At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead children's programmes, champion wellbeing, and design impactful interventions.
- Company: Join Afrikindness, a mission-driven organisation focused on transforming children's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable leadership experience while making a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in children's services and a passion for child wellbeing.
Lead our children and family programmes as Volunteer Head of Children's Team. Champion child wellbeing, safeguarding, and development through evidence-based, inclusive services. Perfect for children's services leaders passionate about transforming outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
Children are at the heart of Afrikindness's mission. Your leadership will ensure we provide safe, effective, and transformational support that helps children thrive despite adversity. You'll shape our approach to child wellbeing, strengthen safeguarding, and build programmes that make a lasting difference to children's lives and futures.
What are we looking for?
- Essential Senior leadership experience in children's services, family support, early years, education, or youth work
- Deep knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice
- Experience designing and delivering children's programmes or interventions
- Strong understanding of UK safeguarding legislation and frameworks (Working Together, Keeping Children Safe in Education, etc.)
- Experience managing or supervising teams working with children
- Commitment to children's rights, participation, and voice
- Excellent safeguarding judgment and risk management skills
- Culturally sensitive and committed to equity and inclusion
- Warm, child-centred, and passionate about children's wellbeing
Desirable
- Qualified social worker, teacher, early years professional, or equivalent
- Charity or nonprofit sector experience
- Knowledge of Bradford/Leeds children's services landscape
- Experience with vulnerable or marginalised children and families
- Understanding of neurodiversity, mental health, or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or experience
- Monitoring and evaluation experience in children's services
What will you be doing?
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and lead the strategy for Afrikindness's children and family programmes
- Set vision, priorities, and goals aligned with organisational mission and community needs
- Advise senior leadership and trustees on children's services, safeguarding, and child development
- Champion children's rights, voice, and participation in all our work
Volunteer Head of Children's Team - Volunteer employer: Afrikindness
Afrikindness is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families through inclusive and evidence-based programmes. Our warm and supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the charity sector. By joining us as the Volunteer Head of Children's Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping child wellbeing initiatives while making a meaningful impact in the Bradford/Leeds community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Head of Children's Team - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in children's services and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend local events or workshops related to child wellbeing and safeguarding – you never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to children's rights and wellbeing. Share stories of how you've made a difference in children's lives – it’ll help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on UK safeguarding legislation and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role. We want to see that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making a real impact in children's services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Afrikindness. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Head of Children's Team - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for children's wellbeing shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your senior leadership experience in children's services or related fields. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of safeguarding and child development.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key requirements outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our children's team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Afrikindness
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practices. Familiarise yourself with UK safeguarding legislation and frameworks like 'Working Together' and 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or programmes in children's services. Highlight how you’ve made a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to inspire others.
✨Be Child-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to children's rights and wellbeing. Share stories that illustrate your warm, child-centred approach. This will resonate with the organisation's mission and show that you truly care about making a positive impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about Afrikindness's current programmes and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if their values align with yours. It’s a two-way street, and you want to ensure it’s the right fit for both parties.
