Advocate Jobs in City Of London, England
London Victim and Witness Service is recruiting for 2 x DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA). These roles are full-time working one-day per week in the office and the other days from home, with regular travel required to visit clients and attend meetings.
About DRIVE:
The Drive model is based on an intensive case management approach and explicitly targets high risk perpetrators of domestic abuse associated with victims who have been referred to the MARAC. The focus of this role is in increasing safety for victims-survivors, children and families, whilst those who cause harm, the perpetrators, have measures in place to disrupt abuse and change behaviour.
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
- £500 bonus paid on successful completion of probationary period
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
- Clinical supervision and group reflective practice
About the role:
This role will be part of our IDVA team in the London Victim and Witness Service. As a DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:
- Address the safety of victims at high risk of harm
- Serve as a victim's primary point of contact by working with their clients from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans.
- Be pro-active in implementing the plans, including actions from MARAC, which address immediate safety and enable victims to protect themselves and their children, as well as longer term solutions, using sanctions and services via criminal and civil courts, housing options and other organisations.
You will need:
- Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
- Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
- Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
- Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
- Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
- Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
- Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
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.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
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 look forward to hearing from you.
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.
Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea
Healthwatch was set up in 2013 to champion the rights of health and social care users, and hold the health and social care system to account for how well it engages with the public. Its remit covers all publicly funded health and social care services for adults and children.
Healthwatch’s remit covers all publicly funded health and social care services for adults and children.
The Advocacy Project delivers Healthwatch services in Kensington & Chelsea, Brent and Westminster – three of 152 local Healthwatch organisations. We’re building on the important work that’s been done to date, while bringing new insights from the voices of seldom heard and hard to hear groups.
About the role
The role is to lead the work of Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea, working with a small skilled staff team and a range of volunteers and other community stakeholders. In particular, you will share our commitment to embed user engagement and community development at the heart of the Healthwatch service model, empowering user voices and improving access to health services.
You’ll have an opportunity to develop the service in line with our ambitious vision. This will include leading on the planning and delivery of targeted projects, supporting a diverse and varied engagement programme, and building relationships with a range of strategic partners. The Healthwatch Manager (Kensington & Chelsea) also takes the lead on managing our local Advisory Board. You will work closely with the Healthwatch teams in Westminster and Brent.
Key responsibilities
Ensure Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea’s work conforms to all required principles, objectives and statutory obligations, and meets all contractual requirements between The Advocacy Project and Brent Council.
Manage and motivate a small staff team to deliver an effective and vibrant local Healthwatch.
Provide leadership to make sure the patient and public voice is heard across health, social care, children’s and other sectors in a continuously changing external environment.
Support the effective working of the Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea Advisory Board.
Ensure local communities are able to participate fully in our work, particularly those that are least likely to have had their voices listened to. Support these communities in influencing local and national policy.
Represent Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea at strategic governance and external meetings with key stakeholders, liaising with nominated Board leads regularly.
Develop the service to respond to emerging trends and needs, keeping abreast of Healthwatch England best practice to continually enhance the quality of the service.
Monitor the service to make sure it delivers to time, budget and quality; provide reports evidencing this to key stakeholders, including local commissioners, Healthwatch Advisory Board, the Bi-borough Health and Wellbeing Board and Healthwatch England.
Develop effective partnerships with key staff in health and social care services.
Work with the communications and engagement lead to make sure all relevant internal and external stakeholders receive relevant, timely and up-to-date communication about all Healthwatch projects.
Work with the Healthwatch Service Manager and Head of Business Development to identify opportunities for funding additional work which will add value to our Healthwatch services.
General responsibilities
Participate in team meetings, training and organisational development.
Contribute to monitoring reports.
Keep to our policies, including health & safety, safeguarding and risk regulations.
Work to our mission, vision, and values.
Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, in line with the changing local and national landscape and carry out other projects and tasks as needed.
Person specification
Essential
Excellent knowledge of and experience of working with the health and social care system and the voluntary and community sector.
Thorough understanding of user engagement, community development, user involvement and co-production principles and practice.
Experience of working with diverse communities and tackling discrimination and inequality.
Understanding of the public health challenges in Kensington & Chelsea.
Experience of managing team members.
Experience of contract management and compliance.
Excellent communications (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Effective in working with a wide variety of stakeholders ranging from trustees, commissioners, partners, colleagues and local residents.
Able to interpret complex information and deal effectively with competing interests and challenging situations.
Excellent organisational skills who can work on their own initiative and plan and prioritise your own workload.
Experience of working with a budget.
Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project and Healthwatch code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
Willingness to attend further training as appropriate and to adopt new procedures.
Willingness to promote Healthwatch and The Advocacy Project in line with our mission, vision and values
Desirable
Evidence of ongoing personal development and training.
Experience of working with senior managers in public sector bodies.
Experience of developing ideas for new areas of work.
Experience of working directly with volunteers.
Benefits of working for us
We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.
Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.
All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.
We are a Disability Confident Committed and Mindful Employer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about supporting people to uphold their rights?
Disability Advice Service Lambeth (dasl) is Lambeth’s peer-led Disabled People’s Organisation.
We want to appoint a Professional Advocate who shares our ethos and values and is committed to supporting Lambeth residents achieve their legal rights.
dasl have provided an advocacy service for Lambeth Council for 12 years and since 2020 we have played a key role in the Lambeth Advocacy Hub, a single point of access for all statutory independent advocacy services for Lambeth residents aged 16 and over. We manage referrals and enquiries and provide independent Care Act advocacy and a range of non-statutory advocacy.
We provide a high quality service - we hold the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark. You will hold, or be working towards, a qualification such as the Certificate/Diploma in Independent Advocacy (Level 3), or be able to show the necessary skills and relevant experience in a formal or informal advocacy role.
dasl’s success comes from dedicated work of our skilled staff, many of whom are Disabled people. You will be valued for who you are in our supportive and friendly team.
We work flexibly between home and office. Our office in Brixton is accessible.
This is a rolling recruitment - applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed as soon as possible. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are able.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a job where you will be supported to gain skills and qualifications?
Searching for a role where your qualities and expertise will make a real difference to people’s lives?
Hoping for a varied, interesting workload as part of a friendly, supportive team?
If so, then read on!
A bit about us
We are an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy, advocacy-related projects and Healthwatch services who make sure people are heard when it matters most.
At The Advocacy People we have a team of amazing and dedicated staff who provide high-quality, confidential, independent advocacy services, supporting clients, often vulnerable and/or excluded, in having a say about issues that are important to them and decisions that are being made about their lives.
For more information about advocacy and what we do, please go to our website where you will also find information about our attractive benefits package on the Jobs Vacancies page.
We are looking to recruit a multi-skilled advocate to join our busy Kent, London & Sussex multi- disciplinary team, starting salary £23,314 per annum + Inner London Weighting £2,400 per annum.
About the role
A mix of home-based work and in varied community settings, and on Teams, you will need to be able to work on your own and link in with support from the wider team. As an advocate, you will support people to explore options, looking at their rights, wishes and feelings and support them to speak to professionals about their choices. There is an element of active participation in the promotion of services via networking and attending promotional events.
What we need from you
We are looking for someone with the creativity and enthusiasm to support people in difficult circumstances, ideally with experience in a health or social care setting and/or working with vulnerable people. Level 3 Advocacy qualification and a working knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and/or Mental Health would be desirable but, we can offer training. We will need you to be able to work from home but also as part of a large team, with the confidence to engage with a variety of audiences. You will need to have skills in communicating with a variety of different people. The people we support at The Advocacy People are often in the process of some difficult decisions and you will need to be supportive and boundaried in your approach.
As this role is home based with regular travel, mainly but not exclusively in the Southwark area, you must have access to both a stable home broadband service and your own transport as well as flexibility with working hours. We also need you to live in the London area.
What happens next
If we sound like an organisation you would like to work for, please go to our website Job Vacancies page for further information, including the Job Description/Person specification, and to start your application, unless already there, in which case, apply today!
All applicants invited to interview will need to bring evidence (photographic where possible) of their right to work in the UK. New employee start dates will only be confirmed once relevant checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, and 2 satisfactory references have been received.
Closing Date: 9am 29th April 2024
Interview Date: w/c 6th May 32024
Interview venue: Microsoft Teams
We look forward to hearing from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to shape the future of our response to stalking and personal safety?
Do you have resilience and flexibility to meet the demands this role brings, and enjoy working in a sharing and learning environment?
If yes, then read on.
We are recruiting Advocates for a number of our services including:
-
National Stalking Helpline and Advocacy Service which offers support and advice to thousands of victims of stalking every year. Caseworkers advocate on victims’ behalf with police, social services and other statutory or victim support agencies.
-
London Stalking Support, a specific service to provide advice and advocacy for victims in London, including the development of a trauma-led approach to advocacy.
-
London Stalking Threat Assessment Centre, we are a key partner in this intervention programme for stalking perpetrators, in an interdisciplinary setting involving partners from the health and criminal justice services. We provide victim centred advocacy.
As an Equal Opportunities employer, the Trust strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive culture representative of the communities we advise.
Work Location: The post holder will be required to be office-based initially to support their induction and integration with the service. Thereafter, a blended model (40 office/60 home), with office working in London and home working (must have adequate and confidential workspace when remote working). Candidates should ideally be located in London or immediate surrounding area (but locations outside of these areas may be considered)
These roles are also available on a part-time basis.
Please refer to the attached pack for the detailed Job Description and Person Specification.
Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
We reserve the right to close this role early.
To reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence - with a specific focus on stalking and harassment
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us:
Action for M.E. is the only charity in the UK providing direct support including healthcare to children and adults with M.E.. We provide vital support services, campaign for change and invest in ground-breaking research to help put an end to the ignorance, injustice and neglect experienced by people with M.E.
Opportunity:
Having been paused to new referrals, Action for M.E.’s free, independent, Adults Advocacy service will soon be re-opening. It’s one of our range of free Support Services that work with adults, young people, and/or families living with M.E. We support colleagues across the team to take part in and share reflective practice, self-care, peer-support and training.
Our Adults Advocacy service offers non-statutory, single-issue, instructed advocacy for adults with a confirmed diagnosis of M.E. We encourage self-advocacy where possible, though many of our clients are too severely affected by M.E. to be able to take undertake this.
As an Adults Advocate, you will manage a caseload of clients, as well as inputting and contributing to the triage process along with your Advocacy colleagues. You will meet with clients by phone, email, Zoom and/or SMS; we can also facilitate communication by post if this is required. We are not able to offer home visits or face to face meetings.
What we can offer you:
We offer fully remote and flexible working with generous annual leave (30 days plus bank holidays, pro rata). The wellbeing of our staff is important to us, we offer a range of benefits to employees including (but not limited to) access to free counselling and voluntary wellbeing weekday sessions, examples of recent sessions include guided group meditations and a book club.
To view the full job description, download the job pack, and apply for this role, please visit our Recruitee site (please note that we only accept applications via Recruitee; any application sent directly to an Action for M.E. mailbox will not be considered).
Should you have any questions about the role, or require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team, details of how to do this are contained in the application pack, "how to apply" section.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Advocate
Service: Coram Voice
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 17.50 per week
Salary: £11,150.50 per annum (£22,301 FTE)
Location: Worcestershire (Home Based with Travel Across Counties)
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
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 exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold systems to account, to challenge and support them to do their jobs properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in a variety of situations. 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.
About the Role
We are looking for an Advocate to join our team in Worcestershire. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn, a desire to promote the rights of children and young people or already have an IAP City and Guilds Level 3 or IAQ City and Guilds Level 4 in Advocacy.
You will work directly with care experienced children and young people and those on Child Protection Plans providing them with advocacy support in the community and a variety of settings.
You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives.
You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
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 up to 25 days’ annual leave and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. 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
Our Children’s Rights Managers will undertake Shortlisting. Successful candidates will 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, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
· Applications must be fully completed.
· If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: 3rd May 2024 (23.59pm)
Interview date: 14th & 15th May 2024
General consideration for applications:
· DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
· Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
· Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Advocate
Service: Coram Voice Shropshire
Contract Type: Part Time – Permanent
Hours: 17.50 hours per week
Salary: £11,150.50 per annum (£22,301 FTE)
Location: Home Based with Travel Across Shropshire.
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people. We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
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.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with mental health needs. 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.
About the Role
You will work directly with care experienced children and young people and those on Child Protection Plans providing them with advocacy support in the community and in a variety of settings. You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives. You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
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 up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. 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 our Children’s Rights Managers. 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, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
- Applications must be fully completed.
- If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: 14th May 2024 at 23.59pm
Interview date: w/c 20th May 2024
General consideration for applications:
- DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
- Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
- Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Advocate
Service: Coram Voice: Swindon & Out of Area
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 12 per week
Salary: £7,646.06 per annum (£22,301 FTE)
Location: Swindon (Home Based with Travel Across Counties)
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
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 exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold systems to account, to challenge and support them to do their jobs properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in a variety of situations. 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.
About the Role
We are looking for an Advocate to join our team in Swindon. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn, a desire to promote the rights of children and young people or already have an IAP City and Guilds Level 3 or IAQ City and Guilds Level 4 in Advocacy.
You will work directly with care experienced children and young people and those on Child Protection Plans providing them with advocacy support in the community and a variety of settings.
You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives.
You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
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 up to 25 days’ annual leave and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. 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
Our Children’s Rights Managers will undertake Shortlisting. Successful candidates will 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, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
· Applications must be fully completed.
· If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: 3rd May 2024 (23.59pm)
Interview date: 14th & 15th May 2024
General consideration for applications:
· DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
· Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
· Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Associate Advocate
Service: Coram Voice West Midlands
Contract Type: Associate
Hours: Variable
Salary: £16.00 per hour for professional time, £8.00 per hour for travel time and £0.45p per mile for mileage
Location: Home Based with Travel Across Worcestershire and Shropshire (West Midlands)
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
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 exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold systems to account, to challenge and support them to do their jobs properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in a variety of situations. 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.
About the Role
You will work directly with care experienced children and young people and those on Child Protection Plans providing them with advocacy support in the community and a variety of settings.
You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives.
You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
Recruitment process
Shortlisting will be undertaken by our Children’s Rights Managers. 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, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
- Applications must be fully completed.
- If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: Rolling until 3rd May 2024 (23.59pm)
Interview date: Rolling until 15th May 2024
General consideration for applications:
- DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
- Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
- Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for a IGVA to join our team in Athena Lewisham; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)
Location: Athena, Lewisham
Salary: £28,104 per annum
Contract type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Gender Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing date: 9am on 1 May 2024
Interview date: 10 May 2024
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
BACKGROUND
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network. We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. You can find out more about our work on our website.
We are embarking on an ambitious new direction at Habitat GB; leveraging our global housing expertise and the learning from our flagship national programme “Empty Spaces to Homes” to work collaboratively with Habitat colleagues across Europe in effecting change at a policy level.
“Empty Spaces to Homes” is a ground-breaking initiative focused on a circular buildings approach that already has a feasible proof of concept from piloting, with strong upscaling potential. The premise is simple; unlocking the potential of long term empty commercial spaces to create affordable housing for vulnerable people. As well as the social benefits of adding to affordable housing stock, the Empty Spaces to Homes approach of retrofitting existing structures – at a much lower carbon cost - offers a greener and more sustainable way to meet the housing gap, in comparison to the environmental impact of the new build construction industry. Breaking down long-standing barriers to resource-efficient renovation is essential if the UK is to play its part in meeting ambitious global decarbonisation targets.
Purpose of The role
The UK Housing Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading advocacy efforts, shaping policies, and promoting sustainable housing solutions for affordable housing in Great Britain, particularly through our groundbreaking initiative "Empty Spaces to Homes."
As this is a new role, and is being recruited alongside the Head of Global Affairs and Advocacy, key responsibilities will include the establishment of a new function at Habitat GB. It involves working closely with colleagues across the Habitat GB organisation and contributing to advocacy efforts across the Habitat network at global and regional levels through engagement, strategy and shared learning. Key responsibilities also include developing communication and advocacy strategies targeting professionals and decision makers in social, environmental and housing sectors, as well as undertaking research and writing policy papers.
Main Responsibilities
1) Research and Analysis:
- Commission and conduct in-depth research into current British housing landscapes and related legislation, assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms for converting unused premises into social housing and its environmental impact.
- Identify legal changes necessary to facilitate such activities and advocate for their implementation.
2) Lead Policy Advocacy Efforts:
- Utilise research findings to develop policy positions and identify priority issues, setting policy goals, and mapping out related advocacy activities.
- Embed critical concepts such as embodied carbon and whole life cycle into policy communications to amplify Habitat GB's messaging.
3) Partnerships and Networks:
- Join and represent Habitat GB at existing coalitions or form new coalitions if necessary with stakeholders in the social, environmental, and housing sectors to advocate for climate and equity-related incentives in national and local legislations, policies, and funding mechanisms.
- Build a network of relationships among key stakeholder groups and individual decision-makers to advance Habitat's policy goals.
- Identify strategic events and ensure speaking roles for Habitat GB.
- Represent Empty Spaces to Homes and Habitat for Humanity’s wider UK programmes for awareness raising, advocacy and other priorities at key meetings and events.
4) Direct Lobbying:
- Cultivate strategic relationships with key decision-makers to further Habitat's policy objectives.
5) Collaboration:
- Develop collaborative partnerships internally with Habitat entities across Europe, aligning with the broader strategic objectives of the Empty Spaces to Homes initiative.
- Support communication efforts to underpin advocacy efforts effectively.
6) Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Work with the Impact Team to provide regular updates on advocacy strategy activities and evaluate their effectiveness.
Person Specification
· Proven experience in professional advocacy to influence key policy positions and decisions, preferably in housing or a related field.
· Track record in delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.
· Experience in engaging stakeholders and decision-makers through events, networks, and meetings.
· Experience in community mobilisation or engagement.
· Understanding of housing poverty policies and related social welfare issues in Great Britain, with the ability to advise on effective mechanisms for influence.
· Familiarity with Local Authority Governance and opportunities for policy influence at local and regional levels.
Skills and competencies:
· Proficient in clear and effective written and verbal communication to convey complex policy matters to diverse groups.
· Strong relationship-building skills with government representatives, NGOs, and various stakeholders.
· Strategic thinking abilities and collaborative work approach towards organisational objectives and advocacy approaches.
· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations.
· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.
· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.
· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.
· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat.
The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:
· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding
Policy.
· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.
· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Job descriptions may be subject to change.
Flexibility
Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team. It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Start your Habitat journey
We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4.
The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 (at 11:59 pm).
Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 20 May 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.
Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.
We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.
This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder.
Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct.
At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.
Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.
Political Advocacy Officer
We’re looking for an experienced Political Advocacy Officer to join World Vision, an important charity helping vulnerable children across the world.
Position: Political Advocacy Officer
Location: London/Hybrid
Hours: Full-time - 36.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £30,874 per annum, £3,200 London weighting and a good range of benefits
Closing date: 26th April 2024
About the role:
As a Political Advocacy Officer, your role will be to work with policy and programmatic experts to help influence government, parliamentary and sector targets, coordinate events, and play a part in mobilising World Vision’s tens of thousands of UK supporters around our cause of standing with the world’s most vulnerable children. You’ll find yourself working with key political stakeholders, parliamentary networks, and committees.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Grow World Vision’s influence through developing and maintaining new relationships with key political contacts to achieve WVUK advocacy goals and support the implementation of the advocacy strategy.
- Monitor, analyse and brief key internal contacts/stakeholders on parliamentary and political activity relevant to WVUK with a particular focus on issues affecting most vulnerable children, faith and development, and fragile contexts.
- Lead WVUK’s engagement with parliamentary processes (such as WPQs, oral questions, etc.)
- Coordinate and lead the planning and delivery of political events (including annual political party conferences), supporting others where necessary.
- Carve out moments of political engagement of WVUK colleagues and support them through those engagements - including WVUK leadership and Policy and Programmes team.
· Represent WVUK in relevant sector forums to help develop strong relationships with peers.
· Work with the Media and Comms Strategy Manager to create, craft and place political opinion pieces and statements in targeted media.
· Work with policy experts and Policy and Campaigns Advisor to develop and disseminate advocacy positions to influence government, parliamentary, supporter, and sector targets.
· Work with the Media and Comms Strategy Manager and the Public Engagement Department to mobilise supporters around our cause of standing with the most vulnerable children.
About you:
We’re looking for someone with creativity and drive, who is confident engaging and building relationships with political decision-makers and networks.
You’ll need superb writing skills, good working knowledge of and/or interest in UK government and politics and be skilled in building relationships to influence change. Experience in international development, and/or UK politics is desired but not required. We are looking for a team player with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow. Most importantly, you must be passionate about advocating alongside and for children in the world’s poorest and most fragile places, and ensuring their needs and voices are heard at the highest level of government and parliament.
Key skills required for this role:
· Educated to degree level or equivalent level of thinking gained through experience.
· Good working knowledge of and interest in UK government and politics.
· A demonstrated ability to engage decision-makers and opinion formers and to influence them to achieve change.
· Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to understand and explain issues affecting the most vulnerable children for a range of audiences.
· Understanding of WVUK’s Christian foundation and approaches to social justice, and an ability to communicate these sensitively and appropriately.
· Well-organised, able to work to deadlines, balance multiple demands, and deliver quality results.
About the organisation:
World Vision UK is an international children’s charity working with children, their communities, and with supporters and partners, in almost 100 countries. Through long-term development projects, emergency responses and advocacy we’ve helped bring lasting change to millions of children, over more than 60 years. As a Christian organisation, everything we do is motivated by our faith as we strive to reflect God’s unconditional love.
As a child-focused organisation, we are committed to the safeguarding of children, therefore any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records check.
We are a registered organisation operating the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) and we shall check with your previous employers about your behaviour and conduct. We will be requesting you to complete a form known as a Statement of Conduct. For more information see: The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
Please note we can only consider applicants who presently have the right to work in the UK and all candidates must be personally committed to the Christian faith and be able to respect, uphold and work within our client’s Christian mission, values, culture, and faith statements. This individual will represent and speak on behalf of a Christian charity and as such the Occupational Requirement for an active Christian faith is justified under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, clause 3.
You may also have experience in areas such as: Political Advocacy officer, Advocacy, Advocate, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Director of Campaigns, Campaigning, Advocacy and Campaigns, CEO, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Programme Director, Head of, Head of Policy, Head of Campaigns.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Please note, a Welsh copy of the following job description is available on our website.
Rewilding Britain - Wales Advocacy Coordinator
Since Rewilding Britain was formed in 2015 rewilding has moved from being a niche idea to playing a significant role in the fight against some of the biggest global challenges we face. Rewilding Britain is at the forefront of this change, acting as a catalyst for debate and action, and demonstrating the power of working with nature to build a sustainable world where people thrive.
Imagine a Wales where the connection between culture and nature is reawakened. Where a rich tapestry of native woodlands, wetlands, wildflower meadows and grasslands is stitched back together. Where land and seas teem with life and where nature-based enterprises support thriving communities far and wide. And imagine that this has been led and achieved by local people.
Rewilding Britain wants to see rewilding flourishing across 30% of Britain, reconnecting us with the natural world, sustaining communities and tackling the interconnected nature and climate emergencies.
We influence policy, inspire public action and catalyse joined-up practical and financial support to help establish rewilding across Britain’s land and seas. Through a rapidly growing Rewilding Network we’re bringing together a community of rewilders - from land managers and farmers, to charities, community groups and national parks - to inspire and support each other to create a wilder, more prosperous Britain. It’s not too late - but we must act now.
We're now seeking a self-motivated Welsh Advocacy Coordinator to join our team and help steer Rewilding Britain’s policy and advocacy activities in Wales. The successful candidate will be an innovative, driven and forward-thinking individual with a proven track record of advocacy, policy or influencing work within a relevant sector. This is an exciting opportunity to join our fast growing charity and directly contribute to the growth of the rewilding movement.
Job purpose:
There's already a growing rewilding movement across Wales. Increasingly, land managers are looking for ways to incorporate rewilding into their practices, at a time the Welsh Senedd is investigating ways for Wales to meet its net zero and nature recovery commitments. Building on this, you'll help support the development and delivery of a collaborative and locally-led rewilding vision and work to ensure that it is mainstreamed within Welsh Government policy and practice.
Objective of the Role:
In collaboration with key Welsh organisations and stakeholders, develop, research and lead the delivery of evidence-based policy influencing, public affairs and campaigning activities which support the mainstreaming of rewilding into policy and practice in Wales.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating the planning and delivery of policy and influencing activities in Wales, primarily through working with and developing new partnerships in Wales
- Keeping up to date with changing policies and legislation in relation to rewilding, identifying opportunities to deliver positive change
- Developing relevant policy positions and communicating these in order to influence the Welsh policy environment
- Gathering intelligence and research, summarising evidence and communicating learning in order to develop these policy positions
- Ensuring that the connection between localism, communities, culture and rewilding is integrated into Rewilding Britain’s work in Wales
- Building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships, particularly with civil servants, policy makers, national and local decision-makers, and campaigning/landowning/marine bodies
- Working with Rewilding Network members in Wales to build broad engagement in joint advocacy activities, backing this up with compelling evidence of the benefits of rewilding
- Developing the creation of a co-operative approach to Rewilding in Wales (e.g. similar to that of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance)
- Providing political monitoring and intelligence to colleagues across the organisation and partners operating in Wales
- Working collaboratively with other organisations, influencers and campaigns
Skills, experience and behaviours
Skills and experience
Essential:
- At least 5 years’ experience of working in policy, public affairs and/or campaigns in a relevant field in Wales
- Demonstrable understanding of the political, economic and cultural landscape in Wales relevant to rewilding
- Highly organised with excellent networking skills
- Ability to analyse research and evidence to influence policy
- Persuasive communication skills which influence and motivate
- Ability to work autonomously, showing initiative while building excellent relationships with the wider team
- Skilled at combining policy, public affairs and campaigning activities, with clear evidence of impact
Desirable:
- Ability to speak Welsh is highly desirable.
- Experience managing work remotely
- Experience in and understanding of rewilding
- Experience of public speaking
- Experience of dealing with press and other media
- Project management experience
Behaviours
Essential:
- A self-starter with initiative and motivation who works to make things happen.
- Positive, collaborative attitude.
- Passionate, confident and adaptable.
- Focussed and results driven.
This job description is not all encompassing and may change to reflect need. Your duties may be reviewed from time to time and revised and updated in consultation with you to reflect appropriate changes.
Terms and conditions and staff benefits
This is a full-time role at 35 hours per week, but we're open to applications from those looking to work 28 hours or more per week.
The salary is £38k - £45k per annum (depending on relevant experience).
There will be some freedom for the person to determine their own working arrangements each week, within limitations, providing the work is delivered.
Rewilding Britain employees benefit from 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part time roles), rising to 30 days over 5 years. A generous employer-matched pension scheme is also available.
We are a virtual team who work from home and/or co-working spaces. We'll support you to achieve a suitable virtual working environment. Some meetings are held face to face across Britain, so a willingness to travel with occasional overnight stays is desirable.
Use of artificial intelligence tools: Rewilding Britain does not accept cover letters, presentations or answers to recruitment questions whose content is AI generated and we will actively screen for this as part of our recruitment process. Rewilding Britain does not use AI tools to review candidate applications; real people will review and shortlist applications.
Equality in employment: Candidates will be shortlisted and selected according to suitability for the post without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Rewilding Britain is not a licenced sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the provision of a valid right to work in the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.
This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.
This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.
This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.
This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.
The post holder will:
- Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
- Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
- Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
- Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
- Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
- Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
- Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
- Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
- Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
- Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
- Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
- Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.
Key Areas
- Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
- Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
- Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
- Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
- Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
- Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
- Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
- To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
- Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.
Strategic Development
- Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
- Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
- Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
- Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
- Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
- Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
- Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
- Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
- Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.
Budget and Financial Management
- Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
- Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
- Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
- Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team
Stakeholder management
- Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
- Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
- Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
- Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
- Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.
Personal Specification
Essential Experience
- Line management experience
- Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
- Experience of leading a multi-functional team
- Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
- Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
- Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
- Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
- Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
- IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
- Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
- Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
- Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
- Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy
Essential Knowledge
- Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
- Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
- Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
- Knowledge of providing 121 support
Education/Training
- No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.
Personal Attributes and other requirements
- Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
- Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
- Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
- Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
- A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
- An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
- Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.
Desirable other requirements
- Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
- A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
- Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.