Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) Lead Officer in Gateshead

Fixed term position until 31/02/2029. 29.6 hour contract (flexible across Monday‑Friday). Hybrid working 40% of your time community / office based. Availability during school holiday periods is essential.

What you'll get to do

• Lead the design, commissioning and delivery of Gateshead’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, ensuring full compliance with Department for Education standards and delivering high‑quality outcomes for children and families.
• Develop and implement a data‑led local HAF delivery plan that targets areas of greatest need while ensuring fair and inclusive access across Gateshead.
• Build and lead a strong partnership and steering group, working effectively with internal services and external providers to deliver a coordinated, innovative and high‑quality programme.
• Commission, contract‑manage and quality‑assure HAF providers, driving continuous improvement and addressing performance issues where required.
• Manage the overall HAF programme plan, including governance, risk management, quality assurance, performance monitoring and financial control, with full accountability for the HAF budget.
• Lead communications and marketing activity to maximise awareness, accessibility and take‑up of the programme, particularly among children eligible for free school meals.
• Ensure all provision meets safeguarding, health and safety, financial and information governance requirements, maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
• Monitor, evaluate and report programme progress and impact to the Department for Education, senior leaders and elected members, while contributing to wider service development and line‑managing the Programme Support Officer.

What you'll bring

• A relevant degree or professional qualification, or significant experience in a lead HAF or equivalent role.
• Full UK driving licence or access to mobility support with the ability to travel across Gateshead as required.
• Strong knowledge of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, including relevant legislation such as School Food Standards, Natasha’s Law, data protection (GDPR) and information governance.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding protocols and thresholds, with the ability to ensure safe, inclusive provision for children and young people.
• Proven experience of commissioning and/or delivering high‑quality programmes or activities for children and young people, including programmes that engage diverse communities.
• Strong project and/or programme management experience, including planning, delivery, monitoring, evaluation and effective budget management across the full project lifecycle.
• Ability to develop and implement clear action plans, identify and manage risks, and drive continuous improvement in complex programmes.
• Highly effective communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports, analyse data and communicate confidently with stakeholders at all levels, including partners and elected members.
• Well‑developed IT skills (including Microsoft Office and digital systems), the ability to prioritise competing demands to meet deadlines.
• Requirement to hold a Disclosure and Barring Service check and apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive after 12 months service.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases after 6 months service.

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.