Group Development Lead

Southdown; Lewes; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to the Easit Network

Blue Light card

Free advice and counselling service

25 days paid holiday

Job summary

Southdown is seeking a Group Development Lead to steer the development and improvement of our peer groups across Brighton and East Sussex. Based in Lewes, you will drive delivery of accessible, effective groups within our MHHS wellbeing services.

You'll work with clients, managers and partners to identify improvements, develop systems for referrals and bookings, and use data to shape best practice. This is a fixed-term contract with 37 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Experience of group facilitation, development and evaluation.
• Experience of working in a person-centred, recovery-focused and strength-based way.
• A full driving licence and access to a car or willingness to travel across Sussex on public transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and improvement of Southdown delivered groups across Brighton and East Sussex.
• Shape and strengthen the Wellbeing Service by ensuring peer groups are accessible, effective and sustainable.
• Collaborate with clients, managers, volunteers and external partners to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead projects that enhance quality, consistency and reach of our peer‑support offer.
• Develop systems for referrals, bookings and administration to simplify access to support.
• Use performance data and feedback to drive continuous improvement across multiple locations.
• Coordinate development projects, produce resources and promote the service with stakeholders.

Skills

Group facilitation

Group development

Person-centred approach

Driving licence & travel

Job description

Group Development Lead

Application Deadline: 28 October 2026

Department: Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: East Sussex - Lewes

Reporting To: Head of MHHS

Compensation: £43,550 / year

Description

Location: Lewes, Travelling across Brighton and Hove and East Sussex

Salary: £43,550 per year

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months

Hours: 37 hours per week

What you'll be doing

We're looking for an experienced and motivated professional to lead the development and improvement of Southdown delivered groups across Brighton and East Sussex.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen a vital part of our new UOK Wellbeing Service, ensuring peer groups are accessible, effective and sustainable for the people and communities we support.

Working closely with clients, managers, colleagues, volunteers and external partners, you'll identify opportunities for improvement and lead projects that enhance the quality, consistency and reach of our peer support offer.

You'll take the lead in developing systems and processes that improve referrals, bookings and administration, making it easier for people to access support.

Using performance data, outcomes and feedback, you'll identify best practice and drive continuous improvement across multiple locations.

The role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. You'll coordinate development projects, create resources and guidance for facilitators, promote the service with stakeholders and help ensure peer support remains responsive to local need.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys service development, partnership working and turning ideas into meaningful improvements that make a real difference to people's lives.

Perks and benefits

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Knowledge, skills and experience

What you’ll need for the role

• Experience of group facilitation, development and evaluation.
• Experience of working in a person-centred, recovery focused and strength-based way.
• A full driving licence and access to a car or a willingness to travel across Sussex on public transport.

What would be nice

• Project management experience.

Training

Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.