At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a passionate team of youth work professionals.
- Company: BHY, dedicated to empowering young people in Blackpool.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in youth work and shape future leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work leadership and team development required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Head of People is responsible for developing, leading and strengthening the BHY workforce. This role sits at the heart of our strategic ambition to build a team of highly skilled, qualified Youth Work professionals, supported by an effective and confident wider team.
You will lead on:
- Workforce development and progression (Level 1-6 JNC pathway)
- Personal Development Plans and CPD across all roles
- Embedding a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice
- Ensuring our staff understand and respond to the needs of young people
You will play a key role in ensuring BHY continues to deliver youth work that is consistent, high-quality and rooted in the real needs of young people in Blackpool. This role is about growing people, raising standards and creating a workforce that delivers an exceptional youth work offer every day.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Strategic Leadership of People
- Lead the delivery of The BHY's workforce strategy
- Drive the ambition to employ 20 qualified Youth Work Professionals
- Shape a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement
- Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the Senior Leadership Team aligning with National Youth Work Strategy and Policy.
2. Leadership & Line Management
- Line management responsibility of Youth Work Managers
- Deliver consistent, high-quality reflective supervision and support.
- Hold managers accountable for:
- Staff development
- Team performance
- Quality of delivery
- Support managers to confidently lead, challenge and grow their teams.
3. Workforce Development & JNC Progression
- Design and embed a clear Level 1-6 Youth Work pathway
- Track and support progression of staff through JNC levels
- Ensure all staff understand their development journey and next steps
- Build a strong internal pipeline of future youth workers
4. Personal Development & Continuous Learning
- Lead on Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and appraisals across the organisation
- Identify training needs and deliver or commission CPD opportunities
- Embed a culture of reflective practice across all teams
- Create opportunities for staff to learn from delivery, each other and young people
5. Understanding Young People & Practice
- Ensure staff are equipped to understand and respond to the needs of young people
- Support teams to reflect on their practice and adapt their approach
- Promote youth work that is relationship-led, inclusive and responsive
- Ensure young people's voices inform staff development and programme delivery
6. Apprenticeships & Talent Development
- Lead and oversee BHY's apprenticeship pathway
- Build strong relationships with training providers, universities and colleges
- Support the progression of young people and staff into youth work and operational roles.
- Strengthen BHY's "grow your own" workforce model.
7. People Management & Support
- Provide guidance and support to managers on:
- Performance management
- Staff development and opportunities
- Wellbeing and Workforce Planning
- Disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Ensure HR policies are consistent, compliant and reflect best practice.
8. Safeguarding & Professional Standards
- Ensure safeguarding is embedded within workforce development
- Promote high standards of professional behaviour and practice
- Work alongside the DSL to ensure staff are trained, confident and supported
We are looking for a strong, values-driven leader who is passionate about people and youth work. You will be:
- A natural leader who enjoys developing others
- Passionate about growing people and building teams
- Experienced in managing and supporting staff
- Committed to continuous learning and reflective practice
- A strong communicator who builds trust and relationships quickly
- Confident in holding people accountable while supporting their development
- Deeply aligned with the values and purpose of youth work
Essential Experience
- Significant experience leading teams within a youth or community setting
- Experience managing and developing staff teams
- Experience designing and delivering workforce development or CPD
- Strong understanding of youth work principles and practice
- Experience implementing performance management and development processes
Essential Qualifications
- JNC-recognised Youth & Community Work qualification.
- Level 3 Safeguarding (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience contributing to organisational strategy
Desirable
- Experience developing Level 1-6 Youth Work pathways
- Experience with apprenticeships or workforce development programmes
- HR or people management training (e.g. CIPD or equivalent experience)
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form and send a Covering Letter to. Please email any enquiries to or tel: Please note: We reserve the right to close the application process at any time and therefore encourage early applicants.
Head of People in Blackpool employer: The Boathouse Youth
BHY is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, particularly in the youth work sector. Located in Blackpool, we offer a supportive environment where staff are empowered to grow through tailored Personal Development Plans and a clear progression pathway. Our commitment to high-quality youth work ensures that our team not only meets the needs of young people but also thrives in their careers, making a meaningful impact every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Blackpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the youth work sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at BHY. A friendly chat can open doors!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for youth work! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers or during interviews, share your experiences and what drives you. Let them see your commitment to developing young people and building strong teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research BHY’s values and their approach to youth work. Think about how your skills align with their mission and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their workforce strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the BHY team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for our values and mission. Understanding what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you align with our goals.
Craft Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the Head of People role. Highlight your passion for youth work and how your experience can help us grow our team and improve our services.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, be sure to detail your relevant experience in leading teams and developing staff. Use examples that demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and reflective practice, as these are key to our culture.
Be Yourself:We want to see the real you! Don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your application. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us understand how you would fit into our team and contribute to our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Boathouse Youth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of People role. Familiarise yourself with BHY's workforce strategy and how it aligns with the National Youth Work Strategy. This will show that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in the organisation’s mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully developed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve driven performance and supported staff development. This is your chance to demonstrate your passion for growing people!
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Since the role focuses on embedding a culture of continuous learning, be ready to share how you’ve implemented Personal Development Plans or CPD opportunities in previous roles. Highlight any innovative training methods you’ve used to engage staff and improve their skills.
✨Connect with Young People’s Needs
Understand the importance of youth work principles and be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured that staff are equipped to respond to young people's needs. Share examples of how you’ve promoted inclusive practices and adapted approaches based on feedback from young people.
