Recruiting | Harm Reduction and Innovation Lead
Recruiting | Harm Reduction and Innovation Lead
| Full Time | 37.5 hours per week |
| Salary | £44,508 to £51,075 depending on experience |
| Closing Date | 26th May 2026 |
| Interview Date | TBC |
| Job Reference | HRIL-BDP |
| Contract Type: | Two Years Fixed Term Initially |
| Accountable to | Chief Executive Officer |
| Location | Based at BDP’s central Bristol base but frequent travel across Bristol, B&NES and other areas will be expected. Hybrid and flexible working welcomed |
About this role:
This is an exciting time to join Bristol Drugs Project.
In 2026, BDP is launching an ambitious new five‑year strategy, setting out how we will deepen our impact, respond to emerging harms and strengthen our role as a valued treatment provider. This year also marks 40 years of harm reduction at BDP – four decades of standing alongside people who use drugs and alcohol, challenging stigma and championing evidence‑based, compassionate approaches.
To support this next phase, we are looking for a Harm Reduction and Innovation Lead to join our committed and values‑led senior leadership team.
This is a strategic role for someone who is passionate about harm reduction across alcohol and drugs, excited by innovation, and motivated to turn evidence, insight and lived experience into real‑world change. You will help shape how harm reduction is understood, embedded and advanced across BDP’s services, while supporting the organisation to respond dynamically to new risks, trends and opportunities.
However, strategic doesn’t mean theoretical- we are looking for someone who deeply cares about people, who is happy getting stuck in and who is as comfortable in the needle exchange as they are in the meeting room.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide organisational leadership on harm reduction practice across alcohol and drugs
- Lead innovation, service development and pilots that respond to emerging harms
- Work closely with people with lived experience, partners and commissioners
- Strengthen quality, impact and learning across services
- Represent BDP locally, regionally and nationally as a trusted voice on harm reduction
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for someone who:
- Has deep expertise in harm reduction and substance use
- Brings strategic thinking alongside practical delivery
- Is values‑driven, collaborative and comfortable influencing at senior levels
- Shares our commitment to social justice, inclusion and compassion
- Has a full UK driving licence and access to independent transport to fulfil the role requirements.
About BDP:
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) has been supporting the people of Bristol around their drug and alcohol for the past 40 years. We are committed to providing accessible and appropriate support for anyone who needs it and to reduce the harms caused by drugs and/or alcohol. Workers at BDP come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but all share a drive to make a difference in the lives of the people we work with.
What we offer:
- 27 days annual leave yearly which increases by 1 day every year to a maximum of 32 days after 5 of service PLUS bank holidays
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
- Thorough line management and reflective practice programme
- Extensive and ongoing training
- Cycle to work scheme
How to apply
Please download the job description and advert here:
Then visit our Application Hub to find our application form and other helpful information to support your application.
Please refer to the person specification available within the job description when completing your application.
Questions:
If you would like an informal chat about this role, please contact Lydia Plant on 07966 080 402 or lydia.plant@bdp.org.uk
If you have questions regarding the application process or need some support in completing your application, please email recruitment@bdp.org.uk or call 0117 987 6001 and ask for recruitment.
