Welcome, Future Changemaker

Thank you for landing here – whether by luck, design, or a gentle nudge from the universe. We’re genuinely thrilled that you’re interested in joining First People Housing.

If this is your first time here, might we suggest a little wander around the rest of our site first? It’s the best way to get a feel for who we are, what we do, and – more importantly – why we do it. (Spoiler alert: it involves people, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.)

We are Hiring!

Yes, it’s true. The FPH family is growing, and we’re looking for not one, not two, but three fabulous human beings to join our mission.

We're currently recruiting for:

The Hideout Collective Project Lead - This is a hands-on mentoring role for someone who enjoys practical work, building relationships, encouraging others, and helping people rediscover confidence through meaningful activity.

What to Do Next

All the juicy details – job descriptions, how to apply, our vibes, values and vision – can be found below. Take your time, have a good read, and when you’re ready, we’d love to hear from you.

And if you have any questions at all – even the tiny, niggling ones – drop us a line at info@firstpeople.org.uk. We’re friendly. Promise.

Why First People Housing?

  • Because we believe in people first, always.

  • Because we know housing is just the start of the story.

  • Because we do things with love, not just logic.

  • Because working here means being part of something deeply human – with joy, purpose, challenges, and a team that’s got your back

Benefits:

  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

  • Employee Assistance Programme (including legal advice, counselling, and wellbeing support)

  • Monthly formal supervision with a senior counsellor

  • 1 hour per month dedicated to personal wellbeing during worktime

  • Flexible working culture, we understand that life happens

  • Combination of office-based and community-based work

  • Ongoing training and CPD (Continual Professional Development)

  • Opportunities for career progression

  • Be part of the First People family, a team that values purpose, integrity, and people-first practice.

Important Information Before You Apply

At FPH, many of our roles involve travel to various locations. To ensure you can fulfill the responsibilities of the position, please note the following requirements:

  • Valid UK Driving Licence: You must possess a current and valid UK driving license appropriate for the vehicle you'll be operating.

  • Access to a Vehicle: You should have access to a reliable vehicle at all times during your working hours.

  • Business Insurance: Your vehicle must be insured for business use, covering the nature of the work you'll undertake with us.

  • Right to Work in the UK: You must have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for all roles

These requirements are essential to meet our operational needs and to comply with legal and insurance obligations.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the role and values of First People Housing CIC to info@firstpeople.org.uk

First People Housing CIC - Core Values

These values have been shaped to reflect the heart, mission, and approach of First People Housing CIC. They are designed to guide our daily work, celebrate what we do well, and offer a shared language for growing together.

Compassion in Action - We lead with heart. Every client is met with care, respect, and dignity.

Integrity Without Exception - We do what’s right, not what’s easy. We show up honestly and responsibly.

Community at the Core - We’re not just a service — we’re part of something bigger. We succeed together.

People Before Process - Systems support us — but people drive us. We’re flexible, authentic, and kind.

Accountability with Heart - We take ownership, we hold each other supportively to high standards, and we grow both as individuals and a team.

Growth as a Team -We support each other’s development — as professionals, and as people.

Job Description

Job Title:‍ ‍The Hideout Collective Project Lead

(The Hideout Collective @ First People Housing CIC)

Location: Based at the Head Office in Old Hatfield

Reports to: Director of Support and Development

Salary: Range from £31,000 to £33,500 depending on experience

Hours: Full time, 35 hrs per week, 9am to 5pm 1hr for lunch

Contract Type: Permanent

About The Hideout Collective @ First People Housing CIC

Build Projects. Build Confidence. Build Lives.

The Hideout Collective is part of First People Housing CIC and exists to help people rebuild confidence, purpose, and wellbeing through practical projects, creativity, restoration, gardening, and community activity.

We work alongside people who may have experienced homelessness, addiction, offending, poor mental health, or social exclusion. We believe recovery and growth do not always happen in formal settings. Sometimes they happen while painting a room, building a planter, fixing a fence, restoring a boat, or simply showing up consistently as part of a team.

We are looking for a Hideout Collective Project Lead to help lead that journey.

This is not a standard support worker role.
It is not purely maintenance work either.

This is a hands-on mentoring role for someone who enjoys practical work, building relationships, encouraging others, and helping people rediscover confidence through meaningful activity.

About the Role

You will work directly with people involved in First People Housing CIC services, supporting them through practical projects and community-based activities.

One day you may be:

  • helping restore part of a narrowboat,

  • building raised beds in a garden,

  • decorating a project space,

  • transporting tools and materials,

  • supporting someone who is anxious to join in,

  • or simply sharing a cup of tea and helping someone feel included again.

You’ll help create safe, positive environments where people feel valued, capable, and supported.

No two days are ever quite the same.

Key Responsibilities

  • Mentoring & Support

    Build positive and encouraging relationships with clients involved in Hideout Collective projects.

    Support individuals to develop confidence, motivation, routine, and practical life skills.

    Encourage participation, teamwork, responsibility, and positive communication.

    Act as a positive role model, promoting recovery, wellbeing, and inclusion.

    Support people who may struggle with anxiety, confidence, substance misuse recovery, or social isolation.

    Project & Practical Work

    Support the delivery of practical restoration and community projects including boats, allotments, gardens, workshops, and creative spaces.

    Carry out basic maintenance, repair, gardening, decorating, and improvement tasks.

    Support and supervise clients using tools and equipment safely.

    Help maintain safe, clean, welcoming project environments.

    Assist with transporting tools, materials, and people between locations.

     

Teamwork & Engagement

Work closely with the Director of Operations & Services and wider FPH teams.

Support volunteers and peer mentors within projects.

Help create a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Contribute ideas for future Hideout Collective projects and activities.

Safety & Professional Standards

Follow health & safety procedures and safe working practices.

Promote safeguarding, professional boundaries, and psychologically safe working environments

Maintain professional boundaries and safeguarding responsibilities.

Report concerns, incidents, or risks appropriately.

Ensure vehicles, tools, and equipment are used responsibly.

Person Specification

Essential

Full clean UK driving licence and confidence driving a van.

Experience with practical maintenance, gardening, DIY, or restoration projects.

Ability to undertake physical practical work including lifting, gardening, decorating, and site-based activities.

Comfortable using hand and power tools safely.

Strong mentoring and people skills.

Ability to motivate and encourage individuals from diverse and complex backgrounds.

Willingness to work flexibly across projects and locations.

Commitment to the values of recovery, inclusion, and second chances.

Desirable

Experience working in homelessness, recovery, youth work, mentoring, or community projects.

Lived experience of recovery or overcoming adversity.

First Aid, safeguarding, or health & safety training.

Experience leading small teams or projects.

The Values of a SCIC

1.Empathy and a Trauma-Informed Approach

You understand that behind every behavior is a story — often one shaped by trauma, adversity, and marginalisation. You respond not with judgement but with empathy, compassion, and curiosity. You work in a way that honors each individual’s experience and promotes psychological safety in every interaction.

2.Integrity, Accountability, and Confidentiality

You conduct yourself with professionalism and unwavering integrity, earning the trust of those you support and work alongside. You respect confidentiality, uphold safeguarding principles, and are accountable for your actions and decisions. You know when to act, when to escalate, and always do so in the best interest of the individual.

3.Inclusion, Equality, and Anti-Discrimination

You actively challenge discrimination, stigma, and systemic inequality. You celebrate diversity and advocate for fair treatment, ensuring all service users — regardless of background, identity, or circumstance — feel valued, respected, and included. You are committed to creating spaces where every voice matters.

4.Empowerment and Strength-Based Support

You believe in people’s capacity to change — even when they don't yet believe it themselves. You provide support that nurtures independence, fosters confidence, and helps individuals identify and build on their own strengths. You celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, because you know that transformation happens in steps.

5.Collaboration and Partnership

You understand that lasting change requires community. You work effectively across systems and services — building relationships with partners in housing, mental health, justice, and beyond. You share knowledge generously and advocate for wraparound, joined-up support that puts the person at the center.

6.Adaptability, Resilience, and Creative Problem-Solving

In a world that changes quickly, you are resourceful and adaptable. You remain calm under pressure, respond positively to challenge, and think creatively when faced with barriers. You are resilient in the face of setbacks and bring energy and optimism to your work, even on the toughest days.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the role and values of First People Housing CIC to info@firstpeople.org.uk