Youth Activities Lead

Greater Manchester Youth Federation; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity dedicated to empowering young people in Greater Manchester is seeking a passionate Youth Activities Lead. This role involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and implementing a vibrant youth work curriculum. You will ensure quality assurance and health and safety standards while collaborating with external partners to deliver engaging activities. If you have a strong background in youth work and leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to creating opportunities for young people.

Qualifications

• Qualified youth work professional with line management experience.
• Experience in developing and overseeing youth work curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and manage youth and play workers.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Develop and implement an engaging youth work curriculum.

Skills

Youth Work Management

Curriculum Development

Health and Safety Compliance

Coaching and Support

Collaboration with External Partners

Education

Relevant Youth Work Qualification

Management Training

Job description

About GMYF

GMYF is a long-established charity working with young people across Greater Manchester to support their aspirations and create opportunities. We deliver a year-round programme of recreational and educational activities at our stand-alone Centres and support affiliated clubs.

GMYF opened its first youth centre in Partington in September 2022 and a second in Charlestown in July 2024. These Centres offer an enriching curriculum with diverse activities. We also co-own the Outdoors Activities Centre in Cumbria – Ormside Mill. GMYF manages Norbrook Youth Centre in Wythenshawe from 1st May 2025, a former affiliate member.

Now is a great time to get involved with GMYF! For more information, please visit our website.

Youth Activities Lead - Main Purpose of the Job

To oversee daily operations, providing hands-on management to youth and play workers, and supervise external providers delivering activities at Norbrook. To lead and implement an engaging youth work curriculum, ensure quality assurance and health and safety standards, and deliver outstanding outcomes for young people. To collaborate with external partners and participate in partnership meetings.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

1. Develop and oversee the curriculum and quality assurance framework for youth work at Norbrook, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive offer, including youth voice and residential activities.
2. Provide regular support, coaching, and appraisals for direct reports, including opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
3. Support the centre's self-evaluation process to inform GMYF's Self Improvement Plan.
4. Participate in charity-wide meetings and events to support overall operations.
5. Prepare small-scale funding bids to enhance the youth offer at the centre.

Health and Safety:

1. Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including daily site checks, risk assessments, fire drills, hygiene, and incident logs.
2. Provide clear safety guidance to staff and users to maintain a safe environment.
3. Oversee risk assessments, supervision, and briefing for off-site trips and visits.
4. Maintain records of all on-site personnel and visitors.
5. Manage Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) to keep the centre compliant with health and safety regulations.
6. Manage the Assets Register and petty cash budget within approved limits.
7. Line manage the youth work team, including the Youthwork Lead.

Curriculum, Safeguarding, and Achievements:

1. Collaborate with the Quality Assurance officer to plan and deliver an engaging curriculum that meets the needs of all children and young people, including those with SEND.
2. Maintain and update HR files for direct reports.
3. Oversee support agencies like Brook, Lifeline, NHS, and Social Services to promote well-being.
4. Lead staff performance, promote positive attitudes, and resolve issues using de-escalation skills.
5. Set high standards for learning environments to ensure safety, ambition, and inclusivity.
6. Record incidents, exclusions, interventions, and actions in line with policies.
7. Report safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
8. Manage external visits and activities, ensuring they are risk assessed, within budget, and aligned with learning objectives.

Professional and Personal Conduct:

1. Support the charity's aims, adhering to policies and high standards.
2. Maintain professional conduct at all times.
3. Promote the organisation positively to children, young people, parents, and partners.
4. Perform any other duties as directed by the Operations Director.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

We seek a qualified and experienced youth work professional with line management experience. Please refer to the detailed job specification for more criteria.

To Apply

Send a CV and cover letter via the provided link, explaining how your experience and skills suit this role. The closing date is 12 noon on Monday, 19th May 2025. Interviews will be held at Norbrook Youth Centre on Thursday, 22nd May 2025.