Strategy and Service Development Lead

£49,000 to £57,000 pro rata depending on experience (Band 7 AfC). As we approach our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce a brand-new role that will help shape the future of our organisation. This is an exciting chance for a Brazelton-trained visionary with clinical experience in the infant and perinatal field to make a real impact. You will bring your expertise in the Brazelton approach, the NBAS and/or NBO, to the forefront of our work, ensuring it continues to guide everything we do. Collaborating with our team and partners in the field, you will help implement a bold strategic plan and play a central role in developing innovative services for the future. If you are passionate about the Brazelton approach, embedding relationship‑centred care into services and want to be part of an organisation that values compassion, knowledge, and collaboration, this role is for you.

Post: Strategy and Service Development Lead

Responsible to: The Director

Responsible for: Strategy implementation, service development, programme development and partnerships

Base: Hybrid with some in person meetings at 66 Devonshire Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BL

Salary: £49,000 to £57,000 pro rata depending on experience (Band 7 AfC)

Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week (equivalent to 3 days per week)

Background: The Brazelton Centre UK aims to support the transition and adjustment to parenthood, focusing on the development and mental health needs of both babies and parents. Holding the baby in mind, the Centre, which is research and practice based, enables health professionals to facilitate relationship building between parents and their newborn at a time that is experienced as a major life event. The philosophy of the organisation is one of enabling effective service development, appropriate clinical intervention and sharing of expertise. The Centre, established in Cambridge in 1997, is a training organisation for health professionals and researchers who work with babies and parents. We offer training courses in the Newborn Behavioural Observations System (NBO) and Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale (NBAS). Brazelton Centre UK is one of four Centres in the world, teaching the NBO and NBAS, and the most active. Brazelton UK works in partnership with other organisations on training, surveys and research, including third sector organisations, universities, NHS trusts and organisations providing support for the under‑fives. Almost 6,000 practitioners have undertaken the UK training courses in both the NBO and NBAS. The Centre currently has a staff of 7 from different professional groups, in a range of roles, with 10 Trainers across the UK, able to teach specific courses as required. The charity has a Board of Trustees. The Strategy and Service Development Lead will report directly to the Director and be ultimately accountable to the Board of Trustees. The Brazelton Centre UK has developed a new Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, setting out ambitious goals to increase reach and impact, expand research activity, develop new training programmes and increase engagement with parents. This new post has been created to support the Director and Trustees in delivering this strategy and to lead the development of new programmes, partnerships and services that support the Centre’s mission. This is a part‑time post in the first instance and may entail some travelling in the UK and abroad for meetings.

Job Description Key Responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Strategic development and implementation: Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the implementation of the Brazelton Centre UK’s strategic plan. Lead the coordination and delivery of strategic initiatives designed to increase the reach, impact and sustainability of the Centre’s work. Identify opportunities for innovation and development of services that support professionals working with babies and their families. Work collaboratively with the Director and staff team to translate strategic priorities into practical implementation plans and measurable outcomes. Monitor progress against strategic objectives and provide regular updates to the Director and Trustees.
• Service and programme development: Lead the development of new programmes, services and initiatives in line with the BCUK’s strategic goals. Support the development of new training programmes and educational resources for health professionals and practitioners working with parents and babies. Work with colleagues, trainers and partners to design, pilot and evaluate new initiatives including antenatal and postnatal programmes. Work with the Director, staff team and trainers to support the development and implementation of online learning modules, webinars and digital educational resources that enhance the BCUK’s training and educational offer. Contribute to the development of digital resources that support professionals trained in the NBO and NBAS, including resources designed to strengthen implementation and reflective practice. Ensure that all programme development reflects current evidence and best practice in infant mental health, early development and parent–infant relationships.
• Partnerships and collaboration: Develop and maintain strong partnerships with external organisations including universities, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. Contribute to the development of professional networks and initiatives that support practitioners trained in the NBO and NBAS. Support the Director in identifying opportunities for collaborative projects, research partnerships and service innovation. Represent the Brazelton Centre UK in meetings, networks and events as appropriate. Promote collaborative working with partners in order to strengthen the Centre’s profile and maximise opportunities for impact.