Advocate jobs

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience working in a policy role focused on food or related issues (climate, nutrition, health or education). You will have knowledge of the political landscape in the UK and experience working with or in government departments, academia and NGOs on a range of policy issues.

It is an exciting time in food policy, and in this role you’ll have opportunities to work across our national policy portfolio, whether its exploring the link between climate change and food prices, developing our proposition for a Good Food Bill, improving the Healthy Start scheme, or strengthening public sector procurement.

The postholder will manage a variety of high impact activities and outputs that are used to drive forward change across our national policy areas and will work will colleagues across the organisation working in national policy, local policy, communications, events and food business transformation to do this.

Due to the evolving policy landscape, there will be a chance to tailor the role to the interests and experience of the successful candidate.

Across these workstreams, you’ll get a chance to:

• contribute to the refinement of policy asks and comms messaging,
• undertake desk research to inform policy,
• coordinate activities with different stakeholders and partners working across different policy areas
• support Ambassadors on advocacy related to dietary inequalities
• support communications and campaign work related to this work

Job Description:

Management and Strategy

• Support the policy portfolio of campaigns and projects across our national policy areas, including on food prices and food inflation, our Good Food Bill campaign, Healthy Start and early years.
• Work closely with the Policy and Advocacy Manager to develop and implement project plans and deliverables across these areas
• Maintain a careful record of our policy impact according to our agreed metrics within our Monitoring Evaluation and Learning framework.
• Policy and research
• Synthesize evidence for and play a significant part in the development of position statements/briefings/reports, working closely with the wider policy team and our designer.
• Support the Public Affairs lead to develop policy products for use in parliamentary engagement.
• Working closely with our Research Lead, identify evidence gaps and policy research questions which are relevant to our policy work to support new positions and generate new ideas for research or evidence collection which help achieve our policy goals.
• Work where needed with external contractors in the delivery of specific pieces of work, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable for delivery.
• Stakeholder engagement
• Develop and maintain a strong civil society network of stakeholders, working to broaden the support base for specific policies.
• Participate in coalitions of organisations who are campaigning together on specific areas of policy change.
• Develop and maintain relationships with junior civil servants in key departments across all policy areas.
• Work with the Citizens Engagement Manager to identify opportunities to bring Adult and Young Food Ambassadors into policy activities and research.
• Represent the Food Foundation and present our work in external events and meetings with relevant audiences and the media.
• Budgets and fundraising
• Administer grants which support our projects and ensure that funders are kept well informed, receive timely reports and that budgets are kept on track.
• Maintain good relationships with funders according to their requirements and provide input to proposals and funding bids.

Communications and campaigns

• Develop a comprehensive approach to dissemination of our policy outputs so they reach our intended audiences.
• Act as a local/regional media spokesperson, brief journalists, and respond to media queries.
• Contribute policy and evidence expertise to support campaign delivery.
• Contribute policy expertise to press releases, newsletters, web copy, podcasts and blogs.
• Support the maintenance of website pages related to project areas.
• Draft social media posts and newsletters.

Personal Profile

Technical skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of the food system, food and nutrition and/or health policy and policy levers for change.
• Strong knowledge of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape, including the workings of Westminster and Whitehall.
• Proven experience in synthesising evidence and using evidence to make a case for change.
• Proven experience in writing reports and briefings for different audiences, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
• Previous experience working in a policy role, refining policy asks and communicating these with different stakeholders
• Excellent analytic skills and close attention to detail.

Personal skills:

• Proven experience in budget management, project management and reporting to funders.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects concurrently to tight deadlines and prioritising workload.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence in speaking to external audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage risk.
• Ability to work independently and manage own time effectively.
• Ability to build strong relationships with all members of the team.
• Open to giving and receiving challenging viewpoints.
• Resilience and tenacity whilst recognising the need for self-awareness and the impact of actions on others and the organisation.
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and dissemination events.
• A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.

This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity only. The Food Foundation is a small charity and as such all staff are expected to vary their duties as necessary to meet the needs of the organisation.

Make a real difference to children and young people in care

We are looking to recruit an Advocate to work 25 hours per week to provide independent, confidential advocacy to children and young people in Local Authority care across Durham.

In this role, you will empower children and young people to express their wishes and feelings, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in decisions that affect their lives. You will support them to understand their rights, explore their options, and make informed choices while ensuring they are treated fairly throughout the process.

What you will do

You will work directly with children and young people to ensure their voice is central in decision-making. This will include:

• Attending meetings with young people and ensuring their views, wishes, and feelings are clearly represented
• Providing impartial, accessible information to help them understand their rights and options
• Supporting young people to raise concerns or make formal complaints
• Asking questions of professionals on their behalf when needed
• Signposting to relevant services and additional support
• Promoting understanding of outcomes and helping young people make informed decisions

About you

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people and committed to ensuring their voices are heard.

You will ideally have experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults in a relevant setting, and be confident communicating with both service users and professionals.

You will be:

• A strong communicator and active listener
• Able to remain impartial and professional at all times
• Confident working independently and managing your own caseload
• Committed to safeguarding, equality, and promoting rights

You do not need previous advocacy experience. Full training will be provided, and you will be supported to achieve an Advocacy qualification through NYAS.

Location requirement

This role requires you to work across Durham, therefore you must live within the local geographical area to meet the requirements of the role.

What we offer

We offer a supportive working environment with a strong focus on wellbeing, development, and work-life balance:

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Occupational sick pay (subject to qualifying period)
• Enhanced pay for family-friendly leave
• Group stakeholder pension scheme
• Access to BHSF health cash plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (confidential support service)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free parking at some offices
• Structured support and supervision from your line manager
• Learning and development opportunities, including support to gain an Advocacy qualification

Safeguarding & recruitment

NYAS is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk. All successful applicants will be subject to:

• Enhanced DBS check
• Reference checks
• Digital risk assessment

In accordance with UK immigration law, candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

About NYAS

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is a leading rights-based charity ensuring that children, young people, and adults are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced individuals who often rely on statutory services and may be impacted by gaps in provision. Our advocacy and legal services help ensure their voices are heard and acted upon.

We are an inclusive employer committed to equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of background. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please visit our website and complete the online application form.

Please ensure you refer to the person specification within the job description and clearly demonstrate how you meet the required criteria in your application.

The job description and person specification are available on the vacancy page of our website.

If you are passionate about advocating for children and young people and want to help ensure their voices are heard, we would encourage you to apply.

Role purpose
Providing independent Health complaint advocacy for a statutory rights based service under the Health and Social Care Act 2014, empowering qualifying individuals to raise concerns, speak up, and participate in decisions about their care and treatment. The post focuses on ensuring individuals have dignity and respect, clarifying options to challenge decisions, and supporting involvement, independence, and wellbeing. It is also about helping in providing accessible information, facilitating advocacy escalation if necessary, in writing to the parliamentary and Health service ombudsman, whilst  monitoring outcomes of individuals to improve experiences towards suitable resolutions.

This role will include listening and providing information and representing people’s views. You may be asked to support people by attending Best Interests Meetings, Review Meetings, Safeguarding meetings, Hospital PALS Manager’s Meetings, Community Mental Health meetings, Social Care Practitioners meeting, Mental Health Review Tribunals, Ward Round Meetings and Care Plan Approach meetings focussing on solutions to any NHS complaint

We must provide advocacy to Ealing residents over 18. You will ensure that people have their voice heard, views and rights understood and feel more in control of decisions affecting them.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide people with information about their rights

- Help people understand the information given to them and the options available

- Empower individuals to challenge and raise concerns themselves about their care and treatment.

- When required liaise with key health care professionals, parliamentary and health ombudsman on behalf of individuals when required

- Represent key meetings when required

- Delivering IHCA Advocacy Awareness campaigns and other workshops in person and online when required.

- Understanding Safeguarding and GDPR compliance.

- Administrative duties include the completion of case notes, quarterly reports, managing the inbox, triaging referrals to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements, and onboarding clients onto the database.

- Action planning with the client, identifying goals and empowering them to create this document and own it collaboratively

- Work in line with the Advocacy Charter

- Following our non-instructed advocacy policy to ensure those who have communication issues, still get effective representation.

- Also, an understanding of IMCA.

Person Specification

Essential:

• At least 2 years’ experience/knowledge of providing Independent Health Complaint Advocacy towards the NHS
• Excellent listening skills
• Strong communication and case planning skills
• Completed Kate Mercer Advocacy Training (formal external qualification) or equivalent.
• The ability to build good relationships
• Commitment to equitable access and digital proficiency.
• Ability to work to deadlines and work independently
• Flexibility, reliability, and confidence when speaking with a range of people
• Experience and good working knowledge in Microsoft Office products
• Excellent report writing skills
• Knowledge and experience of supporting people with learning and communication difficulties
• An awareness of diversity and ability to research complex and sensitive issues independently and quickly

Desirable:

· Lived experience of mental health

· Driving license

· Other Languages

Post is subject to a DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people from all backgrounds.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Victim Advocate to join the team in Gloucestershire, working 37.5 hours a week. This role is offered as hybrid working from home and at least one day per week from our office in Gloucester. Regular travel will also be required throughout the area.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role-

As an Independent Victim Advocate you will:

• deliver excellent services to adult victims of crime through the direct provision of information, practical and emotional help from the point of crime and where appropriate, onwards throughout the criminal justice process.
• help people cope and recover from the effects of crime.
• act as a single point of contact, undertaking effective need and risk assessments.
• coordinate the overall delivery of the cope and recovery plan and recovery journey, working closely with other service providers to meet the needs of victims.

You will need:

• Previous experience delivering a service and working directly with service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting
• Previous experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or families
• To be able to work without direct supervision, prioritising work and managing competing demands
• The ability to complete needs and risk assessments
• To demonstrate empathy

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Position: Community Voice Officer

Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours: 25 hours to be taken between Mon – Fri, one day working from home, other days expected to be in the community or office

Salary: £30,000 pro rata; 5% pension contribution, 33 days of annual leave entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays) pro rata

 Reportable to: Healthwatch Manager

Direct reports: None

Job Purpose

Healthwatch Barnsley (hosted by Barnsley CVS), is going through an exciting redesign to enable community voices to have even greater impact on the current strategies and developments in Barnsley.  The Community Engagement Officer role is an impactful and rewarding opportunity to join the Healthwatch Barnsley Team as we navigate upcoming changes introduced through the new NHS 10 Year Plan and the forthcoming Health Bill.  This role will ensure that the voices of Barnsley residents remain central as we work towards building a health and social care system that is fit for the future.

You will use your excellent interpersonal skills and creativity to gather feedback on Barnsley priorities, ensuring residents’ views shape local projects and developments contributing to Barnsley’s vision as the “Place of Possibilities”.

Working with Barnsley CVS and other established third-sector organisations you will identify new ways to reach under-represented or seldom-heard communities and strengthen how their voices inform local decision-making. You will collaborate with the wider Healthwatch team to support a strong, credible and independent voice within Barnsley’s strategic boards, helping to create a genuinely “Listening Borough”.

By capturing residents’ experiences and feeding them back to services you will contribute to a continuous feedback loop that empowers communities, builds trust and encourages ongoing participation in future engagement activities.

Key focus areas you could be working on include topics such as system-wide shifts

· Hospital to Community

· Analogue to Digital

· Sickness to Prevention

· Health on the high street

· The Barnsley 2040 vision

As part of the redesign, you will work as a team to design new ways to create dynamic feedback loops to the public using tools such as magazine creation, blogs or vlogs, podcasts, social media.  Your work will ensure that the communities in Barnsley know that their voice can have a genuine impact on the shaping of their town.

Employee benefits

- 33 days of annual leave (including bank holiday) which increases with longevity

- all staff given time off between Christmas and New Year without it impacting your leave entitlement

- enhanced sick pay during probation and increased entitlement with longevity

- 5% pension contribution

- discounts at local gym

- Enhanced maternity pay

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?  

  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?  

  

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Coventry and warwickshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Professional Development? 

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in. 

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

Salary sacrifices pension scheme

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

24/7 Employee Assistance programme

Access to remote counselling service

Paid Disability Leave

Paid compassionate Leave

Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

How to apply 

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.  

Important Dates: 

Closing date for applications; Midnight 4th May 2026

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

NB: If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.  

About the role

The UK’s international trade policy is at a crossroads: beginning to move on from the relentless focus on Free Trade Agreements which primarily exist to serve corporate interests, but yet to embrace a vision for trade which prioritises equality, environmental sustainability and human rights. 

The Advocacy Manager’s role is to build political support for the Trade Justice Movement’s policy priorities. They will represent TJM in high-level settings including parliamentary meetings, party conferences and on government stakeholder groups. They will build strong relationships with parliamentarians, advisors, committee staff and civil servants. They will also play a key role in researching and agreeing policy positions in collaboration with civil society allies. 

TJM is a small team and the Advocacy Manager will have a flexible and collaborative approach, responding to political events, seizing opportunities to influence and pitching in with broader organisational priorities. 

The Advocacy Manager will be responsible for setting TJM’s political influencing strategy, with support from the Director, and will be able to plan and deliver their work independently. 

About the organisation

TJM is a UK-based coalition of 45 charities, trade unions and faith groups working for a fairer, greener world by supporting international trade policies which prioritise people and planet. 

TJM is composed of four staff members (Director, Advocacy Manager, Research Manager, Senior Communications Adviser), all of whom work closely with allies both within and outside our membership. 

Criteria for a successful applicant

A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Excellent communication skills, including written communication and interpersonal networking, relationship-building and influencing skills

• Experience of producing high-quality briefings and developing policy positions for political audiences

• Experience working with political stakeholders such as MPs, parliamentary committees, or other parliamentary actors to build support for a progressive agenda

• Deep understanding of policy-making processes in the UK, both within parliament and central government departments

• Demonstrable ability to build strong expertise in complex policy areas

• Excellent analytical skills and political awareness 

• Experience of organising and running political or civil society events

• Strong ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, managing own work, prioritising and meeting deadlines

A successful candidate may be able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Experience of working within a network organisation and/or in collaboration with civil society groups

• Knowledge of trade justice issues, international development, climate and environmental policy or another similar policy area

• Experience working on fundraising bids to charitable trusts and foundations 

• Digital communications skills

Circa £58,000 per annum

Permanent

Part home/Part office (London or Edinburgh) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) in a new role, as Humanitarian Advocacy Manager.

You will develop UNICEF UK’s unique asks of the UK Government on children in emergencies, with a focus on two particular contexts, as well as broader recommendations to support children in emergencies. You will work closely with colleagues in UNICEF UK, UNICEF HQ and in country offices.

You will have: 

· Demonstrable experience of leading humanitarian advocacy campaigns and of engaging with external stakeholders.

· Significant experience of managing complex relationships and competing priorities.

· A robust understanding of the UK Government’s role in ensuring children’s rights are upheld and protected in emergencies and humanitarian contexts.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 27 April 2026.

Interview dates: Thursday 7 and Friday 8 May 2026 via video conferencing (MS Teams).

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

This role builds on work that we have been doing for decades to support and empower LGBT people who have experienced hate crime. Your work will enable LGBT people who live outside of London and in rural areas to feel supported, heard and empowered in the face of abuse and violence, and pave the way to a safer future for our community.
 
You will work directly with LGBT victims/survivors, offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related experiences of hate crime including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover. You will be empathetic and thoughtful in your approach to understanding your clients’ needs, while remaining boundaried and mindful of self-care.
 
You will sit alongside our other advocates supporting LGBT people facing abuse or violence but be part of the Hate Crime team. You will work with mainstream services to ensure the voices and experiences of LGBT survivors are represented in order to make change for our community at a local and national level. You will also work closely with partner organisations in the CATCH partnership, our Pan-London Hate Crime service, by attending meetings and trainings and have the opportunity to take part in external work to ensure a joined-up approach among services working with LGBT people facing abuse and violence. 
 
For more information on this role please download the attached job description. 
 
Location
We will consider applicants based across the UK.

For remote applicants, this role will be home-based with occasional travel to our London office and across the UK. 

For London-based applicants, this role will be Hybrid, working from our London offices two days a week.
 
Hours
Full Time (35 hours per week)
 
Contract
Fixed-term until 31st March 2027
 
Reports to
Advocacy & Support Manager
 
Salary
London: £32,626.66 per year (Including London Weighting)
Outside of London: £28,330.41 per year
 
Closing Date 
Applications should be submitted by 10am on 12th May 2026.
Interviews will be held on 20th May 2026. 
 
REF-227 984

About the Role

As an Advocate with us, you’ll support individuals in diverse circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders. Your work will help ensure people are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and care.

The role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential.

As this is a newly funded project, the postholder will play a key role in shaping how SHOUT is delivered locally. This includes developing strong working relationships with schools, SEND teams, Transitions services and community partners, identifying unmet need, promoting the service, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the project.

About You

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll have some experience in advocacy or in providing support, or welfare services to adults or young people - particularly those with learning disabilities and/or autism, communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or difficulties accessing support.

You may have worked or volunteered in health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or in advice and guidance roles. Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting others to be heard.

How will you make a difference?

You’ll actively promote SHOUT within local communities and professional networks, helping to build awareness and increase access to early advocacy support.

· You’ll help young people to understand their rights, entitlements, and choices; providing clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.

· You’ll support young people to express what matters to them - or speak on their behalf when needed - ensuring their views, wishes, values, and beliefs are represented.

· You’ll promote self-advocacy and confidence-building at every opportunity, encouraging young people to speak up for themselves.

· You’ll work creatively and collaboratively to empower young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

· You’ll act in line with relevant legislation (including the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguarding Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and Equality Act 2010), and you’ll constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.

· You’ll escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery.

To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website.

Professional Development

We’re committed to helping our team grow. Whether you’re starting your career in Advocacy or looking to expand your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities. We’re proud of our track record in supporting staff to build knowledge, skills, and experience across various advocacy roles.

Equality and Diversity

At Your Voice Counts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality, and work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who identify as disabled and meet all essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you require an alternative way to apply, please contact our HR team to discuss your needs.

Person Specification

We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can support people to be heard and make informed choices. Below are the qualities, experience, and skills we’re looking for in an ideal candidate.

Essential Criteria

Experience and Knowledge

· Understanding of SEND processes, including EHCP reviews and transition planning.

· Experience of working or volunteering in health, social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance.

· Understanding of the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

· Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.

· Knowledge of health and social care systems, and how to support people to access services.

Skills and Abilities

· Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and adapt communication to meet individual needs.

· Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients, professionals and partner agencies.

· A person-centred and empathetic approach to supporting others.

· Confidence in working independently, managing your own time and workload.

· Ability to write clear and accurate case notes and reports.

· Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of using contact or case management systems such as Charity Log.

Commitment and Practicalities

· Commitment to upholding the rights of individuals and promoting equality and inclusion.

· Willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals in various settings.

· Access to your own transport and a suitable home internet connection for remote working and admin tasks.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience of working with young people aged 14–18.

· Knowledge of safeguarding children procedures.

· Previous experience working as an Advocate or in a similar role supporting people to understand their rights and make decisions.

· Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers.

· Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act).

· Experiencing facilitating or co-facilitating peer groups or community-based sessions.

BACKGROUND 
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. 

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable. 

IRC UK 
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. The IRC UK has been delivering Resettlement Asylum and Integration (RAI) programmes in the UK since 2021, working in partnership with local councils, providing integration support to resettled refugees across England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

 

The Purpose of the Role

The Client Voice Officer will support RAI UK’s client engagement and participation agenda, ensuring that refugees and people seeking asylum meaningfully influence programme design, delivery, advocacy, and strategy.

The role will implement client voice related projects and strengthen RAI UK’s client voice systems, including structured feedback mechanisms and the Client Advisory Board (CAB).

The role will support the development of client-led research and evidence generation initiatives to inform programmes and policy positions. The role will also build relationships with migrant-led and grassroots organisations to ensure lived experience meaningfully shapes services, advocacy priorities, and external engagement. This role centres direct lived experience of forced displacement as a form of expertise.

 

Key Working Relationships:

The postholder will report to the Integration Lead Advisor and work in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes, RAI Director, Programme Managers, Senior Programme Development Advisor,  Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer, Senior Programme and Awards Officer, Advocacy and Policy Managers, Communication team and other IRC UK teams.

Scope and Authority

National remit across all RAI UK programmes.

Functional leadership for client voice and engagement across teams.

Matrix working with Programme Managers, Advocacy Manager, M&E colleagues, and the Technical Unit.

Coordination of project delivery staff on the Pinterest project (without formal line management responsibility).

Key Accountabilities

 

 

Project Coordination

· Work in collaboration with the Senior Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer to coordinate a new psychosocial education and photography programme for refugee young people (aged 16–19).

· Support the delivery and facilitation of this programme as required.

· Develop the participant outreach plan and support the day-to-day communication with the participants of the project in coordination with the session facilitators.

· Work in collaboration with the Integration Lead Advisor, Technical Advisor for Women and Child Protection and other relevant programme colleagues to ensure that the project curriculum is adapted and delivered to be contextually appropriate, developmentally suitable, and aligned with RAI UK technical standards, with an emphasis on ensuring client voice is strengthened through a person-centred and strengths-based approach.

· Work with the Safeguarding Advisor to ensure full compliance with safeguarding, consent, data protection, and ethical storytelling requirements throughout project delivery.

· Work in collaboration with the Senior Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer and clients to co-create and coordinate two dissemination events showcasing youth photography and lived experience outputs.

· Ensure robust monitoring of outcomes and timely, high-quality donor reporting in line with IRC and funder requirements.

 

Community Engagement

· Strengthen and coordinate the Community Advisory Board (CAB).

· Provide support and training to CAB members, including organising external trainings as needed.

· Undertake associated administrative and coordination responsibilities related to client, community and CAB work, including meeting organisation, coordination and record-keeping of travel and expenses logistics, documentation including sensitive data management cross-departmentally including facilitation of DBS checks, client communication, and tracking actions to ensure accountability and follow-through.

· Proactively engage migrant-led and grassroots organisations to share best practices.

· Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to track quantitative outputs and qualitative outcomes of engagement with community, clients and CAB.

· Ensure engagement approaches are accessible and inclusive to reduce barriers to participation.

 

Client Voice to strengthen Programme Development and Internal Learning

· Develop and implement a Client Voice framework for RAI UK to embed participatory approaches into every stage of programming from design to delivery.

· Embed client voice into early stages of programming, including needs assessments, service design, and proposals.

· Work alongside colleagues to embed client voice and continuously improve participatory engagement approaches across RAI UK programme delivery.

· Contribute to internal and donor monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements.

· Collaborate with the MEL team to design tools to capture client voice in our programming and to measure client influence and participation.

· Pilot innovative approaches and build RAI UK evidence base on client and community participatory engagement.

· Contribute to IRC global client & community engagement communities of practice.

· Support delivery of RAI UK capacity building work, delivering trainings as requested to ensure client and community voice is represented, such as Healing Spaces trainings or employer engagement sessions.

 

External Communications and Advocacy

· Summarise client and CAB insights into briefings to be used in RAI and cross-departmentally, including by Senior Management Team and IRC UK Board of Trustees.

· Collaborate with Advocacy Manager and Policy Manager to reflect and include client and CAB insights and experiences into policy and advocacy calls for action.

· Support initiatives equipping refugees to share lived experiences in collaboration with Communications team, promoting trauma-informed ethical storytelling aligned with safeguarding principles.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

· Solid experience working with refugees or migrant communities.

· Experience working with young people, including on wellbeing or psychosocial topics.

· Experience facilitating participatory engagement methods.

· Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice.

· Excellent communication and organisational skills.

· Commitment to refugee rights and GEDI principles.

· Experience supporting advocacy initiatives.

· Experience with monitoring and evaluation systems.

· Lived experience of forced displacement/ the UK asylum system is recognised as valuable expertise and will be considered alongside professional experience.

 

 

 

 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?  

  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?  

  

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Wolverhampton. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Professional Development? 

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in. 

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

Salary sacrifices pension scheme

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

24/7 Employee Assistance programme

Access to remote counselling service

Paid Disability Leave

Paid compassionate Leave

Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

Background:

Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) is the UK's Women, Peace and Security (WPS) civil society network. We work with our members and partners to influence UK Government policy, strengthen accountability on WPS commitments, and amplify the voices and expertise of women and girls living in conflict-affected contexts.

As a membership organisation, GAPS operates as a small, collaborative Secretariat, requiring flexibility, shared ownership of priorities, and an 'all-hands-on-deck' approach to delivering high-quality policy, advocacy and coordination work.

Job purpose:

The GPS Policy & Advocacy Advisor provides expert policy and advocacy support on WPS and gender across GAPS' work, with a particular focus on UK policy development, accountability and influence.

The post-holder will contribute to policy analysis, messaging and advocacy outputs; support engagement with UK Government and Parliament; assist with collective civil society advocacy; and ensure GAPS remains informed and responsive to emerging WPS and peace and security issues.

The role also supports GAPS' participation in the WPS Helpdesk consortium, contributing policy expertise on WPS and transnational threats. The Policy & Advocacy Advisor will work across the organisation to support statements, submissions, briefings and strategic responses as needed.

Salary: £44,766–£48,225 (including London Weighting)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Romero House, London (hybrid – minimum 40% in office)

CAFOD is seeking a Senior Advocacy Adviser to lead its Global Advocacy Programme on Food Systems, championing agroecology and pushing for food systems that prioritise people, communities and the environment. This role works closely with global partners to influence policy at national, regional and international levels, ensuring that partner, women’s, Church and social movement voices are central to decision‑making.

You will drive CAFOD’s policy and advocacy work on food systems, build coalitions, represent CAFOD in global and UK policy spaces, and influence governments and multilateral institutions. The role sits within the Advocacy team and works collaboratively across Advocacy, Communications and International Programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading CAFOD’s global food systems advocacy strategy
• Working in partnership with organisations in the global South to develop evidence‑based policy positions
• Influencing UK, regional and global policy debates on agriculture and food systems
• Representing CAFOD in international forums and networks
• Ensuring advocacy is grounded in strong analysis, partner experience and a commitment to social and environmental justice

About you:

• Strong background in international policy and advocacy, particularly on food systems and agroecology
• Proven experience working with partners and coalitions, especially in the global South
• Confident influencer with excellent communication, research and analytical skills
• Committed to CAFOD’s mission, values and safeguarding responsibilities
   

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.

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