Join the Centre for Young Lives

Help shape the future for children and young people

This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's most ambitious and influential organisations focused on improving the lives of children and young people.

Founded by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE, the Centre for Young Lives combines the rigour of a think-tank with the drive and energy of a campaigning organisation. We bring together advocacy, evidence, lived experience and policy expertise to influence government, shape national debate and drive meaningful change for children, young people and families.  

In just a short time, we have established ourselves at the forefront of debates on mental health, education, early intervention, enrichment, youth services and wellbeing. We work with ministers, parliamentarians, officials, practitioners, philanthropists, businesses, charities and young people themselves to develop bold ideas and turn them into action.  

Our work includes major national programmes such as Future Minds, Young Futures, Growing Up Well, early years reform and the development of our flagship Vulnerability Index. We are growing quickly and are looking for exceptional people to join our team at a pivotal moment in our development.  

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Why Join Us?

The Centre for Young Lives is small but highly influential. That means our team members have opportunities for influence and impact that would often take many years to achieve elsewhere.

Working here, you won't be waiting on the sidelines. You'll be trusted to lead projects, contribute ideas, build relationships with senior decision-makers, and see your work make a real difference.

You will:

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling systemic barriers for young people.

• Help shape national conversations on social innovation and systems change through evidence and insight.

• Deliver meaningful, lasting improvements to outcomes for children and young people in local communities.

As part of the compensation 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).

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements (60% in office).

• Family-friendly policies that support wellbeing.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for people who are ambitious, motivated by social impact and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future for children and young people.

You will thrive at the Centre for Young Lives if you are:

• Intellectually curious.

• Entrepreneurial and solutions-focused.

• Relentlessly focussed on impact.

• Proactive and forward-thinking.  

• Comfortable working at pace.

• Committed to excellence.

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.  
  

How to Apply

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

1. a CV (maximum of two pages)  

2. a supporting statement setting out:  

• Why you are interested in this role.

• How you meet the Essential Person Specification within the Job Description.

Please be advised roles may close early if the right candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.

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Our Commitment to Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and from underrepresented groups. We are committed to building a diverse team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we particularly welcome applications from racially marginalised communities.

We encourage applicants to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. This is anonymous and cannot be linked to your application, and helps us to better understand the diversity of candidates applying to join us.

Right to work

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.