Head of Social Innovation and Systems Change

The Centre for Young Lives is looking for an exceptional individual to join us in a new and exciting national role as Head of Social Innovation and Systems Change. 

This is a unique opportunity to lead ambitious system change for children and young people through national and place-based programmes. You will build a team and programme of work to test and learn from innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, disseminate findings and embed systems thinking across our work.

Working with our specialist policy researcher for children and young people’s mental health, your initial focus will be working with leading strategic partners in two areas of England to innovate and test system change reforms to improve mental health and wellbeing support with a particular focus on early intervention and prevention. 

About the Centre for Young Lives

Founded by Baroness Anne Longfield, a former Children’s Commissioner for England, the Centre for Young Lives exists to tackle systemic barriers and create better futures for children and young people. We want this country to be the best place to grow up and bring up children, and work with national and local leaders to remove barriers to opportunity and deliver innovative solutions for lasting change. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, systems thinking, and amplifying the voices of children and young people.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Strategy: Shape and deliver our new social innovation and systems change programme and team.
• Drive and deliver impact through place-based innovation and system reform
• Collaborate: Build strong place-based partnerships with senior leaders, sectors and communities.
• Innovate: Champion new models and solutions that challenge the status quo.
• Learn & Share: Generate insights and influence policy and practice nationally and regionally.
• Develop and strengthen the organisation as a member of SMT.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in social innovation, systems change, and/or programme leadership.
• Strong strategic thinking, ability to lead and influence external stakeholders with excellent relationship-building skills.
• An energetic and resourceful commitment to delivering significant and lasting improvements in children and young people mental health through system change
• A strong commitment and ability to listen to and engage with children, young people and families to understand and represent their lived experience
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and amplifying under-represented voices.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling systemic barriers for young people.
• Become a recognised national leader and shape national conversations on, social innovation and systems change through tested evidence.
• Achieve impactful change to significantly improve outcomes for children and young people in local places.

Salary and Benefits

£55,184 – £62,333

As part of the package, you will also benefit from:

• A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution.
• A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).
• Policies which promote well-being and are family friendly.
• Hybrid-style working and flexible working approach.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, please send the following to Recruitment@centreforyounglives.org.uk:

• a CV (maximum of two pages)
• a supporting statement setting out:
  
  • why you are interested in this role
  • how you meet the Person Specification within the job description

Closing date 13^th February (Midnight) and interviews will be held 25th February. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups.  We are actively seeking to bring diversity of perspectives and experience to our team, and especially welcome applications from those from racially marginalised communities. We encourage applicants to complete our Equity and Diversity Monitoring from to better understand the diversity of applicants. This is anonymous and cannot be connected with your application. 

We expect all staff to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.  

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  The Centre for Young Lives cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.