Youth education officer jobs

Contract: Full-time, Manchester (6-month contract initially)

Salary: £25,585-£31,239 per annum

Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026

Interviews will be held in Manchester in person w/c Monday 20th July

Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, is looking for a Junior Finance Business Partner (JFBP) to join our Financial Management team based in Manchester.

About us

We help vulnerable young people by giving them the practical and emotional support they need to find a job and live independently. Centrepoint provides homeless young people with accommodation, health support and life skills in order to get them back into education, training and employment. We want to end youth homelessness by 2037.

Together with our partners, we support over 16,000 young people each year.

The Junior FBP plays a key role supporting the Finance Business Partners as well as engaging with stakeholders across the organisation. It’s an exciting time to join the team as we develop and deliver a new strategy.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the FBPs and Senior Finance Manager with production of high quality reports and providing admin support
• Liaising with the financial accounting, rent, AP, AR and management accounts teams
• Meeting with your own set of budget holders on a regular basis
• Supporting with regular budget production, including multi-year budgeting and regular reforecasts

Why join Centrepoint?

In return for your efforts you’ll receive a competitive salary, excellent training and development, and a host of staff benefits including:

• 25 days of annual leave per year, rising by one day per year to a maximum of 27 days
• Healthcare cash plan (Cover the costs of a wide range of medical treatment including Dental, Optical, Complementary and Alternative therapies).
• Private Medical insurance
• Income protection
• Employer pension contributions of 5%
• Access to Cycle 2 Work loan scheme
• An interest-free travel loan

At Centrepoint we challenge the discrimination within society that contributes to youth homelessness, and we are just as committed to fairness and equality within Centrepoint itself. We are passionate about ensuring all of our colleagues are made to feel included in the work we do and that we value the rich diversity within the organization.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of homelessness or using young people’s services and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.

Centrepoint’s policy is to recruit, employ and promote people on the basis of their suitability for the work to be performed, and to this end, our aim is to ensure that all applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment.

Our approach to applications

We recognise that candidates may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support their applications. While this is absolutely fine, all examples and statements included must be truthful, accurate and based on your own experience.

We’re keen to understand your individual skills, experience and motivations, so please ensure your application reflects your own voice.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join our team as a Event Officer click ‘Apply’ now!

Welcare is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced manager committed to supporting local families to lead and manage their Family Centre and Family Resilience service in Redhill. 

The Family Centre is part of a local integrated system with a wide range of partners that builds family resilience in Surrey and seeks to improve life chances for the most vulnerable children.

You would manage a small, dedicated team of family support workers and have lead responsibility for supervising their work and ensuring delivery of our sub-contract with the YMCA.

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

Interview date: 27 July

The successful candidate will have empathy with Welcare’s Christian values base.

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

Chiva is looking for a compassionate and experienced Specialist Support Officer to provide emotional support, advocacy, and practical guidance to children, young people, and families affected by HIV across London.

About Chiva

Chiva is a charity in the UK whose mission is to ensure that children, young people and young adults growing up with HIV become healthier, happier and more in control of their own futures. Chiva works to ensure that young people living with HIV have the treatment and care, knowledge, understanding, skills and wider support needed to live well and achieve their greatest potential.

What You’ll Do

• Provide one-to-one and family support
• Advocate for young people across health, education, and social care services
• Work alongside NHS multidisciplinary teams
• Deliver engaging peer support events and group activities
• Help young people navigate their journey into adult healthcare services 

Who We’re Looking For

You will be a qualified social worker or registered health and social care professional with experience of supporting children, young people and families with complex needs. A passion for empowering young people and promoting inclusive, person-centred support is essential. 

Join Chiva and become part of a dedicated team making a real impact every day.

Please note that we are only able to accept applications submitted on our branded application form. We cannot accept CVs in respect of this post.

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification on the Chiva website for full details.

Deadline for applications: Thursday 9th July 2026.

Interviews to take place on: Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st July.

Caritas Social Action Network

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)

Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.

Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave

Salary: £30,00

Closing date: Monday 13 July at 12 noon

Interview date: Thursday 16 July in person, in London

CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.

Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.

The key responsibilities of the post are:

1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.

2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,

3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.

4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.

5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.

6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.

7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.

8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.

9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.

The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.

CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys both bid writing and relationship building.

Working closely with the Fundraising Manager, you will play a key role in securing income from trusts and foundations, supporting donor stewardship, and helping to grow community fundraising activity. You will contribute directly to the financial sustainability of the charity while helping more children gain access to books of their own.

The role is ideally suited to someone who is highly organised, a strong writer, and confident managing multiple fundraising activities simultaneously.

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.
 

We are now seeking an Deputy CYP Lead to join our CYP Team at this pivotal time on a permanent basis.

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead to support the development and delivery of our therapeutic services at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
 

Reporting to the CYP Clinical Lead, the successful candidate will play a key role in providing day-to-day leadership and guidance to CYP counsellors and therapists. You will help ensure that services for children and young people are consistently safe, effective, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred.
 

This is a varied and impactful role that combines clinical leadership, safeguarding oversight, service development, and line management. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to shaping, strengthening, and expanding high-quality CYP services.
 

What You’ll Do

• Support the CYP Clinical Lead with assessments, allocations and case distribution across CYP pathways
• Provide clinical guidance and day-to-day support to CYP counsellors and therapists
• Line manage allocated CYP staff and contribute to recruitment, induction and staff development
• Oversee group work programmes, including family support groups
• Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the CYP team
• Deputise as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as part of the rota when required
• Provide guidance on complex safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate escalation
• Contribute to service improvement, contract delivery and performance monitoring
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies and partners
• Deputise for the CYP Clinical Lead where required

About You

• Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent experience)
  Professional membership with an accredited counselling/psychotherapy body
  Minimum of 200 hours post-qualification supervised client work
  At least 3 years’ experience working with children and young people affected by rape and sexual violence
  Experience leading or supporting a team
  Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation (children and adults)
  Completed Level 3 safeguarding training
  Experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector
  Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centred and feminist practice
  Experience working with diverse communities
  Ability to use data and outcomes to support service improvement
• Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
  Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislationn

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Take the next step in your leadership journey
• Gain experience of safeguarding, clinical leadership and service development
• Support and develop a dedicated team of CYP practitioners
• Contribute to the future direction of CYP therapeutic services at RCSL
• Be part of a dynamic, creative and values-led organisation

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values-based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• Enhanced DBS checks where required
• Safeguarding training and supervision
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values

Rape Crisis South London is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented in leadership roles within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.
 

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.
 

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socioeconomic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture
   

We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.
 

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:

• Alternative interview formats or timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Accessible documentation
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
   

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Director of Programmes and two other panel members.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3 -4 weeks.

The role will initially be open for two weeks (until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 2026). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed therapeutic work
• Leadership responsibilities relevant to the role

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format to our recruitment inbox.

AI in Job Applications 
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

We are looking for a proactive and creative Marketing and Events Officer to join our award-winning charity. This is a varied and hands-on role suited to a marketing professional looking to progress their career in a dynamic organisation. Working across the charity and with our core operations, Outside the Box and Carers and Companions, you will deliver our day-to-day marketing activities. Creating and delivering compelling marketing, engaging content and creative communications as well as supporting a wide range of events, you will be a confident communicator, with a keen eye for design, strong writing and design skills and be highly organised, able to manage multiple projects across a range of areas. Great attention to detail and a passion for our work are essential!

Closing date – Tuesday 28th July 2026

The Operations Associate is an administration role which will provide vital day to day coordination for the Foundation's leadership and operations teams. This role will require close attention to detail, strong planning and organisational skills, and a proactive mindset. 

The Operations and Administration Associate will be comfortable working alongside all internal colleagues, and building relationships with external stakeholders whilst providing administrative support. 

The key areas of responsibility for this role are:

• Providing administrative and diary support to the CEO and Executive Team (40% of role)

• Providing administrative support to our programme delivery, supporting the smooth running of our activities and events (30% of role)

• Supporting the smooth running of organisation wide operations, including HR and finance administration, internal events and office management. (30% of role)

Team Overview

The role sits within our Operations Team, reporting to the Director of Operations. 

We are growing and strengthening our Operations Team, consisting of the Director of Operations, Events and Operations Officer, Programme Operations Officer and Finance Officer. Our remit is to ensure the smooth running of our organisation, through developing robust systems, efficient processes, accurate data management, and effective support for our programmes and partners.

This role will also contribute within a new cross-organisational circle that brings together colleagues from operations, communications and evaluation to share insights and support the ongoing development and quality of our programmes.

Duties

1. Administrative and diary support to Executive Team

We have an Executive Team consisting of a CEO, 3 Executive Directors and Director of Operations. Working closely with the team, you will:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the CEO and Executive Director's schedules.

• Proactively manage complex diaries, resolving scheduling conflicts and ensuring appropriate balance between meetings, event delivery and office time. 

• Manage travel arrangements, accommodation bookings, and logistics for the executive team.

• Provide meeting support, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and taking minutes or tracking action points for leadership meetings.

2. Administrative support to our programme delivery

You will hold close day to day contact with our Events and Operations Officer, who is responsible for the smooth running and participant experience at all of our in person events. We are growing our offer to our partners and programme members, and as such, have a growing number of administrative and supporting tasks, including:

• Support the logistics of external programme events, including booking venues, arranging catering, and managing travel.

• Produce and manage event registers and attendee lists.

• Assist with key processes relating to programme partner onboarding and offboarding.

• Support data entry and ensure accurate records are kept within our CRM (HubSpot) regarding programme activities.

3. Organisation wide operational support

We have a lean backbone team, who are responsible for the smooth running of our operational functions. We strive to implement policies and processes that are clear, and reduce burden on the wider team, which in turn allows them to focus on achieving our organisation's goals. You will:

• Finance Administration: Support the Finance Officer with routine financial administration, including raising invoices, tracking expenses, and assisting with the partner payment process.

• HR & Office Management: Support central operational tasks such as ordering IT equipment, managing office supplies, and assisting with basic HR administration (e.g. new starter onboarding documentation).

• Internal Events: Coordinate logistics for internal team meetings, staff away days, and organisation-wide events.

• General Admin: Monitor central shared inboxes, routing inquiries to the appropriate team members, and handle general administrative duties to ensure smooth office and remote-work operations.

Working at The Reach Foundation

Our Values

Here are the Reach Foundation, we have a set of lived values that guide our work; 

Rigour. We are clear slighted about the challenges babies, children and young people face. We use the best available evidence to inform our work, strive for excellence in all we do and support each other to attain this. 

Relationships. We invest in building the strong relationships needed to tackle challenging, complex problems. 

Intentionality. The most important decisions we make are about how we use our time and energy. We evaluate our work and think very carefully about what we start, stop and continue doing. 

Action. We have a strong bias to action. We believe that also long as we learn and adapt and work with others, we can make positive change for babies, children and young people. 

Justice. We are working to create a more socially just world. The way we work should always support that goal.

How we work

This role is advertised as working from home. Our Director of Operations lives in Leeds, and we would like to open this role to someone who is committed to working from a location near Leeds once a week/fortnight.

The role will not entail significant travel, but we would expect the successful candidate to attend 6 team days per year, and staff the occasional event.

We adopt an agile working policy, and believe great work happens when people feel trusted, connected, and able to adapt to what the day asks of them. In practice, agile working to us means:

• We expect you to fully deliver your work. Our commitments and deadlines to each other and our partners matter, and work is completed on time and to the standard our team agrees on. 

• You are trusted to organise your day thoughtfully, meaning you can start early or finish later, take a longer lunch break, or work from home. 

• We expect you to communicate regularly. A remote team relies on connection, therefore we expect you to keep your team in the loop, share challenges and be open to shifting plans if needed.

Ultimately, we believe blending responsibility with flexibility means you are able to bring your best self to work. 

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that we can't tackle the complex challenges facing babies, children, and young people, without catalysing action that draws from diverse perspectives and is led by a wide range of voices. We are therefore committed to an inclusive world where every voice, experience, and background contributes to our shared goal of a more socially just future for all - within, around and beyond our organisation.

As we seek to build a team as diverse as the communities we serve, we actively encourage applications from anyone who feels their skills, experience and motivations could serve well in this role. We strongly encourage those with varied lived experiences, disciplines and identities to apply.

Other Details

Salary: £29,664

Interview: Week Beginning 26th April (online)

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to guide First Step into its next chapter, following the announcement of the planned retirement of our current CEO after 11 years of dedicated service.

You join us at an exciting and transformative time. We are actively driving the organisation forward, focusing on long-term sustainability while ensuring we never lose sight of the families who rely on us.  We are looking for a CEO who shares our values, inspires others and can lead with vision, compassion and determination.

This is a hands-on, outward-facing role, leading from the front, championing First Step’s profile within the community and igniting the interest of existing and potential supporters and donors. You will need to:

• Inspire, energise and direct the First Step team of staff and volunteers, to consistently deliver outstanding support for families of children with special needs and or disabilities
• Foster a positive and proactive culture that embodies excellence and compassion at every level
• Shape and communicate a strong strategy and vision, ensuring that every aspect of our work aligns seamlessly with First Step’s objectives and values
• Actively seek out and embrace new possibilities to expand and enhance services, driving innovation to ensure the organisation continues to make a meaningful difference to the community

As we follow the recruitment requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education we do require a fully completed application with a full education and working history with any gaps explained.  A supplimentary CV can also be provided for additional information, but not in place of a fully completed Application Form.

At First Step, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is at the core of everything we do. Working closely with children, parents, staff, volunteers, and the wider community, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Our team is vigilant and proactive to identify and address any concerns, and to follow our robust procedures whenever there is a belief that a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm.

We are equally passionate about championing equality and diversity in our employment practices and the services we provide. First Step embraces inclusion, celebrating the unique perspectives and talents that each individual brings to our organisation. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds – regardless of race, gender, disability, age, marital status, sexuality, religion, background, or personality – to play a key role in building vibrant, sustainable communities. Our commitment is rooted in recognising and valuing the strengths diversity brings to our team and our wider community.

Please note: You will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of safety and trust.

Join the Cardinal Hume Centre and use your estates expertise to help create a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment for young people, children and families facing homelessness and poverty. This is a rare opportunity to lead both the long-term stewardship of a significant Central London site and the day-to-day delivery of facilities, compliance and improvement works that directly support life-changing services.

Working closely with the CEO, Head of HR and Operations and Board of Trustees, you will shape future plans for the Centre’s estate while ensuring the building remains safe, compliant, efficient and fit for purpose. If you are a strategic and practical estates professional who wants their work to make a tangible social impact, we would like to hear from you.

What you’ll do

· Lead long-term estate planning, capital works and building improvements – you’ll support our master planning for the site

· Oversee day-to-day maintenance, facilities management and contractor performance to keep the Centre running effectively

· Take organisational responsibility for health and safety, fire safety and statutory compliance

· Manage budgets, procurement and reporting, delivering value for money while supporting excellent services

· Support sustainability and environmental improvements that strengthen the Centre for the future

What we’re looking for

· A skilled estates, facilities or property professional with strong experience in building compliance, maintenance and project delivery

· A confident communicator who can work effectively with senior leaders, trustees, contractors and colleagues across the organisation

· Someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational oversight

· A values-led individual who is motivated by the opportunity to support a charity tackling youth and family homelessness

We are seeking a compassionate HCPC-registered creative arts psychotherapist such as an arts therapist, dramatherapist or music therapist to join our team for one day per week to deliver therapeutic support through our in school support Project HOPE. 

This is an opportunity to be part of a small but ambitious organisation that places relationships, compassion, and community at the heart of everything we do, while working alongside a supportive team dedicated to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. This position will initially be one day per week; however, there is strong potential for increased hours and days for the right candidate. Joining our small but fast-growing charity offers an exciting opportunity to develop alongside the organisation.

Project HOPE is a school based project offering therapy sessions as one-to-one or group work, making arts-based psychotherapy accessible to those who need it most. Project HOPE offers a creative lifeline for children who’ve encountered four or more adverse childhood expereinces (ACEs) and experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. It steps in where other local services can’t, providing support now and preparing children and young people for future life challenges.

We understand the emotional demands of therapeutic work and are committed to supporting practitioners to deliver high-quality, ethical, and sustainable practice. The successful candidate will receive regular clinical supervision and will have access to peer support, reflective discussions, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Newly qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, as we are happy to consider both those starting their careers and experienced professionals within the field.

Key Responsibilities include:

Therapeutic Delivery

• Deliver one-to-one and small group arts-based therapeutic interventions to secondary school-aged young people.

• Develop and facilitate creative therapeutic sessions tailored to the individual needs of participants.

• Build safe, trusting, and therapeutic relationships with young people experiencing complex trauma.

• Support young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and positive coping strategies.

Assessment and Planning

• Undertake initial assessments and contribute to identifying appropriate therapeutic support.

• Develop therapeutic goals and intervention plans in collaboration with young people and relevant professionals.

• Monitor progress and adapt interventions as required.

Multi-Agency Working

• Work closely with school staff, pastoral teams, safeguarding leads, and project partners to ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people.

• Attend relevant meetings and contribute professional insight where appropriate or share relevant information with the manager to attend on your behalf. 

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Maintain a thorough understanding of organisational and national safeguarding procedures and statutory responsibilities.

• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following organisational and school policies.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and professional standards.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Maintain appropriate case notes and outcome measures.

• Contribute to project reporting, evaluation, and impact measurement.

• Support the collection of feedback and evidence demonstrating project outcomes.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

• MA Qualified Creative Arts Therapist (Art Therapist, Dramatherapist, Music Therapist, or equivalent HCPC-recognised profession).

• Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.

• Experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, adversity, or significant emotional challenges.

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice.

• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within schools or educational settings.

• Experience delivering both individual and group therapeutic interventions.

• Understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on development.

• Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Knowledge of local support services and referral pathways.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental.

• Calm and emotionally resilient.

• Creative and adaptable in therapeutic practice.

• Able to build trust and engage young people who may be reluctant to access support.

• Strong professional boundaries and ethical practice.

• Committed to promoting the voice, wellbeing, and potential of young people.

Safeguarding

This role involves working directly with children and young people and is subject to an enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies and procedures.

Spark is looking for an inspiring leader to help lead our next chapter.

This is a part-time (20–24 hours), hands-on leadership role where you’ll work closely with staff, volunteers and trustees to shape strategy, grow projects, and strengthen community impact.

If you are:

• A confident, values-driven leader
• Passionate about supporting communities and families
• Skilled at building partnerships and driving change

we’d love to hear from you.

Spark is a friendly, community-focused charity making a real difference through the provision of services to families and residents across Burntwood. We’re looking for an inspiring and organised Chief Executive Officer to lead our work, support our team, and help shape the future of the charity.

          About the Role

This is a hands-on, people-focused leadership role where you’ll work closely with a supportive team of staff, volunteers, and trustees.

You’ll oversee key projects including:

• National Lottery Bright Beginnings Grow & Thrive (family support)

• Lichfield District Council Community Connections (support for residents)

  What You’ll Be Doing

• Demonstrating vision, energy and enthusiasm

• Leading and supporting a committed team of staff and volunteers

• Working alongside trustees to shape strategy and direction

• Developing and growing community projects

• Building strong partnerships locally

• Overseeing funding, budgets and sustainability

• Ensuring services genuinely meet local needs

  About You

• A confident and supportive leader

• A passion for provision of quality services to children and families

• Capacity for reflective practice and managing change

• Passionate about community work and making a difference

• Great communicator who enjoys working with people

• Organised and able to manage a varied workload

• Calm, flexible and solution-focused

           What You’ll Get

• A supportive and welcoming team of staff, volunteers and trustees
• Flexibility and a good work-life balance (20-24 hours negotiable dependent on candidate and skills - typically between Mon–Fri, 9–3)
• Some onsite and home working
• The chance to shape and grow a well-loved and respected award-winning local charity
• Lots of opportunity to bring ideas, develop projects, and enjoy a rewarding role whilst doing meaningful work that makes a difference
• Annual leave entitlement includes four weeks of flexible leave, to be taken at times agreed to suit your needs and service requirements, plus three additional periods of organisational closure (Christmas, Easter and a summer closure week), providing a total leave entitlement of at least six weeks per year.
• Wellbeing activities and focus
• Family friendly employer

            Key Details

• Location: Burntwood (with some home working and local travel)
• Hours: Part-time, all year round (not term-time only)
• Reporting to: Board of Trustees
• Hours: 20-24 hours per week. Dependent on candidate and experience.
• Job share/additional hours may be available.
• Salary: 37.5hr week FTE £40,775 equivalent to £20.91 an hr
• Contract: Permanent. The role is currently supported by National Lottery funding for an initial period of 3.5 years, with the CEO role being key in leading the organisation’s long-term sustainability and growth.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background, protected characteristics, or personal circumstances. We will use your personal data for recruitment purposes only, in line with UK GDPR. For further details, please see our Privacy Notice.

The deadline is 5pm 3rd July 2026

Email Spark for an application pack or more information

About Us

Slade Gardens Community Play Association is a small registered charity that operates a 1.25-acre staffed adventure playground in the heart of Lambeth. Our open-access service welcomes children and young people aged 0-21, providing them with the freedom to come and go independently while enjoying a diverse and stimulating play environment designed to support exploration, creativity and development.

About the Role

This is a genuinely hands-on, hybrid role. In this small organisation, one person will carry operational playwork leadership alongside fundraising, safeguarding, finance, governance, line management and community partnership. If you’d love being out in the playground itself as much as building the plans and partnerships that keep it thriving, we would like to hear from you.

Please see the full job description attached.

This role covers our Senior Social Media Officer’s maternity leave and takes full ownership of our social media strategy and execution across all platforms. This is a highly autonomous role requiring strategic thinking, creative leadership and strong analytical skills.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, varied working environment and be full of creative ideas. You’ll be as happy filming and editing engaging videos, as you are leading content planning or campaign delivery. You’ll be adept at making short, snappy videos for Instagram and longer form content for LinkedIn. You’ll have an eye for design and be confident on Canva.

You’ll be confident making independent decisions, managing multiple projects simultaneously and know how to unearth stories that bring our mission to life. A collaborative approach will be at the heart of how you work as you help position Chefs in Schools as an innovative changemaker in school food.

What else do you need to know?

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we urge you to apply anyway.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented communities, to apply.

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.

Key responsibilities:

● Develop and implement quarterly social media content planning aligned to organisational priorities, ensuring strategic forward-planning across all platforms

● Lead audience and sector-wide research to reach a diverse follower base through targeted content and share best practice across the charity

● Develop platform-specific strategies for underutilised channels, making data-driven recommendations about platform investment

● Create exciting, constantly evolving content across videos, graphics and copy that drives specific actions and conversions

● Maintain and develop brand consistency standards and content frameworks across all organisational social media channels

● Manage regular creative brainstorms to build a bank of content ideas and champion creative innovation

● Plan, pitch and deliver social media campaigns and organisational content programmes end-to-end, from concept through to launch and beyond — including production coordination, communications planning and stakeholder management

● Lead photoshoot planning and content production end-to-end, managing external agencies and professional photographers where required

● Plan and manage school visits strategically to maximise content output, coordinating permissions, logistics and team involvement and building ongoing relationships with school kitchen teams

● Develop briefs and guidance to empower wider team members to gather suitable content when needed

● Lead conversations on social channels, proactively sharing sector news with organisational commentary to position us as a thought leader, and build and maintain strategic relationships with relevant networks, schools, chefs, partners and influencers

● Plan, pitch and create strategic content to maximise partnerships, patrons and ambassadors, proactively identifying opportunities and ensuring prominent placement on our platforms

● Deliver analytics with strategic insights and recommendations, tracking meaningful KPIs including conversions, target audience growth and actions taken

● Use data to optimise strategy and prove return on investment, setting targets and deadlines for performance improvement based on insights

● Champion diversity, equality and inclusion in all social media content, and work collaboratively with the wider communications team sharing expertise on brand standards and best practice

Essential skills & experience:

• Demonstrable experience leading social media strategy and delivery across multiple platforms

• Proven ability to plan and deliver campaigns end-to-end with minimal oversight

• Strong creative skills with ability to produce engaging content across formats (video, graphics, copy)

• Strategic thinker who links social media activity to organisational goals

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality standards

• Confident working autonomously and making independent judgements

• Experience using analytics to drive strategy and demonstrate impact

• Solutions-focused approach with proactive problem-solving skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion

• Belief in our mission to improve children’s health through better food and food education in schools

Desirable skills & experience:

• Experience in the charity or public sector

• Knowledge of school food, education or public health sectors

• Experience managing relationships with external agencies or freelancers

• Understanding of brand development and consistency frameworks

• Experience using social media scheduling and management tools

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who work hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays. We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.