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Play Development Officer

Grade 8 - 37 Hours per week

Fixed term until 31 March 2028

Hastings Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic, creative and strategically minded Play Development Officer to help shape the future of play across our town.

This is an exciting opportunity to champion the value of play, support the design and improvement of high-quality playgrounds, and lead work that enhances the health, wellbeing and everyday experiences of our residents.

Working as part of the Active Hastings team and in close collaboration with colleagues in Parks, Regeneration, Leisure and Pride in Place, you will play a key role in creating inclusive, sustainable and engaging play opportunities across the borough.

We are looking for someone who understands that play is much more than recreation. It is a fundamental part of child development, community wellbeing and creating vibrant places where children, young people and families can thrive.

About the role

As Play Development Officer, you will lead the development and delivery of a borough-wide Play Development Strategy and Action Plan, ensuring that local communities, children and young people are at the heart of decision making.

You will work with a wide range of partners, including schools, community groups, voluntary organisations and external agencies, to identify opportunities, secure funding and deliver innovative projects that improve play provision for all ages.

The role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and will involve overseeing externally funded programmes, managing budgets and supporting the development of safe, accessible and inspiring play spaces.

Key responsibilities

• Lead consultation exercises to shape the design, development and improvement of playgrounds and play spaces.
• Develop and deliver a comprehensive Play Development Strategy and Action Plan.
• Identify funding opportunities and secure external investment to enhance play provision.
• Manage externally funded projects, resources and performance outcomes.
• Champion inclusive and accessible play opportunities for children and young people of all abilities and backgrounds.
• Build strong relationships with schools, community organisations and partner agencies.
• Assess local play provision, identify gaps and develop targeted initiatives to meet emerging needs.
• Advocate for the importance of play and influence stakeholders across a variety of sectors.

About you

You'll be passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people and will bring experience of delivering projects, engaging communities and working collaboratively with partners.

You will have:

• A relevant qualification in childcare, playwork, youth work or active design (minimum NVQ Level 4 or equivalent).
• Experience of working with children and young people within community, educational or play settings.
• Experience of developing and delivering programmes, projects or activities.
• Knowledge of playground design, inclusive play principles and playground safety standards.
• Experience of partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication, organisational and budget management skills.
• The ability to work independently, think creatively and manage multiple priorities.

The role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend working to meet service needs, particularly during school holiday periods. An Enhanced DBS check for the Child Workforce is required for this position.

Closing date for applications: 20th July 2026 @ 12:00pm