Head of People

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.