Schools and communities manager jobs

This is a key role driving the delivery of the Education Programme of a leading mental health charity focused on supporting the systems around children and young people. We are looking for a compassionate, flexible and focused professional with excellent interpersonal skills and experience of managing a complex and substantial portfolio of work, who is eager to work with the CWT team to achieve meaningfully.

The Education Programme Manager’s workload includes supporting a small Education team to deliver specific projects; delivering key organisational projects directly; managing programme level work; liaising with the Education trainers; and supporting Education-related work across the Trust – from fundraising to reporting. We anticipate this role will provide the opportunity for the successful candidate to grow into the staff team's ‘education specialist’, by keeping abreast of key sector developments, while retaining a keen understanding of when further specialist input would be helpful.

The role would suit someone with a driven interest in ensuring our work is as impactful as possible, someone who is a ‘doer’ and a broker of relationships, with strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of people including clinicians and those with lived experience.

Key responsibilities and duties 

• Work with the Head of Programmes and a wide range of stakeholders, including trainers and clinicians, to lead and support on the planning and delivery of a range of projects, from initiation to close, including establishing and managing risk, quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation measures. 

• Prepare reports on Education programme’s progress for a variety of stakeholders including the Board of Trustees, the CEO and senior managers, the staff team, funders and other stakeholders. 

• Work in collaboration with colleagues with lived experience of mental health difficulties, ensuring their voice is central to our work. 

• Ensure that considerations of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are incorporated meaningfully across the Education programme delivery.

• Support and retain oversight of the Clinical Lead’s quality assurance of the Education trainers on an annual basis, or other frequency as agreed. 

• Support CWT’s Fundraising team to identify potential funding opportunities within the Education programme, and at times support bid development by developing viable project proposals swiftly.

• Develop and maintain a strategic overview of ‘the Education landscape’ so as to:

• advise the CEO and Head of Programmes of key developments that will help shape the Education programme’s future direction (alongside freelance experts who are further embedded into specific areas within education), and

• to represent the Trust externally and developing our reach, impact and credibility in new areas, so as to help CWT achieve the growth strategy laid out in our Strategic Business Plan (currently 2025-27).

• Work with other teams within the Trust to identify opportunities for cross programme working to develop engagement with our information, training and services. 

• Manage a small Education team to deliver effectively and efficiently; while supporting their development, embodying a collaborative and supportive leadership culture in line with the Trust’s values. 

• Approve Education programme expenditure as per a delegated budget, including querying unexpected expenditure and highlighting anomalies to the Finance team; and supporting budget development and reforecasting processes by offering a key ‘front line’ perspective on priorities and costs. 

• Always ensure compliance to data protection, safeguarding, confidentiality and relevant organisational policies and procedures. 

To apply 

If you would like an informal discussion with the line manager of this role, Emily Kippax (our Head of Programmes), this can be arranged via our recruitment team at recruitment(at)charliewaller(dot)org.  

The deadline for applications is 8.30am, Monday 28th July.  

Please submit via your chosen job website or send your CV and a supporting statement to the recruitment email above. We ask that you structure your supporting statement, by providing relevant information under the person specification bullet points (combining these if multiple points are effectively responded to by one experience). This can be in bullet point form. Please try to keep your supporting statement to a maximum of 800 words, excluding headers. We will also consider recorded supporting statements in a similar structure to the above. Applications will not be considered without a supporting statement. 

Should you be shortlisted in the first instance, you will hear back from us by 30th July, if not before. Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 5th August and will involve a competency interview along with a short task relevant to the role. Please indicate if you are not available on this date in your supporting statement: we cannot commit to interviewing on another day but would do our best to accommodate.

We will provide details about the recruitment task three days in advance to allow candidates time to prepare. We will also provide at least 50% of the interview questions three days in advance so that all candidates can perform at their best. 

About TimeGivers
TimeGivers is a young, dynamic and rapidly growing charity dedicated to empowering young people to make a positive impact in their communities. As an entrepreneurial organisation in our growth phase, we're building innovative programmes that connect children with meaningful volunteering opportunities, helping them develop empathy, leadership skills and a lifelong commitment to giving back. Our creative approach brings together young people and local organisations along with volunteers from the community and corporates, to create transformative community service experiences.

The Role
We're seeking a passionate and strategic Programme Manager to join our entrepreneurial team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a creative, fluid environment and is excited about building programmes from the ground up and developing meaningful relationships with a growing network of partner schools as we scale our impact. This is a London-based role, primarily working at the charity’s headquarters in West London.

Role starts from September 2025. 

What You'll Own

• Building relationships with existing school partners and identifying and onboarding new school partners
• Designing and leading innovative volunteering programmes
• Monitoring and collating impact from the charity’s programmes and refining the charity’s impact data collection
• Managing programme/ event budgets

Key Responsibilities

Programme Delivery

• Promoting the charity’s work with new school and community partners and onboarding new schools
• Preparing proposals and designing and organising volunteering programmes with partner schools.
• Leading the programme delivery across a range of activities, including trips, clubs, giving back days and one-off events an projects
• Recording event data on the charity’s CRM
• Ensuring the safety and compliance of all TimeGivers’ activities including conducting risk assessments and  ensuring adequate staffing levels

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Compiling termly/ end of year school impact reports
• Collating impact from all school partners
• Liaising with external impact consultants as required, refining the charity’s metrics, impact data and collection

Finance and Fundraising

• Preparation and ownership of event/programme budgets
• Issuing donation requests and receipts to the charity’s partners.
• Recording and monitoring expenditure for all programme activities, liaising with the charity’s finance team when required
• Liaising with the Fundraising team and assisting with programme related grant applications

Join Us if You Are

• Passionate about young people and connecting them with their communities 
• A natural relationship builder
• A creative thinker who loves developing new ideas and solutions
• Organised and practical and able to effectively lead teams in the delivery of programme activities
• Energised by creating meaningful experiences for and working with children
• Committed to safeguarding and child protection
• A flexible thinker and team player able to collaborate effectively across departments
• Passionate about creating exceptional volunteer experiences

Must-Have Qualities

• Strong safeguarding awareness and commitment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with all age groups and stakeholders
• Experience coordinating events or programmes involving children
• Strong project management capabilities
• Comfortable with data analysis and impact measurement
• Digital-savvy with experience in standard office software
• Proactive problem-solver
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships

Bonus Points

• Experience working with children's charities
• Event management experience
• Safeguarding certification

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape young people's volunteering experiences
• Chance to build programmes from the ground up in a growing organisation
• Real ownership and impact
• Supportive, mission-driven team culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Chance to work with diverse community partners
• Environment that welcomes and rewards creative thinking

Safeguarding
TimeGivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

We’re looking for a passionate and relationship-driven Partnerships Lead to grow and manage our organisation's impactful collaborations with schools, communities, and corporate partners.

About Khulisa: 

Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime.

Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we also work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester. 

About the role: 

The purpose of this role is to build and manage Khulisa's high-impact partnerships with schools, communities, and corporates that generate income and expand the reach of our therapeutic programmes. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Identifying, initiating, cultivating and managing relationships with schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), Local Authorities
• Working closely with Khulisa's Head of Programmes and Participation to develop, implement and regularly review our schools engagement plan
• Developing and maintaining relationships with corporate partners to generate financial support, sponsorships, and other forms of engagement
• Maintaining a record of and report on partnership pipelines, engagement outcomes, and income forecasts and actuals

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please see the attached job description below. 

The post holder will be required to work from home permanently but be willing and able to easily travel to various locations across the London and the North West as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role and to engage with stakeholders and colleagues.

What we're looking for:

Abilities/Experience 

• Experience of generating new partnership engagements from schools and/or other youth spaces and to secure their participation in social impact projects where resources are pooled.
• Ability to identify new opportunities for partnerships and initiate engagements, including knowing when to bring in senior colleagues to maximise the chance of success.
• Experience of manage multiple and diverse stakeholder groups, to recognise shared values, and secure commitment to joint-working.
• Experience of creating compelling digital presentations for a variety of audiences, using PowerPoint or similar software. • Ability to buy strongly into strategic objectives and reflect passion for Khulisa’s work with young people.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as the job requires, and to travel.
• Commitment to inclusive, wellbeing-led approach to supporting young people.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and to engage others in a compelling manner to securer their ongoing interest.
• Deep understanding of the education sector, secondary schools in particular, and the factors that could contribute to young people becoming excluded or marginalised.
• Sound knowledge of the various stakeholders in the education sector, including the complexities of building relationships with multi-academy trusts and understanding of the relationship between schools and local authorities.
• Good understanding of the realities of delivery to young people and able to build the knowledge base necessary to engage others convincingly on the effectiveness of therapeutic practices in ensuring young people’s wellbeing.
• Advanced knowledge of safeguarding legislations, policies and practices relating to children and young people.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are actively looking to recruit a diversity of talent. We embrace, respect and value the difference in our employees and believe that we and our work is better for it. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that consists of fairness, dignity, and caring for everyone, and one that enables every employee to flourish and realise their potential.

About Rekindle

Rekindle exists to create fierce critical thinkers who believe in themselves, question inherited truths, and learn in joyful, creative ways. We do this by developing a youth-led supplementary school provision which nurtures and supports working class young people (aged 11 - 14) who have faced numerous challenges on their education journey but still have a passion to learn and achieve their aspirations.

Our primary focus is to design an approach that offers support, connection, hope, and aspiration — one that pushes young people to believe they can be more, while first laying strong foundations of trust. We recognise that their knowledge and ideas are central to shaping this provision. Our approach is rooted in what young people care about, creating space for meaningful conversations with young adults and adults who can act as mentors. This is not an ordinary school or educational establishment. Our board of trustees — many aged 18 to 30 — have shaped the vision, created the previous curriculum, and will remain at the heart of the process every step of the way.

Role purpose

To make this vision a reality we’re looking for a Youth Team Manager to join our team in Tulse Hill, London, on an initial 12 month basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact with an organisation by running creative critical thinking sessions with our young people. The main priorities will be as follows:

1. Effective delivery of REKINDLE’s curriculum – Ensure that sessions are engaging, accessible, and aligned with the Snap and Four C’s framework, using strategies that foster critical thinking and independent learning.
2. Building meaningful relationships with young people – Develop strong, trusting connections to support their personal and academic growth, ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
3. Safeguarding and wellbeing – Maintain a safe space for all participants by adhering to safeguarding policies, identifying risks, and promoting well-being.
4. Collaboration and continuous improvement – Work closely with colleagues and external partners to enhance programme impact, contributing to ongoing development and evaluation.

Key Responsibilities (summary):

• Plan and deliver sessions that align with our curriculum and values.

• Support individual and group learning through creative teaching strategies.

• Promote youth voice, confidence, and critical dialogue.

• Maintain safeguarding standards and respond to wellbeing concerns.

• Work with local partners to expand opportunities.

• Contribute to the programme’s continuous improvement.

Person Specification (essential):

• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience (including lived experience).

• At least 2 years’ experience managing work with working-class young people or those facing social marginalisation.

• Passion for education as a tool for social change.

• Understanding of safeguarding practices.

• Experience planning structured, youth-focused activities.

• Ability to build strong relationships and think critically.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience with evaluation and research.

• First Aid/Safeguarding training (or willingness to obtain).

• Mostly onsite availability, with occasional remote working.

How to Apply

If you're interested, please refer to the full job description PDF for detailed information on the role, person specification, and application instructions.

Who are Challenge Partners

Challenge Partners works nationally with over 500 schools and 100 trusts, delivering programmes and networks to support school and trust improvement and leadership development. Our programmes for schools include the Quality Assurance Review, Growing the Top, Extending Leading Practice, and the SEND Developmental Peer Review. Our collaborative networks for school leaders operate locally (hubs), regionally (Jubilee Networks), and nationally. You can read more here. 

We also offer Trust programmes such as the Trust Peer Review and Trust Leaders’ Network. You can read more here. 

As we expand our National Network of Excellence, this is an exciting time to join our central team and contribute to our partnership's success.

Job Purpose

The Partnership Coordinator role is varied, offering the chance to develop a wide range of skills. Responsibilities include delivering programme and network activities, managing local hubs, supporting events and meetings, and participating in recruitment and retention activities led by the Partnerships Team.

Working closely with school and trust leaders and hub managers, you will need excellent relationship management skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This position requires individuals who are self-motivated, organised, detail-focused, and strong communicators. 

We are looking for new colleagues to focus on delivering our programmes and networks, ensuring a great experience for our partner schools (about 60-80% of your time). The remaining time will be spent on hub account management, supporting knowledge exchange and network growth, and handling general partner queries.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Network Delivery:

- Support the planning and delivery of programmes and networks, including scheduling dates, organising training sessions, and other activities.

- Support the organisation and delivery of programme-specific and national events.

- Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including resolving operational issues and escalating as needed.

- Provide year-round support to local Hub Managers to ensure schools receive necessary support.

- Monitor programme, network, and hub data to identify risks and/or trends, providing regular reports and updates to support the continuous improvement of our activities. 

Partner Relationship Management:

- Work with the Challenge Partners Central Team to ensure an excellent experience for partners and help schools maximise their partnership value.

- Support the induction and onboarding of new schools to their hubs and the National Network of Excellence.

- Troubleshoot and respond to school or trust queries through internal customer care systems.

- Utilise and update our CRM system (Salesforce).

Communications:

- Respond to email and phone queries about Challenge Partners, programmes, networks, and hubs professionally and promptly.

- Collaborate with programme, network, and partnership leads to provide high-quality communications to partner schools, including renewals, induction, onboarding, engagement emails, and hub updates.

Recruitment and Retention:

- Support year-round recruitment of schools to the Network of Excellence, working with hubs to deliver introductory events.

- Provide updates on schools in your hub to inform retention campaigns.

- Manage leads within your hubs, connecting schools with local hubs and Jubilee Networks.

Other Tasks:

- Perform other tasks as appropriate for the role.

Person Specification

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage your time effectively.

• Ability to balance competing priorities whilst working across multiple areas of work.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deal with people diplomatically and appropriately, building rapport with those at varying levels of seniority.

• Solutions-focused approach to problem-solving, demonstrating the ability to identify issues and develop effective strategies to overcome them.

• High computer literacy - confidence and competence in using GSuite, Microsoft programmes and Salesforce (or similar CRM system) would be an advantage

• Positivity, optimism and flexibility - we are a small organisation and all staff are expected to contribute across the organisation (and sometimes beyond their specific job role) to ensure our success and sustainability. 

• A willingness to learn and give and receive feedback.

• A passion for education, and a desire to make a difference.

Benefits of working for Challenge Partners

• Work-life balance

• Annual leave

• Employer pension contributions

• Health and wellbeing support

• Training and development

• Family-friendly policies

• Connection and celebration

Role Title: Mediator

Salary: £28 – 31,000

Hours: 35 per week, Monday - Friday.

Location: Kidderminster Head Office, plus Schools across Worcestershire. A full driving licence and access to a car (as travel is required across multiple schools).

Contract Type: Permanent

Purpose of the Role

To work directly with young people and their families, in schools and the community, to help them manage and resolve conflict. You'll equip people with the tools, skills and confidence to have better conversations and rebuild trust in their relationships.

Who You Are

- Friendly, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent - you get people and people get you.
- You know how to really listen - without judgment or ego.
- You’re tenacious and tactful - especially with school staff and busy professionals.
- You bring people with you. This role isn’t about solo wins, it’s about connected success.
- You know when to use humour to break tension and when to sit in the tough stuff.
- You’re driven to make a difference and not afraid of the messy bits that come with it.
- You don’t say “that’s not my job”. You pitch in where it matters.

What You’ve Done (or Something Like It)

- Worked with or alongside young people in schools, youth services, mental health, counselling, therapy, or other support settings.
- Built relationships with people from all walks of life including those going through difficult times.
- (Ideally) supported people to navigate conflict, reach common ground, or improve communication.
- Worked in or alongside charities, understanding the balance of impact and accountability.
- Handled sensitive data, reported outcomes and used systems/databases confidently.

What You Know (or Are Keen to Learn)

- Mediation theory and practice. If you’re qualified, brilliant. If not, we’ll train you.
- Youth conflict and the factors that contribute to family breakdown or homelessness.
- The challenges young people face including mental health, education, and identity.
- Safeguarding principles and how to act on concerns.
- The importance of relationship-based, trauma-informed approaches.

What You’re Capable Of

- Mediating or facilitating tricky conversations, staying calm, neutral, and fair.
- Listening deeply and holding space for people who are upset, angry or vulnerable.
- Communicating clearly with different people - young people, parents, school staff, and your team.
- Using empathy and reasoning to help people move forward, even when it’s hard.
- Writing thoughtful, accurate case notes and reports and recording this on our database.
- Reflecting on your work, your impact and your learning and sharing that with the team.
- Juggling different priorities and adapting when things don’t go to plan.

Extras We Value

- Mediation training or qualifications.
- Understanding of youth homelessness and its causes.
- Experience in a school-based role or multi-agency working.

About Our Team

We’re a small team who care deeply about what we do. We work hard, support each other, and pitch in wherever we’re needed. Relationships come first with the young people we support, the schools we work in, and each other. There’s no room for egos or drama here. Just kind, committed people doing their best to make a difference.

How to Apply
Please submit a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and your CV.
Application deadline is Friday July 25th 2025.
Interviews to take place on Tuesday 12th August 2025.

Job Description

• Job title: Youth Practitioner 

• Location: East London - Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets

• Salary: £27,007.50  (depending on experience)

• Hours: 35 hours per week. Core hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. 

Please note, this role will also involve occasional morning, evening and weekend work, and working hours may adjust accordingly. Most significantly, given the nature of this work within schools, the candidate will need to be willing to work from 8.30/9am for particular school-based sessions

Who are we?

The Outrunners is a Hackney-based charity empowering young people across East London through running and movement. Supported by partners like Nike and Moju, we aim to boost well-being, teamwork, and communication skills for youth aged 8-18. Our aim is to boost the well-being, teamwork and communication skills for young people across East London. 

For a relatively new organisation, we’ve already had a big impact through supporting hundreds of local young people and changing the landscape of youth work in the process. Check out our feature in GQ magazine here!

Last year we launched an exciting partnership with Nike’s Social and Community Impact team. As a Youth Practitioner, you will help us to scale our Schools Programme. You’ll deliver our programmes across schools in East London, aiming to engage more young people in movement and running. 

Before you read the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes for the role to apply.  If this role excites you and you believe you could make a difference, please do apply as we want to hear from a diverse range of people!

The Role

We are looking for a Youth Practitioner to work alongside the Youth Programme Team to develop and deliver our Nike funded Schools Programme targeted at Year 7 and 8 young people (age 11-13) across East London. 

We’re seeking someone caring, ambitious and keen to learn who loves working with young people. You will have a strong moral compass and a proven commitment to really make a difference to young people’s lives. 

You will be highly motivated, with high standards for yourself and others, as well as having a good understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by young people living in East London.

You will have lots of energy and enthusiasm, and enjoy movement. You will be a natural people-person with a high level of empathy, able to make people feel valued, respected and heard. 

Main Duties:

• Deliver fun and engaging Outrunners sessions at our partner schools to young people aged 11-13, alongside PE teachers. 

• Manage relationships with partner teachers and SLT at our partner schools.

• Work with the Youth Programme Manager and other Youth Practitioners to design and deliver holistic movement programmes with a focus on running, targeted at 8-18 year olds. 

• Ensure safeguarding procedures are upheld for all young people. 

• Undertake administration tasks such as ensuring evaluation forms are completed, uploading data to our CRM system and planning sessions.

• Complete any other business required by management and pitch in to help with other tasks at busy times during the year.

This job is for you if: 

• You have experience of working with young people and their families 

• You have experience delivering youth programmes targeted at young people with proven successful outputs

• You have relevant youth work experience or a relatable youth work qualification (please note - a youth work qualification is only a desirable criteria) 

• You can develop strong working relationships with colleagues and teachers within schools

• You have a working understanding of safeguarding children and young people and how to maintain appropriate professional boundaries

• You have a commitment to, and working understanding of, equality and diversity, with the ability to work in culturally diverse communities, as well as a readiness to challenge discriminatory behaviour

• You have excellent communication, time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and multitask

And also consider applying if any of the following apply to you:

• You have worked in schools supporting young people 

• You have experience working with young people in sports and fitness 

• You have qualifications in youth work or fitness

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people's lives!

• The chance to attend exclusive, exciting events

• Nike/Outrunners branded sports clothing provided for work 

• Learning and development opportunities to fit your aspirations, including with some of our partner businesses

• Working alongside aspirational brands such as Nike and MOJU 

The successful applicant will need to be subject to a background enhanced disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) before any appointment can be confirmed.

Interested? Here’s how to apply!

•  Upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like the role, and how you meet the requirements listed in the job description. The covering letter should be no longer than two A4 pages.

• If you meet our requirements, we will contact you about the next stage after the closing date (Friday 18th July)

Early Literacy Interventionist (Birmingham)

Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you keen to work with children to support and develop their phonics and reading skills? 

38% of children from disadvantaged backgrounds leave primary school in England each year unable to read to the expected standard. Chapter One is a fast-growing charity, with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills they need to thrive. We work to ensure that all children have 1:1 reading support at the time they need it most.

Our Early Literacy Intervention (ELI) programme (based on a model that serves 20,000 children successfully in the USA) provides daily, 1:1, 7 minute phonics sessions for children who are behind in phonics. Using a bespoke technology tool, a trained Early Literacy Interventionist works individually with target children. 

This ELI role, reporting to the Schools Development Manager, is a great opportunity for someone who wants to develop and grow their knowledge of phonics and/or their teaching skill set. It is ideal for someone with previous school experience who is looking for a new and exciting challenge.

You will conduct initial baseline assessments and then deliver differentiated, 1:1, targeted, 7 minute phonics sessions to pupils using a systematic, synthetic approach. Although you are employed by Chapter One, you will work closely with the school team to understand the progression of the school’s phonics teaching; establish tailored plans for each child and feedback on pupil progress. Using your knowledge and insight, you will also collaborate with colleagues at Chapter One to further improve the ELI model, the online tool and programme delivery.

Please read the full job description for details of the responsibilities of the role, and our employee recruitment pack to learn more about Chapter One. This is a part-time role, based in a primary school in Birmingham.

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

As a charity that values and celebrates people's diversity and champions opportunities for all young people, we are keen to receive applications from people who have experienced disadvantage and from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation. We believe that a diverse organisation is one that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

Employer Policy Specialist

Working Hours: 0.6FTE (full-time equivalent 37.5 hours). There is a degree of flexibility surrounding the working hours which will be determined by the demands of the role.

Salary: 0.6FTE: £40,658 (the full-time equivalent salary is: £67,763).

Start Date: 1st September 2025.

Reporting to: Director of Public Affairs & Policy

Deadline for applications: Friday 18th July 2025, 5pm

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted online on Thursday 24th July

Overview

The DfE has nominated CST as the employer representative for academy trusts for specific purposes (for example, the school support staff negotiating body).  The postholder will be required to work directly with the Department for Education at a senior level to undertake the duties associated with this employer representative role.  CST also wishes to strengthen its support to members on wider matters of employer policy. There is significant scope to shape and develop this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Have a detailed understanding of the terms and conditions of employment of teaching and support staff and the workforce issues affecting the education sector, particularly those influencing recruitment and retention of staff.

• The ability to build relationships with key stakeholders (members, senior DfE officials and ministers) and work closely with other employer representative organisations.

• Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, build relationships at senior level with trade unions (leadership, teacher and support staff unions).

• Lead on developing CST’s employer policy and guidance, working with our members and commanding their support and respect, and working closely with the policy team.

• Support the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Public Affairs and Policy to influence and respond to government policy in respect of employer policy, including drafting responses to government consultations and being our representative on the DfE’s formally constituted groups.

• Provide professional support and guidance to members on matters relating to employer policy, within the restrictions of what we are insured to do as a professional body.

• Support our HR professional community.

• Speak with authority at events and conferences as CST’s nominated representative on employer policy.

• Offer support to the wider CST policy team in other areas that fall within the postholder’s experience or expertise. This may include occasionally deputising for other team members for example covering for annual leave or sickness absence.

• Any other duties and responsibilities that may be delegated by the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive or Director of Public Affairs and Policy from time to time.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Likely educated to degree level (or holding a similar professional qualification or experience) with significant knowledge and experience of employment matters within the education sector and employer policy.

• The ideal candidate will have experience working at senior level likely within an educational, policy or consultancy setting. Knowledge of schools and the trust sector is essential as is the ability to respond to issues in a way which conveys the practical realities of working in schools.

• A sound understanding of the differences between academy trusts and the maintained sector.

• Secure knowledge of legislation, regulations and policy that affect school trusts.

• Authority and gravitas with the ability to speak up at meetings with senior officials with the required diplomacy and at all times with the members’ interests in mind.

• People-centred, with excellent relational skills, adept at forming and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, members and senior external stakeholders (including policy makers, employer representative organisations and trade unions).

• Output focused, able to execute a range of communications across channels efficiently.

• Fluent and precise, an excellent communicator who writes well.

• The ability to analyse detail and distil key points, identifying matters of concern or interest to school trusts.

• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines, including turning around high-quality responses to members and DfE in short timescales.

• Someone who embodies the Nolan Principles and acts with integrity and discretion.

• Aligned with CST’s aims to promote education for public benefit.

• Skilled at working remotely as part of a close-knit team. Whilst this position is remote (home-based) there will be the requirement to attend in person meetings from time to time.

Join Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge and lead a new phase of fundraising to support people living with mental health challenges. This is a brilliant opportunity to shape our community and corporate fundraising offer—creating engaging campaigns, building strong local partnerships, and generating income that transforms lives.

What You’ll Do

· Develop and deliver community fundraising campaigns and events

· Build partnerships with schools, businesses and local groups

· Grow corporate fundraising and secure sponsorship opportunities

· Recruit and support local fundraisers and volunteers

· Create engaging digital and social content to support fundraising

· Use data to track progress, impact, and supporter engagement

About You

· Proven track record in community and/or corporate fundraising (2+ years)

· Confident communicator who can build strong, lasting relationships

· Creative campaign thinker with excellent organisation skills

· Able to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers

· Passionate about mental health and local community impact

Why Join Us?

MindTHNR is a bold, innovative local mental health charity rooted in East London. We’re committed to inclusion, lived experience, and making a lasting difference in the communities we serve.

Salary: £40,000 - £43,000
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: London Hybrid - Happy to discuss flexible options
Closing Date: 22nd July 2025 
Benefits: 8% Employer pension contribution regardless of employee contribution, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Are you passionate a passionate community fundraiser looking for your next exciting challenge? We’re working with the Ruth Strauss Foundation as they seek a dynamic Community Fundraising Manager to join their team.

In this pivotal role, you will lead the development and delivery of community fundraising initiatives, fostering meaningful relationships across diverse communities to support their mission.
This is a great opportunity to lead and grow the 'Turn Cricket Red' campaign, develop new community events, and manage key third-party fundraisers, such as the London Marathon participants. You'll build strong relationships with schools, sports clubs, and community groups, providing excellent supporter stewardship to maximise engagement and long-term support.

To be successful as a Community Fundraising Manager, you will need:

• Proven experience in designing and delivering successful community fundraising events and activities.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including budget and project management.
• Strong relationship-building abilities, with experience engaging diverse community groups and stakeholders.

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please give Jake a call, otherwise, we look forward to seeing your application. 

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable roles. We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment, working ethically, supporting people to find their perfect role within the not-for-profit sector. 

We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here. 

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner. 
 

We are looking for a team member who is passionate about applying therapeutic approaches in non-clinical group settings, can inspire and support young people to take the lead in devising their own work, and committed to delivering wellbeing through creativity. You’ll bring a therapeutic lens to help shape a pioneering new school engagement project, developed in partnership with local primary and secondary schools and youth clubs. As part of the DreamArts family, you’ll benefit from ongoing professional development that explores the fusion of arts and therapy.

Project Overview

The Inspiration Academy will support Years 6-8 to engage with education, strengthen attainment and wellbeing, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of belonging. It is part of a new Belonging Partnership which represents a unique opportunity over 3 years to make a difference to young people during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. The partnership will enable us to track progress and share practice, with multiple perspectives available to assess how young people have benefited, including teachers and parents/carers. We know how rare such opportunities are and we are therefore hugely excited about it.

DreamArts’ contribution to the partnership is the Inspiration Academy, designed to reach 150 pupils in 5 primary schools annually. Of these, 30 young people identified as at-risk of disengagement receive tailored group-based support as they transition to Pimlico Academy.  

Year 6 students from partner primaries will choose and explore a meaningful issue and lead a creative campaign for their school community. Those at risk of disengagement will work alongside peers, taking on positive roles that reshape their self-perception.

A week-long summer intensive will equip at-risk students with a ‘toolkit’ to navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of secondary school. Once at Pimlico Academy, they’ll train as Inspiration Ambassadors, delivering workshops to future cohorts.

Additionally, Family Express will provide parents/carers with a creative space to explore challenges alongside their children and other families, strengthening relationships and resilience. Through these opportunities, young people will be supported to build a sense of belonging within their schools and within their wider community.

Responsibilities

The Project Therapist will work alongside the Project Lead and provide a group-based creative therapeutic approach to the planning and co-delivery of the Inspiration Academy. You will help identify mental health and educational needs and co-develop strategies for reducing barriers to participation so that young people can:

· Explore who they are

· Build positive relationships with peers and adults

· Improve their sense of belonging within their school community

In last year’s staff satisfaction survey 100% of team members felt inspired at DreamArts to do their best at their job, and 100% said that their voice and skills matter at DreamArts.

‘DreamArts has a profound impact on the lives of young people and is a model of exemplary practice.’ - The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Impact Study

DreamArts has a mission; to transform young lives by fusing arts and therapy.

For over two decades, DreamArts has worked directly in the community, making a difference to the lives of over 500 young people each year in some of London’s most deprived areas—empowering them to explore who they are, build positive relationships and develop emotional wellbeing. 

Our award-winning projects put young people in control: from devising new mini-musicals and immersive theatre, to young carers curating photography exhibitions and young refugees touring their original beatbox plays across the UK. Alongside this, our free therapeutic services offer vital support as mental health crises among young people continues to grow.

DreamArts is committed to providing an integrative and inclusive programme and not to discriminate on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, nationality, or culture. We are also committed to being a diverse and culturally representational organisation, therefore any applicant that identifies from a minoritised background and meets the essential criteria will be automatically selected for an interview.

224 Youth Zone is set to be a significant new part of South Bristol’s play and youth landscape – and we’re looking for a bold, experienced, and inspiring Head of Play, Youth & Partnerships to lead the charge.

As we scale up towards opening, this is your opportunity to shape a high-impact, seven-day-a-week frontline offer for up to 250 children and young people each night – energising a team, building a culture, and delivering at scale.

This senior leadership role sits at the heart of delivery, partnerships, and safeguarding, with the power to help shape the future of inclusive, relational, and values-led play and youth provision in the city – working alongside an incredible network of partners and community organisations.

What you’ll be doing:

•  Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of our open access play and youth programme 40 hours a week of activities that are responsive, inclusive, and exciting!
•  Line manage Team Leaders and oversee a large team of part-time and sessional staff, embedding a culture of reflection, excellence and relational practice
• Shape a delivery model rooted in Play Work and Youth Work theory, focused on progression, relationships, and personal development
• Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead ensuring all children and young people are safe and supported
• Build powerful partnerships with local organisations, schools, and services to strengthen our reach and offer
• Champion the use of CRM and data systems to track, evidence and grow our impact
• Play a vital role in organisational planning and decision-making as part of the Senior Leadership Team

What we’re looking for:

• A dynamic, experienced leader of services for Children and Young People, passionate about relational, inclusive, high-quality delivery
• Confident in staff management and programme design – able to motivate, support and inspire large teams
• A safeguarding expert, with a strong understanding of duty of care and safe practice
• A strategic thinker with the ability to lead both day-to-day operations and long-term vision
• Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, purposeful environment and believes deeply in the power of play and youth work

If you’re a thoughtful, values-led leader who puts children and young people at the centre and brings both strategic insight and a strong sense of purpose to your work, we’d love to hear from you!

For Further information please check out our website:Jobs | Youth Moves

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Capital Project Manager to play a pivotal role in the transformation and development of our school estate. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated estates team and drive the delivery of our ambitious three-year strategic priorities, ensuring exceptional service and outcomes for our schools.

Reporting  to the Head of Estates and Projects, you will lead the planning, procurement, and execution of capital developments across our estate. Your portfolio will include the delivery of new school buildings, sustainability initiatives, and projects that enhance operational efficiency and environmental performance.

This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference: creating inspiring, future-ready learning environments that support the success of students and staff alike.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include

• Project management of the priority, delivery, and budgets of the School Condition Allocation (SCA) projects from inception to end of defects.
• Project management and supporting the management of the condition and maintenance of the school estate, including the asset management processes
• Project management of the capital elements of academy conversion projects
• Planning, implementation, procurement, and delivery of a high-quality service in relation to all estate and projects work
• Managing and monitoring external technical advisors, and third party suppliers and consultants employed directly by Harris Federation
• Managing H&health and safety through the lifecycle of all projects
• Managing the consultations, admissions, branding, marketing, FF&E and uniform of all new schools
• Providing professional services to the individual schools and ensuring the Federation complies with relevant property legislation, regulations and guidance
• Assisting with the development of policies and procedures concerning the Harris Federation estate
• Assisting with the framework for all estates related statutory elements, including oversight of the implementation and reporting of audits

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would welcome your application if you have:

• Qualifications to degree level, or equivalent experience in a project management environment
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Project management experience within Education, Not for Profit or Public Sector industries/organisations
• Experience of coordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
• Demonstrable successful delivery of project outputs to required time, quality and cost
• The ability to interpret and present complex information to inform robust recommendations for evidence-based practice and decision-making
• Proven and well-developed interpersonal skills, including excellent written and spoken communication
• Good administrative, finance and organisational skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications including strong Excel skills

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.