Adolescent Health Study (AHS)
About Adolescent Health Study The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number ) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants' health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults. Purpose of the post The Engagement and Involvement Officer will play a central role in supporting meaningful engagement and involvement of young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study. Primarily, the postholder will be responsible for the stewardship and coordination of the AHS Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG). The post-holder will provide ongoing support to YPAG members to ensure their active participation in opportunities to inform and shape the work of AHS. This will include working closely with the adults in the YPAG members' lives, including parents/carers, teachers and other relevant adults or professionals. The postholder will also be required to build positive working relationships with other organisations and institutions that work directly with young people. They will support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to develop mechanisms to reach wider and more diverse groups of young people to take part in engagement and involvement activities at AHS. This is a role that requires confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The post-holder will be a strong advocate for children's rights, have a sound working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices, and demonstrate experience of co-ordinating youth advisory groups, youth councils or similar. Main responsibilities Coordination & facilitation Plan, organise, and deliver regular meetings, workshops, and consultation sessions with young people. Develop accessible, inclusive and engaging materials to support young people's participation in activities and discussions. Ensure robust mechanisms are in place to facilitate a feedback loop, communicating to young people the impact of their input. Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion are embedded in all activities. Lead on and maintain communication with young people, parents/carers (where appropriate), and partner organisations. Support for young people Provide guidance, pastoral support, and clear information to help young people take part confidently and safely. Facilitate training and development opportunities to build young people's skills, knowledge, and confidence. Foster an environment where young people feel respected, valued, and listened to. Manage mechanisms for reward and recognition of young people's input and contributions. Strengthen and enable staff team Strengthen knowledge and understanding of youth engagement and involvement across the organisation. Enable the wider staff team to plan and conduct activities with the YPAG and wider groups of young people, supporting the design of involvement tasks that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with best practice. Provide feedback to colleagues on how to maximise the impact of youth involvement. Administration & governance Manage recruitment and onboarding processes for YPAG members. Oversee consent processes, data handling, and safeguarding requirements. Coordinate payments, incentives, travel, and expenses for young people. Maintain accurate records, produce meeting notes, and ensure timely communication. Support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to track, document and report on outcomes and the influence of young people's involvement on projects and workstreams. Continuous learning and development Contribute to the development of the organisation's engagement and involvement strategy. Contribute to the evaluation of engagement and involvement activities and gather feedback from young people, parents/carers and other relevant parties we work closely with. Maintain an interest and working knowledge of best practice in youth involvement, participation, and co production. Identify opportunities to share learning and reflections with the AHS team and wider colleagues to continuously improve practice and processes. Interest-holder and partner engagement Build and maintain partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to recruit and support young people to engage in engagement and involvement activities. Provide verbal and written presentations of engagement and involvement work with young people to internal and external audiences. Represent AHS in meetings, workshops and events where appropriate. Knowledge, skills and experience Essential criteria Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools). A proven track record or professional background in working with young people - such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting. Strong facilitation and communication skills, especially with young audiences. Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice. Experience of co-ordinating a youth advisory group, council, board or similar structure Ability to work autonomously, prioritising tasks and manage own workload. Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration. Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated commitment to children's rights, youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people's views and perspectives. Confidence using online meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365). Desirable criteria Relevant qualification in youth participation, youth work, community engagement or similar. Understanding of public involvement in research or willingness to develop expertise. Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people's health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood. Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector. Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online sessions (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint). Dimensions This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate. Flexible working may be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be necessary to various AHS locations and partner organisations. Willingness to work hours flexibly including some evenings/weekends. Additional Information Enhanced DBS/PVG or equivalent safeguarding check will be required. Application Process This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary. The closing date for this position is midnight on End of Day Sunday 29 March. Interviews are currently expected to be held during the weeks commencing 27 April and 05 May. Equal Opportunities Policy Statement AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background . click apply for full job details
About Adolescent Health Study The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number ) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants' health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults. Purpose of the post The Engagement and Involvement Officer will play a central role in supporting meaningful engagement and involvement of young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study. Primarily, the postholder will be responsible for the stewardship and coordination of the AHS Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG). The post-holder will provide ongoing support to YPAG members to ensure their active participation in opportunities to inform and shape the work of AHS. This will include working closely with the adults in the YPAG members' lives, including parents/carers, teachers and other relevant adults or professionals. The postholder will also be required to build positive working relationships with other organisations and institutions that work directly with young people. They will support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to develop mechanisms to reach wider and more diverse groups of young people to take part in engagement and involvement activities at AHS. This is a role that requires confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The post-holder will be a strong advocate for children's rights, have a sound working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices, and demonstrate experience of co-ordinating youth advisory groups, youth councils or similar. Main responsibilities Coordination & facilitation Plan, organise, and deliver regular meetings, workshops, and consultation sessions with young people. Develop accessible, inclusive and engaging materials to support young people's participation in activities and discussions. Ensure robust mechanisms are in place to facilitate a feedback loop, communicating to young people the impact of their input. Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion are embedded in all activities. Lead on and maintain communication with young people, parents/carers (where appropriate), and partner organisations. Support for young people Provide guidance, pastoral support, and clear information to help young people take part confidently and safely. Facilitate training and development opportunities to build young people's skills, knowledge, and confidence. Foster an environment where young people feel respected, valued, and listened to. Manage mechanisms for reward and recognition of young people's input and contributions. Strengthen and enable staff team Strengthen knowledge and understanding of youth engagement and involvement across the organisation. Enable the wider staff team to plan and conduct activities with the YPAG and wider groups of young people, supporting the design of involvement tasks that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with best practice. Provide feedback to colleagues on how to maximise the impact of youth involvement. Administration & governance Manage recruitment and onboarding processes for YPAG members. Oversee consent processes, data handling, and safeguarding requirements. Coordinate payments, incentives, travel, and expenses for young people. Maintain accurate records, produce meeting notes, and ensure timely communication. Support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to track, document and report on outcomes and the influence of young people's involvement on projects and workstreams. Continuous learning and development Contribute to the development of the organisation's engagement and involvement strategy. Contribute to the evaluation of engagement and involvement activities and gather feedback from young people, parents/carers and other relevant parties we work closely with. Maintain an interest and working knowledge of best practice in youth involvement, participation, and co production. Identify opportunities to share learning and reflections with the AHS team and wider colleagues to continuously improve practice and processes. Interest-holder and partner engagement Build and maintain partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to recruit and support young people to engage in engagement and involvement activities. Provide verbal and written presentations of engagement and involvement work with young people to internal and external audiences. Represent AHS in meetings, workshops and events where appropriate. Knowledge, skills and experience Essential criteria Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools). A proven track record or professional background in working with young people - such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting. Strong facilitation and communication skills, especially with young audiences. Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice. Experience of co-ordinating a youth advisory group, council, board or similar structure Ability to work autonomously, prioritising tasks and manage own workload. Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration. Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated commitment to children's rights, youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people's views and perspectives. Confidence using online meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365). Desirable criteria Relevant qualification in youth participation, youth work, community engagement or similar. Understanding of public involvement in research or willingness to develop expertise. Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people's health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood. Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector. Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online sessions (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint). Dimensions This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate. Flexible working may be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be necessary to various AHS locations and partner organisations. Willingness to work hours flexibly including some evenings/weekends. Additional Information Enhanced DBS/PVG or equivalent safeguarding check will be required. Application Process This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary. The closing date for this position is midnight on End of Day Sunday 29 March. Interviews are currently expected to be held during the weeks commencing 27 April and 05 May. Equal Opportunities Policy Statement AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background . click apply for full job details
Progress Schools Ltd
Birkenhead, Merseyside
Overview Join us as a Head of Schools: Empower Futures! Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it's a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional? Well at Progress Schools, that's just the approach we take. Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics-enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too. Your work-life balance matters. That's why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible. And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools. But that's not all, we also offer Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague! Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary. Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave. Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually. Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards. Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent. Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review. Who are we looking for from you? Engagement Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions. Able to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and proactive leadership to both the classroom and wider school environment. Emotional Support: Passionate about making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young people-particularly those requiring additional support. Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area is essential. Core Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent) is required. NPQH or working towards it is desirable. Experience: Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level), ideally within an alternative provision or similar setting. Experience managing staff teams and small school cohorts is essential. Teaching Subjects: Strong understanding and oversight of core subject delivery (English, Maths, Science), with a track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes. Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the alternative provision landscape, school compliance requirements, and Independent School Standards. Familiarity with working with learners with SEN and additional needs is key. Problem-Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions to enhance pupil outcomes and operational efficiency. Communication: Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills with staff, learners, and external stakeholders. Promotion of Values: A clear commitment to upholding and promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values within the school community. Time Management: Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, staff development, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance. About the School Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools. Progress Schools The Hive - The Hive supports students in KS3 through an effective reintegration programme. Pupils can improve their behaviour and return to mainstream education. Situated in The Hive Youth Zone, the school boasts outstanding facilities and allows students the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities at the Youth Zone. View the Job Description after applying. How to Apply Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY. If you have any further queries, please contact our recruitment team by emailing Let's redefine education together! Diversity and Inclusion The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs. Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information. Note: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.
Overview Join us as a Head of Schools: Empower Futures! Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it's a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional? Well at Progress Schools, that's just the approach we take. Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics-enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too. Your work-life balance matters. That's why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible. And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools. But that's not all, we also offer Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague! Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary. Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave. Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually. Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards. Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent. Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review. Who are we looking for from you? Engagement Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage learners, supporting them in achieving their ambitions. Able to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and proactive leadership to both the classroom and wider school environment. Emotional Support: Passionate about making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of young people-particularly those requiring additional support. Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area is essential. Core Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or an overseas equivalent) is required. NPQH or working towards it is desirable. Experience: Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level), ideally within an alternative provision or similar setting. Experience managing staff teams and small school cohorts is essential. Teaching Subjects: Strong understanding and oversight of core subject delivery (English, Maths, Science), with a track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes. Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the alternative provision landscape, school compliance requirements, and Independent School Standards. Familiarity with working with learners with SEN and additional needs is key. Problem-Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions to enhance pupil outcomes and operational efficiency. Communication: Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills with staff, learners, and external stakeholders. Promotion of Values: A clear commitment to upholding and promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values within the school community. Time Management: Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, staff development, curriculum oversight, and regulatory compliance. About the School Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools. Progress Schools The Hive - The Hive supports students in KS3 through an effective reintegration programme. Pupils can improve their behaviour and return to mainstream education. Situated in The Hive Youth Zone, the school boasts outstanding facilities and allows students the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities at the Youth Zone. View the Job Description after applying. How to Apply Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY. If you have any further queries, please contact our recruitment team by emailing Let's redefine education together! Diversity and Inclusion The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs. Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information. Note: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.
