Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO

FOUNDATION OF LIGHT

34,000 - 46,500 per year

Foundation

Full-time

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title
Job Holder
Responsible to:
Responsible for:

Hours:
Salary Band:

Main Duties:

Head of Future Pathways (Young People and Vulnerable Adults)
Vacant
Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO
Youth / NEET Manager
Life and Employability Skills Manager
35
£34,000 - £46,500

1. Lead the Department
2. Translate Strategy to Operational Delivery.
3. Manage Budgets and Outcomes.
4. Ensure Compliance within Development and Partnerships.

1. Lead the Department

Provide strategic and operational leadership for programmes that support the wellbeing,
development, and future pathways of young people and vulnerable adults across the
Foundation’s work.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Translate the Foundation’s strategic goals into detailed operational plans across all

department programmes.

• Lead, manage, and support a team delivering targeted programmes to promote

equity, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence

• Align delivery with national and regional strategies on poverty, skills and physical

acvity, identifying and securing funds.

• Represent the Foundation regionally and nationally, positioning our young people

(and vunerable adults) model as sector-leading.

• Act as a key representative of the Foundation with community partners, funders,

local authorities, and specialist support services.

• Develop and manage relationships with our key stakeholders including Premier

League Charitable Fund, LAs, NECA, ESFA and DWP.

• Develop cooperative, collaborative and codesign partnerships with other statutory

and voluntary agencies who have remit for work in this area.

• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion and safeguarding across the department

and all programme activity.

• Link to other Foundation delivery departments and their operational plans.
• Champion the power of sport to drive positive social change, embedding this belief

•

in programme design and delivery.
Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and continuous improvement across
the portfolio.

2. Translate Strategy to Operational Delivery

Convert the Foundation’s strategic priorities into impactful programmes that improve life
chances, build resilience, and reduce risk for vulnerable groups.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Deliver the departmental strategy, including delivery and development plans
• Design and deliver accessible, person-centred programmes that create safe and
supportive environments for people to connect. This may include outdoor and
residential work.

• Ensure all programmes are tailored to the needs of diverse communities, including
those on ECHPs, in the youth justice system and in need of additional support.
• Line manage staff across the department, including setting objectives, supporting

development, and conducting performance reviews.

• Deal with issues arising during sessions and ensure a consistent approach to

standards around boundaries and behaviours

• Work alongside colleagues to ensure funded projects are delivered to high quality

in-line with the organisational, donor and project outcomes

• Undertake participant/customer surveys

3. Manage Budgets and Outcomes

Oversee departmental budgets, funding agreements, and performance monitoring to
ensure sustainable delivery and demonstrable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead the team in tracking key outcomes using digital monitoring systems,

scorecards, and data dashboards.

• Use data to inform decisions and continuously improve outcomes for service users.
• Manage departmental budgets in line with financial policies and funding agreements.
• Monitor expenditure across programmes to ensure delivery within budget and on

schedule.

• Ensure value for money while delivering high-quality, high-impact servicesLead
departmental budgeting and financial planning, ensuring effective allocation and
monitoring of resources.

• Lead or contribute to funding applications and grant reporting, ensuring that all

commitments and outcomes are met.

• Secure and manage funding from grants, contracts, and partnerships to sustain and

grow delivery.

• Analyse and report on performance data to inform strategic decisions and

demonstrate impact to funders and stakeholders

• Collect case studies and help tell our stories, showcasing best practice across all

channels

• Use community insights, feedback, and data to inform programme development and

•

continuous improvement.
Implement robust monitoring, evaluation and learning processes to track progress
and outcomes using the impact strategy.

4. Ensure Compliance within the Team

Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, governance, and professional practice in all
work with young people and vulnerable adults.

Key Responsibilities includes:

• Lead safeguarding, risk assessment, and incident reporting processes across the

department.

• Ensure all staff maintain current and relevant training, qualifications, and

•

certifications.
Implement and oversee quality assurance systems, including delivery audits,
observations, peer reviews, and feedback analysis.

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, health and safety, and data governance standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on delivery, attendance, impact, and case

management.

• Conduct regular audits of programme delivery, working environments, and data

systems.

• Support internal audits, external inspections, and evaluations, and respond

effectively to recommendations.

• Ensure performance monitoring systems (e.g. scorecards, traffic lights, KPIs) are

current and accurate.

• Submit timely and accurate reports and returns to funders, commissioners, and

contract providers.

• Work closely with the Head of Young People and Vulnerable Adults to oversee

internal and external assessment and verification processes.

• Keep up-to-date monthly reports, quarterly ProV-ACT statistics, traffic light data, and

development plans.

• Ensure all relevant databases (including Views, Float, and Abler) are regularly

maintained with accurate information.

Other duties:

You will be required to undertake other duties from time to time as required.

Any potential permanent changes to your role will be discussed, and agreement reached
prior to being undertaken. You will be notified of any permanent change in writing. In
addition to your normal duties, you may be required to undertake additional or other duties
as necessary to meet the needs of the Foundation of Light.

Staff are required to work with volunteers in a way of mutual respect and commitment to
organisational goals and objectives. This includes staff who do not directly supervise
volunteers but may engage with them within the organisation.

Behaviour and professional expectations:

• Contribute actively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting cross-

organisational collaboration and cultural leadership

• Keep up to date with relevant and changes in government policies and strategies
• Maintain working practices in line with Foundation of Light Equality and Diversity,
Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies; self-awareness of own responsibility
in these areas

• Embed EDI and safeguarding in all aspects of work
• Assist in data collection and analysis providing accurate management information

systems for data led decisions

• Ensure regulatory and legislative requirements are met at all times
• Conduct should reflect the Staff Behaviour Policy (Code of Conduct); uphold

Foundation core values (as shown below) at all times

• Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Attend working groups and CPD session as required
• Build strong internal relationships and work in collaboration with colleagues to

achieve the end goal

• Ensure positive organisational messages and culture are maintained
• Contribute to good housekeeping across all Foundation sites and equipment
• Follow the laid down policies and procedures at all times
• Work within the established administrative and financial systems to ensure smooth

running and quality of projects

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
All individuals will be treated equally and fairly in the application of this procedure. All reasonable
requests to accommodate requirements in terms of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage
and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation will
be made.

Safeguarding Statement
We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share our commitment to maintaining a culture of
vigilance, and believe that all staff, volunteers and partners have a responsibility to report any
concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk.

Foundation of Light Values:
Innovative, Passionate, Excellence, Collaborative, Integrity, Agile.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Requirement

Skillsand Abilities:

Essential (E) or
Desirable (D)

How Assessed (CV,
Interview,
Observation)

and

from

Strong leadership and people management skills
with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
delivering support to young people and vulnerable
adults.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
with the ability to build trust and rapport with
individuals
challenging
diverse
backgrounds.
Ability to design, manage and evaluate targeted
intervention programmes.
Skilled in safeguarding, risk assessment, and
trauma-informed approaches.
Strong organisational and project management
abilities with a focus on quality assurance and
impact.
Ability to manage sensitive and complex issues
with professionalism, empathy, and confidentiality.
Competent in using case management systems,
reporting tools, and outcome frameworks.
Strong track record in fundraising from multiple
sources, with exceptional relationship building
ability

Personal Attributes:

reflective and solution-focused under

Deep commitment to improving the lives of young
people and vulnerable adults.
Empathetic, patient and resilient with a strong
sense of professional boundaries.
Calm,
pressure.
Collaborative team player who supports others and
shares learning openly.
Strong ethical standards and a commitment to
inclusion, dignity and empowerment.
Flexible and adaptive, with the ability to respond to
evolving needs and situations.

Knowledge and Understanding:

In-depth understanding of
the needs and
challenges facing vulnerable young people and
adults.
Strong knowledge of safeguarding frameworks,
legislation, and best practice (e.g. Working
Together to Safeguard Children, Care Act 2014).
Ability to anlayse labour market data to inform
programme development.
Familiarity with national strategies and
local
commissioning frameworks related to skills, youth
development, mental health, and inclusion.

CV/APPLICATION

Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion
issues and their practical application in service
delivery.

Experience:

in multi-agency working

Significant experience in a leadership or senior
practitioner role within education or youth work.
Proven track record of working with young people
and/or vulnerable adults with complex needs (e.g.
mental health, offending behaviour, SEND,
substance misuse, or exploitation).
Experience
and
partnership development across education, health,
housing, policing, or voluntary sectors.
Experience in managing safeguarding concerns
and leading on case conferences or referrals.
Experience of designing and delivering evidence-
based interventions or support programmes.
Experience in securing funding, managing funding
requirements and monitoring outcomes. (needs an
understanding of the NECA portal system and
contrat requirements)

Qualifications (or recognised equivalent):

training

Relevant degree in education, youth work, or skills
development
Teaching or training qualification (PGCE, Certed,
or equivalent)
Safeguarding
Safeguarding Lead) level
Mental health first aid, or similar
Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain)
Management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 5 or
equivalent)
Driving licence and access to transport

(Designated

to DSL

D
E
D

CV/APPLICATION

CV/APPLICATION
CV/APPLICATION
CV/APPLICATION

CV/APPLICATION