At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead youth services and ensure a strong safeguarding culture.
- Company: Inspire, a charity dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Full-time role with impactful leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help shape the future for youth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth services and strong safeguarding knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Maternity cover (fixed-term for 12 months)
Full-time (37.5 hours a week)
At Inspire, we support thousands of young people each year to build confidence, develop skills, and move forward positively in their lives. Everything we do is shaped by our commitment to being Led by youth, driven by insight, and growing with purpose.
We are now looking for a Head of Services & Designated Safeguarding Lead (maternity cover) to join our Senior Leadership Team and continue leading our delivery across Suffolk during this period. This is a key leadership role within Inspire, responsible for providing both strategic and operational oversight of all youth-facing services.
You’ll lead 5 Service Leads across our core areas of:
- Youth & Community Work
- Personal Development
- Skills
- Employer Partnerships
Working closely with the CEO and wider SLT, you’ll ensure our services are high-quality, impactful, and centred around the needs of young people. You’ll also act as our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), playing a vital role in maintaining a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation.
You will be responsible for:
- Line management responsibility of our team of Service Leads, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Strategic oversight of service delivery, ensuring alignment with Inspire’s vision and strategic priorities
- Budget responsibility
- Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring best practice and compliance across all services
- Using insight, data, and youth voice to demonstrate quality and impact of services
- Building strong relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders
- Contributing to organisational strategy and planning as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience leading youth-focused services and driving impactful delivery
- Has strong safeguarding knowledge and experience
- Can manage budgets, contracts, and funding relationships effectively
- Is insight-driven, using data and feedback to improve services
- Builds strong partnerships and works collaboratively
- Has a genuine passion for supporting young people to reach their potential
If you’re ready to take on a senior leadership role where you can influence real change for young people, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to Andy Crump, CEO at andyc@inspirecharityuk.org
Closing date for applications is 1700 hours on Monday, 8th June 2026. Interviews will be held on Monday, 29th June 2026 and Tuesday, 7th July 2026 and we are looking for the successful candidate to start mid August 2026.
Head of Services/Designated Safeguarding Lead in Ipswich employer: Inspire Suffolk
At Inspire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people and fostering a collaborative work environment. Our culture is built on inclusivity and continuous improvement, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team. Located in Suffolk, you will be part of a mission-driven organisation that values insight and youth voice, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Services/Designated Safeguarding Lead in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the youth services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Highlight your leadership skills and passion for supporting young people.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Services/Designated Safeguarding Lead in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Services role. Highlight your leadership experience in youth-focused services and any safeguarding knowledge you have. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting young people and how your experience aligns with our mission at Inspire. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Insight-Driven Approach:In your application, emphasise how you've used data and feedback to improve services in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to drive impactful delivery through insight and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspire Suffolk
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead role. Brush up on your knowledge of youth-focused services, safeguarding practices, and how to manage budgets effectively. This will show that you’re not just interested in the position but also prepared to take it on.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine passion for supporting young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to youth development and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles. This will resonate with the interviewers and align with Inspire’s mission.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the organisation’s current challenges and future goals. This demonstrates your insight-driven approach and shows that you’re already thinking about how to contribute to their strategic priorities. It also gives you a chance to assess if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Build Rapport with the Interview Panel
Establishing a connection with the interviewers can make a big difference. Be friendly, approachable, and engage with them during the conversation. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can lead and collaborate effectively, so showing your interpersonal skills is key!
