Ensemble Unheard: Freelance Participant Support Manager

Academy of St Martin in the Fields; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields launches Ensemble Unheard in September 2026 in London. We are seeking two compassionate, proactive, and resilient Participant Support Managers to lead the pastoral and wellbeing aspects of our music project for people experiencing homelessness.

This frontline role involves working directly with participants to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where individuals can engage creatively and build confidence.

Qualifications

• Two Participant Support Managers to lead on pastoral and wellbeing aspects of Ensemble Unheard.
• Frontline role working directly with participants in music-making sessions.
• Create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Respond to the complex and varied needs of participants.

Responsibilities

• Lead on pastoral care and wellbeing for participants in the Ensemble Unheard project.
• Support participants to engage creatively and develop confidence through music.
• Collaborate with project staff to ensure sessions run safely and positively.

Job description

Reports to: Head of Social Purpose

Location: London

Brief Description

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s finest orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music. Since 1999, ASMF has delivered creative music-making projects with people experiencing homelessness, principally at The Connection at St Martins. Over the last few years, the programme has significantly expanded, reaching a further 12 centres across London.

Launching in September 2026, Ensemble Unheard is a new musical community of people from all walks of life who come together to create and perform as an orchestra. Participants, including people experiencing homelessness and facing other life challenges, work alongside professional musicians in a space built on trust, curiosity, and creative risk. The group welcomes people picking up instruments for the first time and those reconnecting with music after years away. Through improvisation, shared responsibility, and joyful, vibrant performances, the group builds creative confidence and belonging.

Those involved in Ensemble Unheard, as staff or as participants, have the opportunity to connect with people from a range of backgrounds in a creative setting. Everyone has responsibility for ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming and creative for all those who want to be part of the group. We expect all those involved to take part actively in sessions, holding any responsibilities specific to their role alongside buying in to the overall spirit of the group.

We are seeking two compassionate, proactive, and resilient Participant Support Managers with an interest in music to lead on the pastoral and wellbeing aspects of our music project for people experiencing homelessness. This is a frontline role working directly with participants in our music-making sessions, creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where individuals can engage creatively, build confidence, and develop supportive relationships. You will play a key role in ensuring sessions run safely and positively, while responding to the complex and varied needs of participants.

Closing date for applications: 12am, Friday 7 August 2026