license and use of own vehicle

· Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evening and weekend working

· Commitment to further personal development and training

· Please note: Enhanced DBS is required for this role

What you’ll bring to the team

You will serve as the first point of contact for schools, colleges and youth settings. You will chair a dynamic network of school and college leads and empower team members with the information you have gained so that we can better respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people, including how this may relate to securing vital funds for services. You will help our youth workers understand the impact education has on the lives of our youth communities, whilst championing the good work of teachers and education staff who are trailblazers. You will ensure continuity of support between school, Q:Hub (our youth support space) and our other youth service provisions.

The LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner will have responsibility for the following documents.

· Youth engagement subdivision of the Engagement Plan (Comms and Engagement Manager responsibility for wider plan)

· Contact Evaluation forms/data capture

· Monthly Outreach Report

· Youth Participation Policy

· Resource library pertaining to our work with young people

· LGBTQ+ Schools Partnership Forum minutes (approx. 6 meetings per year)

Apply via our website and submit an application to the designated recruitment email address using the supplied application form.

Enquiries about this post from candidates can be directed to the Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Hill. 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEAD (OASIS ASHBURTON PARK)

FULL-TIME, 40 HOURS PER WEEK

SALARY:  £33,422 per annum

LOCATION:  CROYDON

PROJECT: 100 YEARS OF ASHBURTON PARK   

Want to make your community and local park a better place?

Will you support young people to recognise and reach their potential?

Are you passionate about how education and youth work can work alongside each other to make a positive impact on young people’s lives?

Want to be part of a supportive, dynamic, fun & quality team?

Oasis Ashburton Park are now in a position to employ an experienced Youth Development Lead to work alongside wider team in Croydon. The role will be focussed on the Ashburton Park area (surrounding Oasis Academies; Arena, Shirley Park and Ryeland’s) working closely with the academies as part of Oasis Ashburton Park and the ‘100 Years of Ashburton Park’ Project funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund.

As a Youth Development Lead you will;

• Develop and oversee a Youth Advisory Panel to ensure that youth voice is central to the design of our Youth Engagement Programme and the 360 Youth Centre.
• Develop and oversee the Youth Engagement Programme as part of the ‘100 years of Ashburton Park Project’ including a range of activities in and nearby to Ashburton Park, including after school drop-in’s, evening sessions, group work and one-one mentoring.
• Support the development and engagement of young people in a Food Growing Enterprise based at Ashburton Lodge.
• Work closely with Croydon Council and other partners to support young people to engage with a wide range of programmes and activities that are part of the ‘100 years of Ashburton Park Project’.
• Deliver open access sessions, group and one to one interventions with young people including; half term, afterschool, evenings and residentials, using a planned youth work curriculum.
• Line manage youth workers, sessional youth workers and youth volunteers to plan, deliver and evaluate youth work termly.
• Contribute to the development of youth work across the area and lead on specific areas of work on behalf of the team.

Amongst other requirements, the successful post holder must have:

· Relevant experience OR qualification in Youth & Community (JNC), Social Work (QSW) or SEND.

· Proven experience working with young people ‘at risk’.

· Reliability, with a flexible approach to changes and able to work unsociable hours.

· Experience of project and/or people management

As part of the package, Oasis offers:

• A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution.
• A generous holiday allowance and training opportunities.
• A supportive, friendly work environment, with flexible working arrangements.

If you are interested in this position, please email a CV and covering letter detailing why you feel you are suitable for this role. Please visit the Oasis Chartiy Jobs website for further information.

Completed applications should be returned by 5pm 23rd May

Round one Interviews will take place on W/C 2nd June

Round two interviews will take place on W/C 9th June

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers to application, please let us know. 

Oasis is a multi-national charity supporting young people and their families in 10 countries worldwide. Our vision is for building healthy communities: places where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their full potential.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

The Youth Sector in Gloucestershire is a diverse landscape made-up of a rich and varied range of youth and community organisations. The Youth Support Worker will play a key role in delivering a high standard of youth work supporting young people across a range of needs and interests, ensuring that they have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. 

You will have experience of developing, coordinating and delivering impactful youth activities, and you will be skilled in working with young people from a range of backgrounds who have experienced challenges and barriers to progression in education, family and communities. We are seeking applicants who are positive, empowering, resilient and can work with others to create positive outcomes.  

Ebony Horse Club is a Brixton-based charity that works with young people from low-income backgrounds, using horses as a powerful catalyst to build confidence, aspirations, and life skills.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to breaking down barriers to access, particularly for those young people and families who are often excluded from mainstream services and opportunities. We know that isolation, socio-economic disadvantage, and lack of access to safe, welcoming community spaces are some of the most persistent challenges facing families in our area. Our work directly addresses these challenges by creating inclusive, supportive environments that over the last 30 years, has developed into a much-needed community hub.

Our stables in the heart of Lambeth is not just a place to ride horses; we are a safe space where almost 200 young people every week can build trusted relationships with adults, develop a sense of purpose, and gain vital skills through mentoring, youth work, and enrichment activities. We facilitate transformative experiences that build confidence, resilience, and life skills through riding and horse care and many of our members go on to find work in the equine or related fields through our assistance, funding and contacts in tertiary education and beyond.

We are looking for a Senior Youth Worker to join our team to help shape and deliver our services here in Brixton as we enter our 30th year. Join a fun, enthusiatic team of staff and volunteers - as well as 9 horses (and a couple of dogs). We're looking for a flexible, creative and positive person to take the lead on organising trips, creating opportunities and working directly with young people on site here in Brixton. 

The role requires evening and weekend work, however we know life happens so try to offer as much flexibility as possible. However, as this is a frontline role, this is not suitable for candidates who may want to work remotely. If you have any questions ahead of application then please don't hesistate to get in touch for an informal chat. 

Are you passionate about empowering young people up to the age of 25 to make positive life choices?

Do you have the experience and dedication to engage with those at risk of offending or already involved in the youth justice system, and inspire them to build a better future?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The James Brindley Foundation is seeking a committed and compassionate individual to deliver our accredited Full Circle Programme (FCP). This powerful initiative provides one-to-one interventions, educational workshops, and school assemblies to help young people reduce their risk of involvement in youth violence and crime. Full training and extensive support will be offered to the successful candidate.

At The James Brindley Foundation, we want to live in a country where no one walks in fear of youth violence. We believe that, when everyone accepts personal responsibility for those around them, inevitably violence will be reduced and ultimately, lives saved.

If you're up for the challenge, share our vision and want to make a lasting impact, apply to join us today!

Youth Worker

Do you want to work for a vibrant and established, award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile?

We are looking for a Youth worker to join this innovative, brave and creative team.

Position: Youth worker

Location: Delivery based in Wakefield and Bradford Traveller sites/community centre. Office based across both locations and Leeds.

Hours: 28 hours per week

Salary: Grade 3 SCP 8 £23,864- £24,829 (with a pay award pending of minimum 7% in May 25)

Contract: 12 months with the intention to extend (subject to funding) 

Benefits: The provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, hybrid working where the role allows, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies and free parking.

Closing Date: Friday 16th May 2025 at 5pm

Interview Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025

The Role

You will be a part of the youth service working on the local council sites and a community centre in Wakefield and Bradford, where you will build trusted relationships with young members (age range 5 to 17). Working with families living on site, with some engagement (outreach) of young people living on yards, in houses and potentially roadside. You will get to know them, their goals, talents and challenges and together with them, you will build an ongoing programme of activities.

The youth work programme through weekly group work and regular 1-1 sessions, covers such key issues and topics such as mental health, education, relationships, staying safe, human rights and future hopes. The sessions are planned around building key core skills such as building confidence, leadership and team building skills, positive communication and joint decision making.

The youth service supports young people to be less isolated, have better connections to opportunities, have greater pride and the opportunity to celebrate their ethnicity and pride. Developing partnerships with organisations who can bring their projects to our young people and support them to access opportunities off site.

About You

You will be confident to work in a busy, fast paced, community facing environment that is committed to person-centred working, with active listening skills and an empathetic approach.  You will be resilient and adaptable, and enjoy working in a role with competing priorities and deadlines.

Knowledge and experience;

• Have at least 2 years experience of working with young people, either as an employee, volunteer. 
• Have experience of delivering group work for children and young. (Co-production and involving young people in session design and delivery) 
• Have some experience in keeping records and designing session plans. 
• Good working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles, policies and procedures 
• Have skills in building trusted relationships and developing children and young peoples strengths

PLEASE NOTE: CV’s will not be accepted for this role, you will be redirected through to the charity’s website where you will need to complete their application form

About the Organisation

You will be joining a vibrant and brave grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in West Yorkshire. This is an established and award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile.  Recognised as being innovative, brave and creative.  The overall aim of the charity is to improve the quality of life for Gypsies and Travellers through addressing inequalities in homes, health, education, and employment, financial and social inclusion. There are a number of community-facing and strategic projects to achieve aims including advocacy, community development and youth work.

Other roles you may have experience include Youth, Youth Work, Senior Youth Worker, Junior Youth Worker, Family Support Worker, Child Support Worker, Youth Support Worker, Youth Intervention Officer, Youth Officer. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Youth Endowment Fund

Change Lead for Policing

Reports to: Assistant Director of Change for Policing and Youth Justice

Salary: £55,000 per annum

Location:  Central London or Hybrid*(see below)

Contract: 2-year fixed term (potential to extend) or secondment opportunity

Closing date for applications: 9:00am Friday 23rd May 2025

Interview dates: week commencing 2nd June 2025

About the Youth Endowment Fund

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

In recent years violent crime has risen significantly. Homicides, assaults, robberies and offences involving weapons have all seen sustained growth. We have also seen large increases in violent crime involving children and young people. This is a tragedy. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them.

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is a charity with a £200m endowment and a mission that matters. We exist to prevent children becoming involved in violence. Our mission is to find what works and build a movement to put it into practice. A big part of the movement that we need to build is in the world of policing. We need to inspire and connect with police forces across England and Wales to spread what works and make our country safer for some of our most vulnerable children. We are looking for someone to lead on making this happen.

Key Responsibilities Include:

We are making good progress building the evidence of what works within and around policing to reduce violence, with new Practice Guidance and implementation resources on diversion and focused deterrence. But the big risk is that we publish guidance and nothing changes. That’s where you come in. Your role is to work out the best way to make this change happen by getting more senior leaders within policing to use our Guidance, toolkit, research and implementation tools to inform day to day operations and strategic decision making. This will involve:

• Developing great relationships with senior leaders and frontline police officers, generating a strong understanding of key policing issues, needs and behaviours, and building credibility and trust with the sector. 
• Developing, managing and tracking the change plan to get more senior leaders to be aware of and use our Guidance, tools and resources, continuously looking for data-driven improvements.
• Creating practical tools and resources that help leaders put evidence into action.
• Supporting police forces, violence reduction units, and police and crime commissioners to develop or strengthen evidence-based practices, including focused deterrence, hotspots policing, and problem-orientated policing.
• Overseeing our partnership with the Society for Evidence Based Policing, helping us to collectively achieve our shared aims to promote evidence-base practice across the sector.
• Working out other effective ways to connect people with the evidence, then making those things happen, from putting on a brilliant conference to regular virtual learning events and presentations.

As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also:

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.
• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You

You must have this sort of experience:

- You’ve changed frontline practice and/or systems: You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within a police setting. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.

- You’ve working in or around policing, preferably in a role/setting specifically working with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence.

You might have this sort of experience:

- Crafting and delivering a strategy to get a new piece of evidence or guidance adopted within a police setting.

- Behaviour change research experience.

You are this sort of person:

• You are fascinated about change and are experienced in making it happen. You have outstanding analytical judgment alongside the emotional intelligence and experience needed to identify the right opportunities for change, then make them happen. You understand why people find change difficult. You come alive talking about how people make decisions and why they do the things they do.

• You understand the policing sector. You really understand how police forces’ work, from Chief Constables to frontline officers. You have experience working in/with police, ideally in a role that worked with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence. You might have previous experience of supporting a police force to reflect on and adopt evidence-based practice, such as focused deterrence, hotspot policing and problem-orientated policing.

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex information into plain writing that everyone can understand.

• You have excellent project and time management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. You can work independently and to a high standard.

• You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You have built good relationships with very senior people and with very junior people. You are good at chairing meetings, connecting people and having good introductory meetings. You are comfortable talking to a government minister, a youth worker, a company CEO, a teacher and a 15-year-old student. Listening to people from all backgrounds matters to you.

• You are an excellent strategic thinker. People say that you are good at seeing the big picture. You have experience of wrestling into place a strategy for a project or organisation. You are good at thinking logically but you are also creative. You have ideas but are happy rejecting a lot of them. You like seeing things from different points of view.

• You learn fast but remain humble. You are very quick at getting your head around things. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know. You know that you can learn more. You know that it's easy to assume you know when you don't. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You are a great and supportive team player.

• You don't want your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in reducing violence.

• You understand young people. You understand what the lives of vulnerable young people can be like and you understand some of the organisations that work with them, ideally through first-hand experience.

• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

While it is not a criteria, we are especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of violence.

It is also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.

Secondments

We are open to candidates that would prefer to join us on a 12-month secondment. Secondment candidates should ensure that their current organisation is in support of this in principle, all candidates will go through the full interview process. Candidates should state clearly in their covering letter if they would like to join us as secondee.

Hybrid Working

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.

To Apply

Please click on the "Apply for this” button and submit your CV, cover letter and complete the monitoring form 9:00am Friday 23rd May 2025.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.

Interview Process

Interviews will take place the week commencing 2nd June.

All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Benefits Include

· £1,000 professional development budget annually

· 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

· Four half days for volunteering activities

· Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support

· Volunteering days - 4 half days per year

· Death in service - 4 times annual salary

· Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

· Financial support including travel and hardship loans

· Employer contributed pension of 5%

Your Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful, and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

LMK (Let Me Know) Youth Leader (Freelance Educator / Youth Worker) 

• Across London boroughs, occasional travel outside London optional 
• £200 per 2 hour workshop 
• Sessional 
• Available for a minimum of one delivery per month, pending workshop demands

About LMK

Good relationships shape our health and happiness, yet we are taught so little about them. LMK is a registered education charity on a mission to change that. We run workshops educating young people about healthy and unhealthy behaviours, so that they can avoid abuse and thrive in relationships. 

Using film and guided discussions, our workshop Leaders support children and young people in honest conversations about relationships and leave them better equipped to spot the early warning signs of abuse, inspiring them to enjoy healthy, fulfilling relationships.  We explore the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and include practical lessons young people want to learn about (like consent) and practice scenarios in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment. 

LMK is a learning organisation and prides itself in supporting leaders to develop their skills. We offer training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, as well as peer-to-peer learning and reflective practice sessions.

About LMK Leaders

LMK Leaders are passionate and organised educators who run community workshops, aimed at young people aged between 11 and 24. Through engaging, relatable workshops, Leaders help young people identify signs of healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours, provide strategies for them to recognise the early warning signs of abuse and give them tools to keep themselves and their friends safe. 

Expectations of LMK Leaders

• Always adhere to LMK and host organisations health & safety and safeguarding practices and procedures. 
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries with young people, peers, and professionals.
• Respond to comms (emails/WhatsApp) sent out by LMK team members in a timely manner, to support planning and organising of sessions.
• Plan and deliver interactive LMK workshops in educational and community settings in line with LMK delivery style and ethos. 
• Meet with co-facilitators to carry out pre-session planning, minimum three working days before delivery.
• Use your experience and knowledge of the issues affecting young people to tailor the workshops accordingly. 
• Ensure all youth participants and the adults in school/community organisations who attend a LMK workshop complete the post session feedback surveys.
• Complete a reflective post session Leader survey after each workshop to support practice and programme development.
• Debrief with LMK’s Programme Development Manager and provide ongoing feedback about your sessions through LMK’s reflective practice processes.
• Accommodate a maximum of two workshop observations by LMK staff/supporters per academic year, designed to bolster our funding and thought leadership strategy.
• Undertake relevant training associated with LMK’s work, including but not restricted to diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Undertake at least one quality assurance observation per year, completed by an LMK Programme Development Manager, and enhance practice via developmental feedback.
• Continue to learn about and develop your skills on the issues affecting young people’s relationships including domestic violence, abuse, adverse childhood experiences, trauma informed practice, gang culture and grooming, mental health, sexual exploitation, consent, sharing of nudes /sexting, bullying in person and online, tech and online safety, pornography.
• Share your knowledge and expertise by providing feedback and, where requested, co-designing training and educational resources on issues affecting young people and their relationships.
• Mandatory attendance of termly virtual Leader huddles and reflective sessions to remain connected to peers and organisational values, mission, purpose and operational matters.
• Contribute towards and keep up to date with LMK internal/external communications platforms, such as LMK newsletters and social media.
• Engage with LMK’s Youth Advisory Board Members, if and when invited to do so.
• Lead by example and promote healthy relationship behaviours in your own lives/communities and within LMK (team player; acknowledging and working with diversity; being receptive to new ideas and developmental feedback, etc)
• Use your own networks to recruit new schools and youth groups into the programme.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required

• Extensive experience of teaching or working with young people (10 to 24 yrs old) in educational or community settings.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience co-designing, delivering and evaluating group sessions, consisting of minimum of 12 and maximum of 30 participants.
• Experience or co-designing session plans and co-facilitating with others; able to collaborate equally with others.
• A strong commitment to young people and knowledge and understanding of issues affecting their relationships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills with the ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space, that allows young people to speak freely about their relationships and experience.
• Able to adapt and be flexible in workshops to get the best engagement from a range of participants. 

Must also:

• Be entitled to work in the UK.
• Hold a DBS certificate or be willing to let LMK undertake a check on your behalf. 
• Have a recent safeguarding qualification from a recognised provider or be willing to undertake additional training in this area.
• Be flexible to work non-traditional, after-school and occasional weekend / holiday hours.
• Comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, confidentiality, data protection and reporting concerns to an appropriate person.

LMK values the differences that a diverse workforce brings and is committed to inclusivity. We welcome all applicants from any race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, age, sexuality, or any other protected characteristic.

We can make reasonable adjustments throughout the application process and on the job. Please let us know, by contacting us separately if you need any adjustments or changes to be made during the recruitment process because of a disability or long-term health condition.

You can learn more about how we handle your personal data and your rights by reviewing our privacy notice (see attachements).

Please note:

In-person interviews for this role will take place on 3rd June and a mandatory (paid) 2 day, in-person training will take place on 26th and 27th June. (Both will be held at Central London locations).