Youth education officer jobs in Bristol

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to work with management and trustees to lead delivery of a set of practical fundraising priorities while helping to build stronger systems and confidence for the future.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced charity fundraiser who is comfortable working in a maturing fundraising function, where tools and ways of working are being developed and income needs stabilising rather than rapidly expanded.

This interesting and varied role will focus primarily on trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and alumni support, with a strong emphasis on retention, stewardship and proposition clarity.

The Role

If you are passionate about the outdoors, have a "roll up your sleeves" attitude and are looking for a role where your event management skills will make a lasting impact on young lives, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a dynamic individual who can lead our exciting portfolio of outdoor challenge events and help us take our fundraising to the next level.

The Youth Adventure Trust's outdoor challenge events are a vital source of funding for the charity, and the relationships we build with our participants and corporate partners are more important than ever. This is where you come in.

As our Challenge Events Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our exciting challenge events portfolio.You'll work on bespoke corporate team-building challenges, high-energy industry networking events like the Hike Bike Paddle for the sports and outdoor sector and the Housebuilders Challenge, and our popular open events like the Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge and the Somerset Cycle. 

Challenge events not only enable people to raise amazing sums for the charity, but are also a fantastic way to engage supporters with our work, giving them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors and achieve things they never thought possible - similar to our work with the young people on our programmes.

The Challenge Events Manager role is a varied position which would be perfect for somebody who has event management experience. You will be responsible for the full event cycle, from the initial planning, participant recruitment and stewardship to on the day event delivery and post event follow ups. You will be somebody who can spot opportunities, take on a project and run with it. You’ll be an excellent communicator, happy to pick up the phone to chat to event participants, deliver pre-event webinars or create engaging participant emails. You’re self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, a strong administrator, a fantastic team player, have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy being outdoors. You should also have some fundraising experience, ideally in a paid capacity but in a voluntary capacity would also be considered.

You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnership Manager, who is highly experienced in delivering our challenge events, but needs time to develop new corporate partnerships which is why we have created this new role. You'll also line-manage our Events Fundraising Officer who plays a key support role on the events. You must live in or near the South West as there will be a semi-regular requirement to attend in person staff meetings, visit programmes and join event planning sessions.

About You

You’re a people-person, self-motivated and highly organised. You are as comfortable managing a budget and a CRM database as you are standing on a mountain side in your waterproofs! You’ll have:

• Event Expertise: A proven track record in delivering successful fundraising or challenge events.

• Fundraising Experience: You might be an existing fundraiser or somebody who has taken on fundraising activities in a voluntary capacity. You will need to be able to relate to the challenge participants and guide them on how to reach their fundraising targets.

• Agility: The ability to think on your feet and adapt plans dynamically when situations change on the ground.

• Leadership Skills: Experience managing staff or volunteers and the ability to motivate a team.

• A Passion for Adventure: A genuine love for the outdoors, comfortable in wellies and waterproofs with an understanding of 'the power of the outdoors'.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants, and with ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our fundraising challenge events are more important than ever.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on young lives through your passion for the outdoors. You’ll be part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our camps and see the tangible impact of your work. 

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, please download the full Job Pack for more details, including the job description and person specification. All applicants must complete an application form and refer to the job description and person specification in their application.

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. Full details can be found in the Job Pack.

The Role
We are looking for an Advice & Guidance Officer who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of deaf children, young people, and their families.

A key focus of this role will be delivering the service remotely using technology. In addition, you will use your interpersonal skills and experience working with families to connect with local community groups, raise awareness of our services, promote membership, and provide support to families, deaf young people, and professionals.

This is a fully remote role, but will require some regional travel so applicants should live in the North West of England (Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside) and possess a driving licence and have access to a car.
 
 
What you'll do
 

• Deliver tailored information and advice to individuals and groups of deaf children, young people, and their families.
• Support deaf children, young people, and their families in becoming more confident in articulating their needs independently.
• Help deaf children, young people, and their families explore their options and decide on a preferred course of action.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with professionals and organisations that support deaf children.
• Attend both in-person and online events to provide information and advice tailored to different audiences.

 
What you'll need
 

• Significant experience and understanding of the skills and practices required to deliver person-centred support to children, young people, and their families.
• Experience providing information and advice to families and young people, both digitally and face-to-face.
• A strong working knowledge of education and special educational needs, including relevant legislation, government guidance, and local implementation.
• An understanding of deafness and its impact on children, family dynamics, raising a deaf child, and child development-translating this into effective, child-centred practice.
• Strong digital skills and a sound understanding of agile values & principles.
• A criminal record check / DBS disclosure (if offered the position).

What you'll get

• Home-based working with flexible hours.
• 25 days holiday - plus an additional 3 days at Christmas (& bank holidays).
• Pension (5.5% employer contribution).
• Healthcare Cashplan.
• Annual performance-based salary increase.
• Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programmes.

 
What we do
 
The National Deaf Children's Society are the leading charity for deaf children. We give expert support on childhood deafness, raise awareness and campaign for deaf children's rights, so they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Disability Confidence
 
We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to offering interviews to candidates who request to be considered under the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum requirements of the person specification. Please contact us at [email protected] with any accessibility or reasonable adjustment enquiries.
 
The National Deaf Children’s Society is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779.

Nb: This piece of recruitment is rolling and may close at any time.

In recent years OTR has seen a significant increase in demand for our youth mental health services and we now reach over 17,000 young people each year. We are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee our (circa) £3m annual budget and to ensure that our finance operation is efficient and effective. This role will lead OTR’s finance function and, as well as having responsibility for day-to-day financial processes, will be a key member of the organisation’s senior leadership team (SLT). The role will involve providing financial insight to the SLT and Board of Trustees to improve understanding and inform strategic decision making. Examples of this will include analysing the financial performance of different activities of the organisation and preparing budget and forecast information. 

We are looking for an individual with demonstrable experience in a finance management role which includes a strategic focus, preferably in the voluntary sector. The successful candidate will be a flexible and meticulous individual who is able to present complex information to a range of audiences. Equally important is a strong personal interest in and commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

To find out more about the role please download the job pack. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please email the main contact as listed in the job pack

To apply for this role click the 'Apply now' button

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a team that reflects the diversity of the people we work with

Safeguarding:

OTR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, trustees, and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of our Safer Recruitment practices, all roles involving contact with young people will be subject to robust pre-employment checks, including references, a full employment history, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, overseas criminal record checks will also be required.

We are dedicated to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability. Our safeguarding procedures are guided by the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount, and all staff are required to adhere to OTR’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. 

OTR & Benefits:

OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people. The charity is at an exciting stage of its 59-year history and is proud to be reaching more young people than ever before (around 17,000) across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset with creative and diverse mental health and wellbeing info and support. 

Our approach to mental health is grounded in a set of beliefs and values that underpin all of our work. We believe in celebrating diversity, empowering and mobilising young people to make change, and that catering to the unique strengths, interests and circumstances surrounding young people is key. Our approach centres on collaboration and partnership, building relationships between individuals, peers and communities. 

Each day is as engaging and fulfilling as the last, and with a network of supportive, community minded people, we hope you’ll feel welcome here. As a thank you, we like to compensate our employees for the important work they do with a range of benefits including a flexible leave policy, healthcare cost and wellbeing assistance with HealthShield, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced sick pay, parental leave, training and development, social and wellbeing events, and more (subject to contractual terms and conditions). 

A Willingness to Work with Difference 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all but we do not claim to be experts in this. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary, in order to improve access and equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR.

We are looking for an exceptional, value-driven candidate who can hit the ground running as our Legal Education Officer, working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain team.

The person must be someone who understands the Right to Remain ethos and is prepared to bring their whole self to our organisation. Needless to say, the role requires an impeccable grasp of the asylum and immigration system and its operation on the ground, including how it impacts our community of people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants, their families, friends and allies. It requires an ability to help and guide our community to navigate the complex and hostile asylum and immigration system.

You will be working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain staff team: another Legal Education Officer based in Leeds (generally) covering the North, the Organiser based in Manchester leading our mighty These Walls Must Fall, and the Engagement Officer based in London. In particular, the post holder will be closely coordinating their work with another Legal Education Officer in Leeds. The post holder is also expected to be already embedded in the local and regional asylum and migration field, familiar with its dynamics and able to tap into their existing relationships and connections with local groups and actors. 

We are proud of Right to Remain’s unique and bold approach that really believes in collective power. We are focused on building knowledge, radical solidarity and the power of our community. We show up authentically at work and for our community, always giving our 100%. We are determined and calm amidst the crisis and chaos of the world. We know that now is not a ‘business as usual’ time, and we need to meet the moment as the anchor organisation for the migration justice movement. That comes with a lot of responsibility but we also carry it with lightness. We want our new team members to be similarly passionate, ambitious and compassionate. 

With the rest of the team, you will be responsible for maintaining, developing, and increasing usage of our highly popular and accessible resources about the asylum and immigration system, most notably the Right to Remain Toolkit. You will deliver interactive workshops on the legal system for people navigating that system as well as professionals and volunteers. You will engage with our network of community groups to ensure that we are apprised of developments on the ground and we are communicating important changes to these support groups. You will also work with the Director and other colleagues to develop and deliver specific public legal education projects, when necessary. You must have outstanding communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences, in a manner that reflects Right to Remain’s mission and values. 

Breck Foundation

Breck Foundation is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard children and young people online. Our organisation was founded in 2014 in response to the tragic loss of Breck Bednar, a 14-year-old boy who was groomed and murdered by someone he met online. Our work aims to prevent this from ever happening again. Our work saves lives.  We reach thousands of children and young people in schools and other community settings with Breck's story every year. Our talks and educational materials fill a gap in the current UK curriculum that otherwise leaves children vulnerable to online grooming and exploitation.

With 98% of young people now active internet users, current and future generations grow up having to navigate new and evolving digital dangers. We are committed to making the internet a place where children can live, play and thrive in safety. We are helping young people reclaim the internet.

The Role

Children’s online safety is both an important and an urgent issue and the need for our unique work here at Breck Foundation is greater now than ever. The primary purpose of this role is to help children and young people take practical steps to become more digitally resilient and be safer online. Our East of England Education Programme Officer will introduce the highly impactful Breck’s story into schools and other youth and community spaces and deliver inspiring, educational talks to students, parents and guardians, teachers and other groups in a ‘whole community’ approach.

The role is fully remote, but post holder will be willing and able to easily travel to various locations within the East of England as and when necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role as well as to engage with colleagues virtually and in person in London four times a year.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Delivery

• Coordinate all practical arrangements necessary for successful delivery and post-delivery activities in schools, including the timely transmission of digital files; and liaising with relevant colleagues to ensure timely delivery of materials and promotional merchandise to schools.
• Responsibility for delivering sessions tailored to educate/inform children/parents and teachers as well as carrying out all pre- and post-delivery engagements.
• Respond to any questions, disclosures or safeguarding concerns raised during sessions and follow up where necessary with the school safeguarding team or, where consent is secured, make onward referrals for additional support in specific cases.
• Contribute to the continuous development of all aspects of the programme, sharing new ideas and using best practice, including keeping programme presentations up to date or, when applicable, working on this together with relevant colleagues, ensuring that presentations used in schools across the organisation are always uniform and consistent.
• Maintain accurate records of programme activities, including record of input, output, and impact as well as demographics data, and monitor and periodically evaluate and report on impact.

Stakeholder Development/Management

• Seek and maximise opportunities for building relationships with groups of schools (primary and secondary) and relevant education/teaching groups, unions and networks, with a view to raising the profile of the programme and generating interest in it.
• Develop and manage ongoing relationships with individual schools to secure their repeat, annual participation in the programme or repeat bookings for paid presentations.

Publicity/Marketing/Communications

• Promote the offer to all types of schools (state and private), working with relevant colleagues to create impactful publicity/marketing assets and to make contact and register schools’ interests. 
• Maximise opportunities for generating communication assets and publicity during delivery in schools, including through video recordings, photographs, testimonials, Vox Pops, collection of social media handles for mentions etc., ensuring to follow school guidance and secure necessary permissions.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Objectively review the successes and achievements against agreed objectives, identifying strengths, weaknesses and risks, as well as suggesting improvement.
• Depending on experience and qualifications of post-holder, to be receptive to any other duties as required, in line with the needs of Breck Foundation.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and other professionals, and to participate in team meetings.
• To participate in personal supervision in accordance with Breck Foundation’s supervision and performance appraisal policy and attend agreed training as relevant.
• At all times to carry out the responsibilities of the post in a manner consistent with promoting equalities and diversity and demonstrate respect for colleagues and Breck Foundation’s aims and values.
• To maintain an awareness of own and others’ health and safety, comply with Breck Foundation’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and lone working policy.
• Some evenings and weekend are involved with time recovered flexibly or time off in lieu taken where agreed with the line manager.

Our Second Home (OSH) is a youth movement supporting young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to build community, develop leadership skills, and flourish into adulthood. Every year, thousands of young people arrive in the UK seeking safety. We believe in their potential and work alongside them to help them thrive.

We run residential programmes that often begin this journey, alongside a nationally certified Leadership Training Programme and regular Youth Hubs in London and Bristol offering year-round community and support.

We are now recruiting a Bristol Community Coordinator to lead and grow our Bristol Hub – a welcoming weekly space where young people connect, learn and lead.

Our Values

• Young People at the Centre – Their creativity and determination guide everything we do

• Acting With, Not For – OSH is built by staff, volunteers and participants together

• Leadership – We create opportunities for young people to step up and grow

• Freedom and Acceptance – We build open, respectful and lasting relationships

Key Responsibilities (Full details in attached Job Description)

Hub Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the safe and effective delivery of OSH Hub sessions year-round

• Plan, deliver and review sessions independently, shaped by OSH’s values and young people’s interests

• Manage referrals and onboarding, ensuring inclusion and accessibility

• Plan engaging hub content, including coordinating external partners

• Act as a consistent youth leader, managing day-to-day delivery and supporting wider projects

• Develop new activities in line with agreed strategy and budgets

Youth Leadership & Volunteers

• Support progression into OSH’s leadership training programmes

• Create meaningful leadership opportunities for young people

• Support local volunteers, including rota coordination, training and wellbeing

Partnerships & Community

• Build and maintain relationships with local partners, referrers and facilitators

• Represent OSH in local youth and refugee networks

• Ensure smooth pathways between the Hub and other OSH programmes

Safeguarding, Systems & National Contribution

• Take responsibility for safeguarding and risk assessments across all hub activity

• Track attendance and engagement using OSH’s CRM (Beacon)

• Handle petty cash and participant reimbursements responsibly

• Identify and respond promptly to safeguarding concerns

• Take part in OSH events, including evenings, weekends and residentials (2–5 nights)

• Contribute stories and reflections for communications and fundraising

• Share learning and best practice with colleagues across the organisation

Signposting & Advocacy

• Build supportive relationships with participants and provide appropriate ad hoc support

• Signpost young people to specialist services where needed (e.g. legal, housing, education, wellbeing)

Person Specification

• Experience planning and facilitating inclusive youth sessions, ideally with marginalised young people and those with lived experience of the asylum system

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, participatory youth work

• Confidence in safeguarding, risk assessment and participant welfare

• Excellent communication skills in cross-cultural settings

• Ability to build trust, motivate young people and foster belonging

• Strong organisational and administrative skills; able to work independently

• Confident using digital tools (e.g. Google Workspace, CRMs)

• Understanding of the UK asylum context

• Commitment to OSH’s mission and values

Your Application

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from global majority communities and those with lived experience of seeking asylum.

You may use AI tools to support clarity, but we value personal insight, motivation and a genuine connection to Our Second Home.

If you care about our mission and are excited by this role, we encourage you to apply – even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Development Manager to help grow and embed our early help and family mental health services across the UK.

This is a senior, outward-facing role focused on securing statutory income, developing high-quality tenders, and building strong relationships with local authorities, Family Hubs and strategic partners. A key priority will be positioning KidsTime Workshops as a recognised, commissioned early help offer within local authority family support systems.

Working closely with the CEO, you will identify high-impact opportunities, navigate commissioning processes, and help ensure more children affected by parental mental illness receive timely, preventative support.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in local authority commissioning, business development or statutory income generation, who understands early intervention and wants to use their skills to create lasting social impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

Our Second Home (OSH) is a youth movement for young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders, and flourish in the place they now call home. Each year, thousands of displaced young people arrive in the UK facing isolation, disruption to education, and limited opportunities to belong. OSH exists to change that.

Our work begins with residential programmes, where young people form friendships, build confidence, and experience joy and belonging. From there, many go on to take part in our nationally certified Leadership Training Programme and our regular Youth Hubs in London and Bristol. With the right support, young people return as peer leaders themselves – shaping programmes, mentoring others, and helping to build a self-sustaining, youth-led movement.

We are now looking for a Communications & Content Producer to help bring this work to life. This role is about turning the energy, warmth and leadership that exists across OSH into compelling stories, images and short videos that deepen connection with supporters, recruit volunteers, and support fundraising and events.

The role (abridged - see attached job description)

The Communications & Content Producer is a freelance role, working 1.5 days per week, reporting to the CEO. You will be responsible for capturing and producing content from across OSH’s programmes – particularly youth hubs, leadership training days and residentials – and shaping it into consistent, values-aligned output across our digital channels.

This includes attending programmes to capture photos, short-form video and quotes; identifying moments that tell the story of OSH; and maintaining a simple, organised content library. You will lead delivery of a regular social media rhythm, with a particular focus on Instagram, including posts, reels and stories, as well as adapting content for other platforms where appropriate.

You will develop and run a small number of recurring content series, write clear and engaging captions in UK English, and design simple, on-brand graphics using tools such as Canva. The role also involves producing a monthly supporter email newsletter, keeping key website pages up to date, supporting fundraising pushes and events such as the Young Leaders’ Graduation Showcase, and helping amplify partners, funders and sector allies.

Alongside content creation, you will put in place light systems – a content calendar, simple co-creation processes for staff and volunteers, and basic analytics – to track what is working and refine output over time.

About You

You do not need a traditional communications background, but you should be excited by youth spaces, storytelling and social impact. You are proactive, organised and practical, with the confidence to work independently and make good use of limited hours.

You will have experience managing social media channels and creating content for an organisation, campaign or project. You are comfortable capturing and editing photos and short-form video on a smartphone, writing clearly and concisely in UK English, and adapting tone for different platforms including Instagram, email and LinkedIn. You care about quality, but you are not precious – you get content made.

Crucially, you are confident working in youth and community settings, committed to safeguarding and consent, and thoughtful about how young people are represented. You build trust easily, encourage others to contribute ideas and content, and understand the importance of protecting dignity as well as telling a strong story.

Experience working or volunteering in youth, refugee or grassroots community settings is highly valued. Alignment with OSH’s values – young people at the centre, acting with not for, leadership, and freedom and acceptance – is essential.

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

To apply

Please visit our website to download the recruitment pack and application form, and apply

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 9 February 2026 

First-round interviews: Wednesday 18 February 2026 (London) 

We are the only environmental charity working across the entire length of the River Severn. Our work is bold, ambitious, and rooted in science and community action. From urban streams to remote upland headwaters, we are tackling the biggest challenges facing our rivers through restoration, education, and collaboration. 

Your Role 

As Senior River Engagement Officer, you’ll take a leading role in our Community Engagement team – designing and delivering creative programmes that connect people with rivers and inspire action for nature. You’ll manage and mentor a growing team, develop exciting new projects, and secure funding to make them happen. 

Working in one of our operational catchments, you’ll build partnerships with schools, businesses, and communities, while delivering hands-on engagement activities – from citizen science and volunteering to wellbeing initiatives and outdoor learning. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of community engagement at Severn Rivers Trust. 

What you will do 

• Lead ambitious engagement programmes – from school learning and family events to volunteering and river health monitoring. 

• Manage and mentor River Engagement Officers and freelancers, fostering an inclusive and supportive team culture. 

• Develop new projects and secure funding, turning bold ideas into real-world impact. 

• Champion nature-based solutions and river wellbeing, helping communities understand how rivers support climate resilience and biodiversity. 

• Build partnerships across sectors, working with schools, businesses, and community groups to create shared benefits for rivers and people. 

• Act as the local lead for your catchment, delivering engagement that reflects local priorities and inspires action. 

Who We Are Looking For 

This is a senior role requiring proven experience in community engagement and project management. You’ll need: 

• A strong passion for rivers, wildlife, and nature conservation. 

• Experience leading engagement programmes such as citizen science, volunteering, education, or wellbeing initiatives. 

• Confidence in managing and mentoring staff or volunteers. 

• Excellent communication skills – able to engage, inspire, and influence a wide range of audiences. 

• Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery, and monitoring of multi-strand programmes. 

• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively across sectors. 

• Willingness to travel regularly within your catchment and work occasional evenings/weekends. 

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use is essential. 

Inclusive & Blind Recruitment Statement:

In line with Caudwell Youth’s recruitment policy, we operate a blind recruitment process to help ensure a fair and unbiased selection. At the initial application stage, we ask all candidates to submit only a CV and a covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4) 

Please use your covering letter to explain why you are interested in this position and to explain how your experience, skills, or achievements enable you to meet the person specification and support your application.

Your anonymised cover letter to this question will be the only information shared with the interview panel for the blind shortlisting process, so we encourage you to make it clear and impactful.

Should you be shortlisted for an interview, you will then be invited to fill in our full application form.

We value equity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

ABOUT US

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life. Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk. We support young people up to 25 years, who face real challenges in their lives. They may experience mental health challenges, be leaving care or be at risk of exploitation or offending.

We provide person centred support through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme called Shaping Futures for high-risk young people. Founded by the philanthropist John Caudwell in 2022, we now support young people across Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Slough, Buckinghamshire, and Luton.

Over our first 3 years as a charity, our work has consistently achieved exceptional outcomes for at-risk young people. 95% reduced offending behaviour, 64% reduced their exploitation risk, 83% reported improvements in their mental health and 45% had moved into education, employment or training. When a young person makes progress, families and communities benefit too. In fact, economic analysis shows that for every £1 invested in our programme, we save the public purse £6.05.

Unfortunately, demand for our service far outstrips supply, meaning we have often had to close our waiting lists. Whilst the risks and challenges young people face continue to grow. We currently support around 400 young people. The driving ambition behind our forthcoming strategy is to reach more.

To achieve this we are setting out to develop and expand our programmes. To become a national charity. We will do this working with at-risk young people, empowering them in everything we do. Our ambition to support more at-risk young people is shared with them.

OUR VISION: A brighter future for at-risk young people.

OUR MISSION: Empowering at-risk young people to shape their own future through mentoring and youth-led support.

Purpose of Role:

Provide strategic leadership on all Caudwell Youth’s external communications, ensuring they are effective in driving engagement and delivering our strategic goals.

Responsible as part of the Senior Leadership Team for the overall leadership of Caudwell Youth. Promoting the mission, vision and values of the charity, and the development and implementation of our strategic plan.

Key Duties:

Corporate leadership

• As part of the Senior Leadership Team work with the Board of Trustees to: develop and progress the organisation’s strategy, set and manage the organisation’s budget and ensure risks are managed effectively
• Lead by example, instilling a values-led and inclusive culture, with strong youth involvement

Commnications

• Lead on brand strategy, developing the brand to become more youth-led, reviewing our visual identity, core messaging, content and channels.
• Be responsible for digital strategy, leading development of our website and social media channels.
• Be responsible for our CRM, maintaining good data practices and delivering timely, integrated communications to our key audiences.
• Lead the development of communication plans, storytelling, assets and content; increasing the proportion of content created and delivered by young people.
• Provide the framework and support for youth participation in communications activities, working effectively with the Operations teams.
• Work with young people to identify influencers and celebrity/ambassador support to raise awareness and support our brand values.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement; including crisis communications with support from the CEO and John Caudwell’s PR team.
• Ensure our brand and communications convey a powerful case for support; working with the Fundraising team to create compelling donor communications to recruit and engage challenge participants and donors.
• Develop and deliver marketing strategies for volunteer recruitment to enable our mentoring programmes to grow.
• Gather and share the views and experiences of young people to influence change, building policy and campaigns activity as resources allow.
• Oversee the production of digital, printed and physical assets as required.
• Lead and manage the Communications team effectively, supporting development to maximise performance.
• Ensure effective processes and analytics are in place, reporting to SLT and the Board of Trustees on KPIs

​Administration

• Manage the Communications budget
• Be responsible for our marketing software, including CRM, and adhere to data retention schedules.
• Act as Data Protection Officer for Caudwell Youth
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

Experience:

Essential

• Proven experience in senior communications roles.
• Sound leadership and team management experience, with the ability to manage and motivate teams to achieve targets.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in communications, media relations/PR, advocacy and/or marketing.
• Experience of involving beneficiaries in communications activities, preferably young people
• An good understanding of GDPR.

Desirable

• Experience of working on charity communications
• Knowledge or experience of fundraising practices
• Experience of policy and campaigns
• Experience of working with young people
• Lived experience that aligns with the young people we support

Skills:

• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively as part of a senior leadership team.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling.
• An understanding of developing support journeys to promote engagement
• Proficiency in digital marketing and social media management.

We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.

Benefits:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid – working from home with travel as required
• WPA Healthcare (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
• Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
• Extra paid day off on your birthday
• Paid day off for volunteering in your community
• Training opportunities to support your personal development
• Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
• Being part of a passionate and dedicated team

Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.

As an organisation supporting young people with care experience, with mental health and those at risk of criminal exploitation and offending, we are keen to receive applications from those with lived experience. For those who are care experienced, we will guarantee an interview.

We actively seek to bring diverse perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from disabled people and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Corporate Fundraiser to help grow vital income through meaningful, long-term partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

This role plays a key part in delivering our fundraising strategy by connecting purpose-driven organisations with our mission to support children and families affected by parental mental illness. You will build and steward corporate relationships, develop partnership and sponsorship proposals, and represent Our Time Charity to external audiences.

Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you’ll help secure funding that directly supports our KidsTime Workshops and wider programmes – enabling children to feel supported, understood and less alone.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in corporate fundraising, relationship management or partnerships, who enjoys building connections, telling compelling stories, and turning shared values into lasting impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.