Head of Community Partnerships and Engagement

Head of Community Partnerships and Engagement

Role Purpose: 
Petty Pool Trust is seeking a strategic and dynamic leader to drive forward its growing community provision. The Head of Community Partnerships and Engagement will oversee Petty Pool in the Community and the Outdoor Education Service, building strong partnerships with commissioners, local authorities, and national organisations. Through innovation, quality assurance, and sustainable service development, the postholder will ensure that young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties have access to impactful, life-enhancing community opportunities outside of formal education settings. 

Head of Community Partnerships and Engagement 

About Petty Pool Trust 

Petty Pool Trust is a specialist charity dedicated to supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties. We provide high-quality education and community-based services that empower individuals to develop skills, confidence, and independence. 

We operate two distinct service strands: 

Education: Supporting young people aged 16–25 through further education pathways. 

Community Provision: Comprising Petty Pool in the Community (day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities) and the Outdoor Education Service (experiential outdoor learning for young people across the Northwest). 

This role is firmly located within the Community Provision strand. 

The Role 

We are seeking an ambitious and strategic Head of Community Partnerships and Engagement to lead, grow, and innovate Petty Pool’s community services. This role will drive the development and expansion of our day services and outdoor learning offer, ensuring they are sustainable, high-quality, and responsive to local needs. 

The Head of Community Partnerships and Engagement will oversee all aspects of governance, quality assurance, funding development, and stakeholder engagement across community services, working closely with the Vice Principal to align activity to the charity’s wider strategic vision. 

Why Join Us? 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and expand Petty Pool Trust’s community services, making a tangible difference in the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties. You will join a passionate and forward-thinking team, with the autonomy to innovate, develop partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Development 

Lead, develop, and expand Petty Pool’s Community Provision, including Petty Pool in the Community and the Outdoor Education Service. 

Identify opportunities for innovation, service diversification, and growth aligned with the needs of people with learning disabilities and emerging sector trends. 

Champion a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement across all community activities. 

Petty Pool in the Community 

Oversee a high-quality, person-centred day provision, ensuring activities promote independence, social engagement, life skills, and meaningful community participation. 

Develop a broad range of community-based opportunities tailored to individual interests, needs, and aspirations. 

Outdoor Education Service 

Ensure the Outdoor Education Service provides outstanding, inclusive, and adventurous learning experiences. 

Support the Outdoor Education Service Manager to maintain dynamic, safe, and progressive outdoor learning programmes. 

Horizon-scan for sector trends, regulatory changes, and innovation in outdoor education. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships 

Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, social care commissioners, businesses, community organisations, and sector networks. 

Act as an ambassador for Petty Pool Trust, raising the profile of our community services locally and nationally. 

Lead on identifying and securing funding streams, sponsorships, grants, and partnerships to expand and sustain community provision. 

Commissioning, Contracts, and Sector Innovation 

Develop strategic relationships with commissioners and public sector partners to position Petty Pool as a provider of choice. 

Lead on the development and negotiation of contracts and funding bids for community provision. 

Respond proactively to sector developments and policy changes, adapting services to ensure ongoing relevance and excellence. 

Identify and pursue innovation and funding opportunities that strengthen Petty Pool’s community impact. 

Governance, Quality Assurance & Financial Oversight 

Lead on governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance for all community initiatives. 

Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for community services, ensuring sustainability and efficiency. 

Monitor and evaluate service performance using KPIs and quality assurance frameworks, driving continuous service improvement based on data and participant feedback. 

Team Leadership & Development 

Line manage and develop the Outdoor Education Service Manager, Community Manager, and community teams. 

Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and supportive culture. 

Ensure access to ongoing training and professional development for all team members. 

Collaboration & Cross-Organisation Working 

Work closely with the Vice Principal and education leadership to align community and college strategies where appropriate. 

Collaborate across departments to enhance Petty Pool’s overall mission and impact. 

Lead internal communications relating to community services, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.

Person Specification

Essential 

• Proven experience leading community services, commissioning partnerships, or outreach initiatives within the charity, social care, or education sectors. 
• Strong strategic leadership skills with a track record of service development, innovation, and sustainable growth. 
• Demonstrable experience of stakeholder engagement, commissioner liaison, and external partnership building. 
• Experience in governance, regulatory compliance, KPI setting, and quality assurance processes.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and securing funding. 
• Passion for inclusion and supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and negotiation skills. 

Desirable

• Experience in outdoor learning, youth services, or SEND community services. 
• Knowledge of commissioning frameworks, social care contracting, and public sector funding streams. 
• Experience of leading successful income generation or funding bids. 
• Knowledge of emerging trends and innovation in social care, day services, or community inclusion sectors.