Job Description
Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) Lead Officer.
Fixed term position until 31/02/2029. 29.6 hour contract (flexible across Monday- Friday).
Hybrid working 40% of your time community / office based.
As this role supports children and families when it matters most, availability during school holiday periods is essential.
Who we are and what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Turn vision into action for children and families in Gateshead.
The Community, Health and Wellbeing Service at Gateshead Council works in close partnership with local communities, residents and organisations to improve health outcomes and quality of life across the borough. The team leads on the development and delivery of strategic programmes, projects and policies that address poverty, inequality and disadvantage, with a strong focus on supporting a healthy standard of living. Key areas include coordinating emergency food provision and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, tackling fuel poverty through the Warm Spaces network, developing high-quality volunteering opportunities, and supporting community arts and creative initiatives that strengthen communities and reduce inequalities.
Lead a programme that improves lives, not just outcomes.
Gateshead Council is seeking a committed Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Lead Officer to drive the design, commissioning and delivery of a high‑quality programme that makes a real difference to children, young people and families. This pivotal role leads the local implementation of the Department for Education’s HAF programme, ensuring eligible children can access enriching activities and nutritious food during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays. Working closely with partners, providers and communities, the post plays a vital role in tackling inequality, supporting financial wellbeing and helping deliver Gateshead’s ambition to give every child the best start in life and promote a healthy standard of living for all.
What you'll get to do:
- Lead the design, commissioning and delivery of Gateshead’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, ensuring full compliance with Department for Education standards and delivering high‑quality outcomes for children and families.
- Develop and implement a data‑led local HAF delivery plan that targets areas of greatest need while ensuring fair and inclusive access across Gateshead.
- Build and lead a strong partnership and steering group, working effectively with internal services and external providers to deliver a coordinated, innovative and high‑quality programme.
- Commission, contract‑manage and quality‑assure HAF providers, driving continuous improvement and addressing performance issues where required.
- Manage the overall HAF programme plan, including governance, risk management, quality assurance, performance monitoring and financial control, with full accountability for the HAF budget.
- Lead communications and marketing activity to maximise awareness, accessibility and take‑up of the programme, particularly among children eligible for free school meals.
- Ensure all provision meets safeguarding, health and safety, financial and information governance requirements, maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
- Monitor, evaluate and report programme progress and impact to the Department for Education, senior leaders and elected members, while contributing to wider service development and line‑managing the Programme Support Officer.
What you'll bring:
- A relevant degree or professional qualification, or significant experience in a lead HAF or equivalent role.
- Full UK driving licence or access to mobility support with the ability to travel across Gateshead as required.
- Strong knowledge of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, including relevant legislation such as School Food Standards, Natasha’s Law, data protection (GDPR) and information governance.
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding protocols and thresholds, with the ability to ensure safe, inclusive provision for children and young people.
- Proven experience of commissioning and/or delivering high‑quality programmes or activities for children and young people, including programmes that engage diverse communities.
- Strong project and/or programme management experience, including planning, delivery, monitoring, evaluation and effective budget management across the full project lifecycle.
- Ability to develop and implement clear action plans, identify and manage risks, and drive continuous improvement in complex programmes.
- Highly effective communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports, analyse data and communicate confidently with stakeholders at all levels, including partners and elected members.
- Well‑developed IT skills (including Microsoft Office and digital systems), the ability to prioritise competing demands to meet deadlines.
If successful, this role requires a DBS and you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.