Jobs

Objective of role

As Children’s and Communities Manager, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful library services that improve the lives of children, young people, and targeted groups in Richmond upon Thames.You will ensure programmes are inclusive, efficient, and responsive to community needs, acting as a vital bridge between the library service and the communities it serves.Your leadership will foster strong relationships, drive engagement, and champion equitable access to a wide range of services and support.Through strategic vision and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

About the role

• Lead officer for library services to children and young people, advising senior management on strategic developments, future service delivery, and safeguarding compliance.
• Develop partnerships with voluntary and community sectors, schools, and other organisations, actively seeking sponsorship and the use of volunteers to extend creative reading opportunities and public benefit services.
• Ensure all libraries provide safe, high-quality, and relevant services for children, young people, and families, working closely with parents, carers, and partners.
• Manage and support a team including Librarians, a Volunteer Coordinator, and an Archivist, ensuring consistent application of staffing policies and professional standards.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of annual programmes of creative reading promotions, events, and community activities, including reading schemes and outreach initiatives.
• Act as the safeguarding lead for the library service, promoting a safe environment for children and vulnerable users and liaising with relevant agencies as needed.
• Monitor service performance using data and evidence to track progress, identify trends, and inform planning.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

You will need:

• A recognised qualification in Library & Information Science or significant relevant experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of strategic developments and trends in library services for children and young people and vulnerable communities.
• Experience of working in partnership and developing links with outside agencies and voluntary organisations.
• Proven ability to deliver and evaluate programmes of events and activities for children, young people, and the wider community.
• Experience of managing and developing staff, with strong interpersonal and adaptable management skills.
• Experience of acting as a safeguarding lead or demonstrable understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in a public service context.

Closing Date: 3rd November 2025 (midnight)

Shortlisting Date: 3rd – 14th November 2025

Interview Date: TBC w/c 24th November 2025

Test/Presentation:You will be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation as part of an interview

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone.We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan