284 Youth engagement jobs

YEF Detached Youth Work Area Lead

Relationships change lives.

At M13 Youth Project, we believe every young person deserves trusted adults who believe in them, walk alongside them and help them discover who they are, what they have to offer and the difference they can make. For over 30 years, we've built those relationships through detached youth work - meeting young people where they choose to be, listening deeply and creating opportunities for belonging, belief and hope.

We're now looking for an experienced Detached Youth Work Area Lead to join our team and play a key role in one of the UK's most ambitious detached youth work research pilots.

M13 is leading the Greater Manchester consortium delivering the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) Detached Youth Work Pilot. The Pilot aims to build a strong evidence base for detached youth work, combining outstanding frontline practice with rigorous evaluation to shape the future of youth work nationally.

Reporting to the YEF Detached Youth Work Project Lead, you'll work across three neighbourhoods and lead detached youth work in at least two of these, within M13's delivery of the pilot. You'll be responsible for delivering high-quality detached youth work outdoors in public spaces (on streets, in parks and other community spaces), modelling excellent relational detached youth work practice, supporting less experienced colleagues through day-to-day practice, contributing to monitoring and evaluation, and building positive relationships with young people, local residents, community organisations and partner agencies.

This is first and foremost a frontline detached youth work role. You'll spend much of your week in outdoors in parks, streets and neighbourhoods, building trusted relationships with young people through conversation, consistency and purposeful informal education. Alongside this, you'll help ensure high-quality implementation of the YEF Shared Practice Model within your neighbourhood patches, contribute to monitoring and reporting and work closely with the Project Lead and wider team to support the successful delivery of the pilot.

We're looking for someone who is a qualified (NVQ L2 in Youth Work) and experienced (2 years) detached youth worker, confident leading excellent practice and passionate about relational detached youth work. You'll be organised, reflective and proactive, with experience of taking responsibility for detached youth work within a neighbourhood, maintaining high-quality records, building effective local partnerships and supporting colleagues through encouragement, reflection and shared learning. Most importantly, you'll share our belief that relationships are the foundation for meaningful change.

This is a 22.5- 25 hour per week, community and office-based role (M13's full-time week is 37.5 hours). Your week will include six detached youth work sessions (three afternoons and three evenings), alongside planning, monitoring, partnership working and reflective practice. Some flexibility can be offered around when office-based work is undertaken, where operationally possible.

In return, we offer a supportive, reflective and values-led working environment, regular supervision, ongoing professional development, a generous employer pension contribution, TOIL for out-of-hours working, additional Christmas gift leave and the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research that could shape the future of detached youth work.

If you're an experienced detached youth worker, confident in leading work in ourdoor community public spaces, ready to combine outstanding frontline practice with leadership of detached youth work across neighbourhoods, learning and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

Youth Programmes Officer 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Reporting to: Youth Programmes Manager 

About us 

The Ben Kinsella Trust is one of the UK’s leading anti-knife crime charities. We were set up following the tragic murder of 16-year-old Ben Kinsella in 2008, and everything we do is guided by his legacy. Our mission is to prevent knife crime through education and campaigning. 

Ben was a kind, creative young person who loved art, music, Arsenal FC, and making people laugh. He had big dreams of becoming a graphic designer. His death was a senseless act of violence, and the outpouring of grief and public support that followed marked the start of a movement. Ben’s own words, written shortly before his death, called for change, and his voice continues to inspire our work.  

Through immersive workshops in our Choices and Consequences Exhibitions and free online resources, we have reached over 50,000 young people so far. Our work challenges myths about knife crime, strengthens peer influence, and sparks meaningful conversations. As we grow, we remain committed to honouring Ben’s life by making a real, lasting difference to young people across the UK.  

We’re a small but growing team of 11 (rising to 14), working across Programmes, Fundraising, Communications, Finance and Operations, and Leadership. Our Programmes team is supported by a brilliant pool of freelance facilitators and actors who help bring our workshops to life. We’re now looking for an Youth Programmes Officer to join us at this exciting time. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about evidence-based interventions, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is confident working to establish and maintain relationships with external organisations. 

Ben’s legacy is our guide – we exist to stop knife crime 

About the Role 

We are looking for an education or youth work professional who can deliver our programmes to a very high standard. You will be a skilled facilitator and communicator who can engage with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Additionally, we are seeking someone who shares our values and is passionate about using education as a tool to support and empower young people and to stop knife crime. 

As Youth Programmes Officer you will be responsible for the delivery and coordination of our flagship knife crime prevention workshops to young people, to a high standard. You will work alongside the Programmes team to ensure workshops at our London exhibitions (currently Islington and Barking & Dagenham) operate smoothly and consistently to serve young people through the achievement of quality outcomes and maximised engagement. You will play a key part in the delivery of our Youth Ambassador Programme and contribute to the development of new programmes and opportunities during an exciting period of growth for the charity.  

Key Responsibilities 

Programme delivery

• Deliver workshops to a range of groups (primary, secondary, PRU/AP and adults), adapting to different needs
• Ensure sessions are engaging, high quality, and responsive to feedback

Programme development

• Gather and analyse feedback to improve programmes
• Support the development of new projects and resources

Workshop coordination

• Coordinate day-to-day delivery across two sites
• Manage bookings, enquiries and pre-visit information
• Maintain strong relationships with schools and partners
• Keep CRM and booking systems up to date
• Coordinate freelance facilitators and support their onboarding and training

General

• Carry out other duties as required

Person Specification 

Experience

• Delivering workshops or training to young people
• Adapting structured programmes to different needs
• Managing behaviour and supporting young people with additional needs
• Coordinating multiple tasks or stakeholders
• General admin and use of digital systems

(Desirable: programme design, training adults, relevant qualification in teaching/youth work)

Skills and knowledge

• Strong facilitation and communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships
• Understanding of youth violence or knife crime
• Knowledge of inclusive teaching approaches

Personal qualities

• Passionate about supporting young people
• Reliable, organised and proactive
• Collaborative and professional
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Open to learning and continuous improvement

Benefits  

• Flexible working where possible
• 27 days’ annual leave (+ bank holidays), rising with service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Development opportunities

How to apply

Submit a CV and supporting statement outlining how you meet the person specification. Please also answer the two additional questions on the application form.

Applications close: Friday 18th September 09:30am

Interview schedule:

• 1st stage, Week Commencing 21st September (Virtual)
• 2nd stage, Week commencing 28th September 2026 (in person)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified, so we encourage early applications.

About us

The Alliance for Youth Justice is an alliance of more than 70 non-profit organisations advocating with and for children to drive positive change in youth justice across England and Wales. We mobilise our members’ frontline expertise, children’s lived experience, and evidence from research to champion a child-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed system that treats contact with the justice system as a sign of unmet need and systemic failure, prioritises support over criminalisation and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.

We're widely recognised as the most influential group campaigning for improvements to the system, with trusted access to decision makers, working towards three goals: keeping children safe from the youth justice system through prevention and diversion; racial justice across the system; and custody as a last resort for children.

About the role

Following the launch of our new strategic approach, our Influencing Manager will lead the development and delivery of AYJ's influencing, policy, public affairs and campaigning work to shift policy, legislation, practice and public narratives.

Campaigning, policy and public affairs (70%) — lead our influencing strategy alongside the CEO, spot opportunities for systemic change, develop evidence-driven policy positions and briefings, and build relationships with members, politicians, civil servants and stakeholders.

Strategic communications (30%) — ensure the reach of our influencing, write high-impact influencing content for our digital channels, and act as first point of contact for media enquiries.

Anti-opressive, anti-racist practice and youth voice run through everything, including involving children and young people with lived experience safely and meaningfully in our work.

About you

You have a proven track record of influencing for systemic change through policy, public affairs, communications or campaigning within a voluntary sector organisation or coalition, and know how to turn complex policy and research into compelling written communications for varied audiences. You have a thorough understanding of the political environment and Parliament, strong relationship-building skills, and excellent project management. You bring a genuine interest in youth justice and the issues facing children in England and Wales, alongside a personal commitment to anti-racism, social justice and child rights.

Why join us

We're a small team of three punching well above our weight, with real scope to shape how we work and few layers of hierarchy. We offer flexible, trust-based home working (within core hours), plus 25 days' leave (pro rata), Christmas office closure, and a 5% employer pension contribution.

We encourage applications from historically marginalised groups even if you don't meet every requirement, and we do not use criminal records to exclude candidates.

Please download the reruitment pack to find out more and read the full job description and person specification.

About us

The Alliance for Youth Justice is an alliance of more than 70 non-profit organisations advocating with and for children to drive positive change in youth justice across England and Wales. We mobilise our members’ frontline expertise, children’s lived experience, and evidence from research to champion a child-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed system that treats contact with the justice system as a sign of unmet need and systemic failure, prioritises support over criminalisation and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.

We're widely recognised as the most influential group campaigning for improvements to the system, with trusted access to decision makers, working towards three goals: keeping children safe from the youth justice system through prevention and diversion; racial justice across the system; and custody as a last resort for children.

About the role

Following the launch of our new strategic approach, our Operations and Membership Lead will provide the operational, financial and administrative backbone of the organisation — keeping our finances and governance on track, and coordinating our network of over 70 member organisations.

Finance, operations and governance (70%) — manage bookkeeping in QuickBooks, coordinate banking, prepare management accounts, support grant financial reporting, maintain internal systems (SharePoint, IT), lead on policy compliance (safeguarding, GDPR, health and safety), and support Board governance and statutory filings.

Membership coordination (30%) — manage the end-to-end membership process from enquiries to renewals, coordinate member surveys and data, and organise our events — quarterly member meetings, roundtables and webinars.

Anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice runs through how we work with our Board, staff, members and stakeholders.

About you

You have experience in an operations, finance or administrative coordination role within a non-profit or membership organisation, including managing the full financial cycle within a charity and a working knowledge of charity fund accounting. You're practically experienced with QuickBooks (or equivalent), highly proficient in Microsoft 365, SharePoint and Excel-based tracking systems or CRMs, and bring exceptional organisational skills, discretion and a proactive, self-motivated approach. You have a personal commitment to anti-racism, social justice and child rights.

Why join us

We're a small team of three punching well above our weight, with real scope to shape how we work and few layers of hierarchy. We offer flexible, trust-based home working (within core hours), plus 25 days' leave (pro rata), Christmas office closure, and a 5% employer pension contribution.

We encourage applications from historically marginalised groups even if you don't meet every requirement, and we do not use criminal records to exclude candidates.

Please download the reruitment pack to find out more and read the full job description and person specification.

As Fearless Youth Lead for Scotland, you will lead a national programme that empowers young people to understand crime-related issues and overcome barriers to reporting crime safely and anonymously. Working with schools, communities, government partners and key stakeholders, you will drive engagement campaigns, develop meaningful partnerships and lead a small team to deliver positive outcomes for young people across Scotland.

Please read the full job pack , before submitting your CV and covering letter.

FTC until March 2029 | Full time | Based in Scotland (Glasgow/Edinburgh) with regular travel | £36,000 - £38,000 DOE | PVG required

Youth Outreach and Community Worker (London - Waterloo)

Railway Children (UK Programme)

£32,000 per year plus 10% London weighting

Full-time – Permanent

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same?

If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As part of our current strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.

The role
We are looking to recruit a Youth Outreach and Community Worker in London as part of our UK Programme.

This role requires close working with partners, engaging and safeguarding young people in and around Waterloo Station, helping to identify and safeguard young people at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

You will be working closely alongside key partners such as British Transport Police, security staff, Train Operators, Youth Services and other local stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the development of our UK Safeguarding on Transport Programme and part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s safeguarding programme in the UK.

About you
We are looking for someone who brings experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people as well as experience of working in an outreach or similar community setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.

Alongside this you will be able to work effectively with community and statutory partners to safeguard young people.

You will have completed relevant training, have experience in safeguarding and in the issues relevant to vulnerable young and families. Therefore, you will be an experienced practitioner with an excellent understanding of safeguarding processes and procedures, who is able to work creatively, independently and within professional boundaries.

Your base would be at Waterloo station with regular travel to other stations and some home working. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

A full job specification can be found in the job pack.

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience.

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed.

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September

Online Interviews: Wednesday 30th September/Thursday 1st October

In person interviews: Wednesday 7th October/Thursday 8th October

We are looking for a passionate and engaging Youth Engagement Officer to join our new Thriving Change Makers programme, supporting young people aged 14–20 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs) to develop their confidence, leadership skills and ability to create positive change in their communities.

You will build trusted relationships with young people, schools and community organisations, recruit participants and facilitate engaging Youth Social Action Hub sessions. You will mentor young people to identify issues that matter to them and turn their ideas into social action projects, campaigns and activities.

You will also help young people develop their leadership skills and access opportunities such as Youth Ambassador, peer leadership, advisory and governance roles, while ensuring participation is inclusive, safe, accessible and genuinely youth-led.

We are looking for someone with experience of working directly with young people and facilitating inclusive group activities, who can build positive relationships, provide effective mentoring and support young people to take ownership of their ideas. Experience of youth-led social action or community projects would be an advantage.

This is a great opportunity to join an exciting new programme and help young people find their voice, develop their potential and lead change in their communities.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details about the role and requirements.

What we offer:

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 28 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Flexible and hybrid working (dependent on role) to ensure you enjoy a good work-life balance.
• Christmas office closure
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Promoting a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At CB Plus, we promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where we can all be ourselves. Everyone is treated fairly, individual differences are celebrated, and all employees are valued and respected. We actively encourage applications from disabled applicants, including those with mental health conditions, people from Global Majority and minoritised communities, and those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria as outlined in the Disability Confident Scheme. However, in the event of a high number of applicants, it may not be possible to interview all candidates who meet these criteria, and we reserve the right to limit interviews to a manageable number.

We also have experience supporting Access to Work applications to ensure that employees who need adjustments have the support they need to feel confident and do their best in their roles.

If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.

Location: Hybrid working in a CAKLC office base in Gravesend, Dartford, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Regular travel around Kent will be needed to meet young people and community partners. There will be scope for some home working, depending on needs of the service.

Are you passionate about empowering young people and helping them develop the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to thrive?

North & West Kent Citizens Advice and Kent Law Centre is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Youth Engagement Officer to lead an exciting project that puts young people’s voices at the heart of advice and support services.

In this role, you’ll work directly with young people across Kent, supporting them to create engaging digital content including videos, podcasts, graphics and social media campaigns. Together, you’ll transform complex topics such as money management, housing, consumer rights, benefits and employment into practical, accessible information that helps young people make informed decisions about their futures.

What you’ll be doing:

• Engaging and inspiring young people from diverse backgrounds
• Delivering workshops, creative sessions and outreach activities
• Supporting youth-led content creation across digital platforms
• Building partnerships with schools, colleges and community organisations
• Helping young people develop confidence, leadership and life skills
• Measuring impact and shaping the future of our youth engagement programme

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with young people or community groups
• Understands how social media can be used positively for education and engagement
• Is creative, organised and full of ideas
• Can build strong relationships and motivate others
• Is passionate about helping young people realise their potential

For further information, please download the job pack on our website via the Redirect button.

How to apply

Please send your CV, together with a short covering statement explaining why you are interested in the post and how your experience meets the role requirements.

There is no closing date — we are accepting applications until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.

This role is funded by The Crisis and Resilience Fund, on behalf of the UK government.

Centre Manager

Norbrook Youth Centre, Bordley Walk, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 0AR

Grade 6 Point 20 – 25, £30,750 - £34,303. (Full Time 35 hours, Permanent)  

Introduction

Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage. Our work is rooted in youth voice, inclusion, strong relationships, and high-quality youth work practice that supports young people to develop confidence, resilience, and skills for life.

GMYF also delivers outdoor education and residential experiences, including provision at Ormside Mill in Cumbria and other residential settings nationwide, as part of its wider youth work offer, working across teams to ensure young people benefit from safe, inclusive, and developmental opportunities beyond their local communities.

Purpose of Role:  

The Centre Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the youth centre and its wider community reach, with responsibility for high-quality youth work delivery and day to day centre operations, working within GMYF’s wider operational ad estates frameworks.  high-quality, inclusive local provision. The postholder is the professional lead for youth work practice and delivery within the centre, with responsibility for shaping, developing, and continuously improving provision in line with GMYF’s values, safeguarding standards, and strategic priorities. 

Reporting to the Director of Programmes, the Centre manager leads people, partnerships, and placebased development, ensuring the centre delivers strong outcomes for children and young people while contributing to the wider aims of GMYF.

Outdoor Education and residential opportunities are an integral and embedded part of the centre’s youth work offer, and the Centre Manager plays a key role in shaping, embedding, and developing these opportunities in partnership with the Outdoor Education Team to ensure they meet the local need and are accessible to young people.

This is a hands-on leadership role, balancing operational oversight with visible presence, relationship based practice, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management of Youth Work Delivery

• Provide strategic leadership for youth work delivery at centre level, including centre-based provision, outreach, and integrated Outdoor Education and residential opportunities, ensuring provision is planned, resourced and developed in response to local need, youth voice, and GMYF priorities.
• Provide clear professional leadership for high quality, inclusive youth work across centre based provision, outreach, offsite venues, and outdoor education youth work.
• Embed and champion GMYF’s youth work values, including youth voice, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Line manage staff including Youth Work Coordinator(s), Youth Workers, cleaners, and volunteers.
• Provide supervision, appraisal, and performance management, promoting reflective practice and professional development.
• Ensure staffing structures, rotas, and skills mix support safe, effective delivery.
• Foster a positive, professional, and supportive team culture.

Safety, Safeguarding and Compliance 

• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Hold overall safeguarding responsibility for the centre and linked activities.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are embedded, understood, and consistently applied.
• Promote inclusive, restorative and trauma informed practice.
• Ensure all safeguarding and behaviour related incidents are recorded, reviewed, and followed up.
• Maintain compliance with legislation, statutory guidance, and GMYF policies.

Centre Operations, Site Management and Health & Safety  

• The Centre Manager holds responsibility for day-to-day site oversight and compliance, with additional estates support provided through GMYF’s central operations arrangements.  
• Ensure the centre meets all Health & Safety and statutory requirements, working with GMYF’s Central Team and systems to maintain compliance.
• Oversee day-to-day site issues, Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), compliance checks, and inspections, escalating and co-ordinating works as required through organisational processes.
• Maintain oversight of building safety, security, and use of space.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained for staff, visitors, and young people.
• Ensure all off site activities, outreach, visits, and residentials are risk assessed and appropriately staffed.
• Hold overall responsibility for the safe opening and closing of the centre and the planning and oversight of fire, evacuation, and lockdown procedures, delegating operational leadership as appropriate when not on site
• Maintain good relations with neighbours and the local community.

Quality, Development and Partnership Working 

• Lead centre-level self evaluation and contribute to GMYF organisational development and quality frameworks.
• Monitor outcomes for children and young people and use learning to improve provision.
• Contribute to funding bids, monitoring, and reporting.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with stakeholders including schools, community organisations, statutory services, and internal teams to support joined-up opportunities for young people.
• Represent the centre in organisational initiatives and networks.

Outdoor Education and Residential Provision

• Hold responsibility for pastoral leadership of young people accessing Outdoor Education provision linked to the centre, while the Outdoor Education Team is responsible for developing and providing outdoor education opportunities. 
• Work collaboratively with the Outdoor Education Team to plan high-quality residentials and Outdoor Activities for the young people from the centre.
• Ensure good pastoral and wellbeing leadership before, during, and after residentials.
• Act as Group Leader and drive the minibus where required and appropriate, in line with compliance regulations.
• Lead reflective reviews following residentials and outdoor education activity.

Professional Conduct and Organisational Responsibilities

• Uphold GMYF’s values, policies, and professional standards.
• Ensure conduct reflects the responsibilities of a leadership and management role.
• Maintain a strong commitment to continuous professional development and reflective leadership practice, using supervision, learning, and organisational feedback to enhance personal effectiveness and support high-quality youth work delivery.
• Contribute positively to the wider culture and strategic development of GMYF.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role. 

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Professional Development

• Relevant qualification in Youth Work OR significant experience delivering youth work or related children and young people’s provision
• Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) and reflective leadership practice
• Willingness to undertake further relevant professional or leadership qualifications and development as required

Experience

• Experience delivering youth work or similar provision in a centre based, community, or outreach setting
• Experience supporting, supervising, or coordinating staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience working within safeguarding frameworks, including recording concerns and escalating appropriately
• Experience working with children and young people facing additional barriers to participation (e.g. SEND, trauma, disadvantage)
• Experience contributing to the planning, delivery, or improvement of provision, balancing operational delivery with quality and learning

Knowledge & Skills

• Sound understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and inclusive practice within youth or community settings
• Ability to promote positive behaviour cultures using restorative and trauma informed approaches.
•  Ability to provide clear professional direction and guidance to team and colleagues
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, adaptable to young people, families, partners, and professionals
• Ability to oversee the safe delivery of centre based, outreach, and off site activities
• Ability to maintain accurate records and contribute to reports and organisational learning
• Competence in using IT systems to support communication, administration and service delivery

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Ability to provide visible, values-led leadership within a busy operational environment
• Sound judgement and confidence in decision-making, with appropriate use of supervision, escalation and advice 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a wider organisational structure and across internal teams
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and young person-centred practice
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities and pressures

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and occasional weekends
• Willingness to complete required training (e.g. First Aid, safeguarding, fire safety) within agreed timescales
•  Enhanced DBS check

Desirable Criteria

• Degree level qualification in Youth Work
• Leadership or management qualification, or experience of leading teams in a youth work setting
• Experience contributing to funding bids, monitoring, evaluation, or reporting processes
• Experience leading or contributing to centre self evaluation or quality assurance frameworks
• Experience working in partnership with schools, local services, or community organisations

Other requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

This is a UK-based post and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your covering email. 

Please let us know if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process and we’ll be happy to support you.

• Closing date for applications: 21st September 2026 @9:00am
• Formal nterview date:29th September 2026
• Young person part of interview date: 30th September 2026
• Start date: As soon as possible

We are looking for an exceptional, highly motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time Youth Worker (Youth Voice), supporting our mission to enable young people who are homeless, facing homelessness or unsafe to achieve independence and positive futures.

The successful candidate will work within the Youth Work Team to deliver our frontline drop-in service and support our weekly and monthly activities to all young people experiencing homelessness.

You’ll specialise in youth participation, ensuring that a diverse range of young people’s voices are heard. You’ll also facilitate and lead on supporting our Youth Advisory Board and work alongside them to cultivate inclusive activities which increase youth participation across all our services. We have an ambitious plan to improve and accelerate our youth voice strategy and this role will be at the heart of this delivery.

You should be experienced in designing, planning and facilitating a range of activities and group work with and for young people and be able to work dynamically in a fast-paced day centre environment. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about youth engagement and skilled in bringing out the ideas, voices and opinions of young people to shape service delivery. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in running participatory youth projects, co-production, youth engagement sessions and/or community engagement.

The ideal candidate is a team player who enjoys working collaboratively across our organisation. This role also includes working closely with our Campaigns, Impact and Policy team to ensure young people’s voices are at the heart of our external campaigning work.

Finally, you will also be committed to the safeguarding of young people and delivering an inclusive and trauma-informed service.

This role will be based at our day centre in Camden, with some travel to other New Horizon projects within London.

Closing date for applications: Monday 21st September

Interviews: Thursday 1st October

Please note interview dates are fixed and will not be changed. Please ensure you are available on these days when applying for this role.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Head of Engagement is a strategically significant and high-impact role within the Philanthropy team, responsible for leading and developing Impetus’ engagement programme across both volunteering and pro bono support.

At Impetus, volunteering refers to opportunities for employees of our donor firms to engage directly with the young people supported by our portfolio partners, helping to inspire, motivate and broaden horizons through meaningful interactions.

Pro bono support is a core element of our capacity-building approach and a key way in which we strengthen the organisations we back. It involves skilled volunteers and partners contributing professional expertise to address strategic challenges and opportunities within our charity portfolio, helping to build capability, resilience and long-term impact.

The Head of Engagement will shape the strategic direction and lead the delivery of a high-quality programme of volunteering and skilled pro bono support, creating meaningful outcomes for portfolio partners while delivering engaging and rewarding experiences for supporters. The postholder will ensure that engagement opportunities align with Impetus’ investment priorities and organisational objectives, respond to donor interests, and maximise impact for the young people and charities we serve.

The role combines strategic leadership, relationship management, programme innovation and operational oversight. Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Investment, and engaging regularly with Public Affairs and senior leaders, the Head of Engagement will build, steward and deepen relationships with a wide network of corporate partners, major donors, and highly skilled volunteers.

The postholder will also lead and develop the Engagement team, comprising the Engagement Manager and Engagement Officer, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture that enables exceptional delivery, continuous improvement and professional growth.

As a key member of the Philanthropy leadership team, the Head of Engagement will play a central role in expanding and strengthening Impetus' supporter network, developing innovative opportunities for supporters to contribute their time and expertise, and ensuring our volunteering and pro bono programmes continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of young people, charities and partners.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a critical area of Impetus’ work, harnessing the expertise, networks and commitment of supporters to help more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in school, work and life.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop and deliver the engagement strategy and operational plan for the pro bono and volunteering functions
• Set and monitor KPIs, targets and budgets for engagement activity in line with organisational frameworks, securing approval from senior leadership where appropriate
• Lead the continued growth and development of volunteering and pro bono activity in alignment with organisational strategy and portfolio partner needs
• Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across Philanthropy and Investment to align engagement opportunities with organisational priorities
• Lead prospecting for the pro bono function, understanding the needs of our Investment Team and portfolio partners, identifying gaps in supporter skills and expertise and onboarding new organisations and specialisms 
• As the organisational lead for volunteering and pro bono engagement, advise senior leadership on engagement trends, sharing insights, learning and volunteering best practice internally and externally
• Lead, develop and coach the Engagement Team, creating a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture and ensuring clear objectives, development opportunities and succession planning 
• Provide guidance, support and oversight of delivery to the Engagement Team, line managing the Engagement Manager and supporting the development of the Engagement Officer

Volunteering programme 

• Lead the strategic development and continuous improvement of a high-quality volunteering programme, ensuring it delivers value for portfolio partners, corporate and donor partners and young people.
• Oversee programme quality and effectiveness across all volunteering activities.
• Build capability and strong relationships with portfolio organisations to support the design and delivery of high-quality volunteering opportunities
• Monitor participation, impact and quality across the volunteering programme, using data and feedback to drive improvements.
• Work closely with account managers in the Philanthropy and Partnerships team to drive and steward donor engagement.
• Develop new models of volunteering in collaboration with the Engagement Team, including governance and trustee pathways, skills-based workshops and intensive challenge clinics.

Pro Bono programme 

• Lead the development of the organisation’s pro bono programme and oversee the delivery of activities, ensuring high-quality support for portfolio partners.
• Set annual pro bono targets (including project value, number of projects, and supporter engagement) and lead the team to deliver on these
• Oversee the maintenance of a strong pipeline of projects from portfolio partners and supporters that meet the needs of portfolio partners.
• Source and cultivate new pro bono supporters, including companies and highly skilled individual professionals.
• Oversee and contribute to business development activity including prospect research, outreach, relationship building and partnership development.
• Steward existing strategic supporter relationships and create compelling supporter journeys that communicate impact and strengthen long-term engagement.
• Work closely with the Investment Team to identify, scope and prioritise pro bono projects, and work with the team to improve quality and impact in project delivery. 
• Ensure an effective team approach to project identification, prioritisation and matching across the programme.
• For select high-priority projects, directly match portfolio partner needs with appropriate supporters, ensuring an effective and high-quality project experience, with support from the Engagement Manager.
• Support select high-priority project kick-off meetings and maintain oversight of project delivery, stakeholder management and follow-up processes.
• Ensure appropriate evaluation processes are in place to capture project impact, supporter feedback and learning.
• Own quality assurance, review programme outcomes and impact data to drive continuous improvement
• Collaborate with the Events team to design and run relevant supporter engagement events.

Relationship Management and Donor Engagement 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with both new and existing corporate partners, major donors, volunteers, pro bono supporters and charity / sector stakeholders.
• Lead strategic account management of donors and supporters.
• Act as a key Account Manager for strategic engagement partnerships, notably the most high-value Pro Bono relationships.
• Work closely with account managers and senior stakeholders to maximise supporter engagement and long-term partnership opportunities.
• Contribute to the creation of compelling communications and marketing materials that demonstrate the value and impact of engagement activity.
• Represent Impetus externally at meetings, events and networking opportunities building effective and inclusive partnerships.

Operations, Systems and Reporting 

• Oversee the effective administration and operational delivery of the engagement function.
• Ensure accurate data management and reporting through Salesforce and related systems by the Engagement team.
• Maintain oversight of engagement pipelines, financial tracking and programme reporting.
• Lead quarterly reviews and reporting processes through the analysis and presentation of engagement data.
• Develop and improve systems, processes and operational efficiency across the engagement function.
• Ensure all activities comply with organisational policies, procedures and best practice.

Cross-Organisational Working

• Form part of the Philanthropy and Partnerships Leads group to lead and drive performance against fundraising targets and strategy.
• Collaborate closely with the Investment Team to identify opportunities for volunteering and pro bono support, especially driving innovation for both programmes.
• Build strong internal relationships to ensure engagement activity is coordinated and effectively communicated across teams.
• Attend and support Impetus events where required.
• Represent the Philanthropy team on internal projects, working groups and committees.
• Support wider team priorities and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive working culture.

Person specification

Essential

• Excellent relationship management skills with experience across a range of sectors, and track record working productively with senior stakeholders in corporate and charity organisations, including internally.
• Strong business development skills, with experience identifying and developing new relationships, partnerships, and engagement opportunities.
• Experience translating strategic priorities into operational plans, objectives and delivery.
• Strong project and programme management skills, including managing multiple priorities, budgets, timelines and stakeholders.
• Experience and understanding of how to design and implement inclusive, accessible and engaging experiences for a range of audiences, including young people and corporate supporters.
• Experience managing line reports or leading teams including coaching, supporting and enabling others to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities, solve complex problems and contribute innovative and creative ideas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences internally and externally through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• A collaborative and flexible working style with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Impetus.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working in, or closely with, the charity, youth, education or employment sectors.

Desirable

• In depth understanding of the corporate donor and philanthropy landscape.
• Experience in corporate fundraising or donor engagement, in particular with the financial services and investment sectors.
• Significant experience overseeing either a large corporate volunteering programme or a pro bono programme (e.g. 50+ projects).
• Experience working with Salesforce.
• Expertise in evaluation or impact measurement.
• In-depth understanding of the education and/or youth employment sectors in the UK.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 28th September 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

At One YMCA, we work alongside young people to help them develop confidence, skills, resilience, and positive futures. We are looking for an inspiring, experienced and motivated Youth Work Manager to lead and develop our local youth work provision, ensuring that high-quality, impactful services reach young people across our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our Youth Work Strategy, managing a dedicated team, driving quality and developing services that make a real difference in the lives of young people.

About the role:

Reporting to the Head of Youth Work, you will take operational responsibility for the delivery, development, monitoring, and quality assurance of our youth work services. You will lead and support Youth Work Coordinators and wider youth work staff, ensuring services are safe, effective, youth-centred, and aligned with One YMCA's strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of youth work programmes, specialist support services, mentoring initiatives, life skills courses, and large-scale youth events.
• Managing and supporting staff through recruitment, induction, supervision, training, and performance development.
• Monitoring contract performance, outcomes, impact data, and key performance indicators to demonstrate the difference our services make.
• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Leading quality assurance, compliance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement across the service.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and participating in the safeguarding on-call rota.
• Working with young people and teams to ensure youth voice is at the heart of everything we do.

We're looking for someone who combines strong operational leadership, experience in managing contractual compliance, with a genuine commitment to young people.

You will bring:

• Significant experience delivering and managing youth work programmes, projects, or contracts.
• A strong understanding of issues affecting young people's lives and a passion for helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing staff teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and partnership-working skills.
• The ability to analyse data, monitor impact, and use insight to improve services.
• A youth work or related community-focused qualification at degree level, or significant equivalent experience.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Location: Home-based role but with regular travel to YMCA youth work delivery sites across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, as well as to support the broader youth work within One YMCA. 

Driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.

If you are an experienced youth work leader ready for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you! 

Important: Please include a supporting statement with your application/CV.

We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, generally Monday to Friday but with flexibility of working pattern to support both the ideal candidate and business need. Some evening work expected, and occasional weekend, overnight stays or residential work.

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a resilient and compassionate Support Worker to help young people overcome homelessness and move towards brighter, independent futures.

Salary: £26,436 per annum
Location: South Tyneside
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, full time
Closing date: 27 September 2026

About the role

No two days will be the same in this rewarding role. As a Young People Support Worker, you will help young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability to build their confidence, develop practical skills and achieve greater independence.

You will manage a caseload of young people who need homelessness prevention or pre-tenancy support, developing personalised plans that help them secure accommodation and improve their wellbeing. By building trusting relationships and taking a creative approach to engagement, you will help each young person identify their strengths, overcome barriers and work towards their goals.

Your key responsibilities will include:

· Managing a caseload and delivering tailored, outcome-focused support

· Completing risk assessments and developing effective support plans

· Providing homelessness prevention and pre-tenancy support

· Delivering drop-in and planned sessions at the community hub and other local venues

· Supporting young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities

· Working with statutory services and partner agencies to provide coordinated support

· Maintaining safeguarding, professional boundaries and accurate records

· Completing health and safety checks and reporting concerns

· Supporting and supervising volunteers who contribute to the service

The role will involve lone working and responding calmly and professionally to challenging situations.

About you

You will be passionate about helping young people create positive change and able to build effective relationships with individuals who may be facing significant challenges.

You will bring:

· Experience of completing risk assessments and support plans

· A clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures

· The ability to engage young people creatively and sustain positive working relationships

· Confidence working independently and managing challenging situations

· Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

· Strong professional boundaries and personal integrity

· An effective and collaborative approach to partnership working

· A flexible and responsive approach to meeting the needs of the service

· A commitment to equality, diversity, dignity and respect

About Depaul UK

Depaul UK exists to end homelessness and change the lives of people affected by it. Since 1989, the charity has provided accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK.

Joining Depaul UK means becoming part of an inclusive organisation where every achievement matters. You will receive tailored training and development, 26 days’ annual leave rising with service, family-friendly policies, a pension with employer contributions of up to 7%, an Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access, a cash health plan and a range of retail and lifestyle discounts.

Depaul UK welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to fair, inclusive and safer recruitment. An appropriate DBS check will be undertaken where required.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Youth Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Key Worker, Project Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Community Support Worker or Young Person’s Support Worker.

Please note this role is advertised by NFP People, the recruitment agency acting on behalf of Depaul UK.

Each year Youth Careers Collective works with more than 6000 young people and we are supported by over 1000 employer volunteers, who take part in employer engagement events, careers and employability skills workshops, work experiences placements and one-to-one career mentoring.

The Youth and Volunteer Engagement Manager is a new role at Youth Careers Collective, establishing an active and well-supported alumni community, empowering our Youth Board, and actively engaging with and managing our wide network of Young Associates and volunteers.

This is an important and dynamic role in our team, seeking to develop deeper and more impactful relationships across our community.

To work effectively with these various stakeholders, you will be a natural relationship builder and an empathetic individual, with an understanding of different needs, extremely organised, able to identify opportunities and respond flexibly to change.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience

• Three years or more experience of working within a purpose-led organisation, such as a charity or social enterprise.
• Three years or more experience of working directly with and supporting young people (aged 16 to 24), ideally including young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Experience and understanding of how best to support inclusion and participation of young people with lived experience, alongside demonstrable experience of engaging and building productive relationships with marginalised and disconnected young people.
• Experience of working with and supporting diverse volunteers; driving recruitment, engagement and retention.
• Experience of designing and facilitating engaging and dynamic events, activities, learning and development opportunities, with and for young people and volunteers.
• Experience of managing and improving organisation wide systems and processes.
• A background and experience in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Youth work
  • Training and facilitation
  • Careers and employability
  • Education
  • Personal and professional development

Skills

• Adept and enthusiastic relationship builder, with the ability to engage and energise others, including with marginalised young people.
• Good communication skills, able to speak confidently with young people, volunteers, and senior professionals.
• Very organised, with an attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong IT proficiency, including the use of Excel and CRMs.
• Confident and effective at using a range of tools to support planning and project management.
• Able to create clear, professional and accessible resources and tools.
• Able to understand and explain complex concepts in a straight-forward and accessible manner.
• Able to self-manage, staying efficient and motivated and on task.
• Able to operate in a fast-paced environment without compromising on accuracy or quality.

Attitude

• Passionate and enthusiastic about improving young people’s lives.
• Highly motivated and energetic.
• Can take initiative and is comfortable working independently
• Thrives in a busy and fast-paced working environment.
• Positive and solution-focussed, able to maintain a positive approach to problem solving.
• Self-assured, with a ‘can-do’ approach.
• Welcomes feedback, with a desire to continuously improve and develop.
• A commitment to our organisation values of; empowerment, collaboration, reliability, quality and learning.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £36,230 per annum

• 28 days leave (inc. 3 days between Christmas and New Year)

• 2 volunteering days

• 1 life event day

• Matched pension contributions (up to 6%)

• Flexible working (our core business hours are 10am to 3pm)

• Life insurance (5 x annual salary)

• Canada Life WeCare employee support package