Schools and communities manager jobs

Do you enjoy crafting stories that bridge divides and create powerful connections? Are you an organised, proactive operator who thrives in a dynamic team? Do you want to help shape a growing community of social leaders tackling poverty in the United Kingdom?

UK Acumen Academy is looking for a Communications & Operations Officer to support our programmes and spread the word about our UK Fellows. We are seeking a self-starter with experience designing and delivering impactful communications who’s eager to learn, collaborate, and grow.

About UK Acumen Academy

UK Acumen Academy is a charity (Charity number 1185457) that develops and delivers transformative leadership programmes, including the Acumen Fellowship, to equip social entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom with the tools and community needed to strengthen their leadership, scale their impact, and create lasting change. 

As the regional partner of Acumen Academy, the world’s school for social change, we are building a locally-rooted and globally-connected network of extraordinary leaders and organisations dedicated to solving problems of poverty and building a world based on dignity.

Through our flagship UK Fellows Programme, we have provided catalytic support to 85 Founders, CEOs, and senior leaders, whose innovations have positively impacted over 3 million lives across the United Kingdom.

Role Summary

As Communications & Operations Officer, you will strengthen how Acumen Academy UK communicates and delivers its mission - supporting bold social leaders and amplifying their stories of change.

Your focus will be on communications: creating and sharing campaigns that tell the story of our Fellows, programmes, and partnerships. Alongside this, you will play a key operations support role, ensuring the smooth running of our programmes, events, and participant communications.

Working closely with the UK Director, Senior Programme Manager, and Acumen Academy’s global marketing team, you’ll help shape how we reach new audiences, engage our growing community, and turn insights into action - while developing your own professional skills and networks.

This role is a full-time role and has a salary of £25,000 to £28,000 per year (depending on experience).

Key Responsibilities

Communications

• Design and deliver digital campaigns, newsletters, and social media that amplify the work and impact of UK Fellows

• Write and edit engaging content for blogs, reports, and events that tell the story of our community and partners

• Collaborate with Acumen Academy’s global marketing team to align messaging, share content, and contribute to global storytelling initiatives

• Track and evaluate engagement data to inform strategy and improve communications performance

• Create visual assets (using Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud) that are on-brand, accessible, and inspiring

Operations

• Coordinate event logistics, participant communications, and cohort updates to support smooth programme delivery

• Manage systems such as Airtable, GDrive, and Microsoft Excel for data tracking and reporting

• Support data collection and impact reporting for projects and funders

• Contribute to improving internal processes that strengthen the participant and partner experience

Qualifications and skills

• Experience creating and managing digital communications (email, social media, web, or campaigns)

• Have an eye for detail

• Can use data to learn and refine

• Comfortable with ambiguity and can take initiative

• Can build strong, authentic relationships and enjoy working collaboratively

• Care deeply about social change and are aligned with Acumen’s values: humility & audacity, integrity & respect, listening & leadership, generosity & accountability

Nice to have:

• Experience crafting stories that connect diverse audiences to purpose

• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Hubspot, or similar tools

• Experience working in purpose-driven or community-focused organisations

• An understanding of the UK social-impact ecosystem

About Time to Shine: This role is part of the Time to Shine leadership programme established by The Rank Foundation. If successful, you will join a cohort of emerging leaders across the Rank network. Over 12 months, you will take part in structured training and peer learning designed to strengthen your leadership, communication, and organisational skills while contributing to your host organisation’s impact.

We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You do not need to meet every criterion to be considered. As this role is part of the Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine programme, we particularly welcome applications from people who may be underemployed or unemployed, while still warmly encouraging anyone who feels they could thrive in the role to apply.

Employee benefits at UK Acumen Academy

We care about our people and giving them the things they need to succeed, and we are passionate about UK Acumen Academy being a great place to work. Wherever possible we aim to give each person responsibility to choose when and where they work, and to find the right balance between team-based and home working. We have shared office space in Somerset House, and for those working at home we’ll provide you with a laptop and an allowance to get yourself set up. Our pro-rata benefits include:

• Flexible working (with 2 days in the office)

• 33 fully flexible holiday days (including the 8 UK bank holidays)

• £600 annual budget for learning and development

• Access to all Acumen Academy’s online courses free of charge

• Monthly in-person team days

• Monthly working-from-home allowance

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• 3% employer pension contribution

How to apply: 

• Stage 1: Complete your online application (tell us what you can do)

• Stage 2: Invited to an video interview with the UK Senior Programme Manager

• Stage 3: Invited to complete a short case-study exercise (show us what you can do)

• Stage 4: Invited to a video/in-person interview with the UK Acumen Academy team

Diversity: UK Acumen Academy knows that we are strongest when our team has a variety of experience, expertise, and insights to draw from. For us, diversity isn’t merely a strategy: it’s an essential part of our organisational success. We are committed to ensuring that UK Acumen Academy is representative of our society at large, and is an inclusive environment for all, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith, and socioeconomic background.

Youth Group Development Officer (Regional)
Reference: NOV20257620
Location: Homebased, Flexible within Northern England (Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire)
Hours: Part-Time, 26.25 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Pro Rata
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (Pro-Rata)

Are you passionate about nature and wanting to make a real difference? We are looking for an inspiring individual to empower and grow our RSPB Youth Group network, offering leadership, advice and support. In this role, you’ll shape the next generation of nature champions by working through volunteers.

What's the role about?

• Providing regional coordination and direction of RSPB Youth Group operations and building volunteer capability in England.
• Working collaboratively to develop high quality initiatives that enable our Youth Groups to inspire new and more diverse support, giving nature a voice in more communities across England.
• Advocating for RSPB Youth Groups and embedding them in area teams, projects and activities as part of our strategic outcomes to tackle the nature and climate emergency.
• Making sure our Youth Groups are following RSPB policies and procedures, complying with legal requirements and working within agreed RSPB Youth Group frameworks.
• Monitoring and evaluating RSPB Youth Group activities to demonstrate the positive impact of RSPB Youth Groups and their contribution to RSPB strategic outcomes.
• Identifying, developing and delivering training and resources required by RSPB Youth Groups to maximise their impact for nature.
• Championing RSPB Youth Groups both internally and externally, influencing and raising awareness of what they do through communications planning to make sure that their contribution is celebrated and valued.
• Lead, manage and support a team of country expert volunteers to assist with some or all the above.

This role will work alongside the Youth Group Development Officer, South England to manage the England network of Youth Groups. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across four countries and UKHQ from a range of teams including Area Teams, People Engagement, Youth Mobilisation and Volunteering.

This role will require one evening each month to deliver training and induction sessions. Additionally, you’ll travel up to six times a year, at weekends, to visit RSPB Youth Groups in person.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Strong understanding of best practice and sector standards in working with young people in a non-formal youth setting, combined with a proven ability to design, develop and successfully deliver a range of activities that engage and inspire groups of young people.
• Knowledge and understanding of volunteering best practice, innovation and sector standards with a strong track record of successfully developing volunteering roles across an organisation.
• Understanding and experience of volunteering through working with volunteers in a management capacity.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, persuade, guide and negotiate effectively. Skilled in active listening and constructively challenging thinking where appropriate.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems and determine areas of improvement. Adept at working collaboratively to develop creative strategies and practical solutions that drive positive change.
• Ability to maintain a strong focus on achieving results while effectively prioritising tasks and resources.
• Experience in designing, developing and delivering youth-focused projects or initiatives that result in measurable/tangible improvements for young people.
• Experience in delivering operational advice, guidance and training to individuals at all levels, while building and maintaining strong, productive stakeholder relationships that drive collaboration and results.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent Part-Time role for 26.25 hours per week.

This role is home-based covering - Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire.

Closing date: 23:59, Friday 2nd January 2026

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Monday 12th January 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role will require completion of a DBS in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Youth Group Development Officer (Regional)
Reference: NOV20257605
Location: Homebased, Flexible Within Southeast England (Oxfordshire, London, Essex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex or Kent)
Hours: Part-Time, 26.25 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £27,123.00 - £28,956.00 Pro Rata
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (Pro-Rata)

Are you passionate about nature and wanting to make a real difference? We are looking for an inspiring individual to empower and grow our RSPB Youth Group network, offering leadership, advice and support. In this role, you’ll shape the next generation of nature champions by working through volunteers.

What's the role about?

• Providing regional coordination and direction of RSPB Youth Group operations and building volunteer capability in England.
• Working collaboratively to develop high quality initiatives that enable our Youth Groups to inspire new and more diverse support, giving nature a voice in more communities across England.
• Advocating for RSPB Youth Groups and embedding them in area teams, projects and activities as part of our strategic outcomes to tackle the nature and climate emergency.
• Making sure our Youth Groups are following RSPB policies and procedures, complying with legal requirements and working within agreed RSPB Youth Group frameworks.
• Monitoring and evaluating RSPB Youth Group activities to demonstrate the positive impact of RSPB Youth Groups and their contribution to RSPB strategic outcomes.
• Identifying, developing and delivering training and resources required by RSPB Youth Groups to maximise their impact for nature.
• Championing RSPB Youth Groups both internally and externally, influencing and raising awareness of what they do through communications planning to make sure that their contribution is celebrated and valued.
• Lead, manage and support a team of country expert volunteers to assist with some or all the above.

This role will work alongside the Youth Group Development Officer, North England to manage the England network of Youth Groups. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across four countries and UKHQ from a range of teams including Area Teams, People Engagement, Youth Mobilisation and Volunteering.

This role will require one evening each month to deliver training and induction sessions. Additionally, you’ll travel up to six times a year, at weekends, to visit RSPB Youth Groups in person.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Strong understanding of best practice and sector standards in working with young people in a non-formal youth setting, combined with a proven ability to design, develop and successfully deliver a range of activities that engage and inspire groups of young people.
• Knowledge and understanding of volunteering best practice, innovation and sector standards with a strong track record of successfully developing volunteering roles across an organisation.
• Understanding and experience of volunteering through working with volunteers in a management capacity.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, persuade, guide and negotiate effectively. Skilled in active listening and constructively challenging thinking where appropriate.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems and determine areas of improvement. Adept at working collaboratively to develop creative strategies and practical solutions that drive positive change.
• Ability to maintain a strong focus on achieving results while effectively prioritising tasks and resources.
• Experience in designing, developing and delivering youth-focused projects or initiatives that result in measurable/tangible improvements for young people.
• Experience in delivering operational advice, guidance and training to individuals at all levels, while building and maintaining strong, productive stakeholder relationships that drive collaboration and results.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent Part-Time role for 26.25 hours per week.

This role is home based. To cover the required travel across the region, we’re looking for someone based in South East England (Oxfordshire, London, Essex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex or Kent).

Closing date: 23:59, Friday 2nd January 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role will require completion of a DBS in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and support all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders and partners experience this in our daily delivery.

Based within the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Service, the IDVA team works within a multi-agency system to provide a trauma responsive, person centered independent service for victims of domestic abuse, empowering choice through informed decision making.  You will hold a case load of high-risk victims, working proactively to support them and their families.

FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality service to those at the highest risk.
• To provide practical and emotional support to service users, working jointly with them to carry out, implement and review needs assessments and support plans.
• To understand and work effectively within a multi-agency framework, consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse, in order to reduce the risk for service users and their families.
• Identify and assess the risks and needs of service users using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Work with high-risk service users to help them access services, to keep them and their children safe.
• Advocate for high-risk service users with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse.
• Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to service users and how your role fits into them.
• Providing information to service users in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk service users ensuring their needs are met and safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC.
• Manage a case load ensuring each person receives the appropriate support, tailored to their needs.
• Support the empowerment of the service user - assisting people to recognise the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives.
• Support service users to maintain existing accommodation and to advocate on their behalf, in order to access accommodation and additional support.
• To recognise, respect and address the needs of service users who face barriers when seeking help to access the service, including those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, disabled people, those with complex needs and other groups which services have found difficult to reach.
• Provide practical and emotional support in relation to criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, education, employment, welfare benefits, counselling, legal aid and children’s support.
• Accompany service users, when needed, to other relevant agencies and support them in their interactions with these agencies.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services work in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

General Responsibilities

• Live and embody the FearFree values.
• To promote the service to external agencies where applicable.
• Give information and support to service users regarding their other needs and refer them to other support services as required.
• Ensure our service is widely accessible – adapting practice as required to suit individuals.
• Work across a large geographical area to ensure locality is not a barrier to accessing services.
• Deliver training and information sessions to promote our service, and increase awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for victims and those who harm.
• Have a responsibility around safeguarding of both adults and children, maintaining knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures and integrated working.
• Support other agencies in the identification and referral of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking issues via promotion of service and institutional advocacy.
• Ensure all referrals are clearly logged on our database and all case records are kept fully updated, according to FearFree policies and procedures.
• Engage with case management supervision, reflective practice and clinical supervision as required, taking an active role in managing own wellbeing and supporting the wellbeing of your colleagues.
• Support colleagues in all services across FearFree as required.
• Support the sustainability of the organisation by participating in fundraising activities and sharing ideas and contacts for income generation.
• To engage in and contribute to effective team working with a flexible and pro-active approach, including cover for other team members’ holidays and sickness.
• Undertake all statutory and mandatory training, as required by the organisation.

Application

To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree. 

There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged. 

For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website. 

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued. 

Have you sold venue space before or been the lead coordinator responsible for maximising income from an organisation’s extra building space/event rooms?  Think meeting rooms, mini symposium space for a 100 people, office space hire or community events/regular activity rooms.   

TPP are recruiting a part time Venue Sales Executive (community centre).  This community hub provides a variety of activities and events for local residents of all ages.  Amongst the already proven income generation streams are meeting room hire and a cookery school.  You can expect to be working off a warm client list and developing new business.      

Hours:  part time 3 days a week
Contract length: 12 month contract
Hybrid: mostly on site, London
Salary:  £40,000 pro rata (£24,000)
 
The role:

This Venue Sales Executive role is pivotal in maximising room hire and activity bookings, developing client relationships, and generating sustainable revenue for this central London charity.
As Venue Sales Executive, you will proactively identify opportunities, convert enquiries into confirmed bookings, and work with internal teams to ensure clients have a seamless, high-quality experience.

• Actively promote and sell conference room hire and activity packages to new and existing clients.
• Respond promptly to enquiries, prepare tailored proposals, and follow through to secure bookings.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships, encouraging repeat bookings and referrals.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximise income.
• Coordinate post-event client interaction, including feedback collection, evaluation, and follow-up to maintain client loyalty.
• Monitor local competitor offerings and market trends to identify new income opportunities.

 
Essential criteria:

• Proven experience in sales, business development, or income generation.
• Ideally, experience in hospitality, events, venue sales or similar.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Customer-focused, with the ability to build lasting client relationships.
• Self-motivated and target-driven, able to work independently.

 
If this sounds like the role for you, then we would love to hear back. We are reviewing CVs as and when we are receiving them so, if you are keen to apply, then please do so today!
 
TPP are always keen to speak with candidates looking to work in the sector so if this role isn’t quite right for you, please do check out our website www.tpp.co.uk and pop your CV over to us!

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

As our Union Operations & Admin Co-ordinator, you’ll be the friendly face and steady heartbeat of JMSU. From welcoming students at reception to helping them find the support they need, you’ll make every interaction feel positive, accessible, and engaging.

Behind the scenes, you’ll keep our operations running smoothly - supporting day-to-day processes, ensuring our spaces remain welcoming, accessible and safe and, guiding our brilliant team of part-time student staff. With a focus on excellence, you’ll recruit, develop, and support them, empowering our students to grow in confidence, build new skills, and deliver exceptional service across JMSU in a positive, inclusive environment.

You’ll bring strong administrative experience, excellenaddt organisation, and a keen eye for compliance. If you’re proactive, people-focused, and energised by the buzz of a student-led environment, this is your opportunity to make a real impact at the heart of JMSU.

To find out more about this role, working for JMSU and to apply, please visit the 'work for us' section of our website.

Interviews will be held on either 28th or 29th January 2025

About JMSU

It’s our job is to make sure students get the most out of their University experience.  We put our students at the heart of everything we do – whether it’s empowering the student voice, planning events, helping to develop campaigns, providing them with opportunities to make friends and learn something new, and everything in between.

I IIf you’re on the lookout for a role in a friendly, hard-working environment which offers bucketloads of autonomy, support and fun, we want to hear from you. 

Taking Action on Inclusion  

At JMSU, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We're proud to be a welcoming, friendly and inclusive team and want all our people to feel safe and confident to be themselves and feel they belong.  

We are also not scared to admit this is a work in progress! We know the importance that students see themselves reflected by our staff team and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We particularly encourage applications from Ethnically Diverse candidates who are under-represented within our core staff team and operate a Guaranteed Interview where the minimum essential criteria are met.

You can read more about this and our commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion on the 'work for us' section of our website.

Don’t meet every single requirement? 

If you are excited about this but there are criteria you don’t match exactly, please don’t be put off applying. It may not be a deal breaker - just make sure you get across why you think you're right for it and how the gaps may be approached. Even if not right for this role, you might be perfect for another.

We have some great staff benefits 

• Location, Location, Location: We’re right in the centre of Liverpool and surrounded by everything the City has to offer
• Commuting made easy: Our main office is a few minutes walk from both Lime Street and Liverpool Central train stations
• Office goals: Our modern, open-plan office offers good space, staff chat and city views

• Hybrid Working: Enjoy the best of both worlds - mix up your working week between the office and your home space
• Annual leave aplenty: Make the most of 32 days of annual leave (plus public holidays) and enjoy regular time off
• ‘Tis the season to be off work: We’re closed for Winter break, so you can take a rest or enjoy some seasonal activities
• Flexibility: We offer a range of flexible working options for when life gets in the way of working 9-5, Monday to Friday, and are happy to consider any specific needs
• Every day is a school day: There’s plenty of learning and development opportunities to explore and help you grow, and we have access to all LJMU staff development
• Carer perks: We offer enhanced parental leave and pay options, including grandparents leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, maternity and paternity leave, paid emergency time off for carers and paid Carer’s Leave
• Paid Volunteer Leave: Support your cause with 3 days of paid leave for volunteering
• Get active for less: All staff can make the most of reduced LJMU gym membership, which includes classes too
• Discounts aren’t just for students: Save extra pennies with access to student discount schemes including Student Beans, Unidaysand others
• Wellbeing covered: We offer an Employee Assistance Programme, a Voluntary Healthcare Scheme, Individual wellbeing plans and a day one sick pay scheme to help take the extra stress out your life
• Nest Pension Scheme: We will contribute 6%
• Cycle to Work Scheme; good for sustainability, your pocket and your healthy lifestyle goals!

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

YMCA What is Sexual Exploitation (WiSE) is our child sexual exploitation project which works with children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. Our primary focus of work is supporting young people affected by exploitation through raising awareness, education and empowerment.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Male Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner. This role involves providing specialist support, working across Sussex and Surrey to provide case work support and group interventions to boys and young men at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation, as well as those exhibiting harmful sexual behaviour. You will deliver outreach sessions in various settings, collaborate with professionals to support interventions leading to prosecutions, and provide training on boys/young men and sexual exploitation.

Due to the sensitive nature of the client group and in order to ensure that the young people feel safe, supported and understood, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be male, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

A full driving licence and access to a car are essential due to the wide geographic area covered by the service. You will be required to visit head office in Hove once a week for an anchor day. The other days will be across Sussex and Surrey in the community

In delivering the role, the key responsibilities are:

• Carry a caseload of boys and young men identified as exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours and/or being sexually exploited
• Work collaboratively with other professionals to provide intensive and holistic support
• Maintain detailed case notes and contribute to reports
• Facilitate group work interventions in schools, accommodation projects and youth groups
• Deliver detached sessions in various settings to engage at-risk boys and young men
• Provide expertise and increase awareness of harmful sexual behaviour and sexual exploitation
• Contribute to WiSE Child Exploitation training and awareness campaigns

About You – If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we are looking for.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Proven experience in safeguarding young children
• Experience providing casework support to boys and young men
• Group work experience with young people
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
• Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour
• Significant knowledge and understanding of boys and young men and their lives

Qualifications:

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 4 January at midnight. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider. 

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider. 

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.