Young Lives & Families Manager in London

Pay: £37,650 - £41,250 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week

Work Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Contract Period: Permanent

Location: London SW6

This charity, founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). Guided by the Social Model of Disability, they work to remove barriers and promote equality, inclusion and choice for all Disabled people. The organisation is a medium-sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 27 staff, and a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers, many of whom have lived experience of disability. They are proud that 100% of their Board and 54% of their staff identify as Disabled. They deliver four key services: Young Lives & Families, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

Purpose of the Role

The Manager for Young Lives & Families and Independent Living Advice & Support provides operational leadership and coordination across both departments. The postholder supervises project leads, ensures effective, person-centred service delivery, and maintains quality, compliance and accountability in line with the charity's values and the Social Model of Disability. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager supports planning, performance monitoring, budgeting and partnership development to ensure services for Disabled children, young people, adults and families are delivered to a high standard and meet contractual outcomes.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide clear, supportive day-to-day leadership across both departments, ensuring that services meet organisational and contractual requirements.
• Supervise and support the project leads for Youth, Supported Internships (H&F and K&C), Welfare Benefits Advice and Direct Payments Support.
• Coordinate delivery to ensure that all activities are inclusive, accessible and informed by the Social Model of Disability.
• Oversee compliance with statutory, contractual and safeguarding requirements, maintaining accurate monitoring and quality-assurance systems.
• Manage departmental budgets within agreed limits and contribute to forecasting, reporting and value-for-money reviews.
• Prepare and submit funding applications and tender bids, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring proposals are evidence-based and aligned with the charity's strategic priorities.
• Lead regular team meetings, supervision and appraisals; set clear objectives and support staff development.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local authorities, schools, colleges, employers and community organisations to strengthen outcomes.
• Support project leads with data collection, outcome reporting and evaluation (including use of Salesforce or other systems).
• Promote co-production and participation by Disabled people in service design, delivery and review.
• Contribute to planning and service improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance delivery and efficiency.
• Represent the charity positively at external meetings, networks and events, promoting their vision, values and expertise.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to encourage cross-organisational learning and shared practice.

General Responsibilities

• Work in line with the charity's aims, values and the Social Model of Disability.
• Follow the charity's policies on Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
• Actively contribute to team meetings, supervision and training.
• Promote the charity's services and values to partners, employers and the wider community.
• Be flexible and willing to carry out other tasks that support the smooth running of the service.

Organisational Responsibilities

• Work in line with the charity's aims, values and strategic priorities, promoting equality, inclusion and co-production in all aspects of your work.
• Follow policies and procedures, including those covering Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection and Confidentiality.
• Promote and represent the charity positively to partners, employers, funders and members of the public.
• Contribute to organisational development, suggesting improvements and sharing ideas to strengthen services.
• Participate fully in supervision, training, team and organisational meetings, and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Maintain accurate records and monitoring data, contributing to reports for funders, commissioners and internal use.
• Work flexibly across projects and departments when needed, supporting colleagues and adapting to new priorities.
• Ensure safe and responsible working practices in all aspects of your role, including the wellbeing of yourself and others.
• Uphold the charity's commitment to being a DPO led by and for Disabled people.

In return the employer offers

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Life Assurance (1x salary if enrolled in the auto-enrolment pension)
• Company sick pay (2 weeks after 6 months’ service; 1 month after 12 months)
• 2 weeks Disability Leave pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Additional Information

• Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required.
• Travel across Greater London will be required; travel expenses reimbursed according to policy.
• Managers are expected to work on-site at the organisation for at least four days per week (full-time equivalent).

Closing Date 24th July

Interview Dates 4-6th August

N.B. The employer reserves the right to interview and close the deadline early should a suitable applicant apply.

Equal Opportunity

The employer particularly welcomes applications from Disabled people, as they are currently under-represented in leadership roles across the wider voluntary and community sector. As a Disabled People’s Organisation, they believe lived experience brings valuable insight and leadership to this role. They will provide reasonable adjustments at all stages of recruitment and employment.

No agencies please.