Project Officer Youth Justice

The Project Officer (Youth Justice) position

This position is a 12-month fixed term role.

We help young people to build life-long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their own passions and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove yourself that you’re ready for anything nothing can hold you back.

Do you want to be part of that?

As a Project Officer (Youth Justice), you will be supporting UK-wide projects across the justice system including in prisons, probation and in the community.

You will be at the heart of the DofE’s five-year strategy, Youth Without Limits; helping ensure the DofE is open to all young people aged 14-24 across the UK and that our participants reflect the most diverse generation of young people ever.

This role is remote, and while most of our work is currently completed virtually, you will have flexibility to travel UK wide if required.

What we are looking for:

You will be a motivated and efficient Project Officer with a passion for supporting young people and giving them the best opportunities in life. You will work in a dynamic and driven team, supporting the design, development, and implementation of significant strategic projects, increasing access and giving more marginalised young people the opportunity to benefit from the DofE.

You will have a passion for Youth Justice and giving young people in the justice system the ability to access the DofE. You will be part of unique and exciting projects, including our HMPPS partnership where we hope to be working with all DofE eligible prisons by the end of our strategy. You will therefore play a key part in enabling the Charity to expand our Youth Justice provision and enjoy working with a range of teams across the DofE and external partners, to ensure the successful implementation of projects. You will have excellent attention to detail and have a track-record of managing competing deadlines.

You will be an enthusiastic, collaborative individual who thrives working in a fast-paced environment and has the ability to drive a large-scale project forward.

Although not an essential requirement, we would welcome applicants with lived experience of the justice system. Or worked within organisations who support young people in the secure estate, probation, or wider justice system.

How to apply

If you are excited about the prospect of working for the DofE and believe you have the desired skills and experience to make a real success of this role, then we are keen to hear from you.

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, flexible working, Heath care cash plan, life assurance, attractive holiday package, ongoing training, and an employee assistance programme.

A full job description can be viewed on our careers page.

Closing Date for all applications: Sunday 14th April – Midnight.

First Interviews: w/c 22nd April to be held virtually via Teams.

Second Interviews: w/c: 29th April In person (London Office SE1)

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including work/education references and covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

**The geographical allowance is based on a staff member having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 (pro rata) per annum.

The DofE charity works with organisations across the UK to help young people gain essential skills, experience, confidence and resilience to successfully navigate adult life.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1EU

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