Convening & Communications Lead 

• 1-year fixed term contract, commencing January 2022, with the possibility of extension

• Full-time role, but we are open to considering applications from those looking to work 22 hours or more per week, or job-sharing applications 

• Location: flexible - remote/home-working. Please note: availability during European working hours is important, as other staff are based in London and Geneva 

• Competitive salary, adjusted according to location 

Come and work with us at Partners for a New Economy! We are looking for a Convening & Communications Lead to join our small staff team; we are flexible on location and full/part-time.

At Partners for a New Economy (P4NE) we make grants to catalyse the transformational economic change needed to enable nature and all people to flourish. Successful applicants will thrive on building collaborative relationships with a broad community of stakeholders. You will grow the network of new economy funders and changemakers, communicating to share learning and develop inspiring events.

An international donor collaborative of philanthropic foundations, P4NE is hosted by Swiss Philanthropy Foundation. Our six Partners are based in Switzerland, Denmark and the United States, and our staff, led by Director, Jo Swinson, work in London and Geneva.  Our grant-making has a strong nature lens, with a deep understanding of planetary boundaries and the urgent need to transform our economy to live within them.

The Convening & Communications Lead will be instrumental in implementing our new strategy to strengthen connections between people and organisations, building bridges within and beyond the new economy movement. You will convene international networks to facilitate learning, collaboration and the development of ideas that push the frontiers of economic debate. Your understanding of the new economy and environmental issues will be utilised to convene events, both online and in-person. 

Main Duties and Tasks 

• Plan and co-ordinate an in-person convening event for our grantees and thought-leaders to be delivered in late Spring 2022 

• Manage all event logistics 

• Implement Partners for a New Economy’s digital communications and web presence 

The role will be home-based and can be done flexibly, so the ability to work independently, with excellent attention to detail and time management, is important.

To apply

Please download and read the Application Pack, which contains the Job Description, Person Specification, Applicant Questions and P4NE's Guiding Principles.

Then, please answer the four skill-based questions that allow you to demonstrate why you think this is the right role for you.

Please note: there is no need for a cover letter – instead we would like your answers to these questions and a copy of your CV. We will review your answers first, anonymising responses.

QUESTIONS FOR APPLICANTS

(Write no more than 250 words per answer; write all your answers together in the textbox that is usually used for cover letters, numbering each answer: 1,2,3,4)

1. What is it about being part of the Partners for a New Economy team that appeals to you and why are you a great fit for this role?

2. How would you plan and create a New Economy Convening Event with participants from many international organisations in a way that would increase the likelihood of spontaneous collaboration between them? What problems might you encounter during the planning process?

3. What are the main opportunities and challenges facing philanthropic organisations such as Partners for a New Economy when planning social media and other online activity?

4. The role of Convening & Communications Lead involves dealing with a variety of stakeholders and organisations. It's likely that there will be many competing demands on your time - from developing new convening opportunities, to implementing P4NE's communications strategy, to delivering an event with high-profile stakeholders. Describe how you would manage these competing demands and give us an example of how you’ve done this in the past.

Partners for a New Economy is an equal opportunities employer. 

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 29 November 

Interviews: Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 December 2021

My Life My Choice is a self-advocacy charity run by and for people with learning disabilities, founded in 1998.  The charity delivers a diverse range of innovative user led projects that enhances and empowers the lives of adults with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire.  These established projects include a fee earning training and consultancy team, gig buddies, travel buddy scheme, a nightclub, and self-advocacy groups.

We are now looking for a Communications Coordinator who will maintain and develop the charity’s traditional, social and digital media presence in order to support charity objectives and profile. The role will help the charity to increase its membership base, grow involvement in projects, deliver campaign messages, promote events, and attract funding.

The post calls for a talented individual with the ability to write succinct, intelligent, creative copy. Experience of filming, recording, photography and editing/designing content for website, social media and publicity purposes is essential.

The successful candidate will need to show a passion for empowering and raising the voices of people with learning disabilities.

MLMC not only says it values its staff but commits to them by offering a competitive salary, an enhanced pension contribution, an Employee Assistance Programme, Life Assurance, flexible working with time off in lieu, a weekly fruit basket, a £100 contribution towards a health & wellbeing activity, cycle to work scheme, two days special leave at Christmas, and working from home when appropriate. Free, dedicated staff parking is also available.

Purpose: To help CEASEFIRE promote civilian rights including through implementing a project to strengthen military accountability in the UK’s use of armed force and improve the scope for reparations where civilian rights have been violated by UK armed forces.

Responsibilities:

1. Policy promotion

- to coordinate the production of policy reports and briefs related to UK military accountability and protection of civilians, including management of expert authors/researchers, submission of freedom of information requests, editing of drafts, liaison with designers and proof-reading.

- to coordinate the holding of expert seminars involving legal experts, officials, academics and the policy and humanitarian community, including drafting agendas and preparing seminar materials, invitation of speakers and participants, coordination of logistics with partner organisations, and preparation of seminar reports.

- to liaise with relevant UK officials concerned with civilian protection and military accountability, including in the Ministry of Defence, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the UK’s armed services, including briefing officials and drafting submissions to government consultations.

- to liaise with MPs and Peers, including members of relevant parliamentary Committees, to promote constructive parliamentary debate on relevant issues, including suggesting parliamentary questions, briefing for debates, drafting amendments, etc.

2. Communications

- to help coordinate one or more social media accounts for Ceasefire.

- to coordinate the production of short public awareness videos for use on social media channels.

- to liaise with the press and broadcast media, including preparation of media briefs and releases, briefing of journalists, coordination of contact lists and dealing with media inquiries.

- to prepare communications on programme outputs and achievements for donors, supporters and partners.

3. Programme implementation and development

- to handle all aspects of programme coordination and administration, including preparing plans and schedules, managing programme budgets, and preparing narrative and financial reports on programme implementation

- to identify opportunities for further policy and programme development, including relevant partnerships.

- to undertake and write up research to support future programme development and fundraising.

4. To undertake any other tasks as may from time to time be requested by your line manager.

5. To maintain high standards of personal and organisational integrity, including confidentiality, and commitment to the safety and security of Ceasefire’s partner organisations.  

Occasional foreign travel may be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Education:

First degree in a relevant subject, such as law, politics/sociology, international relations or strategic studies.

Essential: Demonstrated knowledge of international humanitarian law (law of armed conflict)

Desirable: Knowledge of international human rights law.

Experience:

Essential: Two years of professional experience in advocacy work either related to UK policy and practice at the national or international level, and / or related to military accountability and civilian protection in armed conflict.

Desirable: Professional experience working in a humanitarian or military environment.

Skills:

Policy and advocacy: Excellent policy analysis and advocacy skills, including legal accuracy, and ability to draft letters, briefs and submissions to high standard.

Communications: a) Excellent professional media skills, including understanding of mainstream media, and social media (Twitter), with ability to build and sustain constituencies.

b) Very high level of professional presentation, both in writing and in person. Ability to interact with senior individuals from a wide range of professional and international backgrounds, including government and military, and inspire confidence. 

Organisation: Excellent organisational and coordination skills, including planning, budgeting, evaluation and reporting, event organisation, computer skills, problem-solving. High level of accuracy.

Languages: English to first language standard. Proficiency in other UN language an asset.

Motivation and status:

Commitment to human rights and equality, ability to work for an impartial and neutral organisation, willingness to be self-servicing and to work with minimum supervision.

Permission to work in the UK and to travel as required.

This post is supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Job Title: Independent Advocate

Accountable to:   Head of Operations

Responsible to:   Advocacy Services Manager

Reporting to: Independent Advocacy Team Leader

Location: Gaddum House, professional and community settings

Salary: £21,589

Hours: 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent (subject to funding)

Job Summary

Gaddum Advocacy aims to promote social inclusion, equality and social justice through the promotion, delivery and understanding of Advocacy. We provide all statutory health and social care advocacy services to the citizens and residents of Manchester.

We also deliver a Culturally Appropriate Advocacy service to Black Asian and Minority Ethnic people accessing Mental Health services across Manchester in both inpatient and community settings.

Our Independent Advocates work in partnership with the people they support to represent their views and wishes and uphold their rights.

Job Purpose

• To provide Independent Advocacy for eligible individuals under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and NHS regulations as necessary.
• To provide Independent Advocacy in a range of settings including mental health wards and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, supported accommodation, care homes and private residences.

To promote social inclusion, equality and social justice through advocacy

70 people are dying every day from alcohol across the UK – and the UK Government is not doing enough to stop this. Join our small but mighty team to help drive change and improve the lives of people affected by alcohol.

We are looking for an Advocacy Support Officer to support our campaigns across a range of topics and get the UK Government to take action on alcohol harm. In this role, you will split your time between the Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA) and the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS), working 3 days a week for the AHA and 2 days a week for IAS.

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK is a partnership of over 60 organisations, working together to reduce alcohol harm. We are one of the largest public health alliances, with members including charities, medical royal colleges, alcohol health campaigners and patient representatives.

The Institute of Alcohol Studies is an independent charity and think tank dedicated to advancing the use of the best available evidence in public policy decisions about alcohol, reducing the gap between evidence and policy.

Job purpose

This is an opportunity to work on a high-profile issue which cuts across a range of the biggest social and political issues of the day, including addiction, health inequalities, marketing, domestic abuse, homelessness, and the influence of business in setting government policy. It’s a great chance to get experience in charity campaigning and communications and to build relationships with leading health organisations.

Core duties

• Identifying Parliamentary opportunities for influence
• Building relationships with MPs and Peers
• Preparing briefings, consultation responses and parliamentary questions
• Maintaining the database of Parliamentary contacts
• Writing and overseeing distribution of monthly e-newsletters
• Identifying and contacting potential new members for the Alcohol Health Alliance
• Acting as the point of contact for enquiries from members and the public
• Organising meetings and events (virtually and in-person, including in Parliament), booking rooms, planning catering, identifying speakers, writing agendas and minute taking.
• Managing finance processes including membership subscriptions and invoicing
• Supporting the work of the AHA Communications Manager and Policy and Advocacy Officer, and the IAS team

Person specification

You will be proactive and self-motivated, able to balance priorities in a fast-paced environment. Essential requirements for this role are:

• Experience in political and/or media campaigning
• Knowledge of the UK Parliament / Government
• Experience in drafting engaging copy for newsletters, web or similar
• Able to work on own initiative and meet deadlines across several projects simultaneousl
• Experience of organising effective meetings and writing high quality minutes 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence, ability to work with a range of individuals
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including ability to draft succinct briefings for Parliamentarians
• A good degree, preferably in politics or a related field
• Passionate about achieving social change

Want to join our small, happy, dynamic team in London? If you’re keen to get stuck into and lead exciting campaigns, comms and advocacy strategies to make the world a better place we’d love to hear from you!

Our Organisation 

Future Advocacy is a non-partisan advocacy agency.  Our vision is a world which is more equal, more prosperous, and more sustainable.  We are highly skilled at:

• Designing winning advocacy strategies and delivering impactful global government relations work
• Mobilising targeted and powerful campaigns for change
• Communications strategies and social media management 
• Research, analysis, policy development, and report writing 
• Training in all aspects of strategy, lobbying, campaigning, and media work

We are proud to work for some fantastic clients seeking to make the world a better place. Current and previous clients include the Jamie Oliver Group; the Elton John AIDS Foundation; Movember; Bite Back 2030; World Food Programme; Islamic Relief; and Sarah Brown’s TheirWorld charity.

Future Advocacy also produces high quality research on a range of policy issues.  Our work has received significant media coverage and political traction.  Our research clients and collaborators include the NHS, Wellcome Trust, World Wide Web Foundation, Open Data Institute, and the Pathways for Prosperity Commission which was co-chaired by Melinda Gates.

Our Founder/CEO previously was Director of the ONE campaign across Europe for 7 years, responsible for all ONE’s policy, campaigns, digital, media, and advocacy work.  He was a key architect of the Make Poverty History Campaign; Movement Director for the anti-slavery organisation Walk Free; and an Executive Director of the Labour Party.

The Role

Future Advocacy is seeking a Senior Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications, and Research Consultant.  We are looking for a brilliant all-rounder to play a big role in our team.  This is a great opportunity to lead, and contribute to, some very exciting and impactful advocacy projects working with some of our brilliant clients.  You will work closely with the Founder/CEO as part of our small, happy, and dynamic team.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading and contributing to client projects
• Designing UK and global advocacy strategies
• Developing and delivering UK and global government relations strategies
• Developing and delivering creative campaigns
• Developing and delivering communications strategies
• Researching key issues relating to consultancy projects
• Policy development and writing
• Contributing to business development
• Other tasks as required

Skills and experience

You will have all, or very nearly all, of the following

• A strong track record in designing impactful advocacy strategies
• A strong track record of developing and delivering government relations strategies
• A strong track record of developing and delivering creative campaigns
• A strong track record developing and delivering communication strategies
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and ability to manage competing priorities 
• Ability to represent the organisation to high level individuals and clients

We have an exciting opportunity for someone interested in developing their career as an Advocacy and Support Team Manager. You will join our established Advocacy and Support Service as the new Senior Management Team Leader. Your role will be a permanent term position working full time, 37.5 hours per week work based at our Canterbury Hub and delivering services across Kent. You will hold a case load as well as managing a team delivery complex case work, mentoring partnerships, activities and youth engagement and support activities including a Youth Ambassador programme and Youth Forum. Full induction for the role will be provided. Our advocacy and support services are empowering and holistic in nature and work alongside our Learning for Life Team.

You will be strategic in your thinking and a proactive and resourceful individual on the practical and operational level. You will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the UK advocacy environment for refugees and asylum seekers; experience in report writing and monitoring, together with the ability to multi-task and work with a number of conflicting demands and multiple deadlines; an excellent communicator, relationship builder, team player, leader and manager.

• Full and part time roles – (37.5 /25 hours per week to cover shifts over a 24-hour period)
• Sessional workers for overnight and day shifts (Zero-hour contract)
• Permanent and fixed term contracts
• The ability to speak Welsh desirable
• Location: near Caernarfon with occasional homeworking required.

The Live Fear Free Helpline is an award-winning, 24-hour helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and all other forms of violence against women in Wales. We provide a listening and signposting service to survivors, family, friends, and professionals. In addition to our phone service, we also provide help and support via email, text message and web chat.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work with our incredibly caring, dedicated, and supportive team
• Excellent induction and ongoing training opportunities to give you the skills needed to carry out your role, and to continuously update your knowledge and experience.
• Fantastic support from staff and management, as well as external clinical supervision to support your wellbeing.

The skills needed for this role:

• To have natural empathy and a true desire to support and empower survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• To be highly motivated, committed to providing excellent service in a fast-paced environment, and able to work varying shifts patterns to cover a 24-hour rota.
• A quick-thinker, able to multi-task and problem-solve under pressure to achieve excellent outcomes for our contacts.
• Good I.T. and literacy skills.
• The ability to work professionally with internal and external organisations.
• An understanding of issues surrounding domestic abuse, sexual violence and violence against women is desirable, but full helpline training will be provided.
• The Helpline is open 24/7 and it is therefore essential that the successful candidate is prepared to work various and unsociable shifts.

Closing date:  12noon, Monday 29th November 2021

Interview date: Thursday 2nd/ Friday 3rd /Saturday 4th December 2021

This post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.

We value diversity and are committed to promoting equality. We encourage applications from women from all backgrounds and communities and particularly welcome applications from Black and Minority communities and other under-represented groups.

Registered charity number: 1140962

Your new company

This organisation is at the heart of advocating on behalf of vulnerable children and young people across the UK. They do this through providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring that voices are heard, and campaign to bring lasting improvement to their lives!

Your new role

In this role you will produce compelling donor communication materials and funding proposals for high value donors, managing strategic grants, and supporting funding opportunities across the team!

What you'll need to succeed

You will need experience of producing high quality written materials that are tailored to the needs of internal or external audiences. To have worked both independently and as part of a team. Be able to establish fantastic working relationships with colleagues in different departments. Have the ability to translate technical programme information into compelling donor communications for different audiences, including businesses, high net worth individuals, trusts and foundations. You will also need to have the ability to interpret and analyse financial information relating to project budget, query inaccuracies and present this information in a donor friendly way.

What you'll get in return

There are a whole host of fantastic benefits that come with this position including - but no exclusive to - 29 days of annual leave, huge saving on top brands, a 7% pension contribution, and access to some fantastic learning and development programmes.

What you need to do now

Apply here if you are interested, and if you would like some more information do not hesitate to get into contact with me either by phone or through email.
At Hays we do offer a referral scheme, so if this role is not quite right for you but you know someone who may be interested (get permission) and pass on their details today!

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

National AIDS Trust is the UK's HIV rights charity. We work to stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality, and to end new HIV transmissions. Our expertise, research and advocacy secure lasting change to the lives of people living with and at risk of HIV.

We're looking for someone who is passionate about bringing an end to the HIV epidemic in the UK and improving the lives of people living with HIV to expand and develop our digital presence, including managing the website, social media and delivering exciting and engaging digital content and projects that support campaigns and fundraising efforts.

You'll be a digital whizz, with a strong understanding of how to use websites and social media as a force for good. You'll know what makes great content, be a fab copywriter and have good design skills. And you'll be able to support with occasional press and media work as part of an integrated communications team.

Closing date for applications: Monday 22 November 2021 (9am)

Interviews: Friday 3 December 2021

The application pack documents can be downloaded from our website, or by sending an email quoting the job title, together with your name and address or by calling us. All materials are available in alternative formats upon request.

National AIDS Trust is committed to equality and diversity and particularly encourages applications from people living with HIV, gay and bisexual men, trans and non-binary people, and people from black and minority ethnic communities.

We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

National AIDS Trust (NAT) is a Registered Charity No. 297977 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No.2175938 (registered in England and Wales)

Role Overview

Job Title: Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator (Fixed Term, Maternity Cover) 

Location: Warwickshire

Salary: £25,104 per annum 

Contract type: Fixed Term until 30 June 2022

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week (Duty rota between 08.30am – 20.30pm)

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Responsibilities

We are recruiting for a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator to join our team in Warwickshire. In this post you will be responsible for providing training and ongoing support to GP practices and other health professionals to enable primary and secondary care staff to be able to effectively talk to their patients about domestic violence and abuse (DVA).This also includes providing early identification and offer appropriate care pathways for female and male victims of domestic violence and abuse aged 16 years and over.

The role involves working with the hospital safeguarding leads and co-location in either the George Elliot Hospital or Warwick Hospital;

You will also be working in conjunction with Service management to identify other opportunities for co-location.You will have to work within a defined locality, either Stratford-upon-Avon District; North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth, or Warwick District and Rugby borough; building links with health professionals and support agencies.

Essential Skills or Experience

The successful candidate will have experience of developing, delivering and evaluating training and proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of domestic violence. You will understand the legal system in how it relates to survivors of domestic violence and have strong communication skills to deliver presentations and reports to stakeholders effectively. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Benefits

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; clinical supervision for all front line staff a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Other information

Closing Date: 9:00 am Wednesday 1st December 2021

Interview Date: W/C 6th December 2021 

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people who are marginalised or vulnerable because of their circumstances make their own choices about their lives. We support them to speak up and help improve important services we all need. We want to make sure people across all age and care groups – including learning disability and mental health – can:

•  voice their concerns 
• understand their rights
• make effective choices about what happens in their lives

We do this through advocacy services which support people individually, and user involvement projects that help organisations improve the services they offer.

About the role

The post-holder will ensure sustainable income generation for The Advocacy Project in line with the strategic plan. Our current focus is to grow and diversify our income through winning contracts in new areas, while maintaining our strong performance in delivering sustainable services in the local government and health sector. 

We are targeting growth in the following areas: 

•  central government
• trusts, foundations and community funds
•  corporate
•  training for health, social care, advocacy and safeguarding across all market sectors

The role is responsible for identifying, qualifying, bidding/tendering, negotiating and closing opportunities, while making sure any resulting contracts are financially sound and are operationally and contractually deliverable. 

The post-holder will work closely the Board of Trustees and CEO; they will coordinate the Business Development and Fundraising Sub Committee of the board.  They will also work closely with:

• Head of Communications and Governance to make sure messaging and communications are aligned with the strategic plan and with our income generation strategy 
• Head of Finance for budgets included in bids, and income projections
• Head of Service Delivery to establish whether a potential bid is operationally deliverable, and to hand over full information about contracts we’ve won and expectations around delivery so they can be mobilised and delivered.

The Fundraising Officer will report to this role (post currently vacant).

Key responsibilities

 Develop and deliver income generation plan to meet our mutually agreed income targets. 

 Actively lead on searching out opportunities for income and market development in line with our approach to qualifying opportunities. 

 Develop and maintain relationships with key commissioners (current and prospective) and with key influencers.

 Lead on creating and submitting all bids, proposals and applications. 

 Attend relevant training courses and be proactive in your own learning to ensure compliance with legal and service provision requirements. 

 Along with other members of the Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will:

• provide corporate leadership

• provide guidance, coaching and support to staff 

• ensure clarity around priorities and goals for sustainable income generation

• work across functions with fellow SLT colleagues to ensure effective collaboration on shared goals

• meet timescales for quarterly reporting

• collaborate with fellow SLT colleagues for strategy and organisational development including leading strategic priority areas 

• make sure all work is inclusive and responsive to the needs of local communities particularly those who are marginalised and excluded (we describe this as prioritising those in greatest need, and having the voices of lived experience at the heart of everything we do)

• communicate operational results, emerging challenges, and key performance indicators to direct reports.

General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and training.
• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
• Contribute to monitoring reports.
• Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.
• Work to our mission, vision, and values.
• Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

Essential:

• Strong track record of income generation and leading winning bids.
• Experience of successfully competing for, negotiating, winning, delivering and implementing strong relationship-based new business development opportunities, including statutory contracts and working collaboratively with commissioners.
•  Extensive experience of fundraising and income generation within the charity sector, able to evidence securing significant funds.
• Experience of successfully managing a mixture of short-term tactical opportunities and longer-term strategic opportunities.
• Evidence of substantial experience and a track record of achievement in senior management/leadership team role in a service delivery organisation. 
• Credible networker at a senior strategic level, with demonstrable experience of using your existing network to achieve outcomes.
• Demonstrable track record in financial management. 
• Passion for and commitment to The Advocacy Project’s mission and purpose, particularly making sure user voice is embedded in business development activities.
• Strong, clear and confident communicator, able to communicate very effectively at all levels outside and within the organisation, with excellent presentation skills.
• Solutions-focused self-starter with an ability to thrive in a busy environment. 
•  Ability to combine seeing the big picture with an eye for detail. 
• Relevant professional qualification or accreditation to a relevant body.
•  Evidence or commitment to ongoing professional development to ensure compliance with legal and mission requirements.
• Competent in using a range of IT tools, including databases, email, Word and Excel, Zoom and MS Teams.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.
•  Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
•  Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.

Desirable:

• Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of current government policy and programmes and how they might influence the charity’s projects and services.
• Experience of digital service development and knowledge of the digital landscape. 

 Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.
Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.
All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.
We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer. 

How to apply

Send your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you think you’re the person we’re looking for and how your experience meets the person specification.
It’s a legal requirement that you are eligible to work in the UK for all our posts.
Upload your application via our website.

People in poverty pay more for essentials such as energy, insurance and credit. This is known as the poverty premium. Fair By Design (FBD) is dedicated to ending the extra costs of being poor. FBD is run by the Barrow Cadbury Trust but please note it is not a grants programme.

We are looking for a talented individual to join our team. Using your communications and public affairs skills you will help us to achieve our mission of eliminating the poverty premium by 2028. We will be looking for you to play a significant role in ensuring our communications are persuasive and impactful and that our messages are heard by those in power. As part of a small team, flexibility is key and you will also be responsible for our internal communications and team support, from providing the secretariat to our Steering Group and supporting our evaluation work, to diary and event management. Find out more about Fair by Design.

The Barrow Cadbury Trust is an independent charitable foundation seeking a just and peaceful society which recognizes the equal value of all people.  Largely working in partnerships with others, we use all our resources – our grants, our people and our name – to bring about structural change, thus increasing social justice and equality.

We have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from people with personal experience of the social justice and human rights issues we seek to address.

Support and Advocacy Officer Vacancy

The MPS Society provides, through a team of skilled staff, a unique UK wide support and advocacy service to over 1500 members.

We are looking for someone with ability and enthusiasm who will enjoy working as part of a small dedicated team providing a UK-wide service that offers information, advice, support and advocacy in areas including clinical management, social care, housing, education, transition, independent living, palliative care and bereavement.  You will need to have excellent written and oral communication skills, upholding best practice, challenging poor policy and inappropriate decisions.  Ensuring that the individual or family remain at the centre of support is a key element of the post. In-depth support and training will be provided, along with regular supervision and a supportive work culture to help you expand your knowledge and become an expert in the work you are undertaking.

You will work collaboratively with internal departments and externally to raise awareness, advocate for our membership, as well as supporting the delivery and development of services for the MPS Society community and our LSD Collaborative partners.

You will have:

• 2 years’ experience of working with individuals with disabilities within health & social care, education or related field
• Experience and knowledge of health & social care, education and relevant assessment processes
• Sound interpersonal /communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with a wide spectrum of stakeholders both internally and externally
• Excellent verbal, written and IT skills to plan/carry out assessments and follow-up reviews, produce clear and accurate reports, correspondences and case recording
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with good attention to detail
• Knowledge of legislative and theoretical frameworks, national standards and the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families
• Enthusiasm and a positive approach to meeting the needs of the charity and the community we serve by working collaboratively
• Ability to work flexibly, travel UK wide and hold a current valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 points and access to a car

You will work under the guidance of the Head of Support and Advocacy.

Please see the Support and Advocacy Officer job description attached for the responsibilities and duties associated with this role.

We offer:

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus bank holiday (increasing after 5 years' service)
• Employee assistance programme - available 24/7
• Pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• on-site parking

We encourage candidates to visit our website to learn more about our organisation and the community we serve.  If you would like an informal chat about the role or the work of the MPS Society please contact Steve Cotterell 

Conditions of employment:

The MPS Society is a charity that provides a range of care, support and activities for children and adults at risk throughout the UK. This is provided in a number of ways through our dedicated support and advocacy service, telephone helpline and out of hours support, clinical research, online activities and forums, annual events, patient expert meetings, focus groups and conferences. MPS staff, trustees and volunteers may be asked to be involved in the delivery of its regulated services and activities and therefore will require an enhanced DBS check during recruitment and for this to be reviewed on a regular basis. Barring checks will be sought as appropriate. 

You must be eligible to work in the UK.

Salary:  This is a full time role however part time hours may be offered to the right person.  Salary will be pro-rata for part time hours.

Covid:

This role is based in our COVID compliant Amersham office and requires some UK travel.  Whilst full office working may resume at some point, we are currently allowing flexible hybrid working between the office and home, providing it meets the needs of the team and our beneficiaries.  In regards to UK travel, this will resume when deemed appropriate by our Senior Leadership Team.

Applications

To apply please provide an up to date CV along with a covering letter stating why you believe your skills and experience make you the best person for this role. 

There is an initial closing date of 5 December however interviews will be held following receipt and assessment of suitable applications. We will only respond to applicants shortlisted to interview therefore if you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of your application, we thank you for taking the time to apply and your interest in working for us.