Advocacy and communications programme officer jobs

This is a challenging and rewarding position within a friendly and fast-paced charity, with clear growth amibitions and a determination to make a real impact on the employment prospects of young people with the most barriers to entering work.

This position will bring clarity, consistency and impact to marketing and communications across the charity. The focus will be to raise our profile, tell our story, and articulate our impact, to help to build meaningful relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders.

With a resonsibility for marketing, communications, brand management and stakeholder engagement events, the postholder will take a joined-up approach across digital, media, events and stakeholder communications, ensuring our brand is consistently represented, and our work reaches and engages the right audiences.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience 

• A track record (over three years) of successfully delivering in a similar or related role. 

• Delivery of high quality, effective communications across digital and print channels. 

• Creation of compelling and accessible digital and print resources and materials. 

• Management of website content and social media channels, implementing strategies and approaches to raise profiles and boost engagement .

• Engagement and liaison with local and nation al media publications.

• Writing, editing and proofreading to a very high standard. 

• Management and planning of stakeholder engagement events and activities .

• Management of high-profile Ambassadors and advocates (desirable).

• Implementation of campaigns, to drive engagement and system s change (desirable).

• Working within the education, charities and/or the voluntary youth sector (desirable).   

Skills 

• Excellent digital and design skills, with the ability to create compelling, professional and accessible resources, reports and promotional materials. 

• Engaging written communication skills, with the ability to adapt language and messaging to different platforms and audiences. 

• A flexible approach with the ability to identify the best social, digital and print channels for a wide variety of messaging, and monitoring effectiveness through accessing, collating and analysing data.

• Creativity with the ability to make connections between themes and pull together engaging content to feed into communications. 

• Exceptional communication skills, able to speak confidently with young people, professionals, funders and senior business stakeholders. 

• Highly organised, with an attention to detail, excellent project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.   

Attitude 

• Positive and solution focussed.

• Self-assured, with a ‘can-do’ approach and the confidence to bring ideas to the table. 

• Thrives in a fast-paced and busy environment. 

• Welcomes feedback, with a desire to continuously improve and develop. 

• Passionate and enthusiastic about improving young people’s lives. 

• A commitment to our organisational values, of empowerment, collaboration, reliability, quality, and learning.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £40,891 per annum

• 28 days leave (inc. 3 days between Christmas and New Year)

• 2 volunteering days

• 1 life event day

• Matched pension contributions (up to 6%)

• Flexible working (our core business hours are 10am to 3pm)

• Life insurance (5 x annual salary)

• Canada Life WeCare employee support package

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

Our Room is a values-driven, creative support community working with male, trans and non-binary people who do sex work: an often-hidden population experiencing some of the highest levels of homelessness, trauma, poor mental health and social exclusion in Manchester. For twenty years, we have been a trusted, specialist service providing intensive advocacy alongside creative, developmental programmes that help participants stabilise their lives and imagine new futures.

As a Manchester-based organisation, we are the only organisation in the UK whose core mission is to support male, trans and non-binary people who do sex work. We believe that everyone who sex works deserves dignity, respect and safety.

We are seeking someone who can bring together clear strategic thinking and hands-on-leadership to inspire our staff team and represent the charity externally across key sectors and partnerships. This is an opportunity to lead a unique and vital organisation supporting male, trans and non-binary people who sex work.

The CEO acts as the primary external ambassador for the organisation, maintaining partnerships across housing and homelessness, sex work and VCSE sectors. The role is responsible for establishing our inclusive, values-led culture and is accountable for ensuring the charity delivers impact for male, trans and non-binary people who sex work. 

The Head of Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications at ECU, building on our track record of shaping media narratives around the economy and working across multiple campaigns and programmes.

As our Head of Strategic Communications, you will devise and deliver impactful communications strategies to shape the way the UK media covers economic policy. You’ll help ensure that UK media debates are grounded in robust and innovative economic thinking and rise to the scale and urgency of current societal challenges.

If you believe that media and public debate on economics could be improved - and if you have the strategic communications track record to make that happen - then we would like to hear from you.

About The Role

As our Global Communications Manager, you’ll lead the development and delivery of impactful global media and communications that elevate Compassion’s campaigns and strengthen our international voice. You’ll play a pivotal role in producing compelling content, securing global media coverage, and supporting colleagues worldwide to deliver clear, impactful communications. 

As our Global Communications Manager, you’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering global media strategies that raise Compassion’s international profile.
• Identifying, creating and maximising media opportunities across campaigns and policy work.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with global journalists and media outlets.
• Managing our work developing relationships with international high-profile supporters
• Writing and producing press releases, feature articles, media briefings and web content.
• Building our social media presence by developing creative content and feeding into the social media strategy
• Supporting and advising Country Office communications teams to ensure aligned international messaging.
• Supervising Global Communications Officers and contributing to planning and out‑of‑hours rota duties.
• Monitoring and evaluating global media coverage and managing external media monitoring and licensing partners.
• Managing Compassion’s media assets, including imagery and broadcast materials, to ensure accurate representation.
• Providing media training, guidance and interview preparation for colleagues and spokespeople.

About You 

To succeed as our Global Communications Manager, you’ll combine strong editorial judgement with outstanding communication skills and the ability to lead global media activity under pressure. You’re strategic, adaptable, and skilled at storytelling, relationship‑building, and managing multiple projects with ease.

Skills and experience you’ll need to bring as our Global Communications Manager, you’ll be responsible for:

• Experience working in a fast‑paced press office, newsroom, or similar media environment
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful media strategies
• Experience working with international or European media outlets
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to tailor content for different audiences
• Strong ability to identify, shape and maximise media opportunities
• Ability to build and maintain strong media contacts and networks
• Experience working with high‑profile supporters or spokespeople
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• A collaborative, positive, and adaptable approach to working with global colleagues
• Commitment to Compassion’s mission and values.

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to use your communications expertise to drive global change and give a powerful voice to animals, people, and the planet.

We offer a supportive, flexible workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, including: 

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Health Cash Back Plan and 24/7 GP access 
• Employee Assistance Programme and MHFA support 
• Premium Calm App subscription 
• Defined contribution pension scheme 
• Enhanced discretionary sick pay 
• Hybrid working model (role and location dependent) 
• Free onsite parking and office next to mainline station 
• Cycle Benefit scheme and other savings options 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 

How to Apply & Key Dates

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV. 

Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. 

Closing Date: Thursday 14 May 2026

Stage 1 (TEAMS) Interviews: Tuesday 19 May and Friday 22 May 

Stage 2 (Face to Face at HQ)  Interviews, with presentation task: Thursday 28 May 2026

“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”

As part of Stage 1 of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may receive a small set of pre-shared, values-based interview questions in advance. This is designed to support a positive candidate experience and help you prepare, so the interview can focus on a thoughtful conversation about your motivation and alignment with our mission.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we’re always happy to support candidates during the recruitment process.

About Compassion

Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe. 

Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack, and Careers Page. 

To comply with legal requirements in the UK and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based.    

Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.  We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.  We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other. 

Programme Support & Knowledge Director

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: The role can be based in the London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

UK: £81,510 per year with excellent benefits.

Other Countries: Competitive with excellent benefits.

*We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people.

About the role

As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department’s SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK’s programmes
• Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
• Lead programme learning and knowledge management
• Oversee programme support and capacity development
• Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
• Strong technical WASH skills – e.g. sustainable rural and /or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH, 
• Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
• Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
• Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
• Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
• Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement and
• A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
• Experience leading or managing applied research
• Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 11 May 2026. Shortlisting and Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, we encourage you to apply at an early stage.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

Are you an organized, creative professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of refugees and vulnerable children? HealthProm is looking for a Programmes and Development Officer  to join our small but mighty team in London.

For over 40 years, we’ve been a lifeline for those disadvantaged by poor health, disability, and forced displacement. From supporting 3,000+ Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in London to delivering community health projects in Eastern Europe and Afghanistan, our work is diverse, urgent, and life-changing.

In this hybrid role, you will:

• Coordinate: Provide vital administrative backbone to our UK and international projects.

• Fundraise: Research new opportunities to help us grow our reach and sustainability.

• Tell Our Story: Transform technical reports into powerful narratives for our website and social media.

Why join us? If you have a background in International Development, a flair for communication, and a desire to work with migrant and refugee communities, we want to hear from you. We offer a supportive, flexible environment near King’s Cross where your contribution is seen and felt every day.

Help us ensure no child or family is left behind. Apply now.

Job description

Role: Partnerships and Programme Development Manager

Directorate: External Affairs

Team: Corporate Partnerships

Manager: Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager

Direct reports: N/A

Role purpose

This role supports the development of WorldSkills UK’s income and partnership activity by turning programmes and ideas into clear, compelling funding opportunities. You will work across teams to develop proposals, manage partnerships, and support reporting and planning processes that contribute to long-term financial sustainability.

You will play a key role in strengthening how we plan, communicate and deliver partnership activity, helping to build strong relationships with funders and partners while improving internal systems and processes.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Partnership and project delivery

· Manage delivery of partnerships and events, ensuring they are well planned, on time and within budget

· Support management of key strategic partner relationships

· Coordinate teams and stakeholders to deliver partnership activities

· Ensure partnerships align with WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and equity, diversity and inclusion commitments

Income development and proposals

· Develop funding opportunities from programmes and organisational activities

· Produce high-quality proposals, presentations and funding applications

· Support applications to trusts, foundations and corporate partners

· Contribute to the development of partnership agreements and documentation

Reporting and planning

· Support delivery of income and fundraising plans through regular monitoring and reporting

· Track progress against agreed objectives and provide clear updates and analysis

· Contribute to income forecasting and financial tracking, working with colleagues in Finance and across the organisation

· Support the development and reporting of project plans (Project Initiation Documents) and associated performance measures

Systems, processes and knowledge management

· Use and help improve our CRM system (HubSpot) to manage relationships and track opportunities

· Maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting systems to support partnership activity

· Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and streamline processes across the team

Research and pipeline development

· Carry out research to identify potential partners, funding opportunities and sector trends

· Support the development of a strong and diverse pipeline of prospective partners

· Contribute to internal decision-making by providing relevant insights and analysis

General

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, employees at this level are expected to:

· Produce specification requirements in line with procurement processes for outsourced activity

· Contribute to organisational risk and issues management processes.

· Support delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business plan

· Ensure resources (staff, suppliers, partners, volunteers) are managed efficiently and effectively

· Contribute to a performance‑driven culture with robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting

· Demonstrate WorldSkills UK’s values in all aspects of the role, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the role and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder taking account of their experience, skills and capability

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisational, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This part-time position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within HMYOI Parc, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody, either sentenced or on remand.  Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI) and Secure Training Centres (STC) as the ‘Secure Estate'.

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within  four Young Offender Institutes and  one Secure Training Centre. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within HMYOI Parc to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this sector: “The role is an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want, really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and natural advocates, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not, therefore, be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child such as  simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have in relation todiscrimination, resettlement or safeguarding issues, you  may be the one person telling them that  they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the YOI. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging secure environment. It is, therefore, critical that the successful candidate can follow guidance and policy and is able to take proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the service support mechanisms.  This role requires the worker to be onsite for their contracted hours, working remotely only for occasional training or meetings. The advocacy team work on a rota system with set hours each week, which includes weekends and bank holidays. Applicants should also be aware, that due to the nature of working within secure estate, the vetting and induction process can take several months to complete.

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is a part-time vacancy with 18.5 hours available per week.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

10GM is a partnership that supports the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector right across Greater Manchester. It brings together four local infrastructure organisations — Action Together, Bolton CVS, Manchester Community Central and Salford CVS — who work closely together to champion local voluntary and community action and social enterprise, helping communities thrive across the city‑region.

While this role is based at Action Together, you’ll be working as part of the wider 10GM team, contributing to work that has a Greater Manchester–wide focus and impact across all ten boroughs

GM Head of Programme- Spaces of Hope and Connection 

The role

Thanks to National Lottery players, 10GM, on behalf of Greater Manchester Live Well, will receive £16.5 million over four years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder.

This investment in Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection will create a network of 100+ inclusive, community-led and owned spaces across Greater Manchester where people can meet, belong and find everyday support.

The Head of Programme will lead and oversee delivery of this large-scale, multi-partner strategic lottery programme, ensuring delivery through funded partners is aligned to the programme’s mission, vision and values, while maintaining strong programme management, compliance and delivery of agreed outcomes.

Working in close partnership with the Strategic Director of 10GM, this role provides senior operational leadership—translating mission, vision and values into clear delivery plans, pace, coordination and assurance across the full programme lifecycle.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven programme leader with experience delivering complex, large-scale programmes through partnerships and/or multi‑stakeholder delivery models. You can translate strategic priorities into clear, accountable delivery plans that balance funder requirements with flexible, community‑led approaches. You will bring strong governance, budget and risk management skills, and are confident working across the VCSE, public sector and communities.

Equity and social justice are central to how you work. You will have experience embedding inclusive, community‑led approaches, using evidence and learning to reduce inequalities and improve impact. Comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, you can communicate clearly, build trusted relationships, and lead teams with a learning‑led, collaborative mindset.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality 

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisational, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This part-time position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within HMYOI Werrington, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody, either sentenced or on remand.  Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI) and Secure Training Centres (STC) as the ‘Secure Estate'.

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within  four Young Offender Institutes,  one Secure Training Centre.  The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within HMYOI Werrington to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this sector: “The role is a Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want, really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and natural advocates, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not, therefore, be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child such as  simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have in relation todiscrimination, resettlement or safeguarding issues, you  may be the one person telling them that  they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Independant Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the establishment. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging secure environment. It is, therefore, critical that the successful candidate can follow guidance and policy and is able to take proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the service support mechanisms.  This role requires the worker to be onsite for their contracted hours, working remotely only for occasional training or meetings. The advocacy team work on a rota system with set hours each week, which includes weekends and bank holidays. Applicants should also be aware, that due to the nature of working within the secure estate, the vetting and induction process can take several months to complete.

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is a part-time vacancy with 18.5 hours available per week.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our External Affairs and Engagement team as Internal Communications Manager.

As our Internal Communications Manager, you’ll lead the creation and delivery of engaging, inspiring and high quality communications that connect colleagues across our national network of hostels and teams. Working within External Affairs and Engagement, you’ll play a key role in supporting YHA through a period of organisational change, helping colleagues understand our priorities, celebrate our impact, and stay connected as we head towards YHA’s centenary and beyond. You’ll design and deliver internal communication resources including digital tools, meeting and events to ensure all staff are engage in and enthused about YHA’s work and impact.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family

• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal

• Free YHA Membership each year

• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

There are many more benefits to working for YHA so please visit our website for more information.

What will you be doing as Internal Communications Manager?

• Develop and deliver an internal communications strategy to support transformation and business priorities, reviewing current tools and systems

• Identify and implement new modern digital solutions for internal communications

• Creating engaging, clear and timely communications that connect and inspire staff across YHA’s network

• Managing YHA’s internal communications channels to ensure consistency, accuracy and impact

• Planning and hosting internal engagement activities such as briefings, webinars and Ask‑the‑Exec sessions

• Producing high‑quality internal content including newsletters, briefings, presentations and articles

• Working closely with senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation to gather stories, share updates and celebrate impact

• Supporting staff understanding, engagement and confidence during periods of organisational change, with travel across the network as required

What Skills and Experience do you need to be an Internal Communications Manager?

• Experience implementing and managing modern digital internal communications systems within complex or national organisations

• Proven experience leading and delivering internal communications strategies

• Expert confidence using Microsoft tools such as Teams, Viva Engage and SharePoint to drive engagement

• Demonstrated success managing internal communications through periods of organisational change

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences and situations

• Confident facilitator and event coordinator, comfortable chairing meetings and presenting to senior audiences

• Strong project management skills, able to balance competing priorities and deliver to deadlines

• Approachable, trusted and well‑organised, with the ability to build positive relationships across all levels of the organisation

• Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for people who bring them to life in their everyday work

For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. For more information about how we are creating an inclusive workplace please visit our website.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

If you would like to find out more about YHA the charity, the culture, the heritage and so much more please visit our jobs website.

How do you apply?

Submit your CV and complete the application form. For more information about our recruitment process, visit the job website.

Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date. You can also check on the progress of your application if you have signed up to Connect - our online candidate portal.

PLEASE NOTE All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

YHA is looking for an experienced and strategically minded Head of Communications and Engagement to lead how our story is told through a period of organisational change. This role owns our corporate narrative and shapes compelling communications that strengthen YHA’s voice and influence.

Working across the organisation and with external partners, you’ll develop and deliver integrated corporate communications that inspire engagement from staff and stakeholders, and ensure coherent and consistent messaging which amplifies YHA’s impact as a leading youth charity, social enterprise and force for good, and support income growth.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family

• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal

• Free YHA Membership each year

• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

There are many more benefits to working for YHA so please visit our website for more information.

What will you be doing as Head of Communications and Engagement?

• Own YHA’s corporate narrative, tone of voice and organisation‑wide communications strategy

• Lead integrated internal and external communications that strengthen brand, impact and income growth through a period of strategic transformation.

• Develop and deliver strategic messaging to support YHA’s organisational transformation and long‑term objectives

• Champion communications best practice across the organisation, working closely with the marketing team, digital team and senior leaders

• Plan, coordinate and oversee corporate content, publications and communications scheduling across all channels

• Line manage the Internal Communications Manager

• Lead on media relations and press engagement, including external agency support and spokespeople

• Strengthen YHA’s external presence, reputation and profile as a national youth charity and social enterprise

• Lead stakeholder engagement, partnerships, policy influence and horizon scanning for emerging risks and opportunities

• Manage crisis communications strategy and process

• Steward and leverage YHA’s heritage and archives to support impactful storytelling ahead of the 100‑year anniversary

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience in communications, with a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic, organisation‑wide communications in a complex national organisation

• Strong ability to shape and communicate clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple internal and external channels

• Demonstrable experience of leading media relations, PR campaigns, stakeholder engagement and reputation management, including crisis communications

• High‑level writing, editing and content‑planning skills, with a creative and audience‑focused approach

• Ability to interpret complex organisational information and translate it into engaging, accessible and inspiring communications

• Experience influencing and advising senior leaders, bringing authority, constructive challenge and a cross‑organisational perspective

• Proven ability to identify reputational risks, anticipate emerging issues and recommend strategic communications responses

• Experience building productive partnerships and relationships with senior stakeholders, partner organisations, public bodies and agencies

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work to deadlines and find solutions under pressure

• Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for people who bring them to life in their everyday work

For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. For more information about how we are creating an inclusive workplace please visit our jobs website.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

If you would like to find out more about YHA the charity, the culture, the heritage and so much more please visit our jobs website.

How do you apply?

Submit your CV and complete the application form. For more information about our recruitment process, visit the job website.

Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date. You can also check on the progress of your application if you have signed up to Connect - our online candidate portal

PLEASE NOTE All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisational, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This part-time position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within Oakhill Secure Training Centre, which accommodates children aged between 12-18 years, who are in custody, either sentenced or on remand.  Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI) and Secure Training Centres (STC) as the ‘Secure Estate'.

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within  four Young Offender Institutes,  one Secure Training Centre and one  Secure Children's home. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within Oakhill STC to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this sector: “The role is a Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want, really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and champions, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not, therefore, be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child such as  simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have in relation todiscrimination, resettlement or safeguarding issues, you  may be the one person telling them that  they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the STC. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging secure environment. It is, therefore, critical that the successful candidate can follow guidance and policy and is able to take proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the service support mechanisms.  This role requires the worker to be onsite for their contracted hours, working remotely only for occasional training or meetings. The advocacy team work on a rota system with set hours each week, which includes weekends and bank holidays. Applicants should also be aware, that due to the nature of working within secure estate, the vetting and induction process can take several months to complete.

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is a part-time vacancy with 25.5 hours available per week.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application.