Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible to
The Director
Responsible for
Strategy implementation, service development, programme development and partnerships
Base
Hybrid with some in person meetings at 66 Devonshire Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BL
Salary
£49,000 to £57,000 pro rata depending on experience (Band 7 AfC)
Working hours
22.5 hours per week (equivalent to 3 days per week)
Background
The Brazelton Centre UK aims to support the transition and adjustment to parenthood, focusing on the development and mental health needs of both babies and parents. Holding the baby in mind, the Centre, which is research and practice based, enables health professionals to facilitate relationship building between parents and their newborn at a time that is experienced as a major life event. The philosophy of the organisation is one of enabling effective service development, appropriate clinical intervention and sharing of expertise.
The Centre, established in Cambridge in 1997, is a training organisation for health professionals and researchers who work with babies and parents. We offer training courses in the Newborn Behavioural Observations System (NBO) and Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale. (NBAS). Brazelton Centre UK is one of four Centres in the world, teaching the NBO and NBAS, and the most active. Brazelton UK works in partnership with other organisations on training, surveys and research, including third sector organisations, universities, NHS trusts and organisations providing support for the under-fives. Almost 6,000 practitionershave undertaken the UK training courses in both the NBO and NBAS.
The Centre currently has a staff of 7 from different professional groups, in a range of roles, with 10 Trainers across the UK, able to teach specific courses as required.
The charity has a Board of Trustees. The Strategy and Service Development Lead will report directly to the Director and be ultimately accountable to the Board of Trustees.
The Brazelton Centre UK has developed a new Strategic Plan for , setting out ambitious goals to increase reach and impact, expand research activity, develop new training programmes and increase engagement with parents.
This new post has been created to support the Director and Trustees in delivering this strategy and to lead the development of new programmes, partnerships and services that support the Centre s mission.
This is a part-time post in the first instance and may entail some travelling in the UK and abroad for meetings.
Key Responsibilities and accountabilities:
Strategic development and implementation
Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the implementation of the Brazelton Centre UK s strategic plan.
Lead the coordination and delivery of strategic initiatives designed to increase the reach, impact and sustainability of the Centre s work.
Identify opportunities for innovation and development of services that support professionals working with babies and their families.
Work collaboratively with the Director and staff team to translate strategic priorities into practical implementation plans and measurable outcomes.
Monitor progress against strategic objectives and provide regular updates to the Director and Trustees
Service and programme development
Lead the development of new programmes, services and initiatives in line with the BCUK s strategic goals.
Support the development of new training programmes and educational resources for health professionals and practitioners working with parents and babies.
Work with colleagues, trainers and partners to design, pilot and evaluate new initiatives including antenatal and postnatal programmes.
Work with the Director, staff team and trainers to support the development and implementation of online learning modules, webinars and digital educational resources that enhance the BCUK s training and educational offer.
Contribute to the development of digital resources that support professionals trained in the NBO and NBAS, including resources designed to strengthen implementation and reflective practice.
Ensure that all programme development reflects current evidence and best practice in infant mental health, early development and parent infant relationships.
Partnerships and collaboration
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with external organisations including universities, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations.
Contribute to the development of professional networks and initiatives that support practitioners trained in the NBO and NBAS.
Support the Director in identifying opportunities for collaborative projects, research partnerships and service innovation.
Represent the Brazelton Centre UK in meetings, networks and events as appropriate.
Promote collaborative working with partners in order to strengthen the Centre s profile and maximise opportunities for impact.
Research and evaluation
Support the Director and R&D Manager with the development of research collaborations and evaluation projects which strengthen the evidence base for the Brazelton approach.
Work with academic and clinical partners to develop evaluation frameworks that demonstrate the impact of Brazelton Centre UK programmes and training, and support dissemination of learning and research findings.
Assist in the identification of opportunities for research funding and collaborative projects.
Governance and organisational development
Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the development and review of organisational policies, strategies and governance processes.
Work closely with the Director to support the effective operational functioning of the Brazelton Centre UK, helping to ensure that organisational priorities and work programmes are delivered effectively.
Provide leadership and coordination of agreed areas of organisational activity, working with the Director to support the management and development of the Brazelton Centre UK staff team.
Support the Director in the development of staff objectives, work plans and monitoring of progress against agreed priorities.
Contribute to the coordination and oversight of the delivery of programmes, projects and training activities to ensure they meet organisational standards and strategic objectives.
Work collaboratively with the Director and colleagues to support the effective coordination of the Brazelton Centre UK Trainers and related initiatives.
Ensure that work undertaken within the role reflects the values and principles of the Brazelton Centre UK.
General
This job description describes the major responsibilities and accountabilities associated with the post of Strategy and Service Development Lead. It is not intended to be exhaustive and it should not be assumed that other duties of a similar level/nature appropriate to the role of Strategy and Service Development Lead are excluded simply because they are not itemised.
Similarly, it should be recognised that the duties of the post may alter due to changes in legislation or policy or the business needs of the charity. Where such changes occur, training may be given where reasonable to enable the post-holder to undertake the new or varied work.
The Strategy and Service Development Lead is a key advocate for The Brazelton Centre UK and is expected to display the highest levels of personal and professional integrity at all times and to always act in a way which reflects positively on the organisation.
Further details about the Centre can be found on the Brazelton Centre UK website.
For more information about the post and informal discussions, please contact Inge Nickell, Director of the Brazelton Centre UK.
Please refer to the attachment for person specifications.
Interview date is on the 30th June 2026 in Cambridge in person.
