419 Quality and practice development lead jobs

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is looking for an inspirational and experienced Director of Care to provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership across our medical, clinical and holistic care services.

This is a pivotal role within our organisation. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for ensuring that children, young people and their families receive the highest quality, safe and compassionate care.

You will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of our care services at an exciting time in the development of Alexander Devine.

The role

As Director of Care, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management, quality and performance of our care services.

You will:

• Provide strong, visible and inspirational clinical leadership across all care services.
• Lead the strategic development of our medical, clinical and holistic care provision.
• Ensure services are safe, effective, evidence-based, family-centred and responsive to the needs of the children and families we support.
• Act as Joint Registered Manager with the Care Quality Commission.
• Provide strategic oversight of clinical governance, quality assurance, risk management, safeguarding and compliance.
• Ensure we are prepared for CQC and other regulatory requirements and that learning from incidents, complaints, audits and research drives continuous improvement.
• Lead and support a highly skilled multidisciplinary Care Team, encouraging a culture of reflection, development, innovation and excellence.
• Work with the CEO and wider Senior Leadership Team to deliver the charity's strategic plan and manage resources effectively.
• Develop strong relationships with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and support the development and management of commissioned services.
• Represent Alexander Devine locally and nationally, contributing to the wider development of children's palliative care.
• Champion the voice of children, young people and their families, ensuring their experience informs the ongoing development of our services.

About you

We are looking for an exceptional clinical leader who combines strategic vision with strong operational management and a genuine passion for children's palliative care.

You will be a registered nurse with significant experience in paediatric palliative care and senior-level leadership experience. You will have a strong understanding of clinical governance, CQC requirements, PSIRF and safeguarding, together with experience of leading service development and change.

You will bring:

• NMC registration as a Children's or Adult Nurse.
• Significant experience of palliative paediatric nursing.
• Senior-level experience of management, strategic thinking and service development.
• Experience of CQC compliance, clinical governance, PSIRF and safeguarding.
• Strong financial and budgetary understanding.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to communicate complex and sensitive information to a wide range of audiences.
• The ability to interpret data and use evidence to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Excellent networking and partnership-building skills.
• A Master's-level qualification in a relevant health or leadership subject is desirable.

Most importantly, you will be an inspirational, resilient and motivational leader who can engage people, build confidence and create a culture where staff are empowered to deliver their very best.

Why Alexander Devine?

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing children's hospice charity and play a leading role in shaping the future of our services.

At Alexander Devine, our values are at the heart of everything we do: determined, empowering, valuing others, integrity, nurture and empathy. We are looking for a leader who genuinely shares these values and can translate them into meaningful action for children, families, staff and volunteers.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside a committed Senior Leadership Team, an experienced clinical team and a passionate wider charity, while building strong relationships with partners across health, social care and the children's palliative care sector.

If you are an ambitious and compassionate clinical leader who wants to make a lasting difference to children and families, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

This is a particularly exciting time to join the University of Oxford!

As we expand our fundraising activity in support of the  Oxford Excellence campaign, we are growing our senior fundraising capability and are looking for outstanding major gift fundraisers to join Development and Alumni Engagement as Associate Heads of Development.

Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, with hybrid working options

Salary: Grade 9: £56,623 – £65,336 per annum, with possible extension to £71,218

Contract: Permanent, Full time

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence.

Development and Alumni Engagement works across the University to build lasting relationships with alumni, donors and supporters around the world. As Oxford enters an ambitious period of fundraising growth, our teams will play a central role in connecting people who care deeply about Oxford's mission with opportunities to make an extraordinary difference.

About the Role

As an Associate Head of Development, you will combine major gift fundraising with leadership and strategic influence.

You will personally develop a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, building trusted relationships and securing significant philanthropic support for Oxford's priorities. Working closely with academic leaders, you will translate complex and ambitious ideas into compelling propositions that inspire donors to make high six-figure and seven-figure gifts.

You will also help create the environment in which other fundraisers can succeed: supporting colleagues, strengthening pipelines and contributing to fundraising strategy. You may already have line-management experience, or you may be an accomplished senior fundraiser ready to develop this aspect of your career. What matters most is your fundraising track record, judgement, collaborative approach and potential to lead.

About You

At the heart of your experience will be a strong personal track record in major gifts fundraising, including successfully securing high six-figure and/or seven-figure philanthropic gifts.

You will understand how to build trusted relationships with major donors and prospects, exercise sound judgement around significant gift opportunities, and communicate complex ideas in a way that inspires support. You'll also be comfortable working with senior stakeholders and bring the collaborative approach and leadership potential needed to help others perform at their best.

For the full responsibilities, selection criteria, benefits and further information about working at Oxford and Development and Alumni Engagement, please read the Candidate Pack attached to this advertisement.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• Your CV
• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Details of two referees

More information about this recruitment campaign

We are recruiting to multiple Associate Head of Development positions as part of the continued expansion of our fundraising capability.

This is a rolling recruitment campaign rather than recruitment to a single vacancy. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with interviews taking place throughout the campaign.

We strongly encourage you to apply early. The number of available opportunities will reduce as appointments are made, and the campaign will conclude once all available positions have been filled.

If you are an accomplished major gifts fundraiser excited by the opportunity to help shape Oxford's next era of fundraising, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Base of Work: Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week at the Community Impact Bucks Office in Aylesbury

Hours: 16 hours per week

Salary: £32,000 FTE (£14,629 actual salary)

Contract: Permanent 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how data and insight is used at Community Impact Bucks. You will strengthen our data practices, lead our monitoring analysis to ensure data is used effectively to support continuous improvement, planning and shape future projects and priorities. You will work closely with team members and project leads to understand how they collect and use data and insight across the organisation, being proactive in identifying and driving improvement.

The role will report to the Head of Programmes and Business Development.

About the charity  

Community Impact Bucks is a charity that uses its expertise to deliver, support and empower positive change for local charities, communities and people. Our mission is to enable and develop strong and vibrant communities in Buckinghamshire. 

We support charities, communities and volunteers to be the best they can be by:

• Building capacity empowering sustainable not-for-profit organisations and communities through practical support and development. 

• Enabling volunteering through Volunteer Bucks. 

• Developing partnerships and collaborations to influence change. 

• Delivering community-based services and projects to help people stay connected and independent. 

• Providing leadership and advocacy strengthening our sector’s voice and influence. 

At the heart of Buckinghamshire’s communities, Community Impact Bucks is a locally rooted charity committed to helping communities and charities thrive. Our impact is made possible by a passionate and committed team who believe in the power of local action and understand the places and people they serve. 

The role  

The Data, Insight and Impact Lead will help us understand, demonstrate and increase the difference we make. Working across our programmes and services, you will turn data into clear insights, reports, dashboards and impact stories that improve services, support decision-making and shape future priorities. 

Working alongside the Head of Programmes and Business Development and colleagues across the charity, you will bring together information from different programmes and systems. With strong analytical and reporting skills, experience of monitoring and evaluation, and confidence working with complex datasets, you will support colleagues to improve data quality, meet reporting requirements and use evidence to improve services and identify future opportunities. 

A key element of the role will be building a strong understanding of all areas of our work and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. This will include regular in-person activity and collaboration with team members and the Senior Leadership Team. 

The role will be responsible for  

• Developing and improving data, insight and impact reporting across the charity.

• Analysing monitoring and evaluation data to demonstrate impact and support service improvement.

• Producing clear reports, dashboards, visualisations and impact stories for different audiences.

• Supporting project teams to collect accurate and useful data that meets operational and funder requirements.

• Improving data quality, consistency and validation across systems and supporting GDPR-compliant practice.

• Helping colleagues build their confidence and skills in using data and producing reports.

• Identifying effective digital tools and new approaches to data collection, analysis and reporting.

• Leading the preparation of data and insight for annual impact reporting.

• Promoting learning, reflection and evidence-informed decision-making across the charity. 

What we offer: 

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an additional 3 days between Christmas and New Year) 

• Onsite parking and lovely office setting 

• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities 

• Supportive and inclusive environment with lots of positivity 

• Company pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 

Diversity and inclusion 

Community Impact Bucks is committed to challenging inequality and values the diversity of our communities in Buckinghamshire. We recognise that reflecting that diversity will only ever make our organisation better. We work to ensure an inclusive culture where colleagues feel welcomed and supported to succeed and thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented communities. 

How to apply  

To apply, please send a CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills, experience and interests meet the Job Description and Person Specification by 4 October at 10pm. 

For more information, please download the Job Description and Person Specification located at the bottom of this ad, or visit our website - Community Impact Bucks. 

Interviews will take place in person at our office in Aylesbury. Interviews will take place week commencing 12 October.

National Services Practice and Development Manager

Location: Hybrid (40% office based) 

Hours: Full Time 

Type of Contract: Permanent 

Salary: £37,163

Reports to: Deputy Head of Operations 

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993. Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives 

Role overview: 

As the National Services Practice and Development Manager, you will provide operational leadership for the effective delivery of the National Stalking Helpline and National Advocacy Service.  This includes managing a dedicated team of advocates, sessional staff, and volunteers, while ensuring a high standard of service delivery that prioritises victim safety, empowerment and support.

You will play a key role in overseeing data management and reporting, developing and delivering training, and acting as a subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders.  You will also support cross-functional collaboration with commercial and policy teams, contribute to strategic initiatives, and maintain compliance with safeguarding and data protection standards.

What we offer: 

At Suzy Lamplugh Trust, we value the commitment and expertise of our staff and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package: 

• Hybrid Working: With a minimum of 40% office-based work 
• Generous Leave Package: 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time) increasing with length of service, plus public holidays 
• Special Leave: Including days for personal milestones, like moving house or celebrating your birthday 
• Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution 
• Health & Wellbeing App: Access to counselling, advice, and discounts 
• Occupational Sick Pay increasing with service 

Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home).

How to Apply: 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is dedicated to equality and inclusivity. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Deadline: 22nd October 2026

Interviews to take place 2nd - 6th November in person

Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management?

Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Independent Visitor & Quality Assurance Officer to join NYAS Independent Monitoring Service.

This is a full-time permanent role, working 35 hours in the North West and/or North East region. 

As an Independent Visitor & Quality Assurance Officer you will be required to complete statutory and non-statutory independent allocated visits within prescribed timescales and to quality assure reports submitted by other members of the team.

The purpose of this role is to ensure that judgements are consistent with evidence provided and that the feedback given is an element of continuous improvement.

While the role is home-based, there will be occasions where travel is required, including working on public transport.

About You

We are looking for a self-starter who prides themselves in professionalism and accuracy. You must have a relevant professional qualification and proven extensive experience in working with children and young people or adults at risk in a social care setting.

For more information, please view the attached job description.

In your application, you will need to evidence, using specific examples, how your skills and experience meet the criteria laid out in the person specification, within the job description attached. Requirements include:

• Professional qualification in a relevant field.
• Proven extensive experience in working with children and young people or adults at risk in a social care setting.
• Experience and an understanding of child and adult safeguarding procedures.
• Experience of quality assuring reports for regulatory bodies.
• Ability to analyse a range of information to assess effective evidence-based judgements of reports.
• Proven experience of using QA to improve report writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to a high standard both orally and in writing to a wide range of people.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references, Digital Risk Assessment and Right to Work check.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

 NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

YEF Detached Youth Work Area Lead

Relationships change lives.

At M13 Youth Project, we believe every young person deserves trusted adults who believe in them, walk alongside them and help them discover who they are, what they have to offer and the difference they can make. For over 30 years, we've built those relationships through detached youth work - meeting young people where they choose to be, listening deeply and creating opportunities for belonging, belief and hope.

We're now looking for an experienced Detached Youth Work Area Lead to join our team and play a key role in one of the UK's most ambitious detached youth work research pilots.

M13 is leading the Greater Manchester consortium delivering the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) Detached Youth Work Pilot. The Pilot aims to build a strong evidence base for detached youth work, combining outstanding frontline practice with rigorous evaluation to shape the future of youth work nationally.

Reporting to the YEF Detached Youth Work Project Lead, you'll work across three neighbourhoods and lead detached youth work in at least two of these, within M13's delivery of the pilot. You'll be responsible for delivering high-quality detached youth work outdoors in public spaces (on streets, in parks and other community spaces), modelling excellent relational detached youth work practice, supporting less experienced colleagues through day-to-day practice, contributing to monitoring and evaluation, and building positive relationships with young people, local residents, community organisations and partner agencies.

This is first and foremost a frontline detached youth work role. You'll spend much of your week in outdoors in parks, streets and neighbourhoods, building trusted relationships with young people through conversation, consistency and purposeful informal education. Alongside this, you'll help ensure high-quality implementation of the YEF Shared Practice Model within your neighbourhood patches, contribute to monitoring and reporting and work closely with the Project Lead and wider team to support the successful delivery of the pilot.

We're looking for someone who is a qualified (NVQ L2 in Youth Work) and experienced (2 years) detached youth worker, confident leading excellent practice and passionate about relational detached youth work. You'll be organised, reflective and proactive, with experience of taking responsibility for detached youth work within a neighbourhood, maintaining high-quality records, building effective local partnerships and supporting colleagues through encouragement, reflection and shared learning. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that relationships are the foundation for meaningful change.

This is a 22.5- 25 hour per week, community and office-based role (M13's full-time week is 37.5 hours). Your week will include six detached youth work sessions (three afternoons and three evenings), alongside planning, monitoring, partnership working and reflective practice. Some flexibility can be offered around when office-based work is undertaken, where operationally possible.

In return, we offer a supportive, reflective and values-led working environment, regular supervision, ongoing professional development, a generous employer pension contribution, TOIL for out-of-hours working, additional Christmas gift leave and the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research that could shape the future of detached youth work.

If you're an experienced detached youth worker, confident in leading work in ourdoor community public spaces, ready to combine outstanding frontline practice with leadership of detached youth work across neighbourhoods, learning and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

Forever Young People CIC delivers relationship-led community programmes across Hertfordshire, currently anchored by our community youth projects and our Dot to Dot mum and baby group. We're part of the wider Forever Young People family, which has spent years building trust-based, relationship-first work with young people and families across the county.

We're at a turning point: our CIC has a real track record and real potential, but no one whose full-time job it is to lead it. That's where you come in.

The Role

We're looking for someone to take genuine ownership of the CIC — its strategy, its funding, and its future programmes — reporting directly to our CEO. You'll line-manage our Trusts & Foundations fundraising consultant, decide which funding opportunities to pursue, and build the relationships and programmes that take the CIC beyond what we've already started.

This isn't a role where you'll be handed a finished playbook. It's a role for someone who wants to build one.

You'll:

• Set the CIC's strategic direction, in partnership with our CEO
• Own our funding pipeline and manage our fundraising consultant
• Spot and develop new community programmes rooted in genuine local need
• Support our existing Programmes as they continue to grow
• Build the relationships — funders, partners, commissioners — that the CIC's future depends on

About You

You don't need to have done exactly this job before — but you do need to have done something like it. You're someone who can set a strategy and still get your hands dirty. You've probably managed a freelancer or consultant before. You've built relationships with funders or partners when resources were tight, not abundant. And most importantly, you actually want to build something — not just keep an existing programme ticking over.

Experience with trusts and foundations fundraising, youth or family support work, or a background moving from a founder-led organisation toward distributed leadership would all be a bonus, though none are essential.

The Details

• Hours: 3 days/week to start, with planned growth in days as the CIC's income and pipeline grow
• Salary: £26,000–£30,000 FTE, pro-rata for 3 days/week, depending on experience
• Reports to: CEO, Ashley Howard
• Manages: Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Consultant; future CIC staff as the team grows
• Contract: Senior staff role — not a statutory company director

About the role

West London Mind is looking for an experienced and compassionate Lead MHST Supervisor to join our long-standing Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

You will provide senior clinical supervision and line management to a team of Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs), Child Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs), Schools Mental Health Practitioners (SMHPs) and trainee/newly qualified supervisors. You will facilitate group supervision of supervisors as well as the wider MHST team.

Working closely with schools across Hammersmith & Fulham, you will help ensure our service is safe, effective and responsive to the needs of children and young people. Alongside your leadership and supervision responsibilities, you will maintain a small caseload and deliver evidence-based CBT interventions, including group and 1:1 work.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in developing our MHST, supporting practitioners to deliver high-quality interventions and helping us reach children and young people who may face additional barriers to accessing mental health support.

What you’ll be doing

You will:

• Work directly with the Clinical Lead to provide clinical supervision, case management and line management to practitioners and supervisors.
• Act as the senior supervisor within the MHST, overseeing a group of supervisors, working closely with the Clinical Lead and Head of Mental Health Support and Inclusion.
• Support high-quality, evidence-based delivery of CBT interventions within schools.
• Monitor clinical quality, safeguarding, risk and outcomes across the team.
• Hold a small caseload, including more complex cases, deliver 1:1 and group interventions and oversee the delivery of team projects.
• Support the development of workshops, resources and interventions for children, young people, families and school staff.
• Work collaboratively with schools and colleagues to develop and expand the service.
• Take part in the Duty Manager rota and support staff to manage clinical risk effectively.
• Contribute to training, reflective practice and continuous professional development.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced children and young people’s mental health professional who is passionate about developing others and improving outcomes for young people.

You will have:

• A relevant professional qualification and registration, such as EMHP, CWP, SWP
• A PG Certificate in Supervision for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, or equivalent supervisory qualification.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in children and young people’s mental health.
• At least 2 years’ experience supervising and case-managing practitioners, including line management experience.
• At least two years’ experience of delivering evidence-based CBT interventions to children and young people, in line with CYP psychological training supervision.
• Knowledge and experience of the MHST model and CBT manualised approach.
• Experience of managing clinical risk and safeguarding within a child and young people’s setting.
• Excellent communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and delivering culturally appropriate support.

You must be registered with the relevant UK professional body, such as BPS, BABCP, HCPC, UKCP, NMC or BACP, as appropriate to your profession.

Why join West London Mind?

At West London Mind, we believe every young person should have access to the mental health support they need. As one of a small number of third-sector providers of MHSTs, we are proud to work closely with schools and communities to make a meaningful difference.

You’ll join a supportive and experienced team where your clinical expertise, leadership and ideas will be valued. You’ll also have opportunities for supervision, training and ongoing professional development.

If you are an experienced mental health professional who enjoys supporting and developing others, working collaboratively with schools and delivering high-quality interventions, we’d love to hear from you.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

BeSpace is seeking an innovative and faith-filled leader to pioneer a new national initiative that reimagines Christian pilgrimage for children and young people in schools.

As our Pilgrimage Development Lead, you will design, test and grow creative pilgrimage models that help children explore faith, encounter God and develop spiritually through contemplative Christian practice. Working with churches, schools, dioceses and Christian organisations, you will develop resources, create training, build partnerships and identify opportunities to scale successful models across the UK.

This is a unique opportunity to shape an emerging area of ministry from the ground up. We are looking for someone with experience in children's spirituality, Christian faith development and project leadership who is excited by innovation and motivated by impact. You will be comfortable developing new ideas, building strong relationships and creating practical tools that equip others to deliver high-quality experiences.

BeSpace is a growing Christian charity with a vision to see every child joyful, resilient and growing spiritually for life. Having supported over 69,000 children through prayer and reflection spaces in schools, we are now expanding our work nationally and developing new ways for churches to engage children through contemplative Christian practices.

If you're passionate about helping children encounter God, equipping churches and developing innovative approaches to spiritual formation, we'd love to hear from you.

YEF Detached Youth Work Project Lead

Relationships change lives.

At M13 Youth Project, we believe every young person deserves trusted adults who believe in them, walk alongside them and help them discover who they are, what they have to offer and the difference they can make. For over 30 years, we've built those relationships through detached youth work - meeting young people where they choose to be, listening deeply and creating opportunities for belonging, belief and hope.

We're now looking for an experienced Detached Youth Work Project Lead to join our team and play a central role in one of the UK's most ambitious detached youth work research pilots.

M13 is leading the Greater Manchester consortium delivering the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) Detached Youth Work Pilot. The Pilot aims to build a strong evidence base for researching detached youth work, combining outstanding frontline practice with rigorous evaluation to shape the future of youth work nationally.

Reporting to the Founding Director, you'll provide the day-to-day leadership of M13's delivery of the pilot. You'll lead a small team of detached youth workers, coordinate operational delivery across intervention neighbourhoods and ensure the project is delivered safely, consistently and in line with the YEF Shared Practice Model and research requirements.

This is first and foremost a practice leadership role. You'll spend much of your week out in parks, streets and neighbourhoods, building trusted relationships with young people through high-quality detached youth work. Alongside this, you'll supervise and support colleagues, oversee monitoring and reporting, build positive relationships with community members and partner organisations, and, together with the Founding Director, work closely with the Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) and consortium partners to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

We're looking for someone who is an experienced detached youth worker, confident leading others and passionate about relational practice. You'll be organised, reflective and proactive, with experience of supervising staff, coordinating projects, maintaining high-quality records and working collaboratively with partners. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that relationships are the foundation for meaningful change.

This is a 35-hour per week, office- and community-based role. (M13's full-time week is 37.5 hours). Your week will include six detached youth work sessions (three afternoons and three evenings), alongside team leadership, partnership working, supervision, monitoring and project coordination. Some flexibility can be offered around when office-based work is undertaken, where operationally possible.

In return, we offer a supportive, reflective and values-led working environment, regular supervision, ongoing professional development, a generous employer pension contribution, TOIL for out-of-hours working, additional Christmas gift leave and the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research that could shape the future of detached youth work.

If you're an experienced detached youth worker ready to combine excellent frontline practice with leadership, learning and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

REPORTING TO: Director of Front-line Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Quality Assurance Manager is a blended leadership role combining strategic quality assurance, performance oversight, service management and practice development.

The role is split broadly between focused on quality assurance, data-led improvement and performance oversight, and two days focused on service management, practice leadership and frontline improvement activity.

The postholder will lead the development and delivery of a strong quality assurance framework across support services, ensuring that practice, performance and service delivery are safe, effective, person-centred and aligned with contractual, regulatory and organisational standards.

Alongside this, the postholder will remain closely connected to frontline delivery through service management responsibilities and practice development leadership, particularly within Housing First and complex-needs services. This makes the role ideal for someone who enjoys combining strategic oversight, data insight, operational leadership and the development of high-quality, trauma-informed support practice.

What makes this role different

A distinctive role for someone who wants strategic influence while staying close to frontline practice. You will help shape quality, use evidence, support staff, strengthen resident outcomes and join an organisation committed to compassion, collaboration, inclusion, growth, learning and resident voice.

• Make a visible impact: use quality assurance, data and learning to drive practical improvements that strengthen services for residents and staff.

• Enjoy variety and influence work across performance oversight, service management and practice development, with scope to shape systems, standards and ways of working.

• Stay close to practice: remain connected to frontline delivery while helping embed trauma-informed, person-centred and psychologically informed approaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key Responsibilities

• Quality assurance and improvement: Lead the quality assurance function across support services, coordinating audits, quality checks, case file reviews, service reviews and improvement plans. Turn findings into practical actions that strengthen safety, consistency, resident experience, safeguarding, support planning and trauma-informed practice. Work with managers to embed learning, monitor progress and evidence improvement against internal and external standards.

• Performance oversight and reporting: Monitor performance against contractual, regulatory and organisational standards, including service outcomes, compliance requirements, safeguarding expectations and commissioner reporting. Identify risks, gaps, trends and good practice, escalating concerns and supporting corrective action where needed. Produce clear, evidence-based reports and briefings for senior leaders, governance meetings, commissioners and external stakeholders.

• Data, insight and systems: Use performance, safeguarding, complaints, incidents, resident feedback, outcomes and quality data to identify service strengths, pressures and improvement priorities. Maintain and improve reporting systems, including InForm, so information is accurate, consistent and useful. Analyse patterns, support decision-making and make practical recommendations that improve quality, accountability and resident outcomes.

• Information retrieval and STAIRs requests: Act as QA Manager lead for information retrieval relating to STAIRs requests, including triaging scope, gathering internal and contractor records, coordinating redaction and drafting responses within regulatory timeframes.

• Service and support management: Provide hands-on support management across frontline services, including Housing First improvement activity, Hope Street and St Mungo’s contracts, team rota management and the Support Manager on-call rota. Support managers and teams to manage risk, strengthen case accountability and recording, and deliver consistent, high-quality support to residents with complex needs.

• Practice development: Embed person-centred, trauma-informed and psychologically informed practice across support services. Develop practical tools, guidance, quality forums, workshops and reflective learning that help staff apply policy, improve support planning, strengthen safeguarding and promote consistent resident-centred practice.

• Resident voice and accountability: Strengthen resident engagement, feedback and involvement so resident experience informs service design, quality assurance, learning and improvement.

• People management and collaboration: Line manage agreed roles, including the Impact Specialist and Resident Engagement Specialist, supporting clear objectives, accountability, development and collaborative working across services.

• General duties: Attend key directorate, management, planning, quality and performance meetings; work flexibly across organisational priorities; and undertake other reasonable duties within the scope of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Assessment will be through application, interview and, where relevant, a practical assessment

Quality assurance: Experience delivering quality frameworks, audits, case file reviews, standards and improvement plans that strengthen safe, consistent, person-centred and trauma-informed practice. Able to lead improvement activity, influence managers and turn findings into sustained service change.

Performance and reporting: Able to monitor contractual, regulatory and organisational standards; identify risks, gaps, trends and good practice; and produce clear reports for leaders, governance forums and commissioners.

Data, insight and systems: Strong analytical skills and confidence using performance, safeguarding, complaints, incidents, outcomes and resident feedback data to identify patterns, support decisions and improve services. Experience using resident feedback, consultation or involvement activity to inform quality assurance, service design and improvement, including through InForm or similar systems.

Information governance: Understands confidentiality, record handling and information governance. Able to triage STAIRs requests, gather internal/contractor records, support redaction and draft timely responses.

Support management and practice: Experience supporting people experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping with complex needs. Able to support managers, manage risk, strengthen recording and embed person-centred, trauma-informed, psychologically informed and anti-discriminatory practice.

Safeguarding and risk: Sound knowledge of adult safeguarding, risk assessment, MARAC processes and safe information sharing with vulnerable adults.

Communication and values: Strong written, verbal and facilitation skills; collaborative, organised, accurate and resilient, with commitment to compassion, collaboration, inclusion and growth.

Appointment is subject to DBS check and right to work in the UK

Active Essex Foundation is a successful and growing charity dedicated to creating the conditions for young people and communities across Essex to thrive. Our work focuses on three core areas: improving young people’s mental health, reducing vulnerabilities to youth crime and exploitation, and strengthening communities through trusted relationships and positive engagement.

A defining feature of our approach is our network of more than 100 Locally Trusted Organisations (LTOs) across Essex. These community-based organisations are at the heart of our delivery model, providing trusted relationships, local insight and direct support within the communities they serve. Working closely with our LTO network enables us to reach those who may be least likely to engage with traditional services and ensure support is tailored to local needs.

Through partnerships with our LTOs, we deliver programmes that use physical activity, mentoring and community support to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities. This role will play a key part in developing and strengthening these relationships, helping our LTO network to maximise its impact and deliver positive outcomes for young people and communities across Essex.

Everything we do is shaped by the real experiences of the people we serve, ensuring our interventions are meaningful, accessible and rooted in what communities tell us they need.

Active Essex Foundation works to improve life chances for young people and communities across Essex by focusing on three core areas: mental health, youth crime prevention, and strengthening communities. Through our programme structure, we co-design community-led initiatives that use physical activity and positive engagement as tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities.

The Sport for Development Officer will play a key role in supporting the delivery and growth of these programmes. Working closely with our programme leads, locally trusted organisations (LTOs), and community stakeholders, the postholder will help strengthen organisational capability, and ensure high-quality delivery across our mental health, youth crime prevention and community strengthening work. The role will also contribute to the leadership of workstreams aligned with our strategic Outcomes, supporting the Foundation’s mission.

The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills and experience of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. They should demonstrate a track record of delivering impactful projects or initiatives at local or county level, applying a systems approach to complex community issues, and using strengths-based methods to build resilience and capacity within local organisations.

The post holder will work with AEF staff across the business to deliver the duties and responsibilities set out below.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced and values-led Head of Practice to provide strategic and professional leadership for practice across Hft.

This is a key national leadership role, responsible for shaping our approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), restrictive practice reduction, PROACT-SCIPr-UK, practice standards, workforce capability and coaching, and rights-based and trauma-informed practice.

A key priority will be leading Hft’s transition to PROACT-SCIPr-UK, ensuring this is embedded within our wider PBS and restrictive practice reduction approach and translates into meaningful improvements in frontline practice and the quality of life of the people we support.

You’ll lead our PBS / Practice Team, provide expert oversight of complex situations and act as a trusted professional adviser to senior leaders on practice quality, risk, outcomes and improvement.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll:

• Develop and lead an organisation-wide Practice Strategy and Practice Standards Framework.
• Provide professional leadership, advice and constructive challenge to senior and operational leaders.
• Lead and develop the PBS / Practice Team and build sustainable specialist capability.
• Lead the implementation of PROACT-SCIPr-UK across the organisation.
• Drive our restrictive practice reduction strategy, using data and evidence to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide specialist leadership around complex and high-risk practice situations.
• Develop workforce capability through training, coaching, observation, modelling and reflective practice.
• Embed rights-based, person-centred and trauma-informed approaches across Hft.
• Lead or contribute to practice-related policies and professional guidance.
• Provide senior leadership with clear evidence of practice quality, risk, outcomes and improvement.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Significant senior experience within learning disability and/or autism services.
• Strong professional expertise in Positive Behaviour Support.
• Significant knowledge and practical experience of PROACT-SCIPr-UK, with the ability to lead organisational implementation.
• Experience of restrictive practice reduction and least restrictive approaches.
• Experience leading specialist practice or PBS teams.
• A strong track record of developing practice standards, frameworks and guidance.
• Experience building workforce capability through coaching, training and practice leadership.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act principles and relevant health and social care requirements.
• The confidence to influence, advise and constructively challenge senior leaders.
• A relevant professional qualification and evidence of continued specialist development.

A postgraduate qualification in PBS, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Psychology or a related discipline, relevant professional registration and PROACT-SCIPr-UK instructor or advanced implementation experience would be desirable.

What success looks like

Success in this role will mean better outcomes and quality of life for the people we support.

You’ll help ensure that PBS is embedded in everyday practice, restrictive practices are reduced wherever safely possible, PROACT-SCIPr-UK is successfully implemented, and managers and frontline teams have the confidence and capability to deliver consistently excellent, rights-based support.

Working arrangements

This is a national hybrid role with regular travel to Hft services and other locations across the organisation.

Why Hft?

At Hft, our mission is simple: the best life possible.

We believe people with learning disabilities should be able to live within their communities, with all the choice and support they need to live the best life possible.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence practice at a national level and make a genuine difference to the lives of the people we support.

Recruitment process

Applications close on 11 October 2026.

Interviews will take place on 27 October 2026 and will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Workforce Development Coordinator

WorldSkills UK is looking for an organised and proactive Workforce Development Coordinator to join our Workforce Development Team.

At WorldSkills UK, we have big ambitions to help young people, the education system and the economy. We work across the UK to raise standards in technical education and apprenticeships, champion future skills and help more young people from all backgrounds succeed in work and life.

As Workforce Development Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the successful delivery of our workforce development programmes. Working with colleagues, participants, delivery partners and other stakeholders, you will help ensure our programmes are well organised, our systems and information are accurate, and participants receive a professional and positive experience.

The role is varied and will include:

• coordinating programme activity, meetings, events and workshops;
• maintaining programme documentation, schedules, records and systems;
• coordinating communications with participants and internal and external stakeholders;
• collecting, validating and collating data and supporting programme reporting;
• coordinating participant registration, onboarding and ongoing support;
• working with suppliers, venues, contractors and delivery partners; and
• helping to improve systems, processes and ways of working.

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, has excellent attention to detail and can confidently coordinate multiple activities, priorities and deadlines. You will need strong administrative and communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships with a range of people, and the confidence to use your initiative while working collaboratively as part of a team.

Salary: £28,000
Contract: Permanent, full time (35 hours per week)
Location: London, with flexible hybrid working. The postholder is expected to attend the office at least once or twice a week.

How to apply

Please download and read the application pack attached before applying.

WorldSkills UK uses a blind recruitment approach. To apply, please submit the following:

1. an anonymised CV in Word format;
2. a supporting statement in Word format outlining your suitability for the role and addressing the role description and person specification; and
3. a separate document containing your name, email address, telephone number and confirmation of your right to work in the UK.

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Late or incomplete applications, or applications that do not follow the application requirements, may not be considered.