Youth participation officer jobs

The role

Job Title: Youth & Community Engagement Officer

Part Time:          8- 12 days per month

Salary: £28-30,000 pro rata

Reporting to: Operations Director

Job Purpose:

 This role will lead the development and delivery of Allergy UK’s youth engagement initiative. We are beginning several exciting new projects focused on engaging young people who live with allergy and providing opportunities for them to have a voice and support them in raising awareness of the issues that affect their life. We are seeking young people’s participation and co-production in all activities we develop to support their needs. The role of Youth Engagement Officer will be to engage with young people across the UK, to ensure that they have the opportunities and support to shape and influence Allergy UK’s programmes and activities for young people living with allergy.

The Youth & Community Engagement Officer will engage with children and young people across the UK to ensure they are meaningfully involved and supported to influence Allergy UK’s services, campaigns and resources. This includes creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people and parents and carers feel listened to and empowered to share their experiences.

The successful individual will develop youth opportunities that build confidence, skills and life chances, while supporting children and young people living with allergy to overcome the social, emotional and practical barriers they may face. A key part of the role will be working collaboratively with parents and carers to ensure their voice inform decision making and design.

As a Youth & Community Engagement Officer, you will have experience of working positively with children, young people and families, and have a proactive, organised and confident approach.

Strong organisation skills and initiative are essential as you will be the lead Allergy UK’s youth provision.

You will coordinate a range of activities on-line and in-person engagement sessions, blogs, podcasts, learning opportunities and digital activities all rooted in co-production principles. You will work as part of a wider team to engage children, young people and parents and carers, to amplify unheard voices and stories, and help drive positive change for families living with allergy.

The post is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund until September 2028. As a grant- funded role, the postholder will be responsible for the effective delivery, monitoring and evaluation of agreed grant outcome and KPI’s, ensuring full compliance with funder requirements and reporting deadlines.

Your main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Key Accountabilities:

· Design, develop and deliver youth-led and family-centred services across three core areas:

o Continue to design and deliver youth-led services with the existing 18–25 youth group for people living with allergies

o Recruit, , launch and establish a new youth group for 13–17-year-olds living with allergies

o Recruit, launch and establish a support and engagement group for parents and carers of children and young people living with allergies

· Plan, project manage and deliver engaging co-production projects, building positive, trusted relationships with children, young people and parents and carers, and promoting meaningful participation.

· Create opportunities for young people to have a strong and influential voice, supporting them to engage in Allergy UK’s awareness- raising and public affairs activity to influence policy, improve services and drive change.

· Establish, develop and lead the Allergy UK Youth Forum, ensuring it is representative, inclusive and impactful.

· Support and develop young people to become champions and ambassadors for Allergy UK, building confidence, leadership skills and advocacy capability.

· Work collaboratively with a wide range of organisations including but not exclusively schools, local government, health and youth services and voluntary sector organisations.

· Develop and deliver training and development resources to support young people’s skills, understanding and personal development.

· Ensure all required documentation is completed accurately, secularly, and within agreed timescales, in line with contractual, safeguarding and reporting requirements

· Work closely with the Operations Director and wider staff team, providing insight and advice on issues affecting children, young people and families living with allergy.

· Develop and embed effective youth engagement procedures and best practice, ensuring a consistent, safe and inclusive approach across all activities..

· Take responsible for the health and safety including risk assessments and reviews for all youth and family engagement activities, ensuring safety and wellbeing of participants.

· Act as a key role holder for safeguarding, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is central to all youth and family engagement activity. This includes promoting a strong safeguarding culture, adhering to Allergy UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures, identifying and escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately, completing and contributing to risk assessments, and working closely with designated safeguarding leads and relevant staff to ensure safe, inclusive and compliant practice at all times.

· Maintain accurate and confidential records, ensuring the secure and compliant recording of sensitive data on Allergy UK’s Salesforce database in line with data protection requirements.

Person Specification

This role involves regular contact with children, young people and potentially vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in accordance with organisational safeguarding policies.

Essential:

 Education & Qualifications

 Degree or equivalent and demonstrable/relevant work experience.

Essential Experience

 · Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with young people

· Experience of directly engaging children and young people (ideally across different age groups, e.g. 13–25)

· Experience of developing and delivering engaging youth engagement opportunities, following best practice, and adopting methods of co-production

· Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating projects or programmes

· Coordinating online and inperson activities (e.g. groups, workshops, forums, events)

· Managing multiple workstreams and meeting deadline

· Experience working independently while contributing to a wider team

· Practical experience of working in a safeguarding‑aware environment

Desirable Experience

 · Experience of working with or supporting parents and carers, particularly in health, disability or community contexts

 The purpose of this job description is to focus attention on the most important aspects of the jobholders role. It is not intended to be a complete list of duties: therefore, it is to be expected that the day-to-day performance of the job will include tasks not listed above. The list of duties for which the jobholder is responsible may reasonably be varied or added at the discretion of the charity.

What you will bring

Essential Skills and Knowledge

 · Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities relating to:

o Children and young people

o Vulnerable adults

· Experience of recognising, recording and escalating safeguarding concerns in line with local and national guidance.

· Experience of recording accurate information on a CRM system, ideally Salesforce, ensuring timely and GDPR-compliant data entry.

· Experience of monitoring, evaluation and reporting against grant-funded KPIs.

· A Demonstrable experience of working directly with young people in a youth engagement/participation role.

· Demonstrate experience in the development and delivery of strategies to successfully engage, interact and promote development with young people.

· Experience in planning and delivering youth sessions and activities.

· Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and representing the views of young people.

· Experience of writing reports and meeting conflicting deadlines.

· Experience of managing people, resources, or projects.

· Skills and Knowledge Ability to engage with young people.

· Ability to work independently.

· Ability to motivate others and work as part of a team.

· To ensure young people feel safe and are safeguarded, by ensuring cross partnership and local safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to.

· Understanding of the issues facing young people.

· Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities policies.

· Evidence of challenging discrimination or implementing equal opportunities with young people.

· Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, especially regarding children’s rights, promoting inclusion.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Teams, Salesforce (or similar CRM) and Zoom

· Able to work flexibly to meet requirements of the role.

Desirable

· Understanding of allergy

· An understanding of the charity sector and the work of volunteers.

Behavioural Competencies

 Relating & Networking Working with People

Adhering to principles and values Persuading and influencing Formulating strategies & Concepts Planning & Organising

Attitudes

· A positive individual who can guide, inspire and motivate team members

· Decisive and determined

· Ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly when needed

· Ability to manage a large and varied workload, prioritising to meet competing deadlines

· Empathetic and sensitive

· A passionate commitment to delivering the charity’s vision, mission and values

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Your role will be located within the Youth Social Action team and will primarily involve direct work with young people (aged 14-25) on our activist programme, and the other youth programmes at YoungMinds. You will report to the Youth Social Action Manager and work closely with colleagues across the youth participation and safeguarding teams to deliver and support young people’s safe and meaningful engagement in youth programmes. You will also work cross organisationally with colleagues from various teams to support embedding youth participation in all of YoungMinds’ work.

Are you a passionate leader who wants to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people?​

We are looking for a Youth Service Lead to oversee and shape the delivery of our programmes across Bedfordshire. This is a key leadership role where you will ensure our services are safe, engaging, and impactful for the young people and families we support.​

At F4YP, we support over 500 children and young people across 50+ schools, providing safe spaces, enrichment opportunities, and vital pastoral support. As Services Lead, you’ll play a central role in making this happen every day.​

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading and managing high-quality delivery across face-to-face services

• Supporting and developing a team of delivery staff and volunteers

• Ensuring excellent safeguarding, pastoral care, and behaviour support

• Overseeing planning, staffing, and day-to-day operations across multiple sites

• Monitoring impact, quality, and outcomes to continuously improve delivery

• Working closely with schools and partners to support young people effectively​

What we’re looking for:

• Experience leading programmes or services for children and young people

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and pastoral support (SEMH/SEND desirable)

• Proven experience managing and supporting staff

• A hands-on, organised leader who can balance people, operations, and quality

• Someone who is passionate about helping young people feel safe, supported, and confident​​

Bedford/Bedfordshire | Full-time (37.5 hrs) | 3-year fixed term​​​​​​​​ | Working pattern: 9-day fortnight (one day off every two weeks), with full 5-day weeks required during holiday delivery periods

This role will support the development and delivery of our services and resources for young people born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Working closely with the Engagement & Services team to help us achieve our mission. 

The Youth Engagement Coordinator will sit within the Engagement & Services Team. They will join a friendly and supportive team of seven colleagues who, together, are responsible for the delivery of CLAPA’s adult, family, children and young people and involvement services. The post holder will develop and deliver services for eight- to seventeen-year-olds, which will enable the young cleft community to connect, share experiences and access guidance and emotional support. Shaping what support looks like, creating positive impact and strengthening reach, this new role for CLAPA will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people born with a cleft.

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

The Senior Evidence & Evaluation Manager will sit within the Impact & Evidence directorate at the heart of Youth Futures Foundation.

Working with three Heads of Evaluation, the Deputy Director and the Director, you will help ensure our evaluations are designed to generate credible evidence of what works.

You will:

• lead the design, commissioning and management of impact evaluations, including RCTs and QEDs. This will include feasibility or developmental work where interventions are not yet ready for full impact evaluation.

• work closely with independent evaluators and delivery partners and colleagues in our Programmes & Grants and Policy & Communications directorates to assess the evaluability of interventions, and lead the design and delivery of large-scale, complex impact evaluations.

• contribute to strengthening our ‘evaluation architecture’, leading projects that enhance data infrastructure and access to administrative datasets, and set standards for methodological rigour in the sector.

In addition, you will lead other aspects of the team’s commissioning. This may include developing policies and processes, supporting the Heads of Evaluation to strengthen commissioning practice.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our job recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research & Participation Programme Officer
Contract: Fixed-term, 24-months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £34,408 per annum
Location: Northern Ireland. (NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the Belfast BT15 office).

The Vacancy

This role will work across NCB’s Research and Participation teams, ensuring children and young people’s voices and lived experiences are embedded in the organisation’s evidence generation and implementation work.

Working across these high-performing teams, this role brings together research skills involving designing and undertaking primary, secondary, qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, combined with strong youth participation practice that supports seldom heard children and young people to be part of influencing systems change.

The successful candidate will work with senior colleagues in the Research and Participation teams to deliver a range of projects and programmes on topics including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; child poverty; youth violence and early years.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8:00am on Wednesday 27th May 2026.
Assessment and interviews to be conducted on 4th and 5th June 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

N.B. Unlike other new roles posted during our period of organisation change, this role will be advertised both external and internally from the outset, rather than internal only for 1-2 weeks. This is due to the requirements of the funder and grant conditions. If you have any questions on this, you will be able to contact the NCB People Team.

No agencies please.

Make a real impact in South Kilburn!  The OK Club is hiring a CEO to manage and lead the organisation as we continue to develop our presence and impact in our neighbourhood.

Thanks to funding from John Lyon’s Charity, we’re looking for a visionary leader, who is motivated by their Christian faith and who can inspire and equip our team and work with us to develop and deliver our strategic development plan.  If you’re someone who loves young people and community, and is passionate about seeing people flourish, we want to hear from you! 

Started by students and graduates of Oxford University (hence the OK in our name - Oxford Kilburn) The OK Club has been providing activities for children and young people for the past 60 years and we have exciting plans for our next phase of development.

As well as continuing our programme of youth and children’s activities, over the last couple of years we have also expanded our provision to make the club building available to the wider community.  Taking an asset based approach, our Community Animator enabled us to open our doors and connect in a new way with our neighbours.

As CEO you will be responsible for overseeing three key areas -

1. our youth & children’s work,
2. our community engagement, and
3. our building.

Applicants will have proven experience of leadership in a charity or community context.  The ability to work positively with young people is essential, and experience of managing a building and budgets is also important.

Our funding from John Lyon is initially for three years but we anticipate that, with a brilliant new CEO our funding will grow to make the post sustainable.

The OK Club is located in South Kilburn, North West London.  We currently find ourselves in the middle of a building site (quite literally) and that our neighbourhood is changing drastically. Brent Council are continuing their massive regeneration project - demolishing all existing tower blocks and replacing them with new ones, with a greater number of housing units.  While much around us is changing, our desire to support children and young people with play and development opportunities is as strong as ever.

The OK Club currently has:

• A part time Youth Work Development Officer who oversees our youth work programme.

• A part time Building Manager.

• A part time Community Animator.

• A part time Children's Worker.

• Four interns (two full time and two  part time, shared with churches), usually from abroad on gap year schemes.

• Christian Holt House which can accommodate up to five further individuals who live as part of the missional community and are required as part of their tenancy to contribute to Club activities.

• A small but important number of volunteers are recruited from among parents and the community generally.  We are keen to grow this team, particularly with older young people and other members of the local community.

Our site contains the following facilities:

• A sports hall

• 3 x activity spaces

• A kitchen

• Garden

• Two upper floors which are currently rented out to other organisations.

We have been funded by Brent Council to renovate our Sports Hall and have ambitious plans for our whole site development in the coming years.

The work of the OK Club is overseen by a Management Committee (Trustees) who meet every two months, and the post will be Line Managed by one of the Trustees.

Inclusion & Diversity:

The OK Club strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background. 

Safer Recruitment:

The OK Club is a Safe Recruiter and will require all applicants to undergo a DBS disclosure as well as taking three references. A criminal record is not necessarily a bar to working for us but must be declared on application.

Timetable: (subject to amendment)

• Post advertised - 18th May 2026

• Closing Date - 7th June 2026

• Shortlisting will take place in the following week and interviews will take place, week commencing 15th June.

The successful candidate may start as soon as they are available and appropriate checks have been carried out.

Application Process:

• Applications must be received by the deadline on our approved application form.

• Any expressions of interest received through Indeed, Charity Job or other online platforms will be sent the application form to complete and an application won’t be considered until a fully completed form is received.

• All applications will be acknowledged and considered in our shortlisting.

• Applicants who are shortlisted will be invited for an interview which will likely consist of a presentation, a task, and standard panel interview. 

• The recruiting panel reserves the right to request a second interview if they feel this is appropriate.

When you are completing the application form, please pay particular attention to the essay section which is where you can tell us how you fit the criteria listed in the person specification.

We Belong is a migrant youth-led charity based in London. We Belong exists to ensure young migrants living in the UK are treated equally and fairly in the society they call home. We Belong works with and for young migrants to hold those in power to account and fight for wider immigration reform.

Role: Community Organiser

Location: Manchester

Starting Salary: £32-£34,000 Full Time (depending on experience)

Inclusive: Enhanced training and development package which includes 1-1 coaching on organising.

Staff benefits: We Belong supports the holistic development of staff, which includes subsidised wellbeing provision. Employees also have access to a community of changemakers.

Travel: We have a London base; the successful candidate will need to travel to the London office periodically. All travel expenses and accommodation are covered by the organisation.

Plus 3% auto enrolment pension contribution, in line with government criteria.

We Belong is a migrant youth-led charity based in London. We Belong exists to ensure young migrants living in the UK are treated equally and fairly in the society they call home. We Belong works with and for young migrants to hold those in power to account and fight for wider immigration reform.

The Community Organiser will develop We Belong’s community outreach and youth organising in Manchester and the North, working with staff to identify target boroughs/wards, initiate partnerships and collaborations with local councils, community and grassroot organisations. The Community Engagement officer will have oversight of the Chasing Status Hyper Local Project which focuses on network creation, mobilisation for campaigns for shorter routes to settlement as well as early intervention to ensure that no young migrant is left behind.

Candidates with Lived Experience are welcome to apply, as well as those with an interest in social justice issues and experience in community organising.

If successful, the applicant will be joining an award-winning youth charity and a staff team dedicated to improving outcomes for young migrants between the ages of 16-25 years old and empowering young people to create change.

Applications open: Thursday 30th April 2026

Closing date for applications: 30th May 2026

Interviews: w/c 15th June 2026 

The Senior Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer will lead the delivery and ongoing development of wellbeing support for young people aged 16-25, participating in our programmes. Working closely with Programme Leads in the Youth Participation Team, the role will respond to emerging needs and ongoing safeguarding or wellbeing concerns to enhance young people’s experience and enable their safe, meaningful participation at YoungMinds

The Senior Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer will also play an active role in building and embedding an organisational safeguarding culture of care by supporting with the operational elements of safeguarding.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a strategic, outward-facing role where you will build partnerships, develop new opportunities to expand our reach and impact.​​

�� What you’ll be doing

• Leading the expansion of F4YP services into new geographical areas

• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, and partners

• Creating referral pathways to increase access for children and families

• Identifying opportunities and supporting funding bids and proposals

• Strengthening local systems to better support young people’s wellbeing

• Raising the profile of F4YP across new communities and networks

�� What we’re looking for

• Experience in partnership building, outreach, or service development

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Experience contributing to funding applications or commissioned work

• Ability to think strategically while delivering results

• A proactive, confident individual who thrives in a growing environment​

�� Bedford / Hybrid (Beds, Herts, Cambs) | ⏰ Full-time | �� 3-year fixed term | Working pattern: 9-day fortnight (one day off every two weeks

The Organisation

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is the UK’s leading children’s charity, driven by a single, unwavering belief: every child deserves to be safe, loved, and free from abuse. Established in 1884 and operating under Royal Charter, the organisation has spent more than 140 years working to prevent cruelty to children and create lasting change in their lives.

Today, that mission has never been more urgent. As the challenges facing children continue to evolve, from the risks of online harm to complex family circumstances, the NSPCC provides vital frontline support while also working to influence the systems that protect children. Each year, it helps make over a million children safer from abuse, with thousands of adults turning to its Helpline and children and young people relying on Childline’s 24/7 counselling when they have nowhere else to turn.

Working across all four nations of the UK and the Channel Islands, the NSPCC combines direct services, education programmes, and national advocacy to drive impact far beyond its immediate reach. Central to its work is a commitment to evidence-led practice, ensuring every action is informed by what works, and that the voices and experiences of children and young people remain at the heart of a safer, more protective society.

The Role

At the heart of NSPCC is its Services Directorate, delivering practical, child-centred support that helps keep children and young people safe. These services translate the organisation’s mission into action through prevention, therapeutic support, and strengthening safeguarding practice.

The Services Director will play a critical role in shaping the NSPCC’s future as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, leading the development and delivery of a national services strategy and overseeing a complex portfolio of services.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading high-quality national and local services that improve outcomes for children and young people
• Shaping and delivering the services strategy to support the organisation’s wider ambitions
• Driving integration and impact across NSPCC and Childline services
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including the Chief Executive, Board, and external partners

The Person

This is an opportunity for a collaborative, values-driven leader to navigate complexity, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting difference to children’s lives at scale. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Extensive experience and proven track record at Director level of successfully developing and delivering services, including co-production and collaboration with partners, in a complex stakeholder environment that have a measurably positive impact for beneficiaries.
• Highly experienced in child protection with demonstrable knowledge and experience of child safeguarding. A social work qualification will be highly advantageous.
• Proven experience leading and managing teams of functional experts, overseeing significant income and expenditure budgets, and driving operational performance through the setting and monitoring of clear, aligned objectives.
• Experience of designing and delivering transformational change and driving performance management using appropriate quality and management methods and models, to deliver efficient and effective services.
• Demonstrable understanding of the operational context for services including the commissioning and market environment.
• Experience of managing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, and confidence in dealing with, and influencing, senior employees and volunteer colleagues, and producing and imparting clear and non-technical advice and information.
• Values the different skills and attributes of others, utilising the insight, experience and expertise of colleagues.
• Experience of representing an organisation at the highest level. Clearly articulates a compelling vision, focussing on both what the future might hold and the more immediate stepping stones to realise those outcomes.
• Challenges constructively and evidences a willingness to receive constructive challenge in order to drive our individual and collective efforts forward.

Further Information

For further information about NSPCC, the role responsibilities, and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this key role within the NSPCC and feel you have the skills and experience required, please include the following with your application:

• An up to date CV with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement which addresses how you meet the criteria for the role as detailed in the Person Specification. Please also discuss your motivations for applying.

Closing date for applications: Monday 1st June 2026
Preliminary interviews with Russam: 12th-16th June 2026
First stage interviews with NSPCC: Week commencing 29th June 2026
Second stage interviews with NSPCC: Week commencing 6th July 2026

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. 

We are seeking a self-organised, motivated individual with a keen interest in mental health to join us as a Sector Development Officer (Mental Health Alliances).

The role focuses on facilitating, coordinating and encouraging collaboration across the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, with a particular emphasis on youth and adult mental health provision. This includes sharing information and opportunities, gathering sector insight, and providing tailored guidance and signposting to support effective partnership working.

Our preferred candidate will be committed to developing a strong understanding of the VCFSE and Health sectors in Cheshire East. They will be confident in networking and presenting to groups of varying sizes, and have a commitment to fostering collaboration. They will be able to present information in a variety of formats, and be able to manage and prioritise their own workload.

Further details

•     Recruitment pack: Available below

•     Closing Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026

•     Interviews: 8th June 2026  (Crewe)

Communications and Engagement Officer 

Lambeth Links (Registered charity 1193637) 

Role: Communications and Engagement Officer 

Hours: Part-time, 3 days / 22.5 hours per week. We will consider flexible working. 

Annual Salary: £26,000 to £28,000 pro rata per year depending on experience.

Location: Lambeth, London SE1. Hybrid working with at least one day a week in the office and regular work across the borough.

Working hours: Some evening and weekend work will be required, for example to attend community events, meetings and Pride related activity. 

Right to work: Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. 

About Lambeth Links 

Lambeth Links are recruiting a Communications and Engagement Officer to support our charity’s meaningful work across Lambeth.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community. 

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change. 

This role is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities award. 

About the Role 

As Communications and Engagement Officer, you will support the implementation of our digital strategy by driving digital reach, keeping the community engaged, and supporting events that keep our charity visible and relevant.

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Experience of generating and delivering engaging online content, such as social media graphics and posts, short-form video content, newsletters and other promotional material. 

• Experience of communicating with audiences effectively at different levels both in person and online, ensuring outputs are accessible and engaging for relevant stakeholders and communities. 

• Experience of managing diverse online systems and programmes, such as Wordpress and Meta, including engagement data reporting and search engine optimisation (SEO). 

• Experience and an understanding of GDPR regulations. 

• Experience of delivering events, including venue logistics, registrations, access needs, risk checks and follow up communication.

• Experience of delivering volunteer strategies, including volunteer management best practice within a community setting. 

• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice. 

How to Apply 

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on Thursday, 28th May: 

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.

• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role by addressing the following: 

1. Your understanding of the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within Lambeth. 
2. Your experience delivering digital strategies and creating engaging content across social media, websites, and design apps. 
3. Your experience delivering events, including handling logistics, stakeholder communication, and post-event evaluation. 
4. Your understanding of database management and GDPR compliance. 

• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.