The Roots Programme CIC is seeking a passionate and experienced Freelance Facilitator based in the UK to help deliver powerful programmes for young people and communities across the country. We are looking for someone who can engage confidently with people of different ages from a wide range of communities.

This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of work that feels both urgent and hopeful in the UK today. At a time of growing polarisation, division and political uncertainty, we believe it is more important than ever to create spaces where people can explore identity and belonging, challenge assumptions, build understanding across difference, and form meaningful human connections.

The Roots Programme brings people together across social and community divides. Through compassionate, thought-provoking conversations and shared experiences, we create space for open dialogue, deeper critical thinking and lasting relationships between people who might not otherwise connect. We are looking for facilitators who share our belief that a more connected, curious and compassionate society is possible, and who understand the challenges facing different communities across the UK today.

Our programmes explore identity, belonging, difference and othering, self-awareness, critical thinking, equality, social justice, community and social action. Some are designed for children and young people, while others are for wider community groups.

In 2024, we launched our five-year strategy with support from the National Lottery’s UK Fund. We will soon be merging with Rekindle Supplementary School and Northern Soul CIC to become The Rekindle Collective charity, while our existing programmes continue as they are.

If you are committed to bridging divides and want to play a meaningful role in shaping conversations, relationships and communities at a crucial moment, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

As a Freelance Facilitator, you will deliver high-quality, engaging pre-planned workshops and activities in schools and community settings, usually alongside another facilitator. This role involves working with young people aged 13+ and adult groups, and may also include assemblies for larger groups of young people.

You will receive training in our workshop materials and approach, along with support from a lead facilitator or member of the Roots team. Most delivery takes place during school hours, Monday to Friday, generally in term time.

This is a flexible freelance role with remote preparation and training, and in-person delivery across the UK.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, high-quality workshops and assemblies for young people aged 13+ and adult community groups
• Prepare thoroughly for delivery, including handling sensitive conversations around difference, division and potential conflict
• Model and uphold the ethos, values and culture of The Roots Programme
• Support the planning and smooth delivery of workshops, including occasional communication with schools and community partners
• Work with Roots team members and host organisations to ensure sessions are well prepared
• Complete notes and any required follow-up within agreed timeframes
• Respond promptly to communications from the Roots team
• Travel to delivery locations across the UK, as required
• Optionally contribute feedback or ideas to support the ongoing development of workshops

Safeguarding and data responsibilities

• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection procedures
• Maintain an active awareness of the sensitivity of young people’s data
• Ensure delivery follows safeguarding best practice, including school or partner organisation procedures where relevant
• Support the safe planning and delivery of programmes

Applicant requirements

You will need to:

• Have relevant experience facilitating workshops for young people or community groups, or experience in teaching, youth work, community work or a similar field
• Be confident working with groups of young people aged 13+
• Be confident in public speaking and presenting
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS and/or PVG check
  This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• Provide two references, including one from your current or most recent employer
• Have a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection for remote working
• Complete Child Protection in Schools training, or equivalent safeguarding training
• Agree to and sign our Code of Conduct
• Be responsible for your own tax and National Insurance as a freelancer
• Comply with relevant legislation and The Roots Programme policies, including Safeguarding and GDPR

Experience

You must have experience facilitating workshops for young people or community groups, or relevant teaching experience in formal or informal settings.

We are particularly interested in hearing from facilitators with lived experience of some of the challenges facing young people from a wide range of backgrounds today, although this is not essential.

Location

Work takes place in schools and community settings, so the ability and willingness to travel is essential. There may also be occasional in-person meetings with the Roots team.

Workshop availability will depend on your location, preferred delivery days, the number of facilitators available in your area, and the number of workshops in each programme. 

Fees and benefits

• £230 daily rate for facilitation work, invoiced as a freelancer
• Payment for time spent contributing to training, wider team meetings or check-ins
• All reasonable travel expenses and overnight accommodation covered where required
• Training, support and opportunities to contribute to meaningful, nationally relevant work

Applying

This is a bank role, so there is no fixed closing date. We are looking to appoint as soon as possible, and recruitment will close when we have found the right candidates.

Start date: As soon as possible
Interviews: Arranged on a rolling basis at a time that suits both parties

To apply, please send your up-to-date CV and cover letter to heidi@rootsprogramme.org

Due to the size of our team, we will only be able to respond to successful applicants. If you are successful, a member of our team will be in touch to arrange an interview.

If you would like to find out more before applying, please contact us at the same email address to arrange an informal, confidential conversation.

The Roots Programme actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We recruit based on skills and experience, regardless of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.