Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0 to 12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13 to 25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.  

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.  
 
You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations, driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people, and families nationwide. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership and Team Management 

• Lead and develop the Children, Young People and Families Team, providing supervision, guidance, and professional development. 
• Recruit and induct new team members in line with Shine’s HR processes. 

Programme Development and Delivery 

• Implement and oversee the Little Stars/Ser Bach and FIRE programmes, ensuring they meet the needs of members and funders. 
• Build strategic relationships with NHS children’s and transition clinics across England, Wales and Northern Ireland; negotiate formal Service Level Agreements (SLAs). 
• Collaborate closely with the Northern Ireland and Wales Service Managers to ensure service development and delivery meets the needs of members across all nations and recognises regional differences. 
• Develop the Children, Young People & Families Strategy in collaboration with the Head of Health.  
• Monitor and optimise team workflow for efficiency. 
• Deliver the annual workplan alongside the specific funded projects. 
• Manage funded projects and service budgets. 
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements and reporting requirements. 
• Develop key resources. 
• Contribute to the successful delivery of Shine’s Strategic Goals. 
• Act as Shine’s Deputy Safeguarding Lead for 0–25s, ensuring robust safeguarding practices. 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Oversee data quality and reporting, using insights to inform service improvements. 
• Work with the Head of Data and Communications to develop the CRM system (Salesforce). 
• Provide evidence for funders and contribute to fundraising bids for sustainability. 
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation takes place in line with agreed KPIs.  

Member Support and Engagement 

• Ensure the team delivers quality advice and support to Shine’s members. 
• Oversight of events, peer support groups, and online communities' delivery to ensure they meet service objectives. 
• Ensure clinic cover and development of Shine’s role within the hospital setting. 
• Attend multi-disciplinary meetings on behalf of Shine/Shine members. 
• Coordinate casework referrals and signposting to specialist services. 
• Identify opportunities for consultation and research. 
• Lead and oversee social media, including Discord, WhatsApp and Facebook groups. 

Essential knowledge, skills and experience: 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing staff and teams. 
• At least 5 years' experience in delivering support services for children, young people and families. 
• Proven project management skills. 
• Experience of Safeguarding Children & Young People. 
• Ability to develop and deliver professional presentations and training in a variety of settings. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. 
• IT skills, including confidence in the use of Microsoft and bespoke CRMs. 

Essential qualifications: (one of the following) 

• Qualified Teacher / SENCO 
• JNC Level 6 Youth Worker  
• Level 6+ in Childhood Development/Early Childhood Studies. 

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience: 

• Experience supporting children and young people with disabilities, particularly spina bifida/hydrocephalus. 
• Event planning, advocacy, and multi-disciplinary working. 
• Understanding of NHS systems and processes. 
• Third sector experience and working with volunteers. 
• Managing communication through social media platforms. 
• Leading on safeguarding. 

Desirable qualifications: 

• Safeguarding level 3 
• Health/ Social Care/ Information and Advice  
• Management Level 5+ 
• Project management  

How to apply  

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.  
  
If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact recruitment@shinecharity.org.uk to arrange a convenient time for a call.  
  
To apply, please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria to recruitment@shinecharity.org.uk