At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a passionate team of youth work professionals to make a real difference.
- Company: BHY, dedicated to empowering young people in Blackpool through exceptional youth work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed to growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of youth work and supporting young people's needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work, team leadership, and a JNC-recognised qualification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Workforce development and progression (Level 1-6 JNC pathway) 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.
- Drive the ambition to employ 20 qualified Youth Work Professionals
- 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.
- Support managers to confidently lead, challenge and grow their teams.
Design and embed a clear Level 1-6 Youth Work pathway:
- Track and support progression of staff through JNC levels
- Build a strong internal pipeline of future youth workers
- Identify training needs and deliver or commission CPD opportunities
- 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:
- Build strong relationships with training providers, universities and colleges
- Support the progression of young people and staff into youth work and operational roles.
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.
- 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:
- Passionate about growing people and building teams
- Experienced in managing and supporting staff
- Confident in holding people accountable while supporting their development
- Deeply aligned with the values and purpose of youth work
- Significant experience leading teams within a youth or community setting
- Strong understanding of youth work principles and practice
- Experience implementing performance management and development processes
- JNC-recognised Youth & Community Work qualification
- Level 3 Safeguarding (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience developing Level 1-6 Youth Work pathways
- Experience with apprenticeships or workforce development programmes
- HR or people management training
Director of People in Somerset employer: The Boathouse Youth
BHY is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment for its team. Located in Blackpool, we prioritise the development of our staff through tailored training opportunities and a clear progression pathway in youth work, ensuring that our workforce is not only skilled but also deeply connected to the needs of young people. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, making BHY a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in youth work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the youth work sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Director of People role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for youth work! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and how they align with their mission. Let them see your commitment to growing people and building teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially around workforce development and supporting young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what we do at StudySmarter. Familiarise yourself with our mission and values, especially how they align with the role of Director of People. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're not just a fit for the job, but for our culture too.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about youth work and how your experience aligns with our goals. Be specific about your achievements in people management and workforce development, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some personality!
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, make sure to highlight your relevant experience clearly. Use examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, develop pathways, and support staff. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous positions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Boathouse Youth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of youth work and the specific needs of young people. Brush up on the National Youth Work Strategy and Policy, as this will show your commitment to aligning with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in performance management and staff development, as they’ll want to see how you can support and grow their workforce.
✨Be Passionate About People
Demonstrate your passion for youth work and developing people during the interview. Share stories that reflect your values and how you’ve made a positive impact on both staff and young people.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their current workforce development strategies and how they envision the future of youth work at BHY. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
