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 values-driven team committed to 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 a JNC-recognised qualification.
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 RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
THE PERSON
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
PERSON SPECIFICATION
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)
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form and send a Covering Letter. Please email any enquiries to us or call. Please note: We reserve the right to close the application process at any time and therefore encourage early applicants.
Head of People employer: The Boathouse Youth
BHY is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, particularly in the field of youth work. Located in Blackpool, we offer a supportive environment where staff are encouraged to grow through tailored Personal Development Plans and access to CPD opportunities. Our commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of young people ensures that our workforce is not only skilled but also deeply aligned with our mission, making BHY a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research BHY's mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the role. This can give you a leg up and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and workforce development. Think of examples from your past that demonstrate your skills and how they align with BHY's needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows 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 Head of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really grasp what the Head of People role entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight your passion for youth work and how your leadership style aligns with our values. Make sure to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description – we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, be specific about your previous roles and achievements. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to lead teams and develop talent, so don’t hold back on sharing those success stories that demonstrate your impact in youth work or community settings.
Apply Early!:We recommend getting your application in as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are of being considered. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing you've taken that step towards joining our amazing team at BHY!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Boathouse Youth
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head of People role. Familiarise yourself with workforce development strategies and how they align with youth work principles. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to BHY's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've implemented Personal Development Plans or supported staff progression, as this aligns closely with the key responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Youth Work
Express your commitment to youth work and how it drives your professional choices. Highlight any experiences where you've engaged with young people or adapted practices based on their needs, as this is crucial for the role at BHY.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about BHY's current challenges in workforce development or how they envision the future of youth work in Blackpool. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
