Deputy Leader

Are you passionate about making an impact? We’re seeking an enthusiastic Deputy Leader to bring creativity, leadership, and energy to our life-changing play and leisure programs for disabled children.

In this role, you’ll design engaging activities, strengthen relationships with families, and support our dynamic team in delivering safe and inclusive services. Step into this opportunity to grow your leadership skills and transform the lives of disabled children and their families.

Deputy Leader – Job Description 

BENEFITS – 

• Real Work-Life Balance – We care deeply about your wellbeing and believe in supporting our teams as much as we do the children and families we serve.
• Free Training – We regularly invite all our staff to free training courses including Disability Inclusion Awareness, Medication Administration, Safeguarding, First Aid,
Makaton and more!
• Perks That Make Life Easier – We’ll cover the cost of your DBS check, and you’ll get access to a NEST pension and Simply Health cash plan for everyday healthcare costs.
• Career Breaks – Available after three years’ service, subject to approval

About Us – Challengers is a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children and young
people through the power of play. We provide inclusive, fun, and safe spaces across the
Southeast where children aged 2–18 can make friends, enjoy new experiences, and
develop vital life skills. Our unique non-exclusion policy ensures that every child, regardless
of the complexity of their needs, is welcomed and supported

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties that the Deputy Leader will undertake include, but are not limited to, are as follows:
• To assist the Leader in the development of creative and stimulating activities and programmes, in line with Good Practice and in consultation with children and their families.
• To assist the Leader with liaison between the Scheme, children and their parents, teachers, schools, local authority departments, other Centres and organisations in the locality.
• To work harmoniously as a team under the general direction of the Leader, but also to have the ability to motivate and manage a team of people in the absence of the Leader.
• To assist with the supervision and training of workers, volunteers and students on placement.
• To encourage and facilitate effective working relationships between staff members and to assist the Leader with staff matters.
• In conjunction with the Leader ensure that holiday programmes – including projects, outings, entertainments, workshops and residential trips are planned and properly executed.
• To encourage voluntary support for the Scheme, to assist with the supervision of voluntary helpers and welcome visitors.
• In conjunction with the scheme Leader and Play and Leisure Team ensure the maintenance of the Scheme site, building and equipment is in a safe and satisfactory condition and to be responsible for the implementation of Health and Safety requirements at the Scheme.
• To maintain the security of the building and site at all times, including the supervision of all visitors, to ensure the complete safety and welfare of the children.
• To ensure that full use is made of the Scheme facilities.
• To participate in the running and development of Challengers as appropriate, and provide such information as the Leader, Chief Executive, Chairman of the Association or Trustees require.
• To deputise in the Leader’s absence.
• To undertake such other duties as they become necessary from time to time. These may include help with fundraising activities and other events which promote the charity to the public.

You’ll be great if you have:
• Leadership experience.
• Experience with disabled children and young people.
• A willingness to get stuck in and transform the lives of disabled children through the power of play!
• Level 3 Qualification in Play, Youth Work or Early Years or relevant qualification.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job- There is no such thing as the perfect candidate. Challengers is a place where everyone can grow. We follow equal opportunities so however, you identify and whatever your background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day.
Challengers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references.

Closing Date – 10/01/2026

Interview Dates – 13/01/2026 & 14/01/2026

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Disclosure declaration

The position which you are applying for potentially involves significant unsupervised contact with children and is therefore subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. This means that you must disclose details of any convictions, bindover orders or police cautions, warnings or reprimands, including those which are considered “spent” under the terms of the Act. Please use the Disclosure Form below only if this applies to you. This information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly.

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If you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013 1198, please complete the information below and return it with your application. This information will not be used to discriminate against you unfairly. For more information on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act please click here.

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Challengers is committed to achieving a Play and Leisure service which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from unlawful or unfair discrimination. Our policy covers all aspects of our operations, including recruitment. Please complete this part of the form. This information will be used only in order to monitor our recruitment processes and prevent unfair discrimination on any grounds.

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