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
1.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 alining 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
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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
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 to
Please email any enquiries to or tel:
Please note: We reserve the right to close the application process at anytime and therefore encourage early applicants.