Post: Strategy and Service Development Lead
Responsible to: The Director
Responsible for: Strategy implementation, service development, programme development and partnerships
Base: Hybrid with some in person meetings at 66 Devonshire Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BL
Salary: £49,000 to £57,000 pro rata depending on experience (Band 7 AfC)
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week (equivalent to 3 days per week)
Background
The Brazelton Centre UK aims to support the transition and adjustment to parenthood, focusing on the development and mental health needs of both babies and parents. Holding the baby in mind, the Centre, which is research and practice based, enables health professionals to facilitate relationship building between parents and their newborn at a time that is experienced as a major life event. The philosophy of the organisation is one of enabling effective service development, appropriate clinical intervention and sharing of expertise.
The Centre, established in Cambridge in 1997, is a training organisation for health professionals and researchers who work with babies and parents. We offer training courses in the Newborn Behavioural Observations System (NBO) and Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale. (NBAS). Brazelton Centre UK is one of four Centres in the world, teaching the NBO and NBAS, and the most active. Brazelton UK works in partnership with other organisations on training, surveys and research, including third sector organisations, universities, NHS trusts and organisations providing support for the under-fives. Almost 6,000 practitioners have undertaken the UK training courses in both the NBO and NBAS.
The Centre currently has a staff of 7 from different professional groups, in a range of roles, with 10 Trainers across the UK, able to teach specific courses as required.
The charity has a Board of Trustees. The Strategy and Service Development Lead will report directly to the Director and be ultimately accountable to the Board of Trustees.
The Brazelton Centre UK has developed a new Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, setting out ambitious goals to increase reach and impact, expand research activity, develop new training programmes and increase engagement with parents.
This new post has been created to support the Director and Trustees in delivering this strategy and to lead the development of new programmes, partnerships and services that support the Centre’s mission.
This is a part-time post in the first instance and may entail some travelling in the UK and abroad for meetings.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities and accountabilities:
Strategic development and implementation
- Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the implementation of the Brazelton Centre UK’s strategic plan.
- Lead the coordination and delivery of strategic initiatives designed to increase the reach, impact and sustainability of the Centre’s work.
- Identify opportunities for innovation and development of services that support professionals working with babies and their families.
- Work collaboratively with the Director and staff team to translate strategic priorities into practical implementation plans and measurable outcomes.
- Monitor progress against strategic objectives and provide regular updates to the Director and Trustees
Service and programme development
- Lead the development of new programmes, services and initiatives in line with the BCUK’s strategic goals.
- Support the development of new training programmes and educational resources for health professionals and practitioners working with parents and babies.
- Work with colleagues, trainers and partners to design, pilot and evaluate new initiatives including antenatal and postnatal programmes.
- Work with the Director, staff team and trainers to support the development and implementation of online learning modules, webinars and digital educational resources that enhance the BCUK’s training and educational offer.
- Contribute to the development of digital resources that support professionals trained in the NBO and NBAS, including resources designed to strengthen implementation and reflective practice.
- Ensure that all programme development reflects current evidence and best practice in infant mental health, early development and parent–infant relationships.
Partnerships and collaboration
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with external organisations including universities, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations.
- Contribute to the development of professional networks and initiatives that support practitioners trained in the NBO and NBAS.
- Support the Director in identifying opportunities for collaborative projects, research partnerships and service innovation.
- Represent the Brazelton Centre UK in meetings, networks and events as appropriate.
- Promote collaborative working with partners in order to strengthen the Centre’s profile and maximise opportunities for impact.
Research and evaluation
- Support the Director and R&D Manager with the development of research collaborations and evaluation projects which strengthen the evidence base for the Brazelton approach.
- Work with academic and clinical partners to develop evaluation frameworks that demonstrate the impact of Brazelton Centre UK programmes and training, and support dissemination of learning and research findings.
- Assist in the identification of opportunities for research funding and collaborative projects.
Governance and organisational development
- Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the development and review of organisational policies, strategies and governance processes.
- Work closely with the Director to support the effective operational functioning of the Brazelton Centre UK, helping to ensure that organisational priorities and work programmes are delivered effectively.
- Provide leadership and coordination of agreed areas of organisational activity, working with the Director to support the management and development of the Brazelton Centre UK staff team.
- Support the Director in the development of staff objectives, work plans and monitoring of progress against agreed priorities.
- Contribute to the coordination and oversight of the delivery of programmes, projects and training activities to ensure they meet organisational standards and strategic objectives.
- Work collaboratively with the Director and colleagues to support the effective coordination of the Brazelton Centre UK Trainers and related initiatives.
- Ensure that work undertaken within the role reflects the values and principles of the Brazelton Centre UK.
General
This job description describes the major responsibilities and accountabilities associated with the post of Strategy and Service Development Lead. It is not intended to be exhaustive and it should not be assumed that other duties of a similar level/nature appropriate to the role of Strategy and Service Development Lead are excluded simply because they are not itemised.
Similarly, it should be recognised that the duties of the post may alter due to changes in legislation or policy or the business needs of the charity. Where such changes occur, training may be given where reasonable to enable the post-holder to undertake the new or varied work.
The Strategy and Service Development Lead is a key advocate for The Brazelton Centre UK and is expected to display the highest levels of personal and professional integrity at all times and to always act in a way which reflects positively on the organisation.
Further details about the Centre can be found on the Brazelton Centre UK website: https://www.brazelton.co.uk
For more information about the post and informal discussions, please contact Inge Nickell, Director of the Brazelton Centre UK.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements |
How assessed |
| Qualifications | |
| Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as psychology, health, paediatric medicine/nursing, allied health professional or a related discipline | Application |
| Trained in NBO or NBAS | Application |
| Knowledge | |
| Good knowledge and understanding of strategic planning and service development | Interview |
| An understanding of the voluntary or charitable sector | Application and interview |
| Knowledge of current policy and practice relating to early childhood development, infant mental health or parent–infant relationships | Application and interview |
| Understanding of programme development, evaluation or research in health, education or social care settings | Application and interview |
| Experience | |
| Experience of contributing to the development or implementation of organisational strategies or programmes | Application and interview |
| Experience of working collaboratively with external partners including health services, universities or voluntary sector organisations | Application and interview |
| Experience of contributing to development of new services or programmes | Application and interview |
| Experience of developing or supporting projects, programmes or service initiatives | Application and interview |
| Experience of working in a multidisciplinary environment
|
Application and interview |
| Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects or services | Application and interview |
| Good track record of people management and development | Application and interview |
| Skills and Abilities | |
| Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills | Interview |
| Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners | Interview |
| Ability to negotiate, influence and effect change through tact, diplomacy, effective reasoning and persuasion | Application and interview |
| Ability to analyse information and support evidence-based decision making | Application and interview |
| Excellent presentation and public-speaking skills with the ability to cater to a wide range of audiences including health professionals, academics and high profile partners | Interview |
| Effective networking and influencing skills and the ability to develop lasting external relationships | Application and interview |
| Ability to develop productive partnerships and professional networks | Interview |
| Excellent written and verbal communication skills | Application and interview |
| Good IT and digital communication skills | Application and interview |
| Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities | interview |
| Personal circumstances | |
| Able to travel throughout the UK and abroad and stay away from home | Interview |
| Able to work occasional evenings and weekends | Interview |
| A strong interest in child development, early parenting, infant behaviour and mental health | Interview |
Desirable Requirements |
How assessed |
| Qualifications | |
| Postgraduate qualification or additional professional training relevant to child development, psychology, education or health | Application |
| Knowledge | |
| Knowledge of current policy and commissioning structures within the NHS or related services | Interview |
| Knowledge of the Brazelton approach and related models supporting early parent–infant relationships | Interview |
| Knowledge of research methods or programme evaluation | Application and interview |
| Knowledge of digital learning approaches or online education platforms used in professional training | Application and interview |
| Experience | |
| Experience of training in a professional setting | Interview |
| Experience of supporting research collaborations or evaluation projects | Application |
| Experience of working collaboratively with a voluntary Board of Trustees | Application |
| Experience of preparing and delivering tenders for new business | Application and interview |
| Experience of contributing to the development of learning resources, online training or educational materials | Application and interview |
| Personal circumstances | |
| Close proximity to the BCUK Headquarters in Cambridge, or within a reasonable distance would be a benefit but not essential | Application |
How to Apply and Additional Information
To apply, please submit:
- A CV detailing your relevant experience and qualifications
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the person specification
Please send your application to Inge Nickell at inge@brazelton.co.uk
Informal discussion: We would also encourage you to make contact with our director to express your interest in this role and discuss suitability, to do so please email inge@brazelton.co.uk
Deadline: Applications must be received by the end of the day 7th May 2026. Late applications may not be considered.
Assessment: Candidates should demonstrate relevant experience and skills in their CV and cover letter. Some aspects of the person specification, such as interpersonal skills, will be assessed further at interview.
Eligibility: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required from candidates who are shortlisted for interview.
Interview: Interviews will be held in person only at the Brazelton Centre UK office (66 Devonshire Road, Cambridge, CB1 2BL) on the 30th June 2026.
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