Service Manager: UR4 Driving

UR4Driving is one of The Upper Room’s key projects, designed to support ex-offenders and young people at risk of criminal involvement.

By offering structured support to gain a driving licence, the programme helps individuals rebuild confidence, develop self-discipline, and create new opportunities—ultimately reducing the risk of reoffending and encouraging long-term positive change.

The Project Manager will lead the delivery and development of UR4Driving, overseeing its day-to-day operations, strategic direction, financial management, and team supervision.

Responsible To:  CEO    

Responsible For:  The strategic and day-to-day management of the UR4Driving project, including supervision of the UR4Driving team, oversight of service delivery, and engagement with project partners and stakeholders.

Contractual Hours:  

35 hours per week (5 days a week) primarily office based

Contract:  Permanent

Annual Leave Entitlement:  25 days (Public Holidays excluded)

About The Upper Room

The Upper Room is a frontline, community-based charity in Shepherd’s Bush, West London, dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals facing homelessness, poverty, and social exclusion.

Through a holistic range of services—including hot, nutritious meals, skills training, and tailored support—we help people take practical steps towards greater independence, stability, and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and publicise the UR4Driving project; manage referral partner relationships and represent the project at relevant meetings across London, including in prisons and probation settings.
• Conduct service user inductions and ensure motivational group sessions are delivered, working with internal and external facilitators.
• Oversee all project administration, including attendance monitoring, driving test bookings, volunteer expenses, and service user case records.
• Identify barriers to progression for service users and facilitate support or referrals as appropriate.
• Manage the project budget in line with financial procedures, including petty cash and invoice approvals.
• Source and oversee driving instructors, ensuring quality, alignment with TUR values, and timely progress updates.
• Work with the Chief Executive and Finance Officer to ensure project spend remains within budget.
• Support fundraising efforts by providing project data, stories, and insights.
• Monitor service user progress and track outcomes post-engagement, maintaining accurate records.
• Contribute to the evaluation and reporting processes, including quarterly and annual reports.
• Maintain up-to-date stock and resources within budget.
• Line manage the UR4Driving Co-ordinator, providing support, guidance, and supervision.
• Uphold organisational policies, especially those related to safeguarding, data protection, equality and diversity, health and safety, and lone working.
• Attend relevant training, meetings, and occasional evening/weekend events (TOIL offered).

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Proven experience delivering structured programmes or training for socially excluded groups, ideally ex-offenders.
• Confident delivering motivational sessions and one-to-one support.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Comfortable managing budgets and financial processes.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building positive relationships.
• Experience working with external partners and stakeholders across sectors.

Qualifications

• Educated to NVQ Level 3 or above (desirable).
• IAG or relevant advisory/support qualification (desirable).

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of the barriers faced by ex-offenders and relevant legislation (e.g. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).
• Familiarity with resettlement pathways and their practical applications.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience using databases and reporting tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage and motivate a wide range of audiences.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.