Compass Recovery College Manager


Company:	Reading Borough Council
Salary:	£45,529 to £51,928 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Reading, RG1 2LU
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	7 Oct 2026
Closing date:	25 Oct 2026

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Summary

37 Hours per week - Full Time – Fixed term for up to 2 years

Are you an experienced mental health professional and people-focused manager who is passionate about recovery, co-production and helping people develop the knowledge and confidence to manage their wellbeing?

We are looking for an inspiring Compass Recovery College Manager for up to 2 years to cover a secondment to lead and develop Compass Recovery College – an innovative, inclusive service offering free mental health and wellbeing workshops to residents across Reading.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About The Role:

To find out more about Compass Recovery College visit: https://www.compassrecoverycollege.uk/

Compass is built around an educational approach to recovery. Workshops are co-produced and delivered with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges alongside professionals and trained practitioners. We create a safe, supportive environment where people can learn, share experiences, build skills and connect with others.

As Manager, you will play a key role in developing Compass and extending its reach across Reading. You will lead the team to deliver a diverse programme of recovery-focused workshops, mental health literacy and prevention initiatives, while strengthening partnerships across health, social care, community and voluntary sector organisations.

As Compass Recovery College Manager, you will:

Lead and develop the Recovery College, ensuring high-quality, recovery-focused services are delivered across Reading.

Manage and support a dedicated team of recovery workers, peer supporters, volunteers and sessional staff, including staff with lived experience.

Develop innovative workshops and programmes that promote mental health recovery, resilience and wellbeing.

Build strong partnerships across health, social care, voluntary and community sectors.

Promote social inclusion and help tackle mental health inequalities through targeted outreach initiatives.

Monitor service performance, manage budgets and provide reports to senior leaders and elected members.

Contribute to wider public health priorities and strategic mental health initiatives across Reading and Berkshire West.

About You:

We're looking for someone who has:

Significant experience working within mental health, public health, health and social care or a related field.

Experience leading teams, managing staff and supporting volunteers.

A strong understanding of recovery-focused approaches and co-production.

Excellent partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience managing budgets and delivering services within available resources.

Strong communication skills with the ability to present information clearly to a wide range of audiences.

A commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and improving outcomes for people experiencing mental health challenges.

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Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.