*This role is maternity leave cover to April 2025

Purpose of the job

This is an exciting and busy time to be joining UK Youth as we continue to transform the way we work to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.

The Network Development Officer supports the development, project management and implementation of our network approach, network engagement strategy and the Joined Up Institute, an exciting initiative building a movement of learning, bridging professional silos and redefining cross sector problem solving, with young people at the heart.

Reporting to the Project Manager, you will play an integral role in supporting and developing our approach to working with networks, partners and young people to achieve our mission to create a society that understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all. You will engage with a range of stakeholders across different sectors and you will work with young people as co-designers and participants to ensure their voices are at the centre of all our Network Development work. Your role will also include support for the development and delivery of the Joined Up Summit event in Autumn 2024.

We are looking for candidates with an understanding of and empathy for the current issues facing the youth sector, significant expertise in facilitation and training, and experience in youth participation and cross-sector relationship building. The successful candidate will have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people and be proactive, inclusive, inspiring and an excellent communicator. Experience in event planning and logistics is desirable, but not essential.

Who we are

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes.

UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. To find more about us and how we make an impact, please visit UK Youth Website.

Why work at UK Youth?

We are a value-based, passionate and committed organisation offering a friendly working environment with lots of opportunities for professional development and socialising (even for those working remotely!) from lunch and learn sessions, staff quizzes to virtual coffee meet ups.

UK Youth prides itself on being an Equal Opportunity employer and we would particularly welcome applications for this role from those who identify under one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings and are committed to inclusivity, and to employing and supporting a diverse workforce. Our selection procedures ensure that people are treated on the basis of their relevant merits, experience, skills and abilities and that no individual receives more or less favourable treatment.

We welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in our organisation including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. We are also currently underrepresented by men, and so are seeking applications from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identity to bring a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights to UK Youth.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 23rd July 2024 at 11:59pm (Midnight)

Interview date(s) proposed: Weds 31st July -Fri 2nd August 2024

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.