Learning and development lead jobs

Voyage is seeking a part‑time, income‑focused and results‑driven Head of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help secure long‑term, diversified investment for our youth leadership programmes, with a particular emphasis on trusts and foundations, business development and strategic partnerships in the CSR youth, heritage and environmental space.

We are therefore seeking an experience professional who has a great production understanding of the role fund raising plays in shaping applications and grants. We therefore seek someone who can equally sit across trusts and foundations, business development and partnership building and help Voyage move from “opportunity‑led” to strategic, long‑term income growth.

Are you a passionate leader with a commitment to animal welfare? Join Greyhound Trust as our Head of Operations - where you will shape the future of homing services and champion the wellbeing of retired racing greyhounds across the UK.

About Us

At Greyhound Trust, we believe every retired racing greyhound deserves a loving home and a life filled with kindness and compassion. Our national network of homing centres and Branches—powered by dedicated staff and volunteers—supports over a thousand greyhounds each year in their journey from track to home.   You will help take us back to our pre covid numbers of several thousand greyhounds being homed by Greyhound Trust each year.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting as part of the Senior Management Team, you'll be responsible for developing and delivering our national Homing and Welfare Strategy, while leading the transformation of our homing network to home more greyhounds and develop its impact. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead strategic change in animal welfare at both a national and grassroots level, whilst being operational and handws on in a sector that you love.

What You Will Do

• Lead national strategy for homing and greyhound care

• Oversee operations at our homing centres, including the flagship National Greyhound Centre

• Identify high impact changes to increase reach and home more greyhounds, and lead the relevant operational change across the homing network

• Develop new welfare and outreach initiatives

• Manage a high performing team of operational Managers, focused on greyhound outcomes, supporting and developing our valued volunteers and championing the breed

• Lead welfare governance, policy, and budget management

About You

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative and visionary leader who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will bring:

✅ Senior experience in animal welfare;  if not, you will need to evidnece your ability to be successful with a steep learning curve

✅ Strong operational and budget oversight skills

✅ Ability to analsyse data and trends, and model new ways of working to address identified needs

✅ A track record of driving service improvement and innovation

✅ Excellent communication and people management skills

✅ Experience working with volunteers and multi-site teams

✅ Confidence in navigating complex welfare and behavioural decisions

✅ A passion for animal welfare and a values-led approach

Experience in policy, outreach / project development and regulatory governance is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a respected national charity with a mission led culture

• Shape the future of homing practices and volunteer engagement across the UK

• Work alongside a passionate team, who are dedicated to Greyhound Trust and Greyhound Welfare

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead national transformation in greyhound welfare, we wouldlove to hear from you.

Apply by submitting your CV AND a covering letter, outlining your suitability for the role and why you would be a great fit for Charity and its existing committed team.
 

About the Early Years Assistant role 

We are seeking enthusiastic bank staff to provide flexible cover for staff absences at our vibrant 59-place nursery, located in the Coin Street neighbourhood centre on London’s South Bank, just minutes from Waterloo and Blackfriars stations. As part of a dedicated team of educators supported by two experienced senior teachers, you will help ensure the smooth running of the nursery by assisting with mealtimes, activities, general care, and safeguarding the welfare of children. Our nursery is part of a wider Family and Children’s Centre, which offers holiday play schemes, activity camps, and a creche facility to support parents in training and development. Using our unique surroundings for real-life learning, we put each child at the centre of their learning journey. Cover will be provided on an ad hoc basis within our shift rota (8am–6pm). 

This will be a zero-hours contract which means that there are no guaranteed hours per month - you may be requested to work on an ad hoc basis, and sometimes at short notice. 

To be successful you will need to demonstrate the following 

• A child-centred approach to teaching using creative and exciting methods to engage and stimulate. 

• A can-do and enthusiastic attitude. 

• Excellent spoken and written English. 

About Coin Street Community Builders 

We provide the opportunities and spaces for people to lead their own change.  

Our activities are wide and far reaching. From giving families and children the best start in life through our childcare and family support, to creating and maintaining high quality spaces to live, work and play on the land that we own.  

We promote enterprise, creativity, and lifelong learning whether that is through providing employment, volunteering opportunities, nurturing enterprise, or delivering programmes and activities.  We provide housing that supports our community; we champion co-operative housing and influence local and national housing policy.  

From sports and dance to healthy eating and gardening, we offer a range of facilities and activities accessible to everyone to support health and wellbeing in our community.

Contract   

Casual, Zero-Hours (may include evenings and weekends) 

Salary   

£14.13 per hour 

Extras 

• Equivalent of 35 days annual leave (including Bank holidays), pro rata for part-time staff. 

• Auto-enrolment qualifying pension for zero-hours staff 

• Health and wellbeing support, including online mental health therapy sessions.   

• Free gym membership at Colombo, annual flu jabs. 

• Commitment to training and development. 

Closing Date   

We will review applications as they are submitted and will contact candidates on a rolling basis.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.   

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

Our members are looking for an enthusiastic indovidual to join our Network Hope Activities team as staff cover for 9 months.

You will work under the direction of the Project Manager and alongside, tutors to deliver activities, support networks, health and wellbeing and training support to beneficiaries and to recruit, train and support a network of volunteers to facilitate the support groups. 

The role will involve collaboration with other local businesses and third sector organisations to deliver the activities. This Project’s aim is to support vulnerable disabled people (including those with learning disabilities, autism and those affected by mental health issues and their families) through consistent provision of health and wellbeing activities, pathways into employment training, sport and social activities, advice, signposting and peer support based both at our Resource Centre in W10 and out in the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  
 
1. Supporting Tutors, volunteers, senior staff and beneficiaries 
 
Utilising EPM’s resources to lead in locally sourcing beneficiaries and volunteers from the local community. Liaise with the NHS and Social Services, partner providers and schools, colleges, community centres, voluntary organisations and referral agencies. 

· Facilitate and support local support groups, 

· Plan, arrange and run a variety of activities and training programmes. 

· Recruit and support a network of volunteers to co-facilitate support groups and activities 

· Under the direction of The Project Manager conduct home visits to assess the needs of the families and inform them of support available through Network Hope. 

· Arrange the selection and delivery of healthy food and drinks and running the catering and gardening training groups. 

· Work with sports and fitness tutors to ensure all equipment used in sports/fitness sessions are secure and meet health and safety standards. 

· Coordinate and oversee respite and peer group support to the families. 

· Develop, monitor, update and review individual action plans for all beneficiaries. 

· Conduct evaluation reports (including case studies) and work with senior management to collate the information. 

· Assist senior management in leading  advisory group meetings and lead/facilitate local support group meetings. 

          Other duties as required

Are you passionate about the vision of the church to transform communities? If so, this is the opportunity for you.

Location: Islington, office-based

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm (With some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations)

Salary: from £27,000

We are interviewing on a rolling basis.

Application pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information about the role and Resurgo

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave (including Christmas Gift Days) plus bank holidays
• Excellent benefits including Health Insurance
• Amazing personal development and training opportunities, including our iLM-accredited 5-day Coaching for Leadership programme (worth £3,000)
• Regular staff prayer meetings, conferences and retreats (one residential)

We are now recruiting for a Lead Coach in Islington - an outstanding opportunity to work as part of a local church to deliver the Spear Programme.

You’ll be working with the local church to manage the delivery of Resurgo's award-winning Spear Programme. Over the last 20 years, Spear has supported more than 11,000 young people across the UK with the work-ready skills and mindset they need to succeed in employment, no matter the challenges they face. But we don’t want to stop there.

We believe each young person has huge potential. If you do too, and you have the skills and heart to see their lives transformed – join us.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

The Lead Coach is primarily responsible for overseeing the training room and group sessions with young people. You will help shape the training environment and will confidently adapt and deliver materials and sessions to work within the group’s development towards work readiness.

Delivery of Spear Programme - Group and 1:1 coaching [60%]

• Preparing and coaching Spear Foundation sessions and 1-1s, ensuring that young people are engaged, retained and work-ready by the end of this initial phase of the programme.
• Building relationships with young people on the programme and managing culture, and attitudes in the training room.
• Adapting the Spear coaching material according to the needs of the Trainees and managing behaviour effectively.

Delivery of Spear Career [20%]

• Delivering weekly Spear Career sessions (including running workshops with past Trainees), maintaining records and reporting on statistics, and creatively developing ongoing relationships with Spear Trainees.

Training the Asssistant Coach [10%]

• Contributing towards the training and developing of the Assistant Coach by modelling excellent coaching and giving regular feedback.

Trainee recruitment [10%]

• Developing relationships with Job Centres and local referral agencies to ensure that the maximum number of Spear Trainees are enrolled on each programme. This involves liaising with referral agencies, active face-to-face recruitment and monitoring recruitment statistics.

Continuous professional development

• Continually engaging in professional development, including being part of Resurgo’s wider coaching programmes and supporting the Church Partnerships Managers with overall team training and development.

Personal qualities we're looking for:

• An active Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Resurgo and the partner church
• You have demonstrable experience as a coach, or a background in youth work or teaching, and are keen to develop these skills further
• You have a heart for young people and releasing their potential, no matter what challenging circumstances they are facing
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence with a sense of humour and fun
• You are great at building relationships, with solid communication skills
• Good administrative and organisational skills, working well under pressure with the ability to prioritise workload

You can expect:

• A genuine commitment to upskilling you through impressive training opportunities:
  • Support and funding to complete your professional coaching accreditation
  • Progression opportunities through professional development 1-1s, and a dedicated Church Partnerships team.
  • Equipping you to have autonomy in your role, through a culture of ‘high challenge, high support’
• A fun, supportive culture where you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work
• A worshipping community, where you can pray and worship with your colleagues
• Summer and autumn staff conference days, plus a two-night Christmas retreat

A couple of things to note:

• This role requires occasional evening work, for our termly Spear Celebrations (where we celebrate our trainees as they complete the initial six weeks of the programme)
• In the event of a job offer, a DBS check will be requested.

Resurgo is a charity with a mission to transform society, of which the Spear Programme is just one part. We use our expertise in coaching and impact management to equip other organisations to cultivate change. Find out more about our work here.

Project Manager - Future Fund Programme

THE KINGS FUND

Location

London (Central), London (Greater)

Salary

£48,905 - £58,402 per annum + benefits (salary range will increase in January)

For over a century, The King’s Fund has worked to improve people’s health and care. We tackle the thorniest questions facing our health and care system, and in turn society. We do this through our research, analysis and insight; leadership and organisational development with health and care leaders; convening and events; and partnering with others. With bold thinking for better health, we’re on a mission to inspire hope and confidence that we can create a world where everyone lives a healthy life.

Shape the Future of Innovation in Health and Care 

This is a unique opportunity to join The King’s Fund and help shape the future of innovation, digital transformation, and AI preparedness in a mission-driven organisation. 

We are looking for a talented and adaptable Project Manager to support the next phase of our Future Fund programme, a strategic initiative launched in autumn 2023 to explore how emerging technologies and new ways of working can enhance our relevance, impact, and internal capability. 

The Future Fund is central to how The King’s Fund positions itself for the future. It’s about more than technology, it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and human-centred innovation across the organisation. 

About the role

As Project Manager, you will: 

• Lead the day-to-day project management of the Future Fund programme, coordinating across multiple workstreams. 
• Support the delivery of key projects, including our headline initiative on AI, digital and leadership. 
• Facilitate workshops, innovation sprints, and co-creation sessions with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Work closely with our Technical Lead for AI and Automation to embed insight-led experimentation across the Fund. 
• Develop governance, reporting, and evaluation frameworks to ensure accountability and learning. 
• Help build a community of practice to support digital and AI capability across the organisation 

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguous, multi-stakeholder environments, and who brings a mix of project management expertise, creativity, and strategic thinking. 

About You:

• We’re looking for someone who: 
• Has proven experience in project management 
• Is confident working across teams and engaging diverse stakeholders 
• Brings strong organisational and communication skills 
• Is curious, collaborative, and comfortable with complexity 
• Has experience or interest in AI, digital tools, or emerging technologies.

Why join us?

The King’s Fund is an independent think tank working to improve people’s health and care in England. We combine research, policy, leadership development, and practical support to help shape a system that is compassionate, equitable, and future-ready.

This role offers the chance to be part of a programme that is helping us evolve how we work, how we lead, and how we support change across the health and care system.

Interviews plan to take place: 6 January 2026.

The Fund has an ambition to increase the diversity of our workforce and introduce careers in health and care policy to a broader range of people. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community, including those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBT+ community. We believe that diversity of background and experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will improve the way we influence health and social care policy.

The Fund is committed to a hybrid working model that meets the organisation’s needs, while giving staff flexibility to choose between office and home working. Staff are expected to work a minimum of 40% from our central London office and are free to work more days from the office if they prefer.

Employee benefits & values

Cycle to work scheme, Employee assistance programme, Enhanced pension, Health & wellness benefits, Hybrid working, Published gender paygap

This is an exciting opportunity to join The National Brain Appeal, a highly ambitious neurological charity with an outstanding track record. We have raised significant funds to transform research and care for people living with neurological conditions – from dementia and brain tumours to motor neurone disease and epilepsy.

Building on the success of our recent appeals, this role will play a pivotal part in expanding our major gifts fundraising and delivering a step-change in the impact of our work. We are seeking a highly experienced philanthropy and partnerships professional with a proven track record in generating major gifts up to figures, who will lead the creation of a new Development Board and work closely with senior supporters, clinicians and researchers to grow and deepen our networks.

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek a Fundraiser.

DCD’s Fundraiser will work closely with the Executive Director and be instrumental in increasing fundraised and revenue income. 

Our ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with an open mindset to propose and explore new avenues of fundraising and income streams.

This role is ideally suited to a self-starter with a passion for the performing arts, who is motivated to make a tangible difference to the quality of dancers’ lives.

If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Contract: Full-time permanent role

Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro-rata

Start date: As early as possible

Location: This is a remote working role, with monthly in-person team meetings which take place in London or Birmingham. Due to additional in-person events and meetings, as appropriate to the role and usually in London, the Fundraiser should be either based in London or within commutable distance.

Benefits: 23 days holiday pro-rata plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service), 5% Employers contribution to pension scheme, Health & Wellbeing package, Professional Development opportunities.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026

Info: Download job application pack from our website for full job spec and how to apply.

Are you a confident and experienced leader, with a heart for social justice and passionate about positively transforming society?

Then this could be the role for you. Join us as our next Lead Coach, and use your leadership and interpersonal skills to deliver the Spear Programme in Leeds.

You’ll be working with Bridge Community Church to manage the delivery of Resurgo's award-winning Spear Programme. Over the last 20+ years, Spear has equipped more than 11,000 young people across the UK with the work-ready skills and mindset they need to succeed in employment, no matter the barriers they face. 

We believe each young person has huge potential. If you do too, and you have the skills and heart to see their lives transformed – join us.

The important stuff 

Location: Leeds, office-based

Salary: £26,000

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm with some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations

Closing date: Friday 9th January (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Assessment Day: Thursday 22nd January

Application pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information about the role and Resurgo

In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

The Lead Coach is primarily responsible for overseeing the training room and group sessions with young people. You will help shape the training environment and will confidently adapt and deliver materials and sessions to work within the group’s development towards work readiness.

Delivery of Spear Programme - Group and 1:1 coaching [60%]

• Preparing and coaching Spear Foundation sessions and 1-1s, ensuring that young people are engaged, retained and work-ready by the end of this initial phase of the programme.
• Building relationships with young people on the programme and managing culture and attitudes in the training room.
• Adapting the Spear coaching material according to the needs of the Trainees and managing behaviour effectively.

Delivery of Spear Career [20%]

• Delivering weekly Spear Career sessions (including running workshops with past Trainees), maintaining records and reporting on statistics, and creatively developing ongoing relationships with Spear Trainees.

Training the Assistant Coach [10%]

• Contributing towards the training and developing of the Assistant Coach by modelling excellent coaching and giving regular feedback.

Trainee recruitment [10%]

• Developing relationships with Job Centres and local referral agencies to ensure that the maximum number of Spear Trainees are enrolled on each programme. This involves liaising with referral agencies, active face-to-face recruitment and monitoring recruitment statistics.

Continuous professional development

• Continually engaging in professional development, including being part of Resurgo’s wider coaching programmes and supporting the Programme Managers with overall team training and development.

Active participation in and support for church team and mission

• Engage with Sunday services, and establish a strong personal presence, including speaking at church/events if required, contributing to prayer meetings, and demonstrating spiritual leadership as per Resurgo’s Christian ethos and the mission of the church.

Personal qualities we're looking for:

• An active Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Resurgo and Bridge Community Church
• You have demonstrable experience as a coach, or a background in youth work or teaching, and are keen to develop these skills further
• You have a heart for young people and releasing their potential, no matter what challenging circumstances they are facing
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence with a sense of humour and fun
• You are great at building relationships, with solid communication skills
• Good administrative and organisational skills, working well under pressure with the ability to prioritise workload

You can expect:

• Excellent benefits including Health Insurance, access to Cycle to Work scheme, and enhanced parental leave, dependants leave, and sick leave policies with income protection
• A genuine commitment to upskilling you through impressive training opportunities:
  • Support and funding to complete your professional coaching accreditation once you have completed enough coaching hours
  • Progression opportunities through professional development 1-1s
  • Equipping you to have autonomy in your role, through a culture of ‘high challenge, high support’
• A fun, supportive culture where you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work
• A worshipping community, where you can pray and worship with your colleagues
• Autumn staff conference day, plus a Christmas retreat

A couple of things toote:

• This role requires occasional evening work, for our termly Spear Celebrations (where we celebrate our trainees as they complete the initial six weeks of the programme)
• In the event of a job offer, a DBS check will be requested

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is one of the UK’s largest independent grant-making foundations. We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and lead fulfilling, creative lives.

Contract: Fixed-term contract – 18 months
Hours: Full-time post, 35 hours per week
Salary: c. £54,000 per annum
Location: London / Hybrid (40% of time in our central London offices)

Role Overview

We are seeking a mission-driven senior leader to shape and deliver our work supporting young people across the UK.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will shape and drive the Foundation’s grant-making strategy in support of young people, ensuring our funding delivers systemic change and champions youth-led approaches. You will lead the Youth Fund and related initiatives, setting direction, overseeing grant-making, and influencing practice across the youth sector.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will lead the strategic development, direction and delivery of the Foundation’s Youth Fund and related initiatives. You will oversee grant-making, champion youth-led practice, and influence sector-wide learning and collaboration.

Reporting to the Director of Grants, you will have direct responsibility for a high-performing team composed of two Grants Managers and one Grants Assistant. You will oversee the strategic development and delivery of the Youth Fund and Follow-on Fund, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and best practices in youth-focused grant-making.

You will work closely with funded organisations, trustees, advisors, and sector partners to strengthen their impact, embed learning, and ensure our funding supports long-term systemic change.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, values-led leader with:

• Significant experience in the youth, charity or civil society sector, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people.
• Deep knowledge of youth policy and practice, and the ability to translate that insight into impactful funding and support for organisations.
• Proven expertise in grant-making, including assessment, due diligence, monitoring and learning.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to develop and motivate teams and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• A track record of working in partnership with funded organisations and sector stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

Programme Support & Knowledge Director

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: The role can be based in the London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

UK: £75,916 - £79,912 per year with excellent benefits.

Ethiopia: ETB 13544181 - 19864798.8 per year with excellent benefits.

Tanzania: TZS 217215222.3 - 304101311.22 per year with excellent benefits.

Nigeria: NGN 81860262.3 - 106418340.99 per year with excellent benefits.

Ghana: GHS 1200723 - 1681013 per year with excellent benefits.

Rwanda: RWF 95234280.3 - 133327992.42 per year with excellent benefits. 

Salaries and benefits for other countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people.

About the role

As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department’s SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK’s programmes
• Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
• Lead programme learning and knowledge management
• Oversee programme support and capacity development
• Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
• Strong technical WASH skills – e.g. sustainable rural and /or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH, 
• Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
• Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
• Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
• Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
• Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement and
• A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
• Experience leading or managing applied research
• Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on December 21st 2025. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

About Us

At the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, we’re on a mission to create a Wilder Birmingham and Black Country. As an urban Wildlife Trust, we believe that education and community engagement are vital to protecting and restoring nature in our region. We work with people of all ages and backgrounds to build meaningful connections with the natural world and empower them to take action.

About the Role

We’re looking for a dynamic and organised Education Officer who will play a vital role in inspiring children and families to connect with nature through engaging outdoor learning experiences. They will deliver a dynamic annual programme of curriculum-linked environmental education sessions and wild play activities across the region, with a particular focus on Birmingham. This role supports the development of lifelong connections to nature by bringing learning to life in local green spaces and nature reserves. to support the planning and delivery of events and engagement activities across our sites and communities. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

This post is based at EcoPark, 258a Hobmoor Road, Small Heath, B10 9HH, with flexibility to work from home as required. This role will require regular travel regionally – a company pool vehicle will be provided for travel in between sites.

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.