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 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.

1. Strategic Leadership Of People

• Lead the delivery of 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 and 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 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 to managers on performance management, staff development, wellbeing and workforce planning
• Support 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)

• Use of Apple MacBook
• Personal development
• Regular workplace social events and annual staff residential
• Wellbeing support – an additional 3 wellbeing days
• Village Gym membership

The Boathouse Youth is committed to the effective safeguarding of its young people. This post will be recruited in accordance with NSPCC guidance on safer recruitment. This includes a thorough interview, scrutiny of former employment, a requirement for references and an enhanced DBS check