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- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes to improve mental health support for children and young people.
- Company: Join the Centre for Young Lives, a mission-driven organisation focused on systemic change.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and shape national conversations on social innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in social innovation and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Centre for Young Lives is looking for an exceptional individual to join us in a new and exciting national role as Head of Social Innovation and Systems Change. This is a unique opportunity to lead ambitious system change for children and young people through national and place-based programmes. You will build a team and programme of work to test and learn from innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, disseminate findings and embed systems thinking across our work.
Working with our specialist policy researcher for children and young people’s mental health, your initial focus will be working with leading strategic partners in two areas of England to innovate and test system change reforms to improve mental health and wellbeing support with a particular focus on early intervention and prevention.
About the Centre for Young Lives
Founded by Baroness Anne Longfield, a former Children’s Commissioner for England, the Centre for Young Lives exists to tackle systemic barriers and create better futures for children and young people. We want this country to be the best place to grow up and bring up children, and work with national and local leaders to remove barriers to opportunity and deliver innovative solutions for lasting change. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, systems thinking, and amplifying the voices of children and young people.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Strategy: Shape and deliver our new social innovation and systems change programme and team.
- Drive and deliver impact through place-based innovation and system reform.
- Collaborate: Build strong place-based partnerships with senior leaders, sectors and communities.
- Innovate: Champion new models and solutions that challenge the status quo.
- Learn & Share: Generate insights and influence policy and practice nationally and regionally.
- Develop and strengthen the organisation as a member of SMT.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in social innovation, systems change, and/or programme leadership.
- Strong strategic thinking, ability to lead and influence external stakeholders with excellent relationship-building skills.
- An energetic and resourceful commitment to delivering significant and lasting improvements in children and young people mental health through system change.
- A strong commitment and ability to listen to and engage with children, young people and families to understand and represent their lived experience.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and amplifying under-represented voices.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling systemic barriers for young people.
- Become a recognised national leader and shape national conversations on social innovation and systems change through tested evidence.
- Achieve impactful change to significantly improve outcomes for children and young people in local places.
Salary and Benefits
- A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).
- Policies which promote well-being and are family friendly.
- Hybrid-style working and flexible working approach.
How to Apply
If this sounds like you, please send the following to Recruitment@centreforyounglives.org.uk:
- a CV (maximum of two pages)
- a supporting statement setting out:
- why you are interested in this role
- how you meet the Person Specification within the job description
Closing date 13th February (Midnight) and interviews will be held 25th February.
We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. We are actively seeking to bring diversity of perspectives and experience to our team, and especially welcome applications from those from racially marginalised communities. We encourage applicants to complete our Equity and Diversity Monitoring form to better understand the diversity of applicants. This is anonymous and cannot be connected with your application.
We expect all staff to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. The Centre for Young Lives cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.
Head of Social Innovation and Systems Change employer: Centre for Young Lives
Contact Detail:
Centre for Young Lives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Social Innovation and Systems Change
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to social innovation and systems change. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing for children and young people. Share your ideas on innovative solutions and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current projects and challenges in social innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the Centre for Young Lives. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Social Innovation and Systems Change
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it concise, ideally two pages, and highlight your relevant experience in social innovation and systems change. Tailor it to reflect how your skills align with the role we're offering.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Clearly express why you're interested in the role and how you meet the person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your commitment to improving mental health for children and young people.
Showcase Your Passion for Collaboration: We value teamwork and collaboration, so make sure to highlight any experience you've had working with diverse groups or stakeholders. Share how you've built partnerships in the past and how you plan to do this in our mission to create lasting change.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Young Lives
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Centre for Young Lives' mission and values. Understand their approach to social innovation and systems change, especially in relation to mental health support for children and young people. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or programmes in the past. Highlight your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, as these are crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Express your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share your thoughts on equity and inclusion, and how you plan to amplify under-represented voices. This shows that you not only understand the role but also resonate with their core values.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their current projects, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
