The Head of People is responsible for developing, leading and strengthening the BHY workforce. This role sits at the heart of our strategic ambition to build a team of highly skilled, qualified Youth Work professionals, supported by an effective and confident wider team.
You will lead on:
- Workforce development and progression (Level 1-6 JNC pathway)
- Personal Development Plans and CPD across all roles
- Embedding a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice
- Ensuring our staff understand and respond to the needs of young people
You will play a key role in ensuring BHY continues to deliver youth work that is consistent, high-quality and rooted in the real needs of young people in Blackpool. This role is about growing people, raising standards and creating a workforce that delivers an exceptional youth work offer every day.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Strategic Leadership of People
- Lead the delivery of The BHY’s workforce strategy
- Drive the ambition to employ 20 qualified Youth Work Professionals
- Shape a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement
- Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the Senior Leadership Team alining with National Youth Work Strategy and Policy.
2. Leadership & Line Management
- Line management responsibility of Youth Work Managers
- Deliver consistent, high-quality reflective supervision and support.
- Hold managers accountable for:
- Staff development
- Team performance
- Quality of delivery
Support managers to confidently lead, challenge and grow their teams.
3. Workforce Development & JNC Progression
- Design and embed a clear Level 1-6 Youth Work pathway
- Track and support progression of staff through JNC levels
- Ensure all staff understand their development journey and next steps
- Build a strong internal pipeline of future youth workers
4. Personal Development & Continuous Learning
- Lead on Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and appraisals across the organisation
- Identify training needs and deliver or commission CPD opportunities
- Embed a culture of reflective practice across all teams
- Create opportunities for staff to learn from delivery, each other and young people
5. Understanding Young People & Practice
- Ensure staff are equipped to understand and respond to the needs of young people
- Support teams to reflect on their practice and adapt their approach
- Promote youth work that is relationship-led, inclusive and responsive
- Ensure young people’s voices inform staff development and programme delivery
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
6. Apprenticeships & Talent Development
- Lead and oversee BHY’s apprenticeship pathway
- Build strong relationships with training providers, universities and colleges
- Support the progression of young people and staff into youth work and operational roles.
- Strengthen BHY’s “grow your own” workforce model.
7. People Management & Support
- Provide guidance and support to managers on:
- Performance management
- Staff development and opportunities Wellbeing and Workforce Planning Disciplinary and grievance processes.
Ensure HR policies are consistent, compliant and reflect best practice.
8. Safeguarding & Professional Standards
- Ensure safeguarding is embedded within workforce development
- Promote high standards of professional behaviour and practice
- Work alongside the DSL to ensure staff are trained, confident and supported
THE PERSON
We are looking for a strong, values-driven leader who is passionate about people and youth work.
You will be:
- A natural leader who enjoys developing others
- Passionate about growing people and building teams
- Experienced in managing and supporting staff
- Committed to continuous learning and reflective practice
- A strong communicator who builds trust and relationships quickly
- Confident in holding people accountable while supporting their development
- Deeply aligned with the values and purpose of youth work
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Experience
- Significant experience leading teams within a youth or community setting
- Experience managing and developing staff teams
- Experience designing and delivering workforce development or CPD
- Strong understanding of youth work principles and practice
- Experience implementing performance management and development processes
Essential Qualifications
- JNC-recognised Youth & Community Work qualification.
- Level 3 Safeguarding (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience contributing to organisational strategy
Desirable
- Experience developing Level 1-6 Youth Work pathways
- Experience with apprenticeships or workforce development programmes
- HR or people management training (e.g. CIPD or equivalent experience)
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form () and send a Covering Letter to
Please email any enquiries to or tel:
Please note: We reserve the right to close the application process at anytime and therefore encourage early applicants.
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