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Job Title: Arts and Learning Strategic Lead
Location: Based at our head office in Islington, London (10 minute walk from Highbury and Islington station) with cross working in various prisons across England, Community sites, and home working
Salary: £47,000 (Full time equivalent)
Shift Pattern: 22.5 hours per week Monday to Friday between 09:00 - 17:00 with some flexibility. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service requirements.
About the role
This is a brand new role, supporting the Head of Safe Ground with the strategic oversight and delivery of our programmes. Safe Ground has been at the forefront of designing and delivering innovative arts-based, therapeutically informed interventions within the criminal justice system and in communities across the UK. As we approach our 30th anniversary this year, we remain dedicated to challenging systematic injustice through the programmes we run and the partnerships we build. This role is a great opportunity to be part of our transformative goals, in being part of creating systematic change.
Using theatre arts, and culture, we design initiatives to support those impacted by the criminal justice system in gaining deeper insights into themselves, their relationships and their behaviours. We do this by equipping our participants with practical tools and building a community who are open to doing things differently. In this role, you will develop best practice around creative interventions, building powerful partnerships with commissioners, partners, and other key stakeholders, ensuring our programmes are being delivered to the highest standards. You will lead on the development of new and existing arts-based work, identifying gaps and opportunities for growth within the sector.
- Oversee the development of new creative ideas and programmes as well as programme adaptations and redesigns. Ideas could be linked to theatre productions in and out of custodial settings, short films, live events, symposiums, but may also include new art forms and working with new artists
- Development of a local / national facilitator network
- Create and deliver engaging high-quality programmes which support rehabilitation and reintegration for participants
- Design and deliver innovation arts-based high quality training and quality assurance support to management and delivery teams across the SIG network - focusing specifically on relationships, culture and communication, conflict resolution, storytelling, power-sharing and co-production
- Lead on the development of creative ideas for Safe Grounds 30th anniversary, including; relationship building and partnership development, advocacy and networking, idea development - radio / stage / film etc
- Provide high quality peer-mentoring spaces, leadership, and line management to staff, offering guidance, support, and advice to the team to support them to perform to the best of their abilities. Facilitate the team in identifying solutions to challenges presented in relation to all elements of service delivery
- Proactively embed a culture of learning, development, reflection, and evaluation in a psychologically informed environment
Please note that in addition to our usual DBS checks and onboarding process, this role may require further vetting including prison clearance.
About you
We are looking for someone who is ambitious and passionate about supporting people who have experienced multiple disadvantages and social exclusion. You will have proven experience in arts development and strategic support, with an extensive understanding of the criminal justice system and the role in which arts-based interventions play. You will be creative, empowering, and be a dedicated lead in supporting our strategic growth. You will understand arts-based interventions and methodologies, and have experience in developing and delivering creative programmes and productions.
- Previous experience in working and engaging with people of complex backgrounds, ex-offenders, mental health, substance misuse, challenging behaviours
- Previous experience in developing, producing, and/or performing professional productions for example film, television, or theatre productions
- Proven experience in designing innovative arts-based programmes and extensive experience of facilitation of programmes and/or training for various groups
- A theoretical understanding of co-production models and practical application of building them and embedding them into best practice
- Previous experience and/or ability to people manage and develop a team
- Ability to create, develop, and deliver new programmes and/or creative content in various settings such as prisons, communities, and wider criminal justice settings
- Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and oral. Ability to form and build effective relationships and rapport with others
- Proactive in making decisions to deal with challenges and providing a solution focused approach using initiative
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency
Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.
What we offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Annual Staff Awards
- EDI Ambassador programme
- Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
- Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.
We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation.
SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity.
About Social Interest Group (SIG)
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.
Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Are you a creative and entrepreneurial individual committed to helping children and young people across London to respond to the good news of Jesus?
If this describes you, then read on...
About the role
We’re Scripture Union (SU), we’re one of the UK’s longest-established children and youth ministry organisations, and we’re looking for a creative and entrepreneurial individual with a passion for helping children and young people across our vibrant capital to explore and respond to the good news of Jesus.
You’re a connector who loves being out and about, with experience building and leading teams and working with diverse groups of people. Your creative mindset, paired with excellent organisational skills, means you are great at spotting and creating opportunities for impact. You love Jesus and are brimming with energy and passion for sharing the gospel. You’re great with people and thrive on being given a blank canvas to drive projects from conception to completion. You are a confident communicator and have experience training, coaching and releasing others.
If this is you and you’d like to join a like-minded organisation with the flexibility of a home-based role, a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and other valuable benefits, then read on.
Important things to note before you apply.
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This role will focus on Greater London and will require extensive regular travel across the city. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working in line with our policy.
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We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from people, regardless of their background.
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The Movement takes Safeguarding seriously. This role will require a Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and has an occupational requirement to be filled by a committed Christian, active in church life. Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9 applies.
Invest in our mission, as we invest in you: Our Benefits:
Working with Scripture Union means being part of a vibrant team dedicated to making a real, positive difference in the lives of children and young people. We're proud to be an employer that truly values and supports its staff. This home-based role offers the flexibility you need for a healthy work-life balance, alongside a competitive salary. Your benefits package includes 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus an additional 5 days for volunteering at a Scripture Union event. We offer a comprehensive group pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 12%, as well as life insurance (death-in-service coverage). We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave benefits.
About your team
You’ll be joining our brilliant South Region team, which covers our largest region from Kent to Cornwall, offering numerous opportunities to contribute your expertise in a variety of contexts, from urban and suburban to coastal and rural settings. You’ll have a brilliant time getting acquainted with this rich tapestry of local and national partners. Across the south region, we currently work with 130 churches and have 150 faith guides, we’d like to see these numbers grow significantly over the next few years.
In the south region we have the highest density of Christian holidays and festivals, with events that we organise and run directly and a variety of festival and missions that we support and partner with. You’ll have a fantastic opportunity each summer to get hands on engaged in these mission and festivals throughout the year.
Our South Region also includes our vibrant capital, one of the most multicultural and ethnically diverse cities in the world, with over 300 languages spoken. With many like-minded missional organisations having a footprint in and around the capital, and all of the Christian movements and denominations represented here, London holds key strategic value and will be the focus of your ministry activities. You’ll be joining an exceptional and growing team of five staff. We are particularly interested in how sports, arts, and culture can be explored to further enable the mission both in London and across SU and would be particularly interested in candidates with expertise in either of these areas.
Who We're Looking For: Our Ideal Candidate
We're seeking someone who is not just good at what they do, but also deeply passionate about our mission. Here's what we envision in the right person:
- A Visionary with Practical Wisdom: You'll be a thoughtful individual who can see the big picture and make smart decisions that genuinely impact our ministry.
- A Champion for Children and Young People: You'll bring a wealth of understanding about working with young people, be a passionate advocate for their faith journey, be excellent at delivering ministry, and be someone who can clearly articulate your vision.
- An Inspiring Leader: You'll have a natural ability to connect with people, influence discussions, gently challenge the status quo, and spark new, creative ideas within our networks.
- Organised and Driven: You're someone who thrives on managing their own work, setting priorities effectively, and skilfully juggling multiple projects.
- Forward-Thinking: You're able to imagine and pursue ambitious, long-term goals with determination.
- Spiritually Open and Grounded: You'll be comfortable and accepting of various Christian traditions, worship styles, and expressions of faith. Crucially, you'll have a growing love and understanding of the Bible.
- Deeply Committed to Faith: You'll have a strong personal commitment to God and live as an active Christian disciple.
As with all our team members, you will also:
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Be a committed Christian who resonates with Scripture Union's mission and values, actively participating in a local church community.
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Strive for a strong understanding of the Bible, applying its teachings to your daily life and inspiring others to do the same.
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Practical Skills You'll Need: You'll be confident and capable in using everyday digital tools like email, social media, and Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Teams).
Educational and/or training qualifications and certificates
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A degree-level Theological or Educational qualification or equivalent experience will be considered. (Desirable)
How to Apply
If this describes you, and you are in agreement with the aims and beliefs of Scripture Union, then we would like to hear from you. To apply for this role, download a copy of the job profile. You will need to upload your CV (2 A4 pages max) and a covering letter (2 A4 pages max) detailing how your skills and experience reflect the person specification via Charity Jobs. All screening questions provided as part of your application, must be answered.
Whilst we appreciate every application, we regret that we are only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time.
Closing date: 6th July 2025.
Interview date: 15th July 2025.
Interview location: London, Kings Cross area
Registered Charity
51 - 100
ScriptureUnion is a Christian charity that exists to see a new generation of children and young people with their own vibrant, personal faith in Jesus
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.