12 month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity Are you passionate about using the Play Principles and play methodologies to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families? Are you a skilled professional committed to the adventure playground ethos of playworkers being a resource for children rather than leading or directing their play? Do you have experience of design, construction, modification and maintenance of adventure playground structures and features, to ensure that the playground can evolve and change in response to the children's wishes? Are you a champion for anti oppressive, anti racist and inclusive practice? We are looking for an experienced professional to join our award winning adventure play team at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground - a unique form of open access adventure play provision where children can enjoy their childhood by engaging in the full possibilities of play. PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The Senior Playworker will be responsible for supporting the planning, delivery, evaluation and promotion of high quality, open access adventure play activities. You will: Support the Play Manager with the development and delivery of term-time and holiday adventure play provision that promotes the development of physical and emotional well-being in accordance with the Playwork Principles. Support the Play Manager in the day to day running of the playground, including oversight of staff, resources, building and site; health and safety and safeguarding arrangements. Deputise for the Play Manager in their absence, ensuring service delivery. Support the creation and maintenance of a safe, creative, and stimulating play environment. Work with the Play Manager to ensure all legal health and safety requirements are met, including the undertaking of maintenance and repair of play structures and the playground site. Work with the Play Manager to ensure equality of opportunity for all young people and actively challenge discrimination, including racism, sexism and all other forms of oppression and unjust attitudes, behavior and practice. This is a physically demanding role, with work predominantly outdoors on the adventure playground. You will be expected to deliver all types of play activities including but not limited to: fire and water play, structure building, arts and crafts activities, sport activities, creative and imaginative play, gardening and nature based activities. You will also be expected to support day trips and residential activities. A good understanding of structure building, maintenance and repairs is needed; you will be expected to perform daily and quarterly inspections of play structures and the playground space, and carry out remedial repairs and ongoing maintenance to ensure the safety of young people attending the playground. During service delivery you will be predominantly based outdoors, all year round and in all weather conditions. Hours of Work: 36 hours per week You need to be available for service delivery at the following times: Winter Term time: Tuesday to Friday - 10:45am - 7:30pm Saturday: 10:45am to 4:15pm Summer Term Time: Tuesday to Friday 11am - 7:45pm School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:45pm An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role. If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role. Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026 (22:59) Interview date: W/c 15 June 2026 We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available:
May 27, 2026
Full time
12 month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity Are you passionate about using the Play Principles and play methodologies to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families? Are you a skilled professional committed to the adventure playground ethos of playworkers being a resource for children rather than leading or directing their play? Do you have experience of design, construction, modification and maintenance of adventure playground structures and features, to ensure that the playground can evolve and change in response to the children's wishes? Are you a champion for anti oppressive, anti racist and inclusive practice? We are looking for an experienced professional to join our award winning adventure play team at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground - a unique form of open access adventure play provision where children can enjoy their childhood by engaging in the full possibilities of play. PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The Senior Playworker will be responsible for supporting the planning, delivery, evaluation and promotion of high quality, open access adventure play activities. You will: Support the Play Manager with the development and delivery of term-time and holiday adventure play provision that promotes the development of physical and emotional well-being in accordance with the Playwork Principles. Support the Play Manager in the day to day running of the playground, including oversight of staff, resources, building and site; health and safety and safeguarding arrangements. Deputise for the Play Manager in their absence, ensuring service delivery. Support the creation and maintenance of a safe, creative, and stimulating play environment. Work with the Play Manager to ensure all legal health and safety requirements are met, including the undertaking of maintenance and repair of play structures and the playground site. Work with the Play Manager to ensure equality of opportunity for all young people and actively challenge discrimination, including racism, sexism and all other forms of oppression and unjust attitudes, behavior and practice. This is a physically demanding role, with work predominantly outdoors on the adventure playground. You will be expected to deliver all types of play activities including but not limited to: fire and water play, structure building, arts and crafts activities, sport activities, creative and imaginative play, gardening and nature based activities. You will also be expected to support day trips and residential activities. A good understanding of structure building, maintenance and repairs is needed; you will be expected to perform daily and quarterly inspections of play structures and the playground space, and carry out remedial repairs and ongoing maintenance to ensure the safety of young people attending the playground. During service delivery you will be predominantly based outdoors, all year round and in all weather conditions. Hours of Work: 36 hours per week You need to be available for service delivery at the following times: Winter Term time: Tuesday to Friday - 10:45am - 7:30pm Saturday: 10:45am to 4:15pm Summer Term Time: Tuesday to Friday 11am - 7:45pm School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:45pm An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role. If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role. Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026 (22:59) Interview date: W/c 15 June 2026 We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available:
12 Months Fixed Term Contract /Secondment Opportunity Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn't stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide. Hackney Here To Help is an easily accessible, resident-facing, multi-disciplinary service that brings together benefits advice with assessment for a range of discretionary grants, in a delivery model that has data-led, active community outreach at its heart. One of our core goals is increasing residents' income by tackling benefits under-claiming in the borough. The Income Maximisation Team, within which this role sits, is focussed on increasing income for some of the borough's most vulnerable residents, by ensuring that they claim and contest disability benefits. It is a highly skilled and successful team, generating over £1.5m in additional income over the past three years for residents. In this role you will support disabled people (or households with a disabled person) to access a full range of welfare benefits, discretionary support, reductions and exemptions. You will lead on mandatory review and tribunal work, including deciding on applications to take through the review process, preparation of documentation, supporting the individual resident and representing them at tribunal hearings. You will also support the wider Money Hub team by working collaboratively on cases, developing colleagues' skills and understanding of the support available for disabled people, people with long-term illness, and people with caring responsibilities and by giving feedback on likely eligibility on a case-case basis. In order to be successful in this role you will need to have strong knowledge of welfare and disability benefits; Experience of drafting grounds for appeal, written submissions and tribunal representation, experience of working with a close knit team; Be comfortable working directly with residents and taking a holistic, empathetic approach in order to understand the resident's full range of needs and respond as fully as possible Strong organisational and time management ability, in order to assess a high rate of incoming applications across several discretionary support schemes Able to be flexible, work independently and take a problem solving approach when working with residents and on different types Have excellent communication verbal and written communication skills Comfortable working with case management software to record resident contact and outcomes (Here To Help uses Google-based AppSheet) More information can be found in our attached supporting documents. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Closing date for applications : 28 May 2026 (22:59) Interview and assessment date: 17-18 June 2026 We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available:
May 27, 2026
Full time
12 Months Fixed Term Contract /Secondment Opportunity Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn't stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide. Hackney Here To Help is an easily accessible, resident-facing, multi-disciplinary service that brings together benefits advice with assessment for a range of discretionary grants, in a delivery model that has data-led, active community outreach at its heart. One of our core goals is increasing residents' income by tackling benefits under-claiming in the borough. The Income Maximisation Team, within which this role sits, is focussed on increasing income for some of the borough's most vulnerable residents, by ensuring that they claim and contest disability benefits. It is a highly skilled and successful team, generating over £1.5m in additional income over the past three years for residents. In this role you will support disabled people (or households with a disabled person) to access a full range of welfare benefits, discretionary support, reductions and exemptions. You will lead on mandatory review and tribunal work, including deciding on applications to take through the review process, preparation of documentation, supporting the individual resident and representing them at tribunal hearings. You will also support the wider Money Hub team by working collaboratively on cases, developing colleagues' skills and understanding of the support available for disabled people, people with long-term illness, and people with caring responsibilities and by giving feedback on likely eligibility on a case-case basis. In order to be successful in this role you will need to have strong knowledge of welfare and disability benefits; Experience of drafting grounds for appeal, written submissions and tribunal representation, experience of working with a close knit team; Be comfortable working directly with residents and taking a holistic, empathetic approach in order to understand the resident's full range of needs and respond as fully as possible Strong organisational and time management ability, in order to assess a high rate of incoming applications across several discretionary support schemes Able to be flexible, work independently and take a problem solving approach when working with residents and on different types Have excellent communication verbal and written communication skills Comfortable working with case management software to record resident contact and outcomes (Here To Help uses Google-based AppSheet) More information can be found in our attached supporting documents. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Closing date for applications : 28 May 2026 (22:59) Interview and assessment date: 17-18 June 2026 We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available:
Are you an experienced and committed lawyer specialising in employment law ready to manage a vital and dynamic caseload within local government? We are seeking an Employment Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing key legal advice and managing cases at the heart of the Council's service delivery. You will be joining a small and cohesive team that is dedicated to supporting Employment Law issues within the Council. In this role you will work closely with HR, senior officers and managers across all Council services and directorates. You will play a key role in supporting the Council to manage risk, deliver services effectively and maintain fair and lawful employment practices. About the Role You will be responsible for advising on both routine and complex employment issues, including disciplinary proceedings, grievances, dismissals, discrimination claims, and TUPE transfers. You will also be instrumental in drafting and reviewing employment contracts, settlement agreements, policies, and procedures, ensuring they align with current legislation and best practice. You will be expected to provide pragmatic and timely legal advice, and achieve positive outcomes. You will also represent the Council in employment tribunals and other dispute resolution forums when necessary. This role is on a hybrid basis with the expectation of working from the office up to 2 days per week This requirement depends on needs within the team and your personal circumstances. About You We are looking for a pragmatic and highly capable legal professional: Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate ('Authorisation to conduct litigation' from the Bar standards board for Barristers or 'Practice rights' for CILEX) Proven experience in a caseload of both routine and complex legal matters. Essential post qualification experience in Employment Law. Experience in providing clear, accurate legal advice to clients on legal interpretation. Experience using a case management system and working toward chargeable hours targets. Highly developed written and oral communication skills. A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team. We're looking for someone with excellent analytical and communication skills, who can effectively convey complex legal concepts to a variety of audiences. You should be highly organised, politically astute, and capable of working autonomously while also collaborating effectively within a team. Experience in a public sector environment is desirable, but not essential. If you're a dedicated Employment Lawyer seeking a challenging and rewarding role within a dynamic local authority, we encourage you to apply. Why Join Us? Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn't stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Closing date for applications : 31 May 2026 (22:59). Interview date : W/c 15 June 2026. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available:
May 26, 2026
Full time
Are you an experienced and committed lawyer specialising in employment law ready to manage a vital and dynamic caseload within local government? We are seeking an Employment Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing key legal advice and managing cases at the heart of the Council's service delivery. You will be joining a small and cohesive team that is dedicated to supporting Employment Law issues within the Council. In this role you will work closely with HR, senior officers and managers across all Council services and directorates. You will play a key role in supporting the Council to manage risk, deliver services effectively and maintain fair and lawful employment practices. About the Role You will be responsible for advising on both routine and complex employment issues, including disciplinary proceedings, grievances, dismissals, discrimination claims, and TUPE transfers. You will also be instrumental in drafting and reviewing employment contracts, settlement agreements, policies, and procedures, ensuring they align with current legislation and best practice. You will be expected to provide pragmatic and timely legal advice, and achieve positive outcomes. You will also represent the Council in employment tribunals and other dispute resolution forums when necessary. This role is on a hybrid basis with the expectation of working from the office up to 2 days per week This requirement depends on needs within the team and your personal circumstances. About You We are looking for a pragmatic and highly capable legal professional: Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate ('Authorisation to conduct litigation' from the Bar standards board for Barristers or 'Practice rights' for CILEX) Proven experience in a caseload of both routine and complex legal matters. Essential post qualification experience in Employment Law. Experience in providing clear, accurate legal advice to clients on legal interpretation. Experience using a case management system and working toward chargeable hours targets. Highly developed written and oral communication skills. A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team. We're looking for someone with excellent analytical and communication skills, who can effectively convey complex legal concepts to a variety of audiences. You should be highly organised, politically astute, and capable of working autonomously while also collaborating effectively within a team. Experience in a public sector environment is desirable, but not essential. If you're a dedicated Employment Lawyer seeking a challenging and rewarding role within a dynamic local authority, we encourage you to apply. Why Join Us? Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn't stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV's. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Closing date for applications : 31 May 2026 (22:59). Interview date : W/c 15 June 2026. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available:
