Head of Children, Young People and Families

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Children, Young People & Families (CYPF) to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a wide-ranging CYPF service that directly supports over 400 children and young people each year, and many more through partnerships. You will lead the newly redeveloped Tulse Hill Adventure Playground, ensuring it thrives as a hub for children, young people and families, alongside a portfolio of impactful programmes including school-based mentoring, young leaders programmes, family stay-and-play, and peer-led social action.

Supported by our Adventure Playground Manager and a team of youth and play workers, this is an incredibly exciting time for the service the newly built structures, alongside a small animal area and a growing area, are ready to build an ambitious service around that meets the needs and interests of local children and families.

High Trees is also the lead partner in Building Young Brixton (BYB) a consortium of 10 youth organisations working with 2,000 young people across Lambeth which you will coordinate, alongside contributing to the Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

Our Head of CYPF plays a key leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on involvement. You will bring significant experience in youth or community work, with the skills to manage multifaceted services, lead teams, and build strong partnerships with local organisations, schools and statutory bodies. By working closely with our team and partners, you will help ensure that children and young people in Lambeth have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Our incredible interim Head of Service will be happy to arrange an informal chat with interested candidates to discuss the day to day responsibilities of the role.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for over 27 years. We delivery community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations, to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Children, Young People and Families, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Children, Young People and Families team to deliver high-impact, community-led work.
• Oversee a portfolio of projects and contracts, ensuring they are delivered to time, budget, and quality.
• Build and strengthen partnerships across the sector to support children, young people and families in Lambeth.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for CYPF services and partnerships.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees senior management team, helping shape organisational strategy and drive our ambitions across all service areas.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in working with Children, Young People and Families.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• A strategic but practical approach with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A passion for place-based working, collaboration, and advocating for the needs of children and young people.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will play a pivotal role in shaping CYPF services and ensuring that children and young people in Lambeth have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.