THE YOUNG LIVES FOUNDATION
32,115 per year
Maidstone
Full-time
10th December 2025
LISTEN          SUPPORT          EMPOWERCharity No: 1119528    Company No: 5999166RECRUITMENT PACK Youth Hub and Holiday Activity ManagerThank you for your interest in this exciting role with the Young Lives Foundation. We trust thispack will tell you everything you need to know to decide whether this might be the role for you.This pack includes the following:• Background about the Young Lives Foundation (YLF)• About this role• Terms and conditions• Application processIf you have any questions or queries relating to this role, please contact us on 01622 693459 oremail recruitment@ylf.org.ukAbout YLFYouth Hub & Holiday Activity ManagerRecruitment PackWe aim to support young people to thrive through highly effective andaccessible programmes where they:are given a voice, heard and empoweredare supported by consistent adults through times of challenge and changehave opportunities and resources to be happy and thriveWe want all young people to live in communities wherethey are heard, are safe and supported;with opportunities to thrive. The Young Lives Foundation (YLF) is an award winning children’s charity in the South East of England with expertise in Advocacy,Mentoring, Befriending and Youth Programmes. We support over2,700 young people and families each year including those in care, on theedge of care, care leavers, young offenders and young people disengagedin education.Youth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackOUR MISSIONOUR VISIONOur values and impact“You have done an amazing job helping us through a really difficult period, you were a perfect role modelwe needed to set us on the right path again.  I wish every young person could have YLF in their life!!”Youth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackAt YLF we believe that all staff should be:OUR VALUESPassionate. We are a charity that genuinely cares about youngpeople and is driven by our passion and high standardsStable and Consistent. We offer long term support and astable presence in our communities and people's livesHonest with Integrity. We are transparent and honest withstrong moral principles and clear about what we do and whyInnovative and Flexible. We are a 'can do' charity. We areagile and adaptable to change, open to new ways of workingwith courage and ambition. We learn, grow and offer valueGrateful. We recognise and value the contributions andsupport of others, always saying thank you for the gifts of time,money and support given to usRespectful. We treat all people equally and fairlyOUR IMPACTOur PeopleYouth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackGrant making bodies, businesses, schools and organisations come on board to support the work of the charity. Inaddition to our partners, we rely on donations from the general public, and also individuals or groups to fundraisefor YLF as a fun and gratifying way to raise vital funds and awareness. There are many ways in which they help, including...Sponsorship / Grants              Fundraising events and activitiesGifts in kind / Legacies         Friends of YLFCorporate partnerships      Charity of the YearCommunityMentoringLegends YouthHubsYOUTHPROGRAMMESSchoolMentoringCorporate MentoringGovernance/CEOHR/Legal/PolicyCORPORATESERVICESFUTURESCARE LEAVERS OFFERIndependent PeopleAdvocacy & RightsBefriendingAppropriate AdultsAccompanying AdultsChildren inCare CouncilADVOCACYPROGRAMMESFundraising/CommsFinanceOur YLF team is made up of 30employees and organised asfollows:Mentoring & TransitionSupportAdvocacy &Hardship FundingSupportDrop-in &ParticipationopportunitiesCare Packs &Campaigns for CareLeaversPeer SupportGroups & AlumniSupportApprenticeships &TrainingThey give over 10,000 hours every year, making a huge impact in our community andproviding positive outcomes for young people. They help us with...Mentoring - Befriending - Events - Youth Groups - Support in CustodyYLF aim to raise over £630,000 a year to enable us to continue delivering our youth programmes.FUNDRAISERS & DONORSOur team of over 200 volunteers are at the very heart of our charity.VOLUNTEERSThe Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for the outcomes, performance and progress of thecharity and management of the staff and volunteer team.YLF is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.STAFF & GOVERNANCEOur Young PeopleAJ joined our Legends programme with a severe phobia of water due to a traumatic event inhis past. Over a number of months our team worked with AJ to build up his confidenceenough for him to just paddle in shallow water. Soon we progressed to helping him stand upin the swimming pool which he was so proud of.  A few weeks later we held a residential tripto Wales where one of the activities was a gorge walk ending in a waterfall. A number of ouryoung people who were strong swimmers opted out of this however AJ took the challenge onnot once but three times. We were all so proud of him for overcoming his fear of water andfor this phenomenal achievement.Will has been lucky to have such amazing support fromLisa, which she wanted to continue when he turned 18, andmade the transition into becoming a care leaver. Thanks toLisa's support over the years and confidence buildingexcursions together to the cinema, theatre and bowling,alongside support with interview preparations and CVwork, Will has been able to get himself his first paid jobupon leaving school!WILL"I have been a part of YLF since I was put into care. I wasn't able tospeak to anyone or go to school and so started attending the YLFgroups where I could get out of the house and socialise with otherpeople my own age. I also became a member of the MCYPC andhave my very own advocate who is a Legend! YLF soon becamelike one big family and support network to me. I have grown inconfidence and learnt lots of new skills. YLF is my safe place and Idon't know where I would be without them.""My leaving care mentor has helped me settle into independent living. It was a scary thoughtat first, to live alone, but he was patient and kind and taught me how to budget, cook formyself, get things done and prioritise. I have still got a way to go before I feel fully comfortablewith this big change, but with my mentors help I know that I will be there in no time at all. Hemakes me feel confident in myself and knows how to deal with the things I throw at him. Iappreciate this help a lot and don't know what I would do without him."SOPHIENATHANAJYouth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackYour RoleProgramme Development and DeliveryDesign, plan, and deliver a diverse range of youth activity programmes aligned with YLF’s missionEnsure activities are inclusive, engaging, and accessible for all participantsEmbed quality co-production and the engagement of young people in programme development and reviewLead and support the delivery of residentials, outdoor adventures, and holiday programmesProvide direct cover and hands-on delivery for youth groups when requiredLeadership and ManagementRecruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers to ensure safe and high-quality deliveryBuild a motivated and skilled delivery team with clear roles and responsibilitiesManage rotas, supervision, and appraisals to maintain high performanceWork in partnership with the Youth Programmes Mentoring Manager to ensure all programmes areappropriately resourced and risk assessedFunding and PartnershipsExplore funding opportunities, partnerships, and sponsorships to sustain and grow programmesSupport the development of funding bids, tenders, and reports for external stakeholdersBuild relationships with schools, community organisations, funders, and local authoritiesRepresent YLF at events, conferences, and partnership meetings                                                                                                                                   ....MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESYouth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackReports to:  Director of Youth ProgrammesResponsible for:  YLF’s countywide hubs and holiday activitiesThe Role: The Youth Hub and Holiday Activity Manager will haveresponsibility for the design and delivery of YLF’s youth hub and holidayactivity offer across the countyYOUTH HUB AND HOLIDAY ACTIVITY MANAGER This exciting new role offers the opportunity to shape YLF’s Youth Programmes and deliver our strategy to promoteplay and nature based experiences for young people in need across Kent. You will lead the design, delivery, and growthof programmes including hub-based groups, outdoor projects, residentials, and holiday activity programmes, ensuringthey provide safe, inspiring, and inclusive opportunities for young people of all abilities and backgrounds.This role champions the belief that play is a fundamental human right and an essential part of learning and wellbeing,not a luxury or reward. The postholder will advocate for the value of play, physical and mental wellbeing and outdoorexperiences.Combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, the postholder will create imaginative, supportiveenvironments where young people can explore, take risks, and develop confidence, resilience, and life skills.From 2026, YLF will expand its nature-based, screen-free programmes to help young people connect with local greenspaces, experience the benefits of the outdoors, and build pride in their communities.This is a key role requiring passion, creativity, and a genuine commitment to improving young lives. The postholderwill be a positive role model, advocate for youth voice, and ambassador for YLF’s values and mission.JOB PURPOSEHealth, Safety, and SafeguardingOversee risk assessments and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and safeguarding policiesMaintain accurate incident records and ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding proceduresPromote a culture of safety, care, and responsibility within all activitiesMonitoring, Evaluation, and ImpactDevelop systems to measure and report on programme outcomes and impactCollect and analyse feedback from participants and partners to inform improvement.Produce reports and case studies to evidence the impact of outdoor and youth programmesOtherTo contribute, as required, to the design, content and administration of websites; the production of publications;and the arrangement of eventsTo support the promotion of the service, as required, to service users, professionals and relevant agenciesBe an Ambassador for YLF at events, meetings and build supportive networks that align with YLF’s values and be arole model for the organisational cultureTo have flexible availability to meet the needs of the charityTo work within agreed timescales and allocation of hoursTo work to an agreed Action PlanTo work within agreed quality frameworks and quality standardsTo take part in supervision and appraisal and to meet on other occasions, as requiredTo comply with the YLF Code of Conduct, Data Protection, Health and Safety, and ensure the Safeguarding Policyand Procedures are followed at all timesTo attend and present at staff meetings, as requiredTo keep accurate records of any expenditure incurred; and to ensure that such expenditure is within agreed limitsand has been duly authorisedTo maintain such other records as may be required for the purposes of monitoring, evaluation and review; and toprepare periodic reportsTo provide cover or additional support for colleagues, as requiredTo uphold the values and adhere to the policies and procedures of YLFTo undertake such other duties as may, from time to time, be reasonably requiredGENERAL REQUIREMENTSYouth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackLocation: Maidstone (Head Office) with frequent travel to community venues and  district hubsSalary:  Starting from £32,115 (FTE)  Hours: 35 Hours Per Week Full-Time (flexible workingarrangements or alternative hours may be considered and are open to discussion).   Contract:  PermanentProbation:   A period of 6 months     Holiday:   25 days per year plus Bank HolidaysNotice: During the probationary period, 1 week on either side. Following successful completion of the probationaryperiod, three monthsThe job description and terms and conditions do not form a binding contract and may be changed from time to time to alignwith the needs of the charity. The job description set out above is intended for guidance only and is not exhaustive. This post is subject to YLF’s Safer Recruitment Process, a satisfactory DBS check and a successful probationary period.TERMS & CONDITIONSValues andEthosA strong commitment to safeguarding young peopleAn enthusiasm and commitment to our charity values and behavioursUnderstanding of a child-centered approach to work, co-production and trauma informedpracticeA genuine enthusiasm of play opportunities, outdoor, and nature-based activities  QualificationsRelevant qualification in youth work, education/teaching, outdoor leadership or equivalentexperienceTraining in first aid (desirable)   Knowledgeand Experience  Proven experience in youth work, outdoor learning, or community development, includingdirect work with young people aged 8–25Strong understanding of youth participation, empowerment, and co-production principlesExperience in leading, managing, and motivating staff and volunteers in youth, education orcommunity settingsIn-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice in child protectionExperience designing, delivering, and evaluating youth and outdoor learning programmesUnderstanding of inclusion, equality, and diversity in youth provision, ensuring accessibilityfor allExperience building partnerships with schools, local authorities, funders, and communityorganisationsKnowledge of health and safety requirements and risk management in outdoor or groupenvironmentsExperience in budget management, funding applications, or developing income-generatingopportunitiesAbility to collect, analyse, and report on data to measure impact and support continuousimprovementSkillsDigital literacy skills, with the ability to use ICT confidently for communication, datamanagement, and programme deliveryBudget managementAbility to collect, analyse, and report data to measure impact and inform continuousimprovementHighly organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple projects and respond positively tochanging priorities and responsibilitiesPersonalCharacteristicsGood understanding of own feelings and life experiences and how these may affectrelationships and reactions to situationsRecognition of the importance of professional boundaries in terms of relationships,communication and conductA genuine passion and commitment to making a difference to the lives of young peopleCommitment to the delivery of all objectivesApproachable and non-judgmentalA high level of integrity, reliability, to be trustworthy, and to always adhere to YLF policiesEnergy and sense of humour with a willingness to engage in activitiesA natural leader who is enthusiastic and has a positive attitudeCollaborative team player who will get involved in whatever needs to be done to achieve thecharity’s aims and objectivesFlexible, responsive and resilient to changeOtherCommitment to, understanding of, and maintenance of the sensitive nature of our work andvalues in all communications Commitment to personal and professional development and working to quality standardsFull driving license and access to a vehicle insured for business use (essential)Flexibility to work outside of normal working hours when requiredPERSON SPECIFICATION Youth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackTOP 10 STANDARDS AS SET BY OUR YOUNG PEOPLEYouth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackTOP 10 !Do you meet our Young People'sTOP 10 standards?Have at least 1 ear for meA Good ListenerConsistent and StableContactableUnderstandingHonestFocusedRealisticGood TimekeeperResourcefulBe there for me, stick by meCan I reach you? Will you make time for me?Put yourself in my shoes, don't feel sorry for meDon't beat around the bush, just tell me!See me for me, I'm not just another numberDon't make me a promise you can't keepIt's just good manners! Be creative, the same approach won't always work!Non-JudgementalIf we are in care does that make us a problem?Your benefitsThe application processClosing Date:  10  December 2025       thInterview Date:  TBC             Interviews will consist of an interview exercise with lived experienced young people and a formal interview with line managementHow to Apply: Please complete and return an application form that can be completed online or downloaded from:https://ylf.org.uk/recruitment/ You will be asked to provide three references as part of the application form Diversity StatementYLF is explicitly and actively committed to inclusivity, equality, and reflecting the diversity of the communities served.Nobody involved in YLF’s activities will be disadvantaged on the grounds of age, disability, gender, language, race, ethnicorigin, sexual orientation, social class, religion, political views, marital status or health matters. The charity promotesequal opportunities for all, not only seeking to challenge all discrimination and encouraging tolerance but alsoappreciating the value of different cultures and lifestyles. YLF particularly encourage people to apply who are fromsections of society that are currently underrepresented on the Trustee Board. This includes, but is not limited to, peoplewith a disability, and individuals from ethnic minorities. We would also particularly welcome applications from careleavers or individuals with care experience.Thank you – we look forward to hearing from you!APPLY ONLINEYouth Hub & Holiday Activity Manager Recruitment PackWorking at YLF involves taking responsibilities seriously and delivering high quality work, in what can be, achallenging environment. However the role you undertake will be purposeful and rewarding. We offer careerdevelopment, promote staff wellbeing, and offer family-friendly employment and flexible working. We support allour staff through a programme of personal development, which includes line management, team meetings andsupervision. There is a comprehensive induction and training programme for all staff with regular developmentreviews, annual appraisals and opportunities to give feedback about your role, the charity and its programmes.We also offer:Access to lifestyle discount schemeAccess to a pension contributory scheme (5% employer contribution; minimum 3% employee contribution,after 3 months)Employment assistance and wellbeing programmeDeath in service benefitFlexible working arrangements and supportive cultureOUR STAFF OFFER@ylfcharity@ylf.org.ukcompany/ylfcharitythe young lives foundationStay connected:www.ylf.org.ukThe Young Lives Foundation71 College Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6SX01622 693459 enquiries@ylf.org.ukRegistered Charity no: 1119528
Youth Hub and Holiday Activity Manager - THE YOUNG LIVES FOUNDATION | Work In Charities