Youth Development Lead - Foundations (Southampton and Portsmouth) (South Coast Hub, GB, SO)

# Opportunity Review: Youth Development Lead This review provides insights into the Youth Development Lead position, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for prospective candidates. We aim to help you understand how this role can align with your career aspirations and make a significant impact.

This is a permanent, full-time position, offering 35 hours per week. The salary range is £23,672.00 to £28,783.00 annually, with the final offer dependent on your demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience. The role is field-based, requiring travel to Portsmouth and Southampton two to five days a week, with opportunities for working from home on administrative days. The application closing date is 23:59 on 23/11/2025, with an Assessment Centre scheduled for 28th November.

What the Role Entails: A Rewarding Journey

The Youth Development Lead role offers a unique and deeply rewarding opportunity to be a personal champion for young people facing barriers to their goals. You will be instrumental in uncovering what holds them back and unlocking their potential for significant progress. This role involves:

• Leading engaging personal and social development activities designed to challenge and expand young people's comfort zones.
• Providing crucial one-on-one support, guidance, and direction to a dedicated group of young people.
• Facilitating sessions across the 'Get Started' and 'Explore' programmes, encompassing a wide range of activities from outdoor adventures to world-of-work experiences and creative projects.
• Delivering an active, non-desk-bound role with frequent travel to Portsmouth and Southampton for programme delivery, visits, and short residential trips.
• Offering vital pastoral support, helping young people translate their newly acquired skills into tangible progression towards education or employment.
• Ensuring programme integrity through meticulous recording of information and data, aligning with funding contracts and maximising impact.
• Upholding a strong commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection.
• Empowering delivery partners and service providers through impactful collaboration.
• Contributing to the organisation's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) goals by implementing local action plans.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

This position presents several significant advantages for your professional development:

• Direct Impact: You will have the opportunity to make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of young people, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
• Dynamic Work Environment: The field-based nature of the role ensures variety and engagement, moving away from a purely sedentary desk job.
• Skill Development: You will hone a diverse range of skills, including youth engagement, personal development facilitation, pastoral care, data management, partnership working, and safeguarding.
• Career Progression: The role offers valuable experience in the youth development sector, which can open doors to further opportunities within the organisation or the wider charity sector.
• Inclusive Culture: The Trust is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, providing support networks and encouraging diverse perspectives.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The organisation offers a generous benefits package, including:
  • 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Flexible working options
  • Opportunities for volunteering and attending events
  • Access to an in-house learning platform
  • A comprehensive benefits platform for well-being and discounts
  • Supportive family leave policies
  • Interest-free season ticket loans
  • A competitive pension scheme
  • Generous life assurance cover

Key Considerations for Candidates:

To ensure this role is the right fit for you, consider the following:

• Commitment to Safeguarding: A fundamental requirement is a deep commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Basic disclosure checks will be conducted.
• Travel Requirements: The role is field-based and requires regular travel to Portsmouth and Southampton.
• Administrative Responsibilities: While active, the role also involves meticulous data recording and reporting to ensure compliance and measure impact.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to work flexibly and potentially take on different responsibilities as part of a collaborative team.
• Passion for Youth Development: A genuine desire to support and empower young people is paramount to success in this role.
• Application Process: A CV and a Cover Letter are required, detailing your experience, transferable skills, and motivation. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to an Assessment Centre.

This Youth Development Lead position offers a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. If you are motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a dynamic and impactful organisation, this role could be an excellent next step in your career journey.