Adult counselling service jobs in Manchester

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Officer will play a central role in supporting meaningful engagement and involvement of young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study.

Primarily, the postholder will be responsible for the stewardship and coordination of the AHS Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG). The post-holder will provide ongoing support to YPAG members to ensure their active participation in opportunities to inform and shape the work of AHS. This will include working closely with the adults in the YPAG members’ lives, including parents/carers, teachers and other relevant adults or professionals. The postholder will also be required to build positive working relationships with other organisations and institutions that work directly with young people. They will support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to develop mechanisms to reach wider and more diverse groups of young people to take part in engagement and involvement activities at AHS.  

This is a role that requires confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The post-holder will be a strong advocate for children’s rights, have a sound working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices, and demonstrate experience of co-ordinating youth advisory groups, youth councils or similar.

Main responsibilities

Coordination & facilitation

• Plan, organise, and deliver regular meetings, workshops, and consultation sessions with young people.
• Develop accessible, inclusive and engaging materials to support young people’s participation in activities and discussions.
• Ensure robust mechanisms are in place to facilitate a feedback loop, communicating to young people the impact of their input.
• Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion are embedded in all activities.
• Lead on and maintain communication with young people, parents/carers (where appropriate), and partner organisations.

Support for young people

• Provide guidance, pastoral support, and clear information to help young people take part confidently and safely.
• Facilitate training and development opportunities to build young people’s skills, knowledge, and confidence.
• Foster an environment where young people feel respected, valued, and listened to.
• Manage mechanisms for reward and recognition of young people’s input and contributions.

Strengthen and enable staff team

• Strengthen knowledge and understanding of youth engagement and involvement across the organisation.
• Enable the wider staff team to plan and conduct activities with the YPAG and wider groups of young people, supporting the design of involvement tasks that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with best practice.
• Provide feedback to colleagues on how to maximise the impact of youth involvement.

Administration & governance

• Manage recruitment and onboarding processes for YPAG members.
• Oversee consent processes, data handling, and safeguarding requirements.
• Coordinate payments, incentives, travel, and expenses for young people.
• Maintain accurate records, produce meeting notes, and ensure timely communication.
• Support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to track, document and report on outcomes and the influence of young people’s involvement on projects and workstreams.

Continuous learning and development

• Contribute to the development of the organisation’s engagement and involvement strategy.
• Contribute to the evaluation of engagement and involvement activities and gather feedback from young people, parents/carers and other relevant parties we work closely with.
• Maintain an interest and working knowledge of best practice in youth involvement, participation, and co‑production.
• Identify opportunities to share learning and reflections with the AHS team and wider colleagues to continuously improve practice and processes.

Interest-holder and partner engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to recruit and support young people to engage in engagement and involvement activities.
• Provide verbal and written presentations of engagement and involvement work with young people to internal and external audiences.
• Represent AHS in meetings, workshops and events where appropriate.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

• Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools).
• A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, especially with young audiences.
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice.
• Experience of co-ordinating a youth advisory group, council, board or similar structure
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritising tasks and manage own workload.
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated commitment to children’s rights, youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s views and perspectives.
• Confidence using online meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365).

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in youth participation, youth work, community engagement or similar.
• Understanding of public involvement in research or willingness to develop expertise.
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood.
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online sessions (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint).

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working may be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be necessary to various AHS locations and partner organisations.
• Willingness to work hours flexibly including some evenings/weekends.

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS/PVG or equivalent safeguarding check will be required.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on End of Day Sunday 29 March.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the weeks commencing 27 April and 05 May.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Job Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator for Warrington and Stockport

Service: Warrington and Stockport

Reporting to: Children’s Rights Manager

Salary: £17,352.52 (£24,293.53 FTE) per annum

Location: Home based and work within the communities.

Candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of the service area.

Hours: 25 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Make a Difference to the Lives of Children and Young People

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity, established in 1975, and one of the UK’s leading organisations championing the rights of children and young people in care. We ensure their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon, and we work every day to improve the lives and outcomes of those who rely on the support of the state.

Coram Voice is one of the Coram Group of charities. Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Independent Visitor Coordinator to join our dynamic, dedicated team supporting children and young people in Warrington and Stockport.

About the Role

As an Independent Visitor Coordinator, you will:

• Deliver a statutory Independent Visitor service to children in care and care leavers.
• Recruit, assess, train and support volunteers who become long term, trusted befrienders for young people.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, volunteers, and key professionals.
• Champion a child led approach, ensuring young people’s wishes and feelings drive every decision (except where safeguarding concerns arise).
• Work collaboratively across Coram Voice and with partner agencies.
• Take independent responsibility for leading and supporting our volunteers, while working in partnership with the Children’s Rights Manager to support accurate reporting and contract monitoring.

If you are passionate about volunteer development, young people’s rights, and meaningful, lasting change, this role could be perfect for you.

What We Offer

Coram Voice is committed to recognising and rewarding the vital work of our staff. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Competitive salary
• Matched pension contributions (up to 5%)
• 25 days’ annual leave plus 3 additional paid days between Christmas and New Year
• Supportive, flexible working culture
• Family friendly policies and a focus on staff wellbeing

You will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference—every single day.

Recruitment Process

Shortlisting:
Conducted by Emma Keen, Children’s Rights Manager, and Sarah Gabriel, Children’s Rights Manager.

How to Apply:

Please complete the full application form and address every point in the person specification.
We cannot accept CVs.
Internal applicants may submit a supporting statement addressing the person specification.

Interview Process:

• Written exercise
• Panel interview
• A further one‑to‑one interview (Warner compliant)

Closing date: Monday 30th March 2026, 9:00 am.
Interview date: Thursday 2nd April 2026.

ob Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator for Manchester

Service: Manchester

Reporting to: Children’s Rights Manager

Salary: £19,434.82 (£24,293.53 FTE) per annum

Location: Home based and work within the community across Greater Manchester

Candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of the service area.

Hours: 28 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Make a Difference to the Lives of Children and Young People

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity, established in 1975, and one of the UK’s leading organisations championing the rights of children and young people in care. We ensure their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon, and we work every day to improve the lives and outcomes of those who rely on the support of the state.

Coram Voice is one of the Coram Group of charities. Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Independent Visitor Coordinator to join our dynamic, dedicated team supporting children and young people in Manchester

About the Role

As an Independent Visitor Coordinator, you will:

• Deliver a statutory Independent Visitor service to children in care and care leavers.
• Recruit, assess, train and support volunteers who become long term, trusted befrienders for young people.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, volunteers, and key professionals.
• Champion a child led approach, ensuring young people’s wishes and feelings drive every decision (except where safeguarding concerns arise).
• Work collaboratively across Coram Voice and with partner agencies.
• Take independent responsibility for leading and supporting our volunteers, while working in partnership with the Children’s Rights Manager to support accurate reporting and contract monitoring.

If you are passionate about volunteer development, young people’s rights, and meaningful, lasting change, this role could be perfect for you.

What We Offer

Coram Voice is committed to recognising and rewarding the vital work of our staff. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Competitive salary
• Matched pension contributions (up to 5%)
• 25 days’ annual leave plus 3 additional paid days between Christmas and New Year
• Supportive, flexible working culture
• Family friendly policies and a focus on staff wellbeing

You will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference—every single day.

Recruitment Process

Shortlisting:
Conducted by Emma Keen, Children’s Rights Manager, and Sarah Gabriel, Children’s Rights Manager.

How to Apply:

Please complete the full application form and address every point in the person specification.
We cannot accept CVs.
Internal applicants may submit a supporting statement addressing the person specification.

Interview Process:

• Written exercise
• Panel interview
• A further one‑to‑one interview (Warner compliant)

Closing date: Monday 30th March 2026, 9:00am
Interview date: Thursday 2nd April 2026

We are looking for a passionate and creative Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing to lead the next stage of our journey.

This is an exciting, strategic and hands‑on leadership role for someone who can confidently amplify our brand in the public sphere, drive meaningful engagement, and increase both supporter and beneficiary acquisition.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Marketing and leading a small, high‑performing team, you will:

Brand, Communications & PR

• Lead and evolve Life’s brand strategy, ensuring clarity and consistency across all channels.
• Raise Life’s visibility with powerful campaigns that engage beneficiaries, supporters, volunteers and the public.
• Oversee media relations, PR activity, reputation management and crisis communications.
• Support and strengthen internal communications across the organisation.

Marketing Leadership

• Develop innovative marketing strategies that grow reach, impact and sustainability.
• Drive supporter and beneficiary acquisition through targeted, insight‑led campaigns.
• Use data, analytics and performance metrics to continuously improve marketing effectiveness.
• Provide inspiring leadership and development to the Marketing & Comms Team.

Digital Strategy

• Lead Life’s digital marketing approach, including SEO, paid social, PPC, email, content and inbound marketing.
• Create effective user journeys and optimise conversion rates through testing and analytics.
• Oversee engaging social media content and paid advertising campaigns.
• Ensure high‑quality digital design, content, and brand guardianship.

Website & Content

• Support the development of Life’s website, focusing on optimisation, content quality and user experience.
• Oversee high‑quality storytelling that reflects Life’s values and mission.

About You

You’ll be a confident, creative and strategic leader who brings:

• At least 5 years’ experience in digital marketing, communications or brand roles (charity sector experience desirable).
• Proven experience developing and delivering brand, digital and communications strategies.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing trends, analytics and audience insight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and leading a team.
• A warm, values‑driven approach aligned with Life’s mission of humanity, solidarity, community and compassion.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week (part time considered)

Location: Remote

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Job title: Immediate Support Coordinator – North Wales (Welsh Speaker)

Reports to: Immediate Support and Debrief Manager

Salary: Salary of £26,500 per annum, pro-rata for part time hours

Location: Remote work with travel in the region

Hours: Part-Time, 22.5 hours per week, over 3 days, Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Post No: 2WISCPT1

Objective: 2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims:

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and other therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

2wish Cymru & 2wish:

2wish has been established since 2012 and has grown from strength to strength. During tis time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death.

We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under in Wales and the bordering counties in England, including; Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset, with the plan to continue to roll out support to the whole of England. We work in partnership with professionals who refer int the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.

Context of role:

2wish support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We are an All-Wales and part England charity providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

The post holder will provide immediate and ongoing emotional and practical support to families affected by the sudden and unexpected death of their child or young adult.

Main duties:

Service:

• To initiate immediate support for a caseload of families whose children and young people aged 0-25 have died suddenly and unexpectedly across the region
• To contact all families within 24-48 hours of the referrals by telephone
• Complete an initial assessment of families’ needs to identify and plan the support as required in line with safeguarding and risk reduction
• Offer emotional support and advice to a case load of families through home visits and ongoing weekly telephone calls
• To liaise with the Counselling Support and Outreach Coordinator, who is responsible for organising formal support such as counselling, complementary therapy or play therapy, subject to consent from the bereaved individual
• To work with hospital staff, GP’s, police officers, coroner offices, mental health teams and other healthcare professionals to raise awareness of and promote referrals into the charity
• To liaise with other professionals working alongside the family to provide a holistic and multi-agency approach to support
• Attend relevant forums within the area
• To deliver awareness training in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools and workplaces on the use of the bereavement boxes, referring into the charity and bereavement awareness
• To monitor the use of the memory boxes and ensure families have been offered a memory box
• To work with hospital trusts to establish and maintain the upkeep of suitable bereavement suites for bereaved individuals to use as required
• Facilitate debriefs within professional settings following a traumatic or sudden death of a child or young person
• Maintain stock of 2wish memory boxes and deliver boxes to partner organisations as required
• To submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to Bereavement Services Manager as required
• To signpost and/or refer to other agencies as required that can provide support as needed
• Cover members of the support team for annual leave and/or sickness

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
• To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
• To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role
• Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Normal office hours are 9am – 5pm, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.

Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it’s auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions – employer 3% and employee 5%).

Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Location: 2wish currently offers a form of hybrid working and this will continue for the foreseeable future. This post is home based with travel across the region you are covering.

Additional benefits for our employees:

• An ‘Employee Assistance Programme,’ including wellbeing support
• Free parking on 2wish premises
• Free branded 2wish clothing
• An extra annual leave day on your birthday
• Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
• Paid sick leave
• Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
• Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Company mobile phone for performance of duties
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service

How to apply:

Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video.

Closing date: 6th March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Only those applicants that have been shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship. 

Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.

The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.

The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.

Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.

The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.

At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.

This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.

How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.

This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.

Key responsibilities:

Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance

• Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
• Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
• Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
• Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.

Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight

• Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
  • Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
  • Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
  • Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
• Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
• Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
• Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.

 Policy, compliance and organisational assurance

• Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
• Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
• Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Culture, capability and continuous improvement

• Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
• Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
• Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.

Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
• Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
• Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.

Partnership working and external accountability

• Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
• Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
• Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
• Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
• Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
• Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
• Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
• Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.

Knowledge (Essential)

• Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
• Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
• Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
• Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements

Skills and abilities (Essential)

• Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
• Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
• Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
• Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
• Permission to work in the UK.

Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)

• Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
• Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Lived experience of kinship care.
• Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
• Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.

How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack. 

Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026. 

For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.

1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career?  Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to. 

2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.

3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response? 

4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed? 

5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response? 

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts. 

Digital Change Manager 

• Reporting to: Digital Transformation Lead 

• Employment Status: permanent 28 hrs/week (flexible) 

• Location: Home based 

• Level: Managerial (Band 6) 

• Salary: £32,859 fte per annum plus excellent pension & benefits 

Role purpose 

Adoption UK is undertaking a major digital transformation, initially focused on CRM and Website developments. Our Digital Transformation Team will drive this change programme, working with colleagues and external digital partners; and subsequently deliver our on-going digital strategy implementation and development. 

You will support the Digital Transformation Lead to refine and implement Adoption UK’s digital strategy, to deliver our digital transformation project. Working with internal and external stakeholders the team will ensure that the project’s vision and scope meet the business and operational needs of the charity. An important part of your role will be to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and particularly with our Marketing and Communications team to integrate digital into all current and upcoming projects. 

We’re looking for someone who has experience of project working in a digital environment, particularly within website and CRM implementation. 

Background – our digital transformation 

Like many charities, we’ve historically developed our digital framework and footprint organically, with insufficient web and CRM integration and functionality, duplication and data silos; resulting in data management and website functionality that don’t meet all our users’ needs. We’re changing all that by: 

1. Investing in our customer-facing website and data management systems; connecting all our divisions and services, delivering integrated systems that provide a positive customer and stakeholder journey.
2. Developing the next generation of digitally accessible services 
3. Extending our in-house digital capability to support continuous delivery. 

Key accountabilities: 

• Support the Digital Transformation Lead to implement the charity’s digital strategy.

• Coordinate data and content activities, including migration between platforms, to deliver our website and CRM digital transformation programme.

• Utilise and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation and with current and future digital partners. Use these networks to: 

• embed digital first principles and best practice. 

• Train, coach and mentor colleagues to be effective users of our CRM and website. 

• Progress opportunities to increase our digital capability and integrate digital into our current and upcoming work. 

• Utilise the digital performance assessment framework to monitor compliance with digital and data best practice standards. 

• Assist in maintaining our data security standards compliance, participating in quality assurance activities. 

• Work collaboratively with our external digital and IT partners. 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience of website and CRM implementation and data/content management. 

• Good general knowledge and experience of organisational IT systems, including cloud and M365 applications. 

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Able to convey complex or technical information simply and clearly. 

• Experience of IT/Digital supplier engagement. Able to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Experience of working in a digital project/change environment. 

• Ability to work under pressure and to respond quickly to changing circumstances and to tight timetables 

Desirable criteria 

• Experience of working in an organisation which uses agile development methodologies. 

• A strong understanding of the National Cyber Security Centre principles and approach and General Data Protection regulations principles, audit and compliance. 

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Housing to lead our supported housing services nationally and help shape the next stage of our growth.

As Director of Housing, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all of Life’s supported housing services. This is a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring our housing provision is high‑quality, compliant, safe and truly centred around the needs of our clients.

You will lead our national Housing Strategy, drive service improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, support organisational growth, and champion a culture of compassion, accountability and high performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and deliver a national Housing Strategy aligned to Life’s vision and mission.
• Identify housing development and expansion opportunities, including partnerships with local authorities and commissioners.
• Support organisational business planning and future growth.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with housing legislation and regulatory requirements including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, HHSRS, safeguarding and Health & Safety.
• Lead regulatory audits, inspections and risk management.
• Provide assurance on compliance and viability to the CEO and Trustees.

Service Quality & Client Experience

• Embed a client-centred, compassionate approach aligned with Housing Ombudsman principles.
• Oversee effective complaints management, learning reviews and client feedback systems.
• Ensure properties and services meet high standards of safety, warmth and comfort.

Operational Leadership

• Lead housing management, income recovery, voids, repairs and maintenance, compliance and tenancy sustainment.
• Ensure effective escalation of tenancy breaches and safeguarding practices.
• Work closely with Life’s Helpline services around referral and allocations.

Financial & Asset Management

• Oversee rental income, arrears, void control and financial performance.
• Manage contracts, grants and local authority funding.
• Ensure major works, planned maintenance and statutory compliance are delivered effectively.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and support Housing Managers, support teams and frontline workers.
• Foster a positive culture of accountability, inclusion and high standards.
• Support staff development and performance.

Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with local authorities, property professionals, contractors, funders and other key partners.
• Represent Life at external forums and sector networks.

About you:

Essential

• CIH Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification
• Senior leadership experience in supported housing, social housing, or homelessness services
• Strong knowledge of housing law, tenancy management and regulatory compliance
• Understanding of Housing Ombudsman standards and consumer regulations
• Experience in strategic planning, service development and organisational growth
• Budget management and financial performance experience
• Experience with property maintenance, asset management and compliance
• Strong safeguarding knowledge
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• UK driving licence and access to a car

Desirable

• Experience supporting vulnerable women or family services
• Charity/third sector leadership experience
• Experience securing funding or development partnerships

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £45,750 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home based with extensive travel across the South of England

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Learning Disability Community Leader, L'Arche Manchester

ABOUT THE ROLE

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (including some evening and weekend working, and regular on-call)

Salary: £47,946 per annum

Reports to: L’Arche UK Regional Leader

Place of work: L’Arche Manchester Community, Manchester M20 4AW. Some travel and overnight stays will be required within the UK

Contract type: Temporary 12-month appointment to cover maternity leave

Closing date: Monday, 2nd March at 12 pm.

Main purpose of the role

The Community Leader is responsible for ensuring that the Community is living the mission of L’Arche, by providing excellent and sustainable care and support services, support for  spirituality, and engaging with our neighbours and the wider community around us.

The Community Leader will:

• Lead the Community by responding to the needs, choices and context of our members while being faithful to the L'Arche UK Vision and Values, the L'Arche International Identity and Mission Statement, and to a co-created Community Mandate and plan;
• Maintain and enhance high-quality, person-centred care, support, and housing for people with learning disabilities, both at home and in our day services in partnership with the Registered Manager, the local and national teams, individual circles of support, and external partners. 
• Ensure the Community’s financial sustainability through robust financial planning and management. This includes setting budgets and controlling spending, maximising housing occupancy, supporting the negotiation of care contracts, growing our day services and spotting fundraising opportunities. 
• Foster a culture that maximises the voice and power for people with learning disabilities, and builds listening and collaboration between Community members. This will include working with an active Community Support Group, Community Gatherings, listening groups, and other forums. 
• Lead and manage a committed and engaged leadership team to achieve objectives, set a positive culture, and support the personal and professional growth of our teams. 
• Cultivate an open, creative, and inclusive spiritual life, inviting everyone in the Community to deepen their connections. 
• Model, advocate for, and embrace the L’Arche ethos of deep, long-term, and mutually transforming relationships between people with and without learning disabilities. Plan and lead a regular calendar of events that build community belonging and help keep people connected. 
• Contribute to the national work programmes of L’Arche UK, as part of the National Council, collaborating with Community Leaders of other L’Arche Communities, to share skills, best practice and resources. 
• Be a visible representative of L’Arche locally in the wider community, with stakeholders like local authorities, professional organisations, schools, faith communities, and L’Arche world wide.

Key essential criteria

• Senior leadership experience in support to adults with learning disabilities (or transferable skills and experience in a closely-related field). 
• Experience leading and managing an organisation or large teams to deliver results, maintain compliance and quality, and to respond to risks and opportunities. 
• Experience leading and developing diverse teams to flourish, individually and together. 
• Good financial planning skills and experience successfully managing a substantial budget. 
• Evidence of the ability to think strategically, and work collaboratively to develop and implement community plans. 
• Experience of living or working alongside people with learning disabilities and/or autistic individuals

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS criminal record check. 

You may have held these job titles in the past: Registered Manager, Service Manager, Head of Care, Senior Operations Lead, Community Director, Head of Community Services, Country or Regional Lead, Learning Disability Services Manager, Head of Mission and Community Life, Health & Social Care Manager, Local Authority Commissioning Lead;

You can find more details about L'Arche and the Manchester community on our website. 

Why join L'Arche?

As well as joining a friendly Community, where you will be well supervised and supported, and benefit from L’Arche’s mentorship programme, these are some other benefits you get by working for us:

• Joining shared meals since cooking and having a meal together is what we are all about
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption/Surrogacy, Paternity Pay (depending on length of service, details available on request) 
• Enhanced sick pay
• Interest free loans and salary advances available
• Free DBS / PVG checks
• Free Employee Assistance Programme available to everyone
• Up to 5 days paid compassionate leave
• Up to 6 days paid (pro rata) for time off for emergency dependents leave
• Specialist bereavement counselling for employees and their family members
• Life Assurance
• Access to the Bike to Work scheme

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore  more of our employee benefits on our website.

A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions from our online application form. 

The closing date is: Monday, 2nd of March at 12 pm.

First interviews (online via Microsoft Teams) are expected to take place during the week beginning the 9th March 2026.

Second round interviews will take on the place week beginning 16th March 2026 and will take place within the Community.

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.
We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.

Design and Communications Manager

Salary: £38,000 - £41,000 per annum + benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Type: 12-month FTC, April/May 2026 start preferred  

Are you an experienced Design and Communications Manager looking for a new and exciting opportunity? Here at Seashell, we are looking for a talented individual who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of others…

About Seashell Trust

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services that support over 8,000 people a year. We provide expert education and residential care for children and young adults with multiple complex disabilities including, profound learning difficulties, multi-sensory impairments, mobility issues and neurological disorders like severe autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young adults and the Seashell team.

We are currently in the midst of the largest fundraising appeal in our 200-year history which will see our campus become the national centre of excellence for the education and residential care of children and young adults with the most complex disabilities.

In 2015 we raised £10 million to build our residential care facility Sir Norman Stoller Way and in 2023, opened The Moulding Foundation building, a £25 million home for Royal School Manchester. Building is now complete for our new Royal College Manchester; The Ged Mason building opened in early February 2026.

About the role

The Design and Communications Manager is responsible for managing Seashell’s brand identity so that it engages effectively with our audiences, reflects our values and articulates our ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as lead designer for the Trust and work with the Head of Marketing and Communications to establish clear direction for enhancing brand awareness
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to champion the Seashell brand, providing design insight and input into key campaigns.
• Design and create marketing and communications materials, as well as keeping the brand/marketing and communications toolkit and content bank up to date, to help our teams create their own materials to strengthen our brand and amplify awareness.
• Lead on design or oversee artwork for key organisational documents (impact report etc.) campaigns, fundraising events, reports, prospectuses, impact stories, social media, advertising and any other key content required.
• Act as ‘brand guardian’ and maintain brand assets and guidelines. Ensure consistent application of design standards and brand guidelines across all departments and communications
• Support Seashell’s understanding of its brand guidelines - including tone of voice, sentiment, inclusive language and visual identity - through the provision of advice and guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate the development and delivery of creative content to strengthen and promote our brand, supporting Seashell’s strategic priorities and business planning requirements
• Work with suppliers and stakeholders throughout the development cycle. Duties include writing design and technical briefs, scoping technical development projects with colleagues and suppliers, establishing systems that will enable the functions to be most impactful
• Be accountable for the efficient management of key budgets, ensuring appropriate and effective spend
• Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required

Full job description is available upon request

What you will need for the role:

•  Previous experience in design led role is essential - experience of working in a marketing and communications role in an education and care setting, particularly within the charity sector is desirable
• Strong graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and/or equivalent tools.
• Proven design skills, able to create high quality artwork that elevates a brand
•  Competent user of website content management systems, WordPress in particular
• Ability to write and edit high quality, engaging and informative marketing communications copy
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, with an ability to handle numerous projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship development skills.
• Happy to work outside of office hours on occasions by agreement
• Enthusiasm and commitment to giving the children and young adults at Seashell the best opportunities.

What we can offer you:

• Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and state of the art swimming pool
• Blue Light discount scheme
• Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
• Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Paid Enhanced DBS

About recruitment at Seashell

Please upload your CV to apply. As per our Safer Recruitment procedure, you will be required to complete a Seashell Application Form as part of our recruitment process.

We provide a caring environment that is safeguarded and committed to promoting learning, respect and independence, as well as dignity for all of our students. As part of our safer recruitment procedure, successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check (no cost) and full references will be taken.

We value our employees and recognise the need to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled and committed talent who share our vision and values!

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments for an interview, please highlight this to our Recruitment Team in advance.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.

About Us

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  

We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. 

Senior Early Diagnosis Programme Manager

The Senior Early Diagnosis Programme Manager is a key role as we develop and evolve our early diagnosis programmes at Bowel Cancer UK. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership across the charity’s awareness and engagement programmes and the new Bowel Towns programme. This role will manage a multi-disciplinary team delivering programmes that improve cancer awareness, empower communities, and drive earlier diagnosis.

In addition, as the charity’s services lead for Northern Ireland (NI), the post holder will build high-impact partnerships and develop a regional plan to enhance awareness, early detection, and support for people affected by cancer. You’ll work closely with the Head of Services and Support to ensure our early diagnosis services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence-based.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.