Head of Youth Services - VOLUNTEER WITH US

Urban Youth – Volunteer Head of Youth Services

Lead a Community That Transforms Young Lives

Urban Youth is building a bold, creative and inclusive youth offer for young people aged 10–25 across London. We’re now seeking a Volunteer Head of Youth Services — a visionary leader who can help shape, guide and elevate our youth work practice as we grow.

If you’re passionate about empowering young people, driving high‑quality youth work, and building a service rooted in community, creativity and belonging, this is your moment to make a lasting impact.

The Role: Lead, Shape and Inspire Urban Youth’s Services

As our Volunteer Head of Youth Services, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of Urban Youth’s youth work programmes.

• Ensure our work is safe, inclusive, empowering and aligned with best practice.

• Champion youth voice, participation and co‑creation across all programmes.

• Support and guide volunteers delivering universal, targeted, detached, outreach and digital youth work.

• Drive quality, safeguarding and continuous improvement.

• Build partnerships that open opportunities for young people.

• Help shape a youth offer that is creative, culturally relevant and community‑powered.

Your leadership will help us create “safe, inspiring spaces” where young people can grow, express themselves and feel seen.

The Types of Youth Work You Will Oversee

Urban Youth delivers a full National Youth Agency‑aligned youth work offer. As Head of Youth Services, you will guide and strengthen:

1. Universal / Open Access Youth Work

Youth clubs, creative spaces, youth councils — open to all young people.

2. Targeted Youth Support (TYS)

Focused support for vulnerable young people aged 10–21 (up to 25), helping them overcome barriers, improve wellbeing and avoid negative outcomes such as involvement in crime or becoming NEET.

3. Detached Youth Work

Meeting young people where they are — parks, estates, streets, cafés — to engage those who don’t attend centre‑based provision.

4. Outreach Youth Work

Connecting young people back into our universal programmes and wider opportunities.

5. Specialist / Targeted Provision

Intensive support around mental health, identity, sexual health, substance misuse and other specific needs.

6. Digital Youth Work

Using digital platforms, social media and online spaces to engage young people creatively and safely.

Your leadership will ensure these approaches remain high‑quality, youth‑led and rooted in empowerment.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience in youth work, youth services, safeguarding or community leadership.

• Understand the issues affecting young people from diverse backgrounds.

• Can inspire, motivate and support volunteers delivering frontline youth work.

• Are committed to reflective practice, inclusion and continuous improvement.

• Value youth voice, co‑creation and partnership working.

• Can think strategically while staying grounded in community needs.

• Are resilient, adaptable and passionate about improving outcomes for young people.

A formal youth work qualification is helpful but not essential — leadership, commitment and values matter most.

What’s In It For You

• A chance to shape the direction of a new youth movement.

• Leadership experience in a dynamic, community‑driven organisation.

• Opportunities to influence programme design, safeguarding and youth participation.

• A collaborative environment where your ideas genuinely matter.

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference to young people across London.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Urban Youth is proudly inclusive. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds. If you need adjustments at any stage, we will support you.

Ready to Lead With Purpose?

If you’re ready to help shape a youth service that empowers young people and strengthens communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Urban Youth.

Lead a movement that transforms lives.