Advocacy network development coordinator jobs

*Deadline approaching - 12pm, Monday 12th January*

*Interviews Tues 27th January*

You will coordinate the Social Homes for Manchester campaign coalition and implement our strategy for strengthening the housing justice movement in Manchester and across GM. You will lead on organising community workshops and events raising awareness about campaign asks and the Manchester Local Plan consultation process.

You will convene workshops and events focused on building the capacity of a network of ward-based community coalitions to understand housing and planning policy and process. This might include how local development applications are compiled, submitted, decided on; and strategies for ensuring appropriate levels of Section 106 contributions and social rent homes are included in development applications.

You will work with the Social Homes for Manchester Steering Group and community leaders to provide coordination support to at least one neighbourhood planning process and efforts to encourage community-led housing innovations.

You will create a new set of webpages focused on provision of transparent and accessible information on housing need, upcoming developments, and performance against housing targets at ward and city scale.

About you

• You have excellent relationship building skills and experience of working with disadvantaged groups of people to take collective action to achieve positive outcomes for people and communities.
• You enjoy organising activities and events in response to community priorities, interests and needs.
• You have an organised and strategic mindset and the professionalism to foster positive working relationships between community, voluntary, and public sector organisations and representatives.
• You have a basic understanding of housing development and planning application and approval processes and a good understanding of the rationale for increased delivery of sustainable social rent homes.
• You have some experience of web development or website administration and editing combined with the ability to engage digitally excluded groups of people in understanding technical information.

About Social Homes for Manchester (SH4M)

• SH4M is a coalition of community associations, charities, think tanks, academics and social justice organisations focused on accelerating the number of social homes that are created in Manchester by 2030 and ensuring this is done in an environmentally sustainable way.
• Much of our work over the last two years has focused on generating an evidence base, influencing strategy, and set of relationships to facilitate influence, including through convening the Manchester Social Housing Commission which concludes in December 2025.
• SH4M is now focused on implementing a two-year strategy including building a network of citizen coalitions across the city of Manchester with the information and capacity to hold decision-makers and providers to account for accelerated delivery of sustainable social rent homes. This includes taking forward the findings of the Manchester Social Housing Commission.

About CLASS/Community Savers

• CLASS is the lead convening agency for Social Homes for Manchester. We are a Manchester-based registered charity that exists to support a network of place-based community associations called Community Savers.
• We build the strategic and financial capacity of tenant, resident, community groups and neighbourhood forums to achieve better outcomes for their local area. We support a range of community-catalysed and community-led initiatives and co-creation partnerships.
• CLASS values wellbeing, family life, and work-life balance. We offer attractive Terms and Conditions relating to flexitime, annual leave, and a NEST Pension scheme with 10% employer contribution.
• CLASS is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as part of an alliance focused on #CommunityPoweredPolitics and amplifying the voices and experiences of women experiencing intersecting inequalities, we particularly encourage applications from women from global majority backgrounds and women with disabilities who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and to strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality services.

Are you passionate about youth work and ready to lead and shape provision for young people aged 9–18?
Can you inspire, motivate and support young people while coordinating engaging, safe and impactful youth programmes?

One YMCA Youth Clubs provide welcoming and supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop life skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging. We are now seeking a Youth Work Coordinator to lead the development and delivery of our Bedford Town Centre Youth Clubs.

The Role

As Youth Work Coordinator, you will take a lead role in the planning, coordination and delivery of youth clubs and activities. You will be responsible for setting up and developing new sessions, coordinating day-to-day delivery, supporting youth workers and volunteers, and ensuring high-quality youth work practice in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy and Principles.

You will also work closely with local partners, schools, and community stakeholders to strengthen engagement and create positive opportunities for young people. This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, outreach, and leadership responsibilities.

The role includes working 2–3 days per week after school, with some evening work required. Additional daytime hours are allocated for planning, coordination, partnership working, and administration, bringing the total to 37.5 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver centre-based and outreach youth work sessions
• Lead the development of new youth clubs and activities
• Support, mentor, and coordinate youth work staff and volunteers
• Build positive relationships with young people aged 9–18
• Work collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and quality standards are met
• Contribute to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of youth provision

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in youth work or a related field (paid or voluntary)
• A strong commitment to inclusive, young person–centred practice
• Ability to coordinate sessions and support a small team
• Strong communication, organisational, and partnership-working skills
• Willingness to undertake a Level 3 or Level 6 qualification in Youth Work (essential)
• An understanding of both outreach and centre-based youth work

What We Offer

• Opportunity to accrue up to 5 additional days of leave
• Paid training and tailored learning and development opportunities
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (including counselling and GP access)
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and compassionate leave
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee discount scheme (brands, travel, groceries, and more)

Additional Information

• This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week)
• Working pattern includes shifts over 7 days, including evenings
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• The role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check following a conditional offer

At One YMCA, we actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our dedicated Youth Work team at One YMCA.

About Us

GiveOut is an award-winning international LGBTQI community foundation bringing together our community and allies to support LGBTQI activism worldwide.

Across the world, courageous activists are working tirelessly to protect LGBTQI communities and advance equality. But they lack resources and funding is fragile, especially in the Global South. LGBTQI groups receive a tiny fraction of international development aid.

GiveOut exists to bridge this gap. We provide a platform for individuals, businesses and others to give tax efficiently in one place, ensuring sustained funding for LGBTQI human rights activism worldwide. By pooling donations, we provide grants to pioneering organisations, empowering them to defend our communities, tackle inequality and campaign for lasting change.

In just seven years, we have provided over £3 million in new funding, supporting nearly 60 LGBTQI organisations globally. Our grant partners report back on their achievements, and we share their impact with our supporters, demonstrating the tangible difference their generosity makes.

Together, we are strengthening the global LGBTQI movement, ensuring activists have the resources they need to build a more just and equal world.

About the Role
Fundraising and philanthropic advocacy are at the heart of GiveOut’s work. As Philanthropy Coordinator, you will be a key member of the Philanthropy team, supporting our philanthropy programme and working closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Senior Philanthropy Officers.

You will have responsibilities in three main areas: helping with internal programme coordination, supporting colleagues on key donor relationships and fundraising, and events.

You will be highly organised with a strong work ethic, enjoy organising events, and up for the challenge of raising lower level gifts from our community and allies. You will have the opportunity to develop organisational, project management and fundraising skills, learn about LGBTQI rights activism around the world, and see the impact of your work through the incredible LGBTQI organisations supported through GiveOut.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Internal Programme & Team Coordination

  • Manage calendars, schedule internal meetings, help bring together agendas, book meeting rooms, and take minutes where required

  • Help maintain internal documents & systems such as fundraising pipeline, internal reporting and project management tools.

  • Maintain database to ensure accurate donor information in GiveOut’s CRM 

  • Coordinate monthly finance reconciliation tasks for Philanthropy Team

  • Work with colleagues on shared processes, including finance and reporting

  • Contribute to a dynamic, fun and effective organisation

• Supporting Donor Relationships

  • Triage donor requests, responding where appropriate 

  • Schedule external meetings and calls

  • Create and send invoices to donors 

  • Create fundraising campaigns across third party platforms such as Benevity, JustGiving and CAF. 

  • Ensure we have necessary information to claim Gift Aid on eligible donations

  • Support on reporting to donors on the impact of their giving, building donation reports from database, liaising with internal teams, and using templates to build reports

  • Assist in donor research and prospecting

• Events

  • Support on GiveOut online and in-person events, creating event plans, and coordinating both internally and externally

  • Support travel and manage itineraries for international guests 

  • Attend GiveOut and networking events, representing GiveOut and the Philanthropy Team as needed

Essential Skills and Experience

• Connection to GiveOut’s vision, mission and values, with a commitment to the LGBTQI community

• Team player, with strong interpersonal skills 

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal, confident in engaging with colleagues and external stakeholders 

• Strong organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Excellent attention to detail and time management

• Good working knowledge of using office software (documents, spreadsheets, presentations) and online calendar tools

• Highly motivated, with a strong work ethic

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in organising and coordinating events

• Fundraising or relationship management experience

• Experience of  Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets etc.)

• Experience of Asana project management tool

• CRM experience (Donorfy-specific training will be provided)

• Experience using MailChimp, MailMerge or other email marketing tool

• Working knowledge of the GDPR

Please note, if you do not meet all essential skills and experience, but feel you would be a good fit for this role we encourage you to apply anyway.

At GiveOut, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and encourage applications from women, non-binary, trans people, people of colour, and people with disabilities.

Purpose of Post: The Events Coordinator will help to plan, promote and deliver a diverse programme of online and in-person events that reflect the organisation’s mission to support, empower and amplify the voices of people with lived experience of mental illness. These will include outreach sessions, campaigning events, open forums, creative workshops, community engagement activities, fundraising events, awareness days and partnership events.

The post-holder will ensure all events are accessible, inclusive, trauma-informed and well-organised, working closely with the Engagement & Campaigns Manager, project teams, volunteers and external partners.

Given the collaborative and engagement-focused nature of this role, and its direct delivery responsibilities, regular face-to-face working is required, with the post-holder based primarily in the office and attending events and community activities as needed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Coordination

• Develop and maintain an annual events calendar covering outreach, campaigns, creative sessions, open forums, workshops and fundraising (both online and in-person).
• Lead on the end-to-end planning of online and in-person events including aims, audience, format, accessibility needs, timelines, budgets, venues, equipment and staffing.
• Prepare event plans, schedules, risk assessments and checklists to ensure smooth delivery.
• Liaise with venues, suppliers and partners to negotiate costs (ensuring value for money), confirm bookings and arrange logistics.

 Promotion and Communications

• Produce accessible event information and promotional materials, working with colleagues to ensure inclusive language, imagery and formats.
• Use social media, website updates, e-newsletters and community networks to publicise events.
• Maintain event booking systems (e.g. Eventbrite, online forms), manage attendee lists and respond promptly to enquiries.

Event Delivery

• Act as point of contact on the day of events, ensuring smooth set-up, running and pack-down (including seating, signage, technology and accessibility adjustments).

• Brief staff, volunteers and facilitators on their roles and responsibilities before and during events, to ensure clarity of roles.

• Greet attendees, speakers and partners; creating a warm, inclusive and trauma-sensitive environment.
• Monitor timing, technical requirements (e.g. microphones, presentations, online platforms if appropriate) and respond to any issues that arise calmly and adapt plans where needed.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Support

• Build strong relationships with partner organisations, community groups, local charities, the council and health & social care stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation professionally at meetings, outreach events and networking opportunities as necessary.
• Support delivery of awareness campaigns, public consultations and community engagement activity.

Volunteer Coordination

• Support the recruitment, induction, supervision and recognition of event volunteers.
• Provide clear instructions and create a positive, supportive environment for volunteers.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Collect and analyse event data, including attendance, demographics, costs, outcomes and feedback (e.g. surveys, informal feedback, Mentimeter)
• Produce reports and summaries to evidence impact, support funder reporting and inform future planning.

Finance and Administration

• Work within agreed event budgets, tracking expenditure and income, and seeking value for money.
• Process invoices, petty cash and expenses in line with Hear Us, financial procedures.
• Maintain an organised system for event documentation (e.g. booking forms, contracts, attendance, risk assessments, evaluations).

Safeguarding, EDI and Health & Safety

• Ensure all events comply with safeguarding, data protection, confidentiality and health & safety policies.
• Ensure events are inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds and are accessible to people with a range of mental health needs and disabilities.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly following internal procedures.

Other Duties

• Attend staff meetings, supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative and learning culture.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties within the scope and spirit of the role as requested by your line manager.

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are expected to work in a flexible way, as required by Hear Us. Some meetings and other events may be held out of normal office hours and could involve travel away from the local area.

The above items outline the main duties and responsibilities of the post and are designed to give an accurate flavour of the nature and scope of this post. However, they do not represent an inclusive list of all the duties required

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (negotiable and could be job share).

Contract: Fixed-term until 31.03.27.

Location: Hertfordshire - Working from home with options to work within local authority co-located spaces and expectations that there will be regular travel across the county to SafeLives offices in London & Bristol plus other locations across the UK as required.

Benefits: Travel expenses and subsistence provided for travel away from home, 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, access to Employee Assistance Programme, childcare voucher and cycle to work scheme.

Hertfordshire County Council (hereby, The Council) and the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership (hereby, the Partnership) are committed to strengthening the response to domestic abuse across the county. It is their ambition that anyone subjected to domestic abuse has access to right support for them, at the right time. The Council believe that those with lived experience, who may also have experience of using services, should have a say in how they are designed, developed, and commissioned.

The existing Co-Production Panel forms part of the Partnership’s governance structure, acting as a critical friend across the Partnership and supporting the delivery of the County’s Partnership Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022-2025. The full Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy and Strategy Plan on a Page are published on the Domestic abuse posters, leaflets and strategy section of the Herts Sunflower Website.

SafeLives have been commissioned to facilitate the Partnership’s Co-Production Panel and support the development of a network of survivors with lived experience of domestic abuse in Hertfordshire, through their Authentic Voice practice model.

Key purpose of role:

• To truly transform the response to domestic abuse, we must place the experience of survivors at the heart of everything we do.
• Supporting the organisational commitment of SafeLives, and that of the Partnership, to Authentic Voice.
• Working within the Innovation team and alongside the Partnership to develop an influential panel, a powerful approach to gathering and amplifying survivor voices, challenging ‘them and us’ attitudes, you will have the skills and values to support and engage with survivors of domestic abuse.
• Coordinating the implementation of the Authentic Voice principles, embedding co-creation throughout the work of the Partnership.
• Establishing creative ways to reach out to survivors across Hertfordshire including those who have increased vulnerability or multiple disadvantage, those who are marginalised and others who have not yet found their voice.
• Ensuring all who want to have their voice heard, are heard and that what we learn from their lived experience shapes the response to domestic abuse in Hertfordshire and nationally.
• Demonstrating the value of expertise by experience to influence all stakeholders, breaking down perceptions of ‘them and us’ and uniting voices of experts by experience to keep families safe and end domestic abuse.

Further information about the role can be found in the Job Description which includes the Person Specification. 

If you believe you have the qualities we have described, please take a look over the full job description and submit your 500-word cover letter and CV.

Closing date: 9.00am on 12th January 2026.

Interviews: w/c 12th January 2026.

As part of our commitment to become a Disability Confident Committed employer we are happy to accept alternative applications such as video, voice note etc

Please note that SafeLives reserves the right to close campaigns early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as no further applications will be accepted once the recruitment campaign has closed.

Key information

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Start date: ASAP (we are happy to work with notice periods)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £30,025 per annum if based in London. £27,375 per annum if based in Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.

Application deadline: 12 noon, Friday 16th January 2026

About upReach 

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2. 

We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment. 

To find out more about our work, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report. 

ROLE SUMMARY

The Mentoring Coordinator will contribute to upReach's mission, by helping to manage the day to day running of our professional mentoring programmes (Professional Mentoring and Ask an Expert). Professional Mentoring sees students on the upReach programme matched with a professional for a six month period, while Ask an Expert allows students to directly contact professionals for one-off conversations.

GRADUATE SCHEME SUMMARY

The Mentoring Coordinator role is part of upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP). The FCLP provides you with a unique opportunity to:

• Work directly on the upReach mentoring programmes, supporting young people and professionals to form successful mentoring relationships (4 days per week), while also;

• Gaining exposure to various aspects of charity management through 6-month rotations (1 day per week).

• Receiving training in Leadership throughout, and have the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship in Leadership and Management after 18 months on the programme (in place of rotations). 

The FCLP is designed either for high-calibre graduates from any university, academic subject and background - or for those with experience in the corporate world who are looking for a career change and experience in the charity sector. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note that it is not possible for the job description to cover the exhaustive list of responsibilities of your role due to the varied nature of the role. The job description aims to provide an overview of your remit and core responsibilities. 

The Mentoring Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring that upReach’s mentoring programmes (Professional Mentoring/Ask an Expert) operate smoothly and effectively, and will report to the Volunteering Programme Manager. You will work alongside the Programmes and Partnerships teams to ensure that matches are successful, and that both mentors and mentees have a positive experience of mentoring at upReach.

1) Supporting the smooth running of mentoring programmes:

• Deliver day to day operational tasks, including making mentor and mentee matches and responding to professional/student queries received via the Mentoring inbox and the mentoring platform;

• Act as the primary point of contact for mentors/professional volunteers and students using the upReach mentoring platforms, and take action to resolve any issues raised;

• Proactively monitor the success of all mentoring relationships/interactions using mentoring platform data, identifying any concerns and taking action to resolve them;

• Develop and deliver training sessions and resources with the support of the Volunteering Programme Manager to ensure that mentors, professionals and mentees have a high-quality experience.

2) Supporting Partnerships and Programmes teams:

• Work with the Programmes team to encourage Associates to register for and participate in the mentoring programmes;

• Work in collaboration with the Programmes and Partnerships teams to help ensure that all mentoring outputs are delivered effectively and on time, and support them with reporting back to partners;

• Act as the point of contact for employer partners whose primary activity is mentoring, and provide updates on impact measurement for these partners.

3) Rotations in different areas of charity management  

• As part of the FCLP programme, work on rotational projects designed to give you a greater exposure and understanding of the different areas of charity management;

• You will have a six month rotation in each of the following areas during your first 18 months on the programme: (1) Fundraising, Partnerships and Comms, (2) Operations and Strategy (3) Project and Product Management;

• Each week you will work on projects related to your current rotation (7.5 hours per week). These projects will be agreed with your Rotation Manager, in line with the learning objectives for each rotation.

4) Leadership training and development

• Participate in training every six weeks on different soft skills within Leadership through an external training provider during your initial 18 months on the programme. This training will take place through a mixture of online and face to face sessions. Training sessions will include:

  • Communication

  • Understanding different working styles

  • Conflict Management

  • Emotional Intelligence

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate for Mentoring Coordinator should display these skills: 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal;

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload, manage competing demands and deliver to tight deadlines;

• Good problem-solving skills;

• Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as independently;

• Ability to engage and communicate confidently with stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, upReach partners and all levels of employees across the organisation. 

To be successful, it is anticipated that you would have experience in:

• Communicating with a variety of stakeholders, through written and verbal communication;

• Managing and prioritising a varied workload.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us. 

• Birthday leave and Volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, which increased to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• Monthly socials and annual wellbeing days

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aid Training. 

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network 

Ready to apply?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.

Applications close on Friday 16th January at 12:00 noon.

Equal Opportunities

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Thus, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

Job Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator

Service: Children’s Rights Services, London and the South East

Reporting to: London Lead IV Coordinator  

Salary: £16,200-£16,605 per annum (£27,000-£27,675 FTE)

Location: Hybrid, Coram Campus with homeworking and work in the community

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Introduction

· Are you passionate about supporting and developing volunteers?

· Are you looking for an opportunity to help make positive differences to the lives of children and young people who are looked after or care leavers of the local authority?

· Do you want to work with a leading national independent children’s charity?

Then come join us here at Coram Voice. We have an exciting opportunity for you to become a co-ordinator of our independent visiting service in London.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services. We recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

Our work

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

We provide:

· Advocacy services direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with severe and complex mental health problems. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives.  This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.

· A National Helpline to provide access for children and young people to advocacy and advice, with access to legal advice and links with other national services.

· Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to advocate for young people as qualifying patients under the Mental Health Act, in order to fully support them to get their views heard in matters relating to their mental health.

· Independent Visitor services offers a child or young person in care an adult volunteer who provides independent, one-to-one visiting, advice and befriending support. Our independent visitors can become the only long-term, consistent source of support throughout a young person's time in care.

· Independent services provide independent person services for complaints by children and for reviewing whether children should be locked up in secure units on welfare grounds.

· Policy and campaigning to create a better system for all children and young people looked after by the state, for their care to be more child-centred and to give young people a greater say in decisions about their lives. 

· Participation services to ensure children and young people have a voice in the development and delivery of services and campaigns, and through the process, provide the opportunity to develop relevant skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives.

· Training, development and information for young people, advocates and child care workers, offering courses in advocacy, children’s rights and child-centred practice across a range of areas including the National Advocacy Qualification.

About the Role

You will co-ordinate and deliver a statutory independent visitor service to children and young people in care or care leavers of London.

You will recruit, assess and train volunteers to become independent visitors, who are volunteer befrienders to children and young people looked after or care leavers. You will manage a cash flow to fund suitable activities for independent visitors to enjoy with the young person. You will manage data and reporting for this statutory service so that service leads and other stakeholders can understand the activity in the service.

We are a child led service, you will not act outside of the young person’s instructions (except in matters of child protection and safety.)  You will build strong relationships with the child or young person, independent visitors and other significant adults, you will support Independent Visitors to develop long term, meaningful friendships with the young person.

You will work in partnership with other parts of the service, organisation and external agencies and professionals. This is to ensure there are pathways to attract and retain Independent Visitors in the area and sometimes out of area.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of 28 days’ annual leave per year, with increases linked to years worked at Coram Voice. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting will be undertaken by Grace Maher, Children’s Rights Services Manager and Jade Joseph, London Lead IV Coordinator. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application:

· We cannot accept general CVs. When completing your application form, address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.

· Applications must be fully completed.

The deadline for applications to be returned is 11.59pm on Sunday 1st February 2026.

Interviews will be arranged for Thursday 12th and Friday 13th February 2026.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Mental Health Support Worker – Crisis House
Reference: 325
Responsible to: Crisis House Coordinator
Salary: £24,366 per annum, pro rata for part time (Salary review after successful probation completion)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours
Working days: Shifts available covering 7-day rota, Early: 7am-3pm, Late: 2pm-10pm Nights: 9pm-8am
Based: Crisis House – Hemel Hempstead

About the Service
Our Nightlight Crisis House offers a safe, homely, and welcoming space for anyone feeling distressed and experiencing a crisis.

The Crisis Centre and rest of Nightlight Services (Café’s, Helpline, Daylight provision) is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways.

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis cafes and 24/7 Crisis Centre. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a member of our diverse team, you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.

Service Objectives
The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental health Crisis House are:

• To endeavour to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing a mental health crisis across Hertfordshire.
• To provide 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health crisis in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing clear and effective pathways to other services provided by HMN and other third party and/or statutory providers.
• To remain a source of independent support for all Service Users.
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis, employing a person-centred approach in order to enable better outcomes for those in need as to reduce the demand on statutory Crisis and Emergency services.

About the Role
As a Crisis House Support Worker you will be a key member of staff supporting the delivery of the Nightlight mental health Crisis Service. You will take part in a rota which covers a 24/7 hour service, 365 days a year. Drawing upon your own lived and/or professional experience (where applicable,) in order to provide a mix of face-to-face, therapeutic and holistic support for those accessing overnight provision. You will work closely with other staff as part of a team in supporting the development of quality Crisis Support and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the provision.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for applications is 23rd January 2026.
Interviews to be held week commencing 2nd February 2026.
N.B. Please quote reference number 325 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Beyond Reflections is a charity supporting the needs of Trans+, Non-Binary people including friends and allies. We are looking for an inspriing person who can continue to grow and develop the charity so it continues to advance and improve its impact and sustainability - a full job lack is avalable.

More details can be found at our website where a job pack has full details

About Beyond Reflections

Beyond Reflections is a UK charity providing dedicated mental-wellbeing support to Trans+ people, as well as to their families,

friends, and allies. We offer a combination of group support, one-to-one services, and therapeutic interventions delivered by experienced case workers, counsellors, and therapists.

Our work spans both online and in-person settings, ensuring support is accessible, confidential, and rooted in compassion.

From facilitated support groups and tailored counselling to mentoring, safe social spaces, and specialist guidance, we aim to meet people where they are and provide the right help at the right time.

We play a wider role in strengthening inclusion across society. Our training and development programmes, which have been delivered to organisations such as the CPS, Hampshire Police, B&Q, and the University of Southampton, focus on Trans+ awareness, allyship, leadership coaching, conflict resolution, and policy development. All income from this work goes directly into our hardship fund, enabling us to support those who would otherwise be unable to access help.

Volunteers are an essential part of our organisation. They contribute across support services, events, administration, and governance, bringing a wide range of lived experiences and skills. We provide a supportive environment for volunteers to grow, develop, and contribute to meaningful change.

Our Services

Support Groups and Community Spaces

One-to-One Support

Therapy and Counselling

Mentoring

Practical Support

Job Description and Person Specification

Please read this job description and person specification carefully to help you write your cover letter and tell us how you meet our requirements for the role. We are looking for potential from applicants. Job TItle Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary £40,000 - £52,000 per annum (FTE)

Hours 0.8 - 1 FTE, with some flexibility required to meet organisational needs.

Location Southampton, 3-4 days in the office with options to work remotely when required.

Reports To Board of Trustees

Responsible For Members Coordinator and Admin, Volunteer Coordinator, Revenue Coordinator, Therapeutic Lead. Contractors, including Supervision Lead, Bid Support and Social Media/PR.

Job Description

The Chief Executive will provide clear, compassionate, and forward-looking leadership that strengthens Beyond Reflections’ impact and ensures our services remain safe, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the Trans+ community. They will translate the Board’s vision into organisational strategy, oversee effective operations, and build a culture rooted in our values of respect, inclusion, and empowerment. They will be responsible for guiding the charity through a period of growth in response to increasing demand. This includes developing partnerships across the charity and public sectors, driving financial sustainability, supporting staff and volunteers, and ensuring our services maintain the highest standards of quality and safeguarding.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Development

● Lead the delivery of the charity’s strategic plan, ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the needs of the Trans+ community.

● Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.

● Translate strategic priorities into clear operational objectives and measurable outcomes.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

● Act as the primary link between the Board of Trustees and the organisation, ensuring clear communication and timely implementation of Board decisions.

● Ensure full compliance with charity law, safeguarding requirements, quality standards, and regulatory obligations.

● Provide clear, accurate reporting to the Board to support effective governance and decision-making.

● Maintain strong organisational risk management and business continuity processes.

Operational Leadership & Service Delivery

● Oversee high-quality delivery of all services, including support groups, counselling, therapy, mentoring, training, and volunteering programmes.

● Lead and support the senior management team (e.g., Operations, Therapeutic, and Fundraising leads) to ensure effective operational oversight.

● Promote continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, and consistent service standards across online and in-person provision.

People, Culture & Wellbeing

● Foster an inclusive, trauma-informed, and person-centred organisational culture that reflects the charity’s values.

● Recruit, lead, and develop staff, ensuring strong performance and wellbeing.

● Support and integrate volunteers across service delivery, promoting engagement, recognition, and effective practice.

External Relations & Partnerships

● Act as an ambassador for Beyond Reflections, representing the charity to funders, partners, policymakers, statutory bodies, and the media.

● Build strategic partnerships, including collaboration with broader LGBTQIA+ organisations and health/social care providers.

● Advocate for Trans+ people, contributing to policy, awareness, and sector development.

● Ensure member voices inform organisational decisions and strategic direction.

Finance, Fundraising & Sustainability

● Lead financial planning, budgeting, and stewardship to ensure sustainability and value for money.

● Grow diversified income streams, including unrestricted funding, grants, training revenue, and corporate partnerships.

● Maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, donors, and commercial partners.

Person Specification

We know that no candidate will meet every single requirement in this pack, and we strongly encourage you to apply even if you’re unsure you tick every box. If you share our values, bring relevant experience, and feel motivated by our mission, we’d be very glad to hear from you.

Essential Desirable

Significant senior leadership experience, preferably in the charity, social care, or mental health sectors.

Lived experience as a trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse person, or personal experience connected to the Trans+ community.

Deep understanding of issues facing trans+ (gender-diverse) communities, or lived experience.

Experience in designing or delivering training programmes for organisations.

Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising.

Experience of mental health or therapeutic service delivery.

People-management skills: experience managing teams, developing staff, and supporting volunteers.

Network of relationships in the LGBTQIA+ sector, statutory bodies, or philanthropic funding landscape.

Excellent communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, including public speaking, advocacy, and partnership building.

Experience scaling organisations, diversifying income, or developing trading/social enterprise models.

Strong governance knowledge and experience working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.

Understanding of digital transformation and digital service delivery.

Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.

Experience overseeing remote, hybrid or multi-site teams.

Demonstrated ability to lead in emotionally complex environments and maintain professional boundaries.

Familiarity with commissioning processes and local authority partnership models.

How to Apply

Submitting an application

To apply for this role please submit your CV and a cover letter to us

Your cover letter should address the following questions and be no longer than one A4 page:

1. 2. Why do you want to be part of Beyond Reflections?

How do your skills and experience meet what is set out in this Job Description?

To be considered for the role you must submit your application by the deadline. We want to see people at their best and so of course will make any reasonable adjustments relating to long-term conditions or disabilities that you need to help you perform at your best. Please let us know if this applies to completing your written application. We also ask you to let us know when submitting your application if you have any requirements for accessibility-related adjustments if you are selected for an interview.

Interviews

First-round interviews will take place in the week commencing 9th February 2026 and will take place online. Second-round interviews will take place w/c 16th February, where you will be asked to give a presentations to Trustees. If you are successful through these stages, you will be invited to the BR offices during the week of 23rd February. If you will be unavailable for any of these dates please mention this in your application email. These dates may be extended subject to the number of applications.

References and eligibility checks

Once we have identified a preferred candidate via the interview process, we will carry out reference checks and legally required checks of eligibility to work in the UK before making a final job offer.

Main purpose of job: To provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

Location: Hybrid: working from home, with regular attendance at CARA premises in Colchester and regular travel across mid and north Essex.

Preferred start date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references)

Salary: £32,151 - £34,020 (pro rata).

Contract: This is a permanent contract.

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week.  

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional gift days at Christmas.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews:  Wednesday 11th February 2026.  

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and survivors by:

·Ensuring their voice is heard.

·Helping them make the choices that feel right for them.

·Accompanying them to important appointments and to court.

·Supporting them with their next steps after the legal process is over, regardless of the outcome of the case.

If victims and survivors are considering reporting to the police, ISVAs can also help them by:

·Providing impartial information to enable them to make an informed decision.

·Offering an overview of police processes and what to expect if they do decide to report.

·Supporting them in their next steps.

CARA provides an ISVA service to adults, young people and children who have been victims of sexual violence from across mid and North Essex, and Uttlesford.

Most ISVA clients are referred to CARA through the Police or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Clients can also refer themselves.

Duties and Responsibilities

For all clients

· To liaise with CARA’s Information and Referrals Coordinator and First Contact Navigators in supporting new referrals to the ISVA service.

· To undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.

· To develop individual service plans to address risks/support needs of clients. 

· To help clients access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services, assisting with return to work/absence from work arrangements.

· To provide face-to-face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate. 

· To help clients to develop their own support network.

· To explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

· To provide information in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

· Where relevant and with client’s consent, to keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

· To consider safeguarding issues and follow CARA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

If a client reports to the Police

· To support the client throughout their time in the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within it.

· Subject to local arrangements and their wishes, to support the client at every step; from the provision of their witness statement through to a trial.

· To liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client.  To keep them informed about the progress of their case on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

· To participate in case conferences with the police and CPS. 

· To understand and support the need for some clients to access special measures.

General

· To manage a caseload of around 50 clients (pro rata), including adults, young people and children.

· To travel to client meetings in a variety of settings, including outreach premises and clients’ homes.

· To maintain and monitor records, using a purpose-built online database.

· To follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.

· To note and feedback to other agencies any difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

· To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within areas of practice as necessary. 

· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, HMCTS, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, CAFCASS and voluntary sector organisations.

·To participate in team meetings, supervision, training and development. 

·To participate in co-location working within Colchester and Chelmsford police stations.

· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the delivery of training sessions.

· To have a clear understanding of the myths surrounding sexual violence, and the trauma and long-term mental health effects it creates, including self-harm, suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.

· To be aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

· To report to the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO or Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.  We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

Job Structure

• Reports to: Director of Learning and Impact  

• Direct reports: Programme Leads, Programmes Coordinator

• Location: Haringey, with travel across London boroughs as required

• Hours: 40 hours per week (including 1 hour lunch break)

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, your birthday off, and an extra day per year of service (up to 5 additional days) 

• Death in Service cover (up to 4x annual salary / fixed amount for part-time roles) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Eye care benefits for those using display screens 

• Up to £750 annual CPD budget to support your professional development 

• A dedicated wellness package promoting staff health and wellbeing 

• Team building and transformation days to strengthen collaboration and personal growth 

• Professional mentoring and ongoing supervision 

• A comprehensive induction and training programme to help you thrive from day one 

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.   

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.   

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse.

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive.  

Our Programmes  

All our programmes have been co-curated with young women in care and are built upon proven therapeutic models of intervention. We deliver a set of inclusive, empowering, enabling, and exploratory programmes. These focus on self-education, investigating the social and emotional impact of the transition to womanhood and creating a network of sisters who can continue to support each other's growth throughout key transitional periods. Our programmes are delivered in such a way that sisters at any stage of educational attainment can access, learn, grow, and thrive.  

Job Purpose 

Sister System is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Programmes to lead the operational delivery and continuous improvement of our mentoring, learning, and development programmes for care-affected girls and young women aged 13–24. The postholder will oversee the full programme cycle — from referral and assessment through to delivery, evaluation, and progression — ensuring all work is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and aligned with Sister System’s mission and OCN accreditation standards. Acting as the central link between the leadership team and delivery staff, the Head of Programmes will manage and develop a high-performing team, maintain quality assurance across all programme stages, and foster strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community organisations to drive measurable impact and long-term systemic change.  

This role holds operational oversight of all programme delivery, team management, and quality assurance, ensuring that our work achieves its intended outcomes, aligns with our organisational strategy, and continues to grow in impact and reach.  

Key Responsibilities  

Programme Leadership and Delivery  

• Lead the design, coordination, and delivery of all Sister System programmes, services, and activities in line with organisational aims and funder requirements.  

• Oversee programme planning, scheduling, and annual mapping to ensure smooth delivery and strategic alignment across all three stages (Enable, Enhance, Empower).  

• Work with the Safeguarding Lead to manage referral, assessment, and placement processes to ensure beneficiaries are appropriately matched to programmes and mentors, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability throughout.  

• Ensure all delivery follows Sister System's three-stage programme model, safeguarding standards, and quality expectations. Support programme delivery where needed, maintaining a visible leadership presence.  

• Monitor the service user journey using Sister System's monitoring and evaluation tools and Salesforce CRM, working with the Head of Monitoring & Evaluation to track progress against work plans, indicators, and our evaluation framework.  

• Conduct regular programme review meetings with team members and stakeholders to enhance information sharing, efficiency, and effectiveness of programme implementation.  

Programme Quality and Impact  

• Oversee programme quality assurance, including risk assessment of referrals, benchmarking, and monitoring of Development & Progress reports.  

• Work with the Internal Quality Assurer to ensure delivery meets agreed quality standards.  

• Maintain oversight of portfolios of work produced by learners and mentors towards their qualifications, in collaboration with the Learning & Development Lead and EET Progression Lead.  

• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of programme data to evidence impact and inform organisational learning.  

• Play an active role in the impact evaluation cycle, managing and adapting programmes in line with outcomes and goals.  

Operational and Team Leadership  

• Lead and support the mentor team in effective caseload management, ensuring appropriate workload balance and delivery quality.  

• Line manage key programme staff, providing guidance, support, and supervision in line with organisational policies. Support staff wellbeing and development, ensuring a positive working environment. 

• Ensure timely completion of paperwork, reports, and monitoring requirements across all programmes.  

• Lead regular team meetings, contributing to a reflective, learning-focused organisational culture.  

• Support implementation of Sister System's performance management systems and processes.  

• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures, specifically safeguarding, Child Protection Policy, and Code of Conduct.  

• Encourage a culture of learning, creativity, and innovation. Maintain good team communication and dynamics, taking remedial action when problems occur.  

External Partner Management  

• Commission and manage a pool of external facilitators and delivery partners to meet agreed programme outcomes.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners, funders, and external stakeholders to support programme delivery and growth.  

• Represent Sister System externally, promoting our model of culturally responsive, trauma-informed mentoring.  

• Ensure all staff, partners, and stakeholders have clear understanding of Sister System's mission, vision, values, and policies, reflected in programme implementation.  

Strategic Development and Business Growth 

• Contribute to the development of Sister System's programme strategy, aligning delivery with the 3-year plan and long-term system change goals.  

• Contribute to Sister System's strategy development and revision by providing feedback on programme reach, impact, and strategic planning.  

• Identify opportunities for programme innovation and growth, including developing new partnerships and supporting funding applications.  

• Support senior leadership in reporting to funders and partners, contributing to organisational learning and sustainability planning.  

• Represent Sister System at sector events and forums to promote our work and influence best practice in mentoring care-affected young women.  

Safeguarding  

• Sister System places the highest priority on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.  

• The Head of Programmes will serve as a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) with responsibility for safeguarding in the organisation, maintaining good knowledge of safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children) and related legislation (e.g., the Children Act 1989).  

Person Specification  

Essential – Knowledge & Experience 

• Significant experience in programme management, delivery, and coordination within the charity/social impact sector  

• Proven track record of managing multiple programmes or projects simultaneously, meeting targets and deadlines  

• Experience of line management and team leadership, including supervision and performance management  

• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including funders, delivery partners, and referral agencies  

• Experience in safeguarding and child protection, including handling disclosures and managing risk  

• Knowledge of the challenges faced by care-experienced young women and the care system  

• Knowledge of effective monitoring and evaluation approaches and impact measurement  

• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in service delivery  

Desirable 

• Experience working with vulnerable young people, particularly care-experienced individuals or young women  

• Experience in mentoring programmes or youth development initiatives  

• Experience working with trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches  

• Experience of co-production or 'by and for' programme design with service users  

• Experience in qualifications-based programmes (e.g., accredited learning)  

Skills & Abilities 

• Excellent programme planning, coordination, and organisational skills with strong attention to detail  

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and use it to inform decision-making  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure  

• Strong relationship-building skills with ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners  

• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures  

• Problem-solving skills with ability to adapt plans and respond to challenges  

• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team, fostering a positive and reflective culture  

• Strong administrative and IT skills, including proficiency with databases and monitoring systems  

Personal Qualities 

• Passionate commitment to Sister System's mission of supporting care-experienced young women  

• Strong alignment with Sister System's values and approach, including 'by and for' and trauma-informed practice  

• Empathetic and non-judgemental approach to working with vulnerable young people  

• Resilient and able to manage emotional demands of the role while maintaining professional boundaries  

• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing circumstances and organisational needs  

• Commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and professional development  

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability  

• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately  

• You will demonstrate Sister System’s values: Tenacious, Solution-focused, Masterful, Collaborative and Evidence-based 

Other Requirements  

• Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role  

• Right to work in the UK  

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by programme delivery  

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment  

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two satisfactory references.  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Sister System is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, and we are committed to fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. 

Recruitment Process

The post will be advertised from 16th December 2025; applications will close on 12th January 2026. 

• First round of interviews will be 22nd January 2026,  

• Second round interview will commence from the week of 26th January 2025 

This role sits within our Connecting Communities service, which is an element of the larger Mental Health and Wellbeing Service in Tower Hamlets. The post holder will be committed to supporting our clients through their recovery and developing greater resilience and wellbeing. This role will offer a personalised approach to accessing welfare and housing-related advice and information, through casework, workshops and advice surgeries.

What you’ll do 

• Provide welfare benefits and housing advice to support people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community.
• Help clients understand and resolve issues related to welfare benefits and ensure they receive their correct entitlements.
• Run workshops, groups, and advice surgeries on welfare benefits and related topics, such as money management.
• Work collaboratively with the Connecting Communities team, mental health services, housing associations, and other providers to support welfare benefits enquiries, referrals, and training needs.

Purpose

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll drive innovation and oversee the delivery of high quality services that empower students to thrive. You will lead the membership facing services and staff including the Advice Service, Opportunities team and Student Voice team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of our membership facing services (Advice Service, Opportunities ad Student Voice).
• Operationally manage team leaders and staff fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion and proactivity.
• Utilise data, research and feedback to identify student trends and introduce new interventions and initiatives.
• Oversee democratic processes, representation structures, and feedback mechanisms to amplify student perspectives and drive positive change.
• Developed policies and processes to enhance services and oversee an operational budget for the membership services.

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.                                   

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.