At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance IPS services across London, mentoring teams and improving performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic not-for-profit organisation dedicated to social change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and equity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employment outcomes while working with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in IPS services and strong communication skills.
We are seeking an experienced IPS professional with strong leadership experience to support the quality, performance and development of IPS services across London.
Salary: £49,000 plus £5,000 London Market Premium
Location: London/Hybrid, with a mix of remote and onsite working across London
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 11 September 2026 at 9am
First stage interviews: 23 September 2026, via Zoom
Final interviews: 1 October 2026, face to face
About the Role
This is an opportunity for an experienced IPS Team Leader, Senior Employment Specialist or Service Manager to use their expertise to improve the quality and impact of Individual Placement and Support services. Working with IPS teams, commissioners, health system leaders and national stakeholders, you will provide practical support, mentoring and quality assurance to help services deliver high-fidelity IPS and achieve strong employment outcomes. The role involves significant travel across London, alongside remote working.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting regular in-person and virtual visits to IPS services
- Coaching and mentoring IPS Team Leaders and Employment Specialists
- Supporting services to improve performance, quality and fidelity to the IPS model
- Leading IPS fidelity reviews, guided self-assessments and follow-up action planning
- Working with commissioners and health leaders to identify barriers and improve service delivery
- Supporting workforce planning, performance management and outcome forecasting
- Building strong relationships with regional and national stakeholders
- Supporting services to improve data quality and reporting
- Facilitating learning networks, workshops, webinars and communities of practice
- Supporting the delivery of racially equitable IPS services and measurable improvement plans
About You
You will have recent leadership experience within an IPS service at Team Leader, Senior Employment Specialist or Service Manager level, alongside comprehensive knowledge of the IPS model and its practical application. You will also bring:
- A strong track record of improving IPS performance and employment outcomes
- Experience working with stakeholders at both operational and strategic levels
- Strong knowledge of IPS fidelity, implementation challenges and best practice
- Experience supporting positive change within services or systems
- Confidence navigating performance and quality conversations
- Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- A structured approach to problem solving and the ability to develop practical solutions
- A commitment to race equity and evidence-based employment support
- The flexibility and willingness to travel regularly across London
About the Organisation
Join an ambitious not for profit organisation working to design, fund and scale better solutions to complex social problems. The organisation works in partnership with governments, funders, communities and the social sector to create lasting change across areas including employment and skills, health and social care, children and young people, housing and homelessness. This role sits within IPS Grow, a national programme supporting the expansion and quality of Individual Placement and Support services across England. The programme works with mental health, primary care and drug and alcohol services, providing expert support to improve fidelity to the IPS model and employment outcomes. The organisation offers a supportive and collaborative working environment, alongside high-quality training, development and opportunities for career progression. Applications are actively encouraged from under-represented and minoritised groups, including people with lived experience of the social issues the organisation works to address.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: IPS Team Leader, Senior Employment Specialist, IPS Service Manager, Employment Services Manager, IPS Programme Manager, Supported Employment Manager, Employment Support Manager, IPS Lead, Regional Employment Lead or Employment Programme Lead.
IPS Grow Regional Lead in London employer: Social Finance
Social Finance is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful work and community impact, making it a perfect fit for those passionate about education and social change. With a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and offers hybrid working options, employees can thrive while contributing to the delivery of impactful learning experiences for vulnerable communities in London. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Grow Regional Lead in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Social Finance.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Social Finance.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Social Finance.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Social Finance. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Grow Regional Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Social Finance. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like IPS Grow Regional Lead, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Finance
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Social Finance. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
