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- Tasks: Lead impactful library services for children and communities, fostering engagement and inclusivity.
- Company: Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, committed to diversity and community welfare.
- Benefits: 40 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and champion equitable access to library services.
- Qualifications: Library qualification or significant experience, strong management skills, and safeguarding knowledge.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving community services and promoting equality.
The predicted salary is between 43545 - 52767 £ per year.
Job Title Children and Communities Manager
Salary Range £43,545 – £52,767 pa
Permanent
Full time
Location The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QH
Objective of role
As Children’s and Communities Manager, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful library services that improve the lives of children, young people, and targeted groups in Richmond upon Thames.You will ensure programmes are inclusive, efficient, and responsive to community needs, acting as a vital bridge between the library service and the communities it serves.Your leadership will foster strong relationships, drive engagement, and champion equitable access to a wide range of services and support.Through strategic vision and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
About the role
- Lead officer for library services to children and young people, advising senior management on strategic developments, future service delivery, and safeguarding compliance.
- Develop partnerships with voluntary and community sectors, schools, and other organisations, actively seeking sponsorship and the use of volunteers to extend creative reading opportunities and public benefit services.
- Ensure all libraries provide safe, high-quality, and relevant services for children, young people, and families, working closely with parents, carers, and partners.
- Manage and support a team including Librarians, a Volunteer Coordinator, and an Archivist, ensuring consistent application of staffing policies and professional standards.
- Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of annual programmes of creative reading promotions, events, and community activities, including reading schemes and outreach initiatives.
- Act as the safeguarding lead for the library service, promoting a safe environment for children and vulnerable users and liaising with relevant agencies as needed.
- Monitor service performance using data and evidence to track progress, identify trends, and inform planning.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
You will need:
- A recognised qualification in Library & Information Science or significant relevant experience.
- Up-to-date knowledge of strategic developments and trends in library services for children and young people and vulnerable communities.
- Experience of working in partnership and developing links with outside agencies and voluntary organisations.
- Proven ability to deliver and evaluate programmes of events and activities for children, young people, and the wider community.
- Experience of managing and developing staff, with strong interpersonal and adaptable management skills.
- Experience of acting as a safeguarding lead or demonstrable understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in a public service context.
Closing Date: 3rd November 2025 (midnight)
Shortlisting Date: 3rd – 14th November 2025
Interview Date : TBC w/c 24th November 2025
Test/Presentation: You will be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation as part of an interview
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone.We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan
Children and Communities Manager employer: LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
Contact Detail:
LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children and Communities Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the library and community services sector. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars to meet potential colleagues and partners. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for improving library services for children and communities. Share your ideas on how to engage young readers and foster community connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that presentation! Since you'll need to deliver a short presentation as part of the interview, practice makes perfect. Choose a topic related to library services for children and communities, and showcase your creativity and strategic thinking. We believe in you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. Don’t wait until the last minute; get your application in early to avoid disappointment!
We think you need these skills to ace Children and Communities Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Children and Communities Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key part of this role involves managing a team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've successfully led projects or initiatives that benefited children and communities.
Demonstrate Your Community Engagement: We want to see how you've built partnerships and engaged with communities in the past. Include any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to connect with diverse groups and enhance library services.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the specific needs and demographics of Richmond upon Thames. Familiarise yourself with local schools, community groups, and any recent initiatives that have been successful in engaging children and young people. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to creating inclusive library services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering relationships with various stakeholders, including schools and voluntary organisations. Be ready to discuss how you can lead a team effectively while ensuring high-quality service delivery.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since you'll be asked to deliver a short presentation during the interview, make sure to practice thoroughly. Choose a relevant topic that showcases your vision for library services for children and communities. Keep it engaging and interactive, as this will reflect your ability to connect with your audience.
✨Understand Safeguarding Responsibilities
Brush up on safeguarding policies and practices, especially in a library context. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how you would ensure a safe environment for children and vulnerable users. This is crucial for the role, so showing your awareness will set you apart.
