At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to support and empower young people in Newham.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to youth safety and community strength.
- Benefits: Be part of a high-profile leadership team with a focus on impactful change.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant and diverse community.
- Why this job: Shape the future for young people and tackle inequalities head-on.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth services, partnership working, and a commitment to anti-racism.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
A defining role for young people in Newham. Newham is one of the most exciting, diverse and ambitious places in London. It is a borough of remarkable energy, creativity and community strength, and a place where the Council is determined that every child and young person should be safe, supported, heard and able to thrive. It is also a borough where stark inequalities exist, with high levels of deprivation and poverty. There is a need to continuously strive to tackle systemic and structural racism and discrimination in all that the Council and their partners do for our children, young people and families.
With the launch of Newham’s Youth Safety Strategy 2025–2028, the Council and its partners are moving decisively towards a whole-system approach to youth safety: prevention, safeguarding, disruption, opportunity and place working together to reduce violence, exploitation and harm. This is a defining moment for the borough, and for the services that work with and for young people.
The Director of Young People and Opportunities is a new role created to ensure Newham is at the forefront of excellent practice and outcomes for children, young people and their families, including enhancing the borough’s ability to tackle racism, inequality and discrimination that exists for our residents. You will lead a multidisciplinary portfolio spanning youth services, youth justice, targeted youth support, NEET reduction, post-16 education and wider youth commissioning. Reporting directly to the Corporate Director of Children and Young People, you will bring these services together under a clearer strategic vision, creating the conditions for earlier intervention, stronger partnerships and better outcomes for children and young people up to the age of 25.
This is a high-profile leadership role at the heart of Newham’s political and partnership agenda. You will work closely with elected members, the police, MOPAC, probation, health, schools, the voluntary and community sector, and young people and families themselves. You will strengthen key governance arrangements, including the Youth Safety Strategy implementation and Youth Justice Management Board, and help ensure that youth justice, youth safety and prevention are given the focus, expertise and traction they need.
You will inherit services with real strengths: committed teams, a strong safeguarding partnership, innovative practice in areas such as disproportionality and policing with compassion, and a borough-wide commitment to co-production. You will also bring the leadership needed to provide clarity, care and pace where services need to reset, repair and improve. Visible, relational and compassionate leadership will matter here, as will the confidence to grip performance, quality assurance, statutory responsibilities and delivery.
You will join part of a stable leadership team who run compassionate and collaborative services for children with an Ofsted rating of Outstanding.
About you
We are looking for a strategic and operationally credible leader with significant experience across youth, youth justice, exploitation, serious youth violence, early intervention and partnership working. You may already be operating at Assistant Director level or be an exceptional Head of Service ready to step up. A social work qualification is not essential, but you will need a sophisticated understanding of safeguarding, statutory youth justice, commissioning, performance, risk and the lived experience of young people.
You will be values-led, politically astute and able to hold your own in complex, high-profile environments. You will have a track record of addressing disproportionality and inequality, and bring a genuine commitment to anti-racist, anti-discriminatory, inclusive and community-centred practice. Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help Newham reduce harm, expand opportunity and build a stronger system around the children and young people who need it most.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a newly focused portfolio at a critical point in Newham’s journey, bringing together universal youth provision, targeted support and statutory youth justice within a coherent, ambitious and accountable model for change.
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Director of Young People and Opportunities employer: London Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Senior Educational Psychologists. With a strong commitment to professional development and flexible working arrangements, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in East London. The competitive salary and additional allowances further enhance the appeal of this rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Young People and Opportunities
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at London Borough of Newham.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from London Borough of Newham!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like London Borough of Newham, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at London Borough of Newham or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Young People and Opportunities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to London Borough of Newham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Newham! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Newham
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
