At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful services supporting vulnerable women and the homeless in Brighton & Hove.
- Company: Join Off The Fence, a compassionate organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while working in a supportive, faith-driven environment.
- Why this job: Shape trauma-informed services and empower individuals to rebuild their lives.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience and a passion for social justice required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a dedicated team and contribute to meaningful change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a senior leadership role managing our two flagship frontline services - Antifreeze and Gateway. You will lead 6-8 key workers and 30+ volunteers across two sites, overseeing day centre operations, street outreach, one-to-one keywork, group activities, and strategic initiatives. As a member of the senior leadership team, you'll shape trauma-informed, dignity-centred services whilst contributing to our longer-term vision of tackling root causes of poverty. You will develop our services to be ready for new initiatives around housing and community-based support. In addition, you will have the role of Deputy Safeguarding Lead for the wider organisation.
About Us
Off The Fence reaches out to break the cycle of poverty in Brighton & Hove, ensuring that no one is left behind. We believe in resisting poverty, empowering people, and restoring hope, and we work toward a future where social and spiritual poverty no longer exists. Poverty is complex—it’s not just about finances, but about housing, mental health, education, and belonging. To address these needs, Off The Fence now provides three core programmes, each offering a different form of practical and emotional support. As poverty in Brighton & Hove has increased, so has our commitment. At the heart of our work is a belief that every person deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.
The Gateway Programme is dedicated to empowering women facing crisis, emotional hardship, or practical difficulties. Our Gateway Women’s Centre is a trauma-informed safe space where our support team offer confidential, one-to-one emotional, practical, and spiritual support. Through drop-ins, an essentials bank, and referrals, we equip women to confidently navigate life’s challenges. Our goal-based workshops and wellness sessions provide opportunities for personal development while creating moments of joy and belonging. Gateway empowers women to rebuild their lives. Whether through restorative care, discipleship sessions, or access to external services, women supported can step into a future of stability, community, and hope.
The Antifreeze Programme exists to break the cycle of social and spiritual poverty amidst homelessness, providing tangible steps towards a permanent home and long-term stability. Since 1998, Antifreeze has been a safe and warm space for members, offering faith-based, practical support services that restore dignity and hope. At our Day Centre, we provide hygiene facilities (showers & laundry), medical drop-ins, and essential survival provisions to meet immediate needs. Through 1-to-1 sessions, we support members with housing applications, benefits, and financial stability, while goal-based workshops equip them with skills to attain permanent homes and ethical employment. Our discipleship sessions encourage an advanced understanding of the Christian faith, offering fellowship and spiritual growth. To address digital poverty, we offer computer access for job searches and reconnecting with loved ones. Beyond practical support, Antifreeze fosters healthy community relationships, improves mental health awareness, and helps members move toward ethical employment, reduced reliance on substances, and a forever home.
Main duties
- Operational Management
- Oversee daily delivery of day centre, street outreach, keywork, and activities
- Manage £300k budget across both programmes
- Ensure safe staffing ratios through effective workforce planning
- Maintain compliance with H&S, safeguarding, GDPR, and quality standards
- Design and deliver projects aligned with fundraised income
- Strategic Leadership
- Establish and drive a strategic vision for both programmes aligned with the Housing First approach
- Lead evidence-based service design informed by client needs and best practice
- Represent OTF at city-wide forums; build partnerships with local authorities and commissioners
- Hold budget responsibility of £300k ensuring financial sustainability
- Provide monthly KPI reports to senior leadership, Board, and funders
- Team Leadership
- Line manage 6-8 key workers: supervision, reviews, development planning
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members
- Ensure team has current knowledge of services and frameworks
- Recruit, train, and manage 30+ volunteers across programmes
- Foster a culture of excellence, compassion, and Christ-like service
- Client Practice & Partnerships
- Maintain oversight of trauma-informed, person-centred delivery
- Lead faith-based activities, including Bible studies and discipleship
- Champion client voice in service design
- Build relationships with housing, health, and voluntary sector providers
- Support fundraising through case studies and impact reporting
Adult Services Lead in England employer: Off the Fence Trust Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Off the Fence Trust Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adult Services Lead in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key, so the more you practice, the better you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after an interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Adult Services Lead in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for tackling poverty and empowering individuals shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at Off The Fence, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation for applying!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing teams and delivering services. We’re looking for someone who can lead with compassion and strategic insight, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key requirements of the role. Use bullet points if it helps to make your skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Brighton & Hove.
How to prepare for a job interview at Off the Fence Trust Ltd.
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Antifreeze and Gateway programmes. Familiarise yourself with their goals, services, and the specific challenges they address. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your leadership can enhance these initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Trauma-Informed Leadership
Prepare to discuss your experience with trauma-informed care and how it shapes your approach to leadership. Think of examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that prioritise dignity and empowerment for both clients and staff. This is crucial for the role!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Since you'll be managing a £300k budget, be ready to talk about your experience with financial management. Highlight any past roles where you’ve overseen budgets, ensured compliance, or driven financial sustainability. This will reassure them of your capability in this area.
✨Emphasise Team Development and Culture
Discuss your approach to team leadership, especially in managing key workers and volunteers. Share specific strategies you've used to foster a positive culture, support professional development, and ensure everyone is aligned with the organisation's mission. They’ll want to see how you can inspire and lead a diverse team.