66 Youth services manager jobs in Birmingham

Job Title: Data & AI Manager 

Salary: £48,500 - £52,500  

Contract Type: Permanent, ideally, full-time (35 hours per week) although 28 hours or flexible hours may be considered 

Working location: Home based. The post holder should expect to come into the London based office a maximum of three days per quarter. 

Reporting to: Head of Technology & Transformation 

BACKGROUND 

For more than 20 years, Magic Breakfast has been helping children and young people start the day with the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. But the impact of breakfast goes far beyond food. Every morning, we help pupils arrive at school feeling valued, included, and ready to reach their potential. 

Today, 2.1 million children across the UK are at risk of hunger, the equivalent of four pupils in a classroom of 30. Working with schools in disadvantaged communities across England and Scotland, Magic Breakfast is committed to ensuring no child is too hungry to learn. One breakfast at a time, we are helping children and young people build brighter futures. 

This is a pivotal moment to join Magic Breakfast. Governments in both England and Scotland have committed to expanding access to free school breakfasts, recognising the vital role they play in children’s wellbeing and attainment. Yet significant gaps remain. Pupils in secondary schools, alongside younger children in nursery and early years settings, are still at risk of starting the day hungry. Hunger does not begin at age five, nor end at age 11, and neither does our mission. 

By joining Magic Breakfast, you will become part of a passionate, ambitious organisation driving lasting change for children and young people across the UK. 

JOB PURPOSE 

We are seeking an enthusiastic Data & AI Manager to play a key role in driving Magic Breakfast's new Data and Technology Strategy and supporting the organisation's transition towards more product-led, data-informed and AI-enabled ways of working.    In this new role, you will take on specialist management and be the subject matter lead for this evolving, business critical area and be responsible for the delivery, adoption and continuous improvement of Magic Breakfast’s data platform, reporting, AI and digital product capabilities. 

You will manage a small specialist team responsible for: 

• the development of a secure, scalable data platform (Microsoft Fabric, Power Platform and Salesforce) 

• the delivery of high-value reporting and data products 

• the identification and rollout of AI and data-enabled use cases across the organisation 

You will ensure that data, reporting and AI capabilities are aligned to organisational priorities, well-governed, widely adopted and delivering measurable impact. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the ongoing development, management and maintenance of Microsoft Fabric and the organisation’s data products, ensuring they are embedded and remain reliable, scalable and aligned with evolving busines needs. 

• Direct the design and implementation of scalable, reliable data pipelines from diverse sources, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and compliance with governance standards. 

• Work with direct reports and stakeholders to assess technical feasibility, dependencies, integration requirements and delivery approaches for new initiatives. 

• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to balance innovation and experimentation with appropriate governance, security and risk management. 

• Maintain and embed the organisation's data governance framework, ensuring data, reporting and AI-related activity is aligned with organisational standards, policies and priorities. 

• Support the delivery of the Data and Technology Strategy, ensuring data, reporting and AI capabilities contribute to organisational priorities and outcomes. 

• Translate the Data and Technology Strategy into team plans, priorities and deliverables, monitoring progress and adapting to changing organisational needs. 

Please see attached documents for full Job description 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

• Find more information on our website

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team (recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com)

Shortlisting: 14th – 17th September

Interview 1: 22nd – 23rd September 

Interview 2 and Informal Panel: 28th-29th September

Due to the high volume of applications, this role is likely to close early and we reserve the right to do so. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

12-month fixed-term contract | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Services to join our senior management team. 

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead nine services with nine direct reports, spanning criminal justice and housing/homelessness provision. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, you will need significant leadership experience across both Criminal Justice and Housing/Homelessness services, including housing or accommodation-based provision. 

You will understand the complexity of working across criminal justice, housing, local government and other statutory systems and be experienced in building effective relationships with commissioners and partners while maintaining strong operational and contractual oversight. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term appointment at an important stage in Cranstoun’s transformation, offering the opportunity to lead a significant portfolio, strengthen operational performance and help shape the future development of our operating model. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

The Senior Youth Inclusion Officer is a key role within the Youth Inclusion team, helping to connect insights and champion young people’s voices throughout our work.

You will be one of two Senior Officers leading on the day-to-day delivery of the Future Voices Group (FVG) – our flagship youth engagement programme bringing together young people with lived experience of facing barriers to employment. 

This will involve working across the organisation to support teams to work with young people, in line with our strategy.

• You will ensure our youth ambassadors meaningfully and authentically shape our activity, in particular through our engagement and influencing of key audiences and decision-makers across the youth employment system.
• You will bring awareness of the youth employment policy landscape, alongside experience of supporting young people with lived expertise to influence policymaking, programme design or service improvement through youth voice approaches.
• This role requires availability for regular evening sessions and occasional weekend commitments.

We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

Please download our recruitment pack for more information on this opportunity.

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.

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Youth Advocacy Manager to join the organisation.  The Youth Advocacy Manager plays a crucial role in empowering trans youth, advocating for their rights and fostering inclusive  and supportive communities where they can thrive.  This role is a core part of our management team and will drive the organization to ensure that youth voice is centred across all of our work.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

The role

As a Finance Manager at Cruse Bereavement Support you will oversee the day-to-day financial transactions made by Cruse Bereavement Support and ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of all income and expenditure transactions undertaken. You will also assist in implementing the financial control within the team, oversee month-end processes and monthly payroll, and prepare the monthly management accounts and supporting information.  This is a unique opportunity to gain experience at a national charity and make a difference.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages. If your application does not contain both a covering letter and CV, your application may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16th September 2026, with first interviews taking place week commencing 28th September 2026 via Microsoft Teams.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28th September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

We are looking for a dynamic, technically skilled Head of Evaluation to play a senior role in shaping and delivering Youth Futures’ evidence strategy.

You will lead a team of Evidence and Evaluation Managers and oversee a portfolio of complex evaluations, helping us generate credible, useful evidence about what works to support marginalised young people into good work.

• Reporting to the Deputy Director of Evidence and Evaluation, you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality delivery of a portfolio of complex impact evaluations.

• You will have a sound understanding of youth employment and/or skills and design evidence-generating projects in a complex field that includes partners from national and devolved government, the third sector and employers.

• You will manage a team of Evaluation Managers, supporting their development while delivering projects that inform Youth Futures’ strategic goals.

This is an opportunity to shape some of the most important evidence being generated on youth employment in England. The role suits someone who enjoys combining technical evaluation expertise with leadership, judgement and collaboration, and who wants their work to influence real decisions about how services, funders and policymakers support young people.

We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

Please download our recruitment pack for more information on this opportunity. To apply, please visit our website.

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.

Location: Remote; able to travel into London easily
Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, 35 days annual leave (in addition to bank holidays), £500 contribution towards work laptop
Reporting to: Director

About the Schools Consent Project

The Schools Consent Project is a UK-based charity dedicated to educating young people about sexual consent and healthy relationships. We deliver workshops in schools and educational settings led by trained volunteer lawyers. By introducing consent literacy at school, young people are more likely to make informed, ethical decisions and are less likely to experience or perpetrate sexual violence in later life.
Through this hire, we aim to scale access to high-quality consent education.

Role Summary

The Outreach Manager is responsible for driving the expansion of the Schools Consent Project’s reach, engagement, and impact across London and the South East. Acting as the organisation’s lead “sales” and business development professional, you will contribute to and manage our strong pipeline of partner schools and organisations, convert leads into confirmed bookings, and maximise long-term engagement.
You will own the end-to-end outreach and partnership journey: from prospecting and lead generation, through relationship development and negotiation, to repeat engagement and retention.
Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Lead Generation
 
•  Develop and execute a proactive outreach and growth strategy to increase workshop bookings.
•  Develop and maintain relationships with existing schools; ensure SCP’s workshop content remains responsive and reactive to the emerging concerns of young people when it comes to sex, consent and the online world.
•  Generate leads through cold outreach, referrals, events, and campaigns.
•  Contribute to and maintain a pipeline of new schools and educational settings.
•  Reinvigorate historic relationships with schools.

Account Management

•  Convert enquiries and prospects into confirmed programme partners.
•  Present the charity’s offer and impact to senior school leaders, safeguarding leads, and decision-makers.
•  Manage key accounts and ensure high levels of partner satisfaction and retention.
•  Promote additional workshops and programmes where appropriate (eg. teacher training; parent workshops).
•  Track booking trends eg. seasonal vs. reactive bookings; develop a communication strategy around each ‘type’ of school, involving timely booking reminders.

Pipeline, Targets & Performance

•  Manage outreach targets for bookings, partnerships, and regional coverage.
•  Monitor conversion rates, pipeline value, and performance metrics.
•  Produce regular forecasts and performance reports.
•  Use data and insight to refine sales strategies and improve outcomes.

Marketing & Promotion

•  Help develop compelling outreach materials and campaigns.
•  Deliver presentations, webinars, and pitches to prospective educational partners.
•  Represent the organisation at conferences, networks, and sector events.
•  Help gather case studies, testimonials, and impact data to support outreach and fundraising.

Delivery Coordination

•  Work closely with our Volunteer Manager and Operations Manager to match supply with demand.
•  Ensure smooth handover from booking to delivery.
•  Anticipate capacity constraints and manage partner expectations.

Team Leadership & Development

•  Contribute to the development of outreach systems, processes, and tools.
•  Share insights and learning across the organisation.
•  Oversee team members currently managing school outreach.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

•  Proven experience in sales, business development, partnerships, or outreach roles.
•  Experience working with schools, education providers, or youth services.
•  Track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
•  Excellent communication skills.
•  Strong relationship management and account development experience.
•  Highly organised, with strong CRM and data management skills.
•  Ability to work autonomously and drive results.

Desirable Criteria

•  Experience working in the charity, education, or public sectors.
•  Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection frameworks.
•  Understanding of social impact measurement.

Values and Approach

We are looking for someone who:

•  Is committed to our mission and values.
•  Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and integrity.
•  Works collaboratively and inclusively.
•  Is proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused.

Safeguarding and Equality

The Schools Consent Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We ask applicants to draft their applications without using AI (save for checking spelling or grammar), so that we can get a real sense of your suitability for the role.

To act as the organisational lead for St Basils’ feedback processes, ensuring the effective implementation of St Basils’ Comments, Complaints, and Compliments Policy. The postholder will oversee the complaints and feedback processes in their entirety, ensuring complaints are handled promptly, fairly and resolved with well‑evidenced outcomes.

The Complaints Manager will have a thorough understanding of the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaints Handling Code requirements and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code and for producing and submitting the relevant regulatory reporting.

The postholder will implement and lead an organisation‑wide lessons‑learned framework from complaints outcomes, driving change that improves services for thousands of young people, making sure they feel heard and respected.

Job Title: Independent Services Manager

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 25 hours per week

Salary: £22,857– £24,286 per annum (£32,000 - 34,000 FTE)

Location: Home based

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram Voice

Coram Voice is part of the Coram Group of charities. We are a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

About the Independent Service Manager role

We are looking for an experienced professional to manage our England wide service for complaints under the Children Act (1989) and Independent Person service for Secure Accommodation Reviews for children placed in secure children’s home under section 25 of the Children Act (1989).

The role will be responsible for the delivery of this national service managing a group of committed and dedicated associate Independent Persons, as well as managing the relationships with our commissioning authorities.You will have the credibility to work at a management level, and the skills and experience in the sector to support and manage people, relationships with commissioners whilst maintaining high standards of professional practice.

We want a leader who will build and develop our team of associate Independent Persons who act as Investigating Officers, Independent Persons, Stage 3 Panel chairs and panel members for Children Act (1989) complaints against local authorities, and Independent Persons for Secure Accommodation Reviews.

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring excellent service delivery that meets internal and external performance measures.They will hold responsibility for quality assuring work undertaken via contact with Independent Persons and scrutiny of investigation reports.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services.

This post will be home based (with access to our attractive Central London offices for those who wish to do so).

The post holder may on occasion be asked to travel within England as part of contract management or to attend staff and management events in London.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: 21st September 2026

Interview Date: 29th September 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

2026 Coram Voice - Registered charity no: 1046207

The role

Lead the growth and delivery of Cruse's External Training & Consultancy programme, combining business development, customer relationship management, and delivery oversight to make Cruse the leading provider of bereavement training in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You will be responsible for managing our external training programme. The programme has been delivering high-quality grief and bereavement training to over 370 external organisations and thousands of individuals for the past ten years. This role will be responsible for sourcing, planning and managing customer engagements, and ensuring Cruse is the leading training provider for loss and bereavement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You will be responsible for developing a sales and marketing strategy, targeting relevant organisations and selling our training products. You will be overseeing the organisation of training sessions and then handing over to one of our trainers to deliver the sessions, providing support where needed, monitoring and acting on feedback, and always ensuring a consistently high standard of customer service.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.  Please note that if your application does not include both a CV and covering letter, it may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026 with interview taking place week commencing the 28th September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

The role

Individual giving at Cruse is in its infancy; therefore, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced, proactive and creative individual giving expert to join, develop and build the role. We are looking to build all areas of individual giving including committed gifts, cash appeals, legacy and in memoriam gifts, and increase our supporter acquisition and retention. With integrated cross team planning and delivery between individual giving, events, campaigns, brand and supporter engagement.

Experience of using digital channels to grow income from supporters and creating an exceptional donor experience are key to this role. The Individual Giving Manager role is part of the Voluntary Income Team, that will drive development of both acquisition and retention channels to improve overall supporter experience, and therefore income. This is a great opportunity to make this role your own and set the direction for generating income from individual supporters alongside growing our legacy pipeline.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.  Please note that if your application does not include a CV and covering letter, it may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing 28 September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Support Line Manager to join the organisation. The role is a core part of the our management team and will lead and manage our support line services.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Change how the UK understands and supports bereaved children and families.

This is an exciting time to join Child Bereavement UK.

We are establishing a brand-new Research & Policy function and are looking for an ambitious Public Affairs Lead to help ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents shape policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and sector leaders to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, lived experience and influence, translating evidence into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy recommendations that make a difference.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new function, shape our national influence, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and families are heard where it matters most.

While based remotely, this role has a strong external focus and requires regular travel to London to represent Child Bereavement UK, build key relationships and engage with policymakers, partners and sector networks.

Role Purpose

As Public Affairs Lead you will play a central role in ensuring the voices and experiences of bereaved children, young people, parents and families influence policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, sector partners and influencers to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, policy and communications, helping to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and influencing activity.

Main Responsibilities

 Public Affairs & Policy Influence

· Develop and deliver public affairs plans that support Child Bereavement UK's strategic priorities and policy objectives.

· Use research, evaluation findings and lived experience evidence to identify policy gaps, develop influencing priorities and shape recommendations for decision-makers.

· Translate organisational evidence into clear policy asks and reform proposals for government, parliamentarians, public bodies and sector leaders.

· Identify opportunities to embed evidence and learning within national, regional and local policy frameworks, guidance and professional practice.

· Support the development of long-term influencing strategies that drive systemic change for bereaved children, young people and families.

· Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, government officials, policymakers and key sector stakeholders.

· Coordinate engagement with relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups, consultations, inquiries and policy forums.

· Support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions.

· Organise parliamentary events, stakeholder roundtables and engagement opportunities that raise awareness of bereavement issues.

· Work with the Head of Voice & Participation to ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are represented at all stages of policy development.

Advocacy & Campaigns

· Lead the delivery of advocacy and influencing campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Ensure advocacy campaigns are grounded in robust evidence, insight and lived experience, with clear objectives for policy and practice change.

· Work with the Head of Policy & Research to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

· Develop stakeholder engagement plans that support campaign objectives.

· Build relationships with partner organisations, coalitions and networks to strengthen collective influence.

· Develop compelling narratives that connect research findings with real-world outcomes and policy solutions.

· Work with colleagues to identify tangible actions that policymakers, practitioners, employers, schools and communities can take in response to emerging evidence.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.

· Build productive relationships with sector leaders, professional bodies, charities, academics and decision-makers.

· Coordinate engagement with strategic partners and external networks.

· Support senior leaders in stakeholder engagement activity through briefings, meeting preparation and follow-up actions.

Research Translation & Communications

· Develop evidence-informed policy asks, implementation recommendations and calls to action that support measurable change.

· Identify opportunities to move research and insight beyond publication and into policy development, service improvement and public discourse.

· Translate research, evidence and lived experience into compelling stakeholder communications.

· Produce parliamentary briefings, policy summaries, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure policy and research activity is effectively communicated to external audiences.

· Collaborate with the PR & Press Lead to identify opportunities to amplify policy and research messages through media and public engagement activity.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Insight

· Monitor and evaluate public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.

· Track policy developments, stakeholder engagement outcomes and influencing opportunities.

· Produce reports demonstrating impact, engagement and progress against objectives.

· Maintain stakeholder databases and records to support organisational relationship management.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

· Significant experience in public affairs, policy, advocacy, campaigns or stakeholder engagement.

· Experience building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, public sector organisations or influential stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK political systems, parliamentary processes and policy development.

· Experience developing and delivering influencing or advocacy campaigns.

· Experience producing briefings, consultation responses or policy-focused communications.

· Understanding of how evidence and lived experience can be used to influence decision-making.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong relationship-building and influencing abilities.

· Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

· Excellent organisational and project management skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Personal Attributes

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child.

· Collaborative and relationship-focused.

· Compassionate and emotionally intelligent.

· Proactive, resilient and self-motivated.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents

· Experience within the charity, health, social care or education sectors.

· Knowledge of bereavement, grief, loss or trauma-informed services.

· Experience working with All-Party Parliamentary Groups or parliamentary engagement activity.

· Experience working with research and evidence-based policy development.

· Experience working with lived-experience contributors and ambassadors.

· Understanding of campaigning, coalition building and systems change approach

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 17th September 2026 at midnight

Interview dates: 29th and 30th September on MS Teams

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.