Duke of Edinburgh Team Leader

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The Opportunity 

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda – one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We’re immensely proud of our flexible working options. 

ECC is transforming how it delivers education services across one of the largest counties in the country to continue to improve and to ensure the best possible outcomes for every single child and young person. We are determined to build on our journey of improvement which has seen 94% of schools now being rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and to focus more effectively on areas such as our more vulnerable children and young people to ensure Essex provides a wholly inclusive education which can meet the needs of all of our children and young people. 

We are currently seeking a Youth Work Team Leader for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), this role will be responsible for supporting the development of the DofE in Essex and implementing the strategy to work within a cost recoverable business model.  

The postholder will be responsible for developing the offer and growth of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provision to young people within our own targeted centres plus Essex Open Award Centre’s. 

They will be key in following the DofE framework to deliver face to face session and work online to engage and inspire young people in completing their award. The role will encompass providing guidance and expertise to remove barriers and promote the growth of DofE award.  

Accountabilities 

• Work with County DofE award Manager to develop and increase the DofE offer to young people in Essex
• Attend our targeted centres for strategic meetings throughout the academic year
• To support the Targeted Centre staff to update eDofE with all their participants  
• Support the targeted centre staff team to ensure that DofE participation and completions continue to grow in Essex and ensure consistent and high-quality delivery to required standards
• Management of all physical resources belonging to ECC associated with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme
• Ensure that Duke of Edinburgh’s Award records, including eDofE and other Essex systems, are kept up-to-date and to take whatever action is necessary to sustain and improve performance by Centres under our licence. 
• Approve evidence and verify all award levels on eDofe 
• Support and deliver sessions and attend expeditions, as required, to enable students to complete all sections of their Award
• Support groups under our licence to become self-sustaining in their delivery of DofE through training opportunities 
• Attend meetings relating to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and represent the Youth Service
• Promote and publicise the work of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Essex and liaise with external organisations 
• Ensure appropriate celebration and achievement events are supported and delivered 
• Advise on all expeditions elements including supporting staff in training, using Evolve and Expedition Policy compliance. 
• Ensure compliance with ECC governance and policies
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate with the level and accountabilities of the post as directed by the Head of the Service Reporting to the County Manager for Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE), this role will be responsible in supporting the development of the DofE and its business strategy to work within a cost recoverable business model. 

The Experience You Will Bring 

• Suitable outdoor qualification to help train students and lead expeditions in wild country terrain where required (BEL/LL/ML/HML)
• Extensive knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
• Evidence of recent continuous professional development.
• Experience of working with innovative, social education programmes.
• Ability to develop work with young people to achieve planned outcomes.
• Experience of effective use of resources
• Excellent people skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners
• Ability to undertake research, analysis and insight where required
• Experience of working to set targets and timescales
• Ability to motivate staff.
• Experience of successfully involving young people in decision making processes.
• Knowledge and experience of youth work methods and techniques.
• Excellent level of numeracy, literacy (GCSE A – C or equivalent or demonstrable experience) and ICT.
• A nationally JNC recognised qualification in youth support work, minimum Level 2 (QCF, VRQ, NVQ or Local) with a willingness to undertake a relevant level three qualification
• Will have access to a Car and hold a B1 licence, Minibus D1+E would be ideal
• Work across Essex as per service needs. 

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service.  The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate.  This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.  For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email daniel.warner@essex.gov.uk

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