Advocacy and communications programme officer jobs
Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.
This role is suitable for a fully qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) with a proven ability to support people under the Mental Health Act. We are not considering trainee positions at this time.
In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.
SALARY: £30,404 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice)
REPORTS TO: Advocate Service Manager
TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)
BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.
This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter no longer than 2 A4 pages, outlining your reasons for applying and demonstrating how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification above.
Mind in Croydon is working to promote good mental health. It seeks to empower people to lead a full life as part of their local community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Remote globally
Closing date for Sourcing: 31 December 2025
Contract status: Global post, full-time
Start date: As soon as possible
Contract duration: Permanent
Remuneration: Competitive
Salary Band: A1
We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities
Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organization that puts people first. We support coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild fisheries, restore ocean life and build lasting pathways to prosperity. Our work began two decades ago in Madagascar’s remote coastal communities and is growing globally.
Across a dozen countries, we’re partnering with traditional fishers and community organizations to design, scale, strengthen and sustain fisheries management and conservation at the community level. We bring partners together in networks to advocate for reform, and share tools and best practices to support fishing communities across the globe.
Summary job description
As the Director of Programme Performance, you will be pivotal in leading a team responsible for the design, implementation, and management of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems. Your leadership will be critical in developing performance indicators and data pipelines that inform organisational and programmatic key results, guide data-driven decision-making, and deliver meaningful impact assessments.
The Director of Programme Performance will ensure the effective development of culturally relevant, community-centric performance indicators and alignment with donor requirements. They will collaborate closely with the Data Science and Technical Knowledge teams to design and refine performance indicators, implement monitoring frameworks, and develop data flows that align with Blue Ventures’ strategic goals.
This role also includes overseeing the integration of community feedback, fostering continuous learning, and ensuring that programmatic data informs adaptive management.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with a strong background in marine conservation, socioeconomics, and MEL systems and experience working with small-scale fishing communities in diverse geographical contexts. This role will report to the Chief Technical Officer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As CEO, you will work closely with our Board and Senior Leadership Team to shape a bold vision for Bolton CVS, ensuring our work remains innovative, inclusive, and impactful. You will enable trust, shared accountability, and collective ambition; strengthening our position as a catalyst for collaboration, equity, and social change.
From influencing policy to driving investment into the sector, your leadership will help organisations and individuals thrive. You will champion financial sustainability, nurture a values-driven culture, and enable colleagues to take ownership and deliver exceptional support.
As a trusted advocate, you will represent Bolton CVS and 10GM in strategic spaces and high-profile events, amplifying the voice of the VCSE sector and forging partnerships that unlock opportunity and resilience.
We're looking for someone who:
Leads with Energy: Brings dynamic, values-driven leadership that motivates teams and partners toward shared goals. Creates momentum and a culture of ambition and collaboration.
Thrives in the Fast Lane: Enjoys an evolving environment and embraces new challenges with enthusiasm, agility and resilience.
Adapts and Innovates: Translates strategic ambition into clear priorities and measurable outcomes that deliver lasting change. Anticipates future needs, embraces innovation, and leverages new approaches to strengthen organisational and sector-wide effectiveness and impact.
Celebrates Diversity: Promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Builds an organisational culture where all voices are valued and shape decisions.
Connects Hearts and Minds: Builds authentic relationships with stakeholders, partners, and communities. Creates trust and shared purpose to unlock collaboration and collective impact.
Speaks the Language of Impact: Communicates with clarity and influence across diverse audiences. Articulates complex ideas in ways that inspire confidence, engagement, and action.
Navigates Complexity: Provides strategic leadership across internal operations and external partnerships. Balances organisational priorities with sector-wide opportunities to drive alignment, collaboration, and sustainable outcomes.
Leads Through Challenge: Provides confident, values-driven leadership in sensitive or high-pressure situations. Creates space for constructive dialogue, builds consensus, and transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Ready to Lead Boldly? If you’re prepared to bring vision, energy and influence to the table, this is your opportunity to strengthen the future of Bolton CVS, 10GM and the wider VCSE sector. As CEO, you’ll be at the heart of driving collaboration, championing equity, and unlocking potential, helping organisations and communities thrive. This isn’t just a role; it’s a chance to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.
If you believe you can fulfil the role summary, we’d love to hear from you!
Please email a Supporting Statement which describes how you meet the things
listed in the ‘We’re looking for someone who:’ section, plus your CV (2 pages
max)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Grants and Fundraiser Officer to help secure vital funding for Chelmsford Cathedral’s mission and outreach.
This role focuses on raising income from UK trusts, foundations, and statutory funders, ensuring sustainable support for our work.
As part of our team, you will:
- Research and identify potential funders and grant opportunities.
- Develop compelling proposals and applications that clearly communicate our needs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and stakeholders.
- Work closely with senior leadership and colleagues across departments to gather information and align funding strategies with our mission.
If you have excellent research, writing, and interpersonal skills, a creative approach to fundraising we’d love to hear from you.
At the heart of both city and county, Chelmsford Cathedral is a hub for a rich variety of community activity.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have a good understanding of social and/or economic policy issues and a proven ability to undertake policy development or campaigning work on specific issues in a wider context? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior Advocacy Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping us to deliver positive change for those affected by the housing emergency in Scotland.
About the role
Your main focus will be to lead Shelter Scotland in effectively advocating for the structural policy changes required to end the housing emergency, driving forward our strategic goals to secure more social homes, strengthen housing rights, and build a lasting movement for change. You’ll develop and communicate clear, evidence-based policy recommendations – drawing on research, lived experience, and sector insight – to influence key stakeholders across government, parliament, and beyond. You’ll commission and manage external research, lead stakeholder events, and work collaboratively across teams to ensure our policy work supports public affairs, media, and operational activity. You’ll also line manage an Advocacy Officer, supporting their development and overseeing their performance.
Role specifics
You’ll bring strong experience in crafting high-impact communications that influence decision-makers and persuade key stakeholders. With a solid understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and public policy processes – particularly within the Scottish Government and Parliament – you’ll have a proven track record of driving change through effective advocacy and relationship-building at a senior level. You’ll be proactive in spotting opportunities to influence policy, responding strategically to external developments. Alongside this, you’ll have experience managing externally funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, and will be confident leading and motivating a team to achieve shared goals.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
The Advocacy Team is part of Shelter Scotland’s Communications and Advocacy Department and is responsible for developing the charity’s policy positions, research plan, and public affairs and professional stakeholder engagement.
The Advocacy team works closely with colleagues in Community Advice and our Telephone and Online Advice services to capture evidence of how Scotland’s broken and biased housing system is impacting communities, and colleagues in Communications and Engagement to translate this evidence into compelling public campaigns and fundraising appeals. The team have led the organisation on developing an anti-racism evidence base, the economic and social benefits of social housing investment and the case for a human rights-based approach to meeting housing need.
About Shelter Scotland
Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.
Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.
ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.
You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people. You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance. This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.
Key responsibilities
· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.
· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.
· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.
· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.
· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.
· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.
· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.
· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.
· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.
About you
We're looking for someone who brings:
· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.
· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.
· First rate written and verbal communication skills.
· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
· An interest in health policy.
· Alignment with our vision and values.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.
For more details download the job pack.
Please submit your CV. Your covering letter must be no more than 400 words long.
Please apply early, we may close the vacancy once we receive a sufficient number of strong applications.
Better MSK health for everyone.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Friends of Palestinian Universities
Friends of Palestinian Universities builds UK and international academic solidarity, partnership, and exchange with Palestinian higher education institutions facing systematic attack.
We work to support the resilience of Palestinian scholars and students, strengthen international cooperation, and uphold the principles of freedom, equity, and justice for the future of education in Palestine.
Position Overview
The Senior Programme Officer will support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ advocacy and awareness, and building UK-Palestine higher education links programmes. This role involves working closely with the director, wider team, and partners, managing projects, and ensuring the effective delivery of initiatives aimed at mobilising support for Palestinian universities and raising awareness about the challenges faced by Palestinian students and educators.
The role requires excellent coordination, communication, and partnership-building skills, including supporting structured engagement with Palestinian higher education representatives through regular convening, briefings, and follow-up.
Key responsibilities
1. Building UK–Palestinian Academic Links
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Support the development and implementation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual building links plan in line with programme and organisational goals.
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Support the design and delivery of partnerships and collaborative projects with Palestinian universities, including research, fellowships, and exchange initiatives.
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Liaise with partners in Palestine and the UK to map opportunities for meaningful and equitable cooperation.
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Create and maintain an accessible and up to date database of UK, Palestinian and international networks.
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Contribute to organising Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual conference.
2. Advocacy & Awareness-Raising
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Support the development and implementation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual advocacy & awareness plan in line with programme and organisational goals.
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Research and prepare public-facing resources (e.g. briefings, reports, speaker events) for academic, policy, and civil society audiences.
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Build relationships with UK-based higher education networks, staff unions, academic departments, and student societies.
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Contribute to organising Friends of Palestinian Universities’ Education, Occupation & Liberation programme of events.
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Support the Director and Palestinian partner representatives with research and briefings as necessary for public facing engagements.
3. Monitoring & Evaluation
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Work to achieve KPIs agreed in the annual work plan.
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Work with the Director to plan and evaluate programme strategy and delivery.
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Monitor programme impact and contribute to reporting for donors, Trustees, and partners.
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Produce quarterly reports on programme activities and outcomes for the Director and Board of Trustees.
4. Representation & Convening
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Represent Friends of Palestinian Universities in coalitions, conferences, and sector forums as appropriate and with the agreement of the Director.
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Facilitate spaces for Palestinian scholars, students, and advocates to share knowledge and shape agendas in line with their collective priorities.
5. General Support and Team Contribution
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Actively support and promote Friends of Palestinian Universities’ mission and values.
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Work as a part of a team and contribute to collective staff wellbeing. Adapt to the flexible working of a small organisation.
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Collaborate closely with the Friends of Palestinian Universities team on shared projects and organisational priorities.
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Follow Friends of Palestinian Universities’ policies and processes.
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Undertake administrative tasks as necessary for the effective implementation of the role.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
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Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
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Minimum of 1 year of experience in programme management or related field, preferably within the non-profit or education sector.
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Strong understanding of the contemporary social and political reality for Palestinians, awareness about the educational context in Palestine and the challenges faced by Palestinian students and educators.
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Demonstrated ability to coordinate collective initiatives with multiple partner institutions and maintain structured, professional communication with partners.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
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Strong organisational and administrative skills.
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Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to sustain and develop effective professional relationships.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
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Right to work in the UK.
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Fluency in Arabic.
Desirable
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Master’s degree in a relevant field
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Experience working with international partners and stakeholders.
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Experience convening working groups, committees, or multi-institutional collaborations.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit the following:
1. A cover letter outlining their qualifications and motivation for applying.
2. A current CV.
3. Contact information for two professional references.
Unfortunately, Friends of Palestinian Universities is unable to sponsor work visas. Candidates should be able to attend the office in London at least one day a week.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
#programme #programme officer #seniorprogramme officer #advocacy #education #programme managment #programme delivery #programme planning #advoacy and outreach
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Programme Manager (Part-time, 4 days/week — 12-month contract)
Start date: February 2026
Location: Hybrid (East London office + home working)
Salary: £35,490–£38,220 FTE (pro rata) + 3% pension
The Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) is a community-led CIC supporting East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) migrants and refugees in the UK. We work to build an equitable society where ESEA communities thrive.
We are seeking a Programme Manager to lead our programme team, deliver high-impact community services and advocacy projects, and strengthen partnerships across the sector. This role is central to coordinating multiple projects, managing staff, developing proposals, overseeing budgets, ensuring monitoring and evaluation, and representing SEEAC publicly with partners, media and stakeholders. The post works closely with the Executive Director and Partnership Development Manager, including on fundraising.
About you:
You bring 5+ years’ experience leading programme design, delivery, monitoring and reporting plus people management experience and strong communication, organisational and financial skills. You are confident engaging with diverse communities, funders and public audiences, and committed to safeguarding and data protection. Knowledge of issues affecting migrants and refugees (e.g., employment rights, discrimination, health inequality) and strong writing skills are essential. Experience with ESEA communities or other minoritised groups is highly desirable, as is lived experience of migration-related issues.
How to apply:
Apply via CharityJobs or directly on our website
Deadline: 7 January 2026 (23:59).
Interviews:
• Stage 1: Week of 12 January 2026 (online)
• Stage 2: Week of 19 January 2026 (in person, East London)
All offers are subject to references and DBS checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; SEEAC cannot provide visa sponsorship.
SEEAC strives to work to make our society where Southeast and East Asian migrants and their communities are equal members of the UK society and enjoy
ob Title: Health Advocate Educator
Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £12,928.56 per annum
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 18.75 hours per week. Monday and Tuesday – 9am-5pm and Wednesday – 9am-12:45pm. Occasional late shift: 12:30pm – 8:30pm on a rota basis (approximately 2-3 days a month)
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.
The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors.
This post 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.
Closing Date: 09:00am 5 January 2026
Interview Date: 12 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £24,219
Hours: 28 hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Brixton. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
This role is a fixed-term role until 2nd June 2026, with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract award.
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
?Interviews are planned for 14th January 2026
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
REF-225 666
Job Title: Health Advocate Educator - Full Time
Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.
The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors.
This post 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.
Closing Date: 09:00am 7 January 2026
Interview Date: 19 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Health Advocate Educator - Maternity Cover
Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (from 1 March 2026 until 1 April 2027 - Maternity cover)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.
The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors.
This post 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.
Closing Date: 09:00am 6 January 2026
Interview Date: 15 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.
Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Employer: Muslim Charities Forum
Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)
Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.
Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North
Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.
About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)
Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy.
We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society.
Role Purpose
The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors.
The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making.
They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy and Leadership
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Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives.
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Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks.
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Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.
2. Policy, Research and Insight
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Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society.
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Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions.
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Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements.
3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement
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Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks.
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Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders.
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Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums.
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Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector.
4. Sector Capacity and Member Support
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Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy.
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Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity.
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Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
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Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work.
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Provide regular progress reports to the CEO.
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Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
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Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector.
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Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change.
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Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment.
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Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape.
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Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work.
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Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy.
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Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen.
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Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society.
Desirable Criteria
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Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations.
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Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities.
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Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks.
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Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives.
Values and Behaviours
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Strategic and forward-thinking leadership.
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Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders.
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Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments.
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Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector.
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Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Additional Information
This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel.
What We Offer
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The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks.
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A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
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Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation.
Application Information
To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.
We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.
If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).
No agencies.
UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: HMP New Hall
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £16,964 per annum
Hours: 21 hours (3 days a week)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing illiteracy amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) and G4S to provide peer-led literacy and numeracy programmes across a number of prisons. We now have the opportunity to provide a service at HMP New Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust Team Members, this is an exciting role leading on the delivery and development of creative and exciting literacy initiatives and an ambitious Reading Strategy at HMP New Hall, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
This role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday (when full time) plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
This is a fixed term contract until 5th June 2026
Interviews are planned for the 22nd January 2026.
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
REF-225 665
Job Title: Community Project Officer
Team: Ramblers England
Location: Hybrid (London Office)
*This role sits within a pay grade with a pay range of £22,155.20 to £34,913 (FTE £27,694 to £43,642). The salary on appointment will be set at the lower end of the pay range, to a maximum of £24,370 (FTE £30,463) depending on the candidate's skills and experience. This approach aims to ensure fair compensation for new hires while maintaining alignment with the structured pay scale for the role.
*The project will run for three years. The initial fixed-term contract will be for 12 months, with a potential extension for a further two years subject to funding.
Context and purpose of role
By 2034 Ramblers ambition is that everyone in England and Wales will be able to join a Wellbeing Walk close to where they live – for communities to come together and experience the health and wellbeing benefits of walking. This work is part of the strategic plan and business objectives of Ramblers GB.
The role will deliver the Walking Together Project across communities in north London, Slough and Reading. The role will engage directly with the most disadvantaged communities, where loneliness, social isolation and inactivity could be prevalent, through a ‘Getting Started’ Wellbeing Walks programme. This is a community delivery role to work with local communities to establish walks and find potential walk leaders within the community to sustain walking.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver the Ramblers Getting Started element of the Walking Together Project
- Maintain positive working relationships with local and regional partners to deliver the project
- Maintain positive working relationships with local members/volunteers
- Attend Community/Borough or Town Council, steering group and other partner meetings and events and use to deliver the project
- Ensure relevant policies and procedures, compliant with current legislation and in line with Ramblers’ approach, are supported
- Set up a total of four community walking programmes in the identified areas each year
- Deliver and coordinate training opportunities for the communities who sign up to the project
- Support the Community Development Officers in identifying further opportunities in the area
- Manage and record project expenditure
- Provide regular progress reports
- Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required of the post
- Engage and proactively develop excellent working relationships across the organisation
The person
Qualifications
Lowland Leader or working towards (Desirable)
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience working with a wide variety of groups and communities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrable attention to detail and the needs of different audiences
- Experience of successfully managing projects or programmes delivering against agreed objectives
- A proven track record in recruiting and working with volunteers
- Experience of designing and delivering training and support resources
- Excellent IT skills, including social media and web skills, and an ability to support others to use software and programmes
- Interest in/knowledge of walking/physical activity/public health
Ability to appropriately collect data for monitoring and evaluation purposes and collation of associated reports
Skills
- Ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including volunteers, managing requirements and expectations
- Ability to develop and lead a project with the related co-ordination, planning and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- Skills to enable the leading of safe and inspiring group walks
- Facilitation and training skills – in-person and online
- Ability to diagnose problems, provide solutions and make logical, timely decisions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team to achieve common goals
Personal Attributes
- Interest in walking and a commitment to the principles of inclusion and enabling everyone to feel welcome in the outdoors
- Flexible and resilient with the ability to balance competing demands
- Willing to travel and spend some evenings and weekends working
- Willing to undertake training and professional development to ensure skills and knowledge are up to date
The Ramblers promote diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community
Values and Behaviours
Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.
Inclusive
We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.
Inspiring
We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.
Empowering
We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.
Responsible
We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.