Charity and Service Manager
About ParentSpace (www.parentspace.org.uk)
ParentSpace is a parent-led charity based in the Scottish Borders. Our mission is to enable and support parents and carers to create a secure and healthy base for their children's emotional growth. We do this through evidence-based courses, one-to-one support, workshops and drop-ins, helping families build positive communication, resilience and stronger relationships.
ParentSpace believes that parenting is one of the most important roles in society and that no parent should feel alone. We work collaboratively with parents and carers, partners and communities to improve outcomes for parents and children across the Scottish Borders.
Hours and Flexible Working
Hours: 30 hours per week
We recognise that talented candidates bring valuable experience from a wide range of circumstances and career paths. ParentSpace is committed to flexible working and welcomes applications from individuals seeking a working pattern that fits around other commitments.
The exact hours and working pattern can be agreed with the successful candidate. We are open to considering a range of arrangements, including:
- School-hour working patterns
- Compressed hours across fewer days
- Reduced hours spread across the week
- A combination of office-based (in Duns, minimum 2 days) and home working where appropriate
- Flexible start and finish times
Some evening working may be required to support service delivery, staff supervision, training or partnership events and quarterly board meetings. We aim to plan these in advance wherever possible and provide flexibility within the overall working pattern.
Job Purpose
This is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall management, leadership and development of ParentSpace. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the postholder will provide strategic direction, lead and develop contracted and sessional staff, ensure the delivery of high-quality services for parents, and support the long-term sustainability of the charity through effective partnership working, governance, safeguarding and funding development.
The successful candidate will be a confident and inspirational leader with experience of managing people, leading organisational change and building effective partnerships. They will be equally comfortable providing strategic leadership to the organisation and supporting the day-to-day delivery of services, ensuring that ParentSpace continues to achieve its mission and maximise its impact for families across the Scottish Borders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Organisational Development
- Lead the strategic management and development of ParentSpace, working with the Board to develop and implement operational and development plans.
- Lead organisational improvement by identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and service development.
- Promote the ethos, values and objectives of ParentSpace with all stakeholders.
- Ensure the organisation remains responsive to the needs of parents, carers and communities.
Staff Leadership and Management
- Provide effective leadership, line management and development support to four part-time staff and between five and eight sessional staff and volunteers fostering a high-performing team culture.
- Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, and professional development activities for all staff.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and inclusive working culture where staff have clear expectations, regular feedback, appropriate challenge and opportunities for professional development.
- Address performance and conduct and support wellbeing issues proactively, sensitively and in line with organisational policies and values through regular supervision.
Service Delivery and Quality Assurance
- Oversee the delivery of all ParentSpace services, including courses, workshops, drop-ins and one-to-one support.
- Oversee initial assessments, allocation and delivery processes to ensure families receive appropriate, high quality support.
- Lead the development of evidence-based service materials, resources and practice.
- Support effective referral and cross-referral pathways to ensure families receive joined-up support.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on service performance and outcomes.
Safeguarding and Governance
- Act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Ensure safeguarding, child protection and vulnerable adult protection policies are implemented effectively and consistently.
- Lead on reviewing policies and recommending improvements to the Board
- Maintain quality assurance systems and ensure compliance with organisational policies, legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Provide reports and updates to the Board of Trustees to support governance and informed decision-making
Partnerships and External Relations
- Act as an ambassador for ParentSpace, building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders.
- Promote collaborative and joined-up approaches that improve outcomes for families.
Funding and Sustainability
- Work with the Board and Finance Officer to identify funding opportunities and support fundraising activity.
- Lead or contribute to funding applications, tenders and grant reports.
- Demonstrate the impact of ParentSpace through monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
- Support the long-term sustainability and financial resilience of the charity.
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant leadership and management experience, including staff supervision, performance management and organisational development within the charity, public or community sector.
- Ability to provide strategic direction while maintaining oversight of operational delivery.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including partnership working across agencies and sectors.
- Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise, delegate and manage competing demands.
- Experience of monitoring, evaluation and report writing.
- Experience of coaching, mentoring and supporting others, including the ability to build trust and hold constructive conversations when needed.
- Knowledge of safeguarding practice and the ability to act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Competent IT skills.
- Commitment to the values and ethos of ParentSpace.
- Demonstrable ability to work in an environment where change and growth are a natural part of organisational evolution.
Desirable
- Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience working within family support, children's services, parenting, community development or the third sector.
- Experience of securing funding, writing funding applications or managing grants.
- Knowledge of parenting approaches and family support services
- Trauma-informed training and mental health awareness.
- Experience of community-based service delivery and partnership working
Personal Qualities
The successful candidate will:
- Be an inspiring and supportive leader who can motivate and develop others.
- Be passionate about improving outcomes for parents, carers and families.
- Build trust and positive relationships with staff, families, trustees and partners.
- Demonstrate sound judgement, integrity and professionalism.
- Embody a strengths-based, non-judgemental and inclusive approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Demonstrate ability to try new approaches, learn from experience and keep moving forward.
Reporting Relationships
The postholder reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for providing leadership, management and support to ParentSpace staff, facilitators and volunteers.
Location
Based in Duns in the Scottish Borders, with travel across the region as required. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements will be considered in line with the needs of the role and organisation.
Salary
A 12-month fixed-term contract, with a starting salary of £38,500 FTE, rising to £40,000 - £42,000 FTE once initial funding is confirmed, subject to a formal review at month 6.
If you would like to find out more about the role, ParentSpace or the application process, please email Robert at [email protected]
ParentSpace is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences who share our commitment to supporting families and strengthening communities.
Closing date: Tuesday 15th September at 9:00am
Pay: £38,500.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Duns
