Assistant manager for court volunteer service jobs

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

This is a new role within the Individual Giving team, supporting our ambition to grow and develop unrestricted income. The Fundraising Assistant will help plan and deliver high-quality print and digital communications that recruit new supporters, engage existing donors, and promote a range of ways to give, including regular giving, gifts in Wills, and DIY fundraising.

Working closely with colleagues across Individual Giving and the wider organisation, you will gain hands-on experience of a broad range of fundraising and marketing techniques. You will support the delivery of fundraising activity while contributing ideas that help shape future Individual Giving approaches, improve supporter experience, and maximise long-term giving.

This role is ideal for someone looking to build a career in fundraising, with opportunities to develop skills across campaigns, communications, events, and supporter stewardship

About you

Experience / Qualifications:

· Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate relevant transferable experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, administration or a related field.

· Experience supporting projects or campaigns within fundraising, marketing, communications or events, either through paid employment, volunteering or placements.

· Experience working collaboratively as part of a team to deliver activities to agreed deadlines.

· Experience following administrative processes, managing multiple priorities and maintaining accurate records.

· Experience using Microsoft Office and confidence learning to use new systems and digital platforms. Experience of working with databases or CRM systems would be an advantage.

· An interest in fundraising, marketing and the charity sector, with a willingness to develop knowledge of Individual Giving.

Behaviours / Personal Attributes:

· Well organised and agile, able to manage competing priorities with appropriate support.

· Motivated and enthusiastic, with a proactive approach to learning and personal development.

· Collaborative and supportive, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with a range of colleagues.

· Friendly and professional, with a positive approach to building relationships.

· Curious, creative, and open to new ideas, with a willingness to contribute suggestions and learn from others.

Why join us?

The opportunity to work for an organisation that is taking practical action against poverty and the environmental crises to start the big changes the world urgently needs. A friendly and supportive culture, working with values driven and highly engaged colleagues, work life balance and flexible working – these are just some of the reasons we think Practical Action is a great place to work.

In the UK, our open plan offices are located in the centre of Rugby and near to Rugby train station but we also offer free parking.

In addition, we offer the following benefits:

· Full time roles are contracted at 35 hours per week.

· It is our normal practice to operate a hybrid working policy, where flexible working hours are enabled as well as remote working.

· 27 days holiday rising with continuous service, in addition to public holidays

· Pension scheme - employer contributes 10.5% of salary and the employee contributes 5%.

· Enhanced family friendly policies, including maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave.

· Life assurance (3 x annual salary).

· Cycle to Work scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme – access to our Wellbeing platform

· Learning and Development Opportunities

· Sit / Stand desks available in our modern offices.

About us

We are a global community taking practical action against poverty and today’s environmental crises. Across Africa, Asia and Latin America we partner with people experiencing these challenges, especially those who are unheard and excluded. Our approach is to identify what works on a local level, then adapt and amplify it across different regions, countries and continents. All of Practical Action’s work is focused on two connected areas for action - livelihoods and climate resilience – and we’re working to deliver three big, global changes:

Big change on food – to sustain people and planet

Big change on energy – clean and accessible for everyone

Big change on climate risk – safer lives, stronger livelihoods

RCJ Advice is an exceptional Citizens Advice and Law Centre delivering national legal advice services, both frontline and second tier, to people who are unable to afford legal representation and advice. We are based within the Royal Courts of Justice, the Central London Family Court and community sites across London, where we deliver local Citizens Advice services.

This role offers the opportunity to join the Finding Legal Options for Women survivors (FLOWS) team.

As part of the FLOWS team, the postholder will support survivors of domestic abuse and the frontline professionals who work with them by providing information, advice and guidance on domestic abuse matters and available legal options. Support will be delivered via telephone, email and in-person appointments, helping survivors to understand their rights and access appropriate legal remedies.

The role will contribute to the delivery of the FLOWS service by reviewing CourtNav applications, providing initial triage, information and signposting through the FLOWS support line, and delivering dedicated legal advice appointments to survivors of domestic abuse. The postholder will also assist with casework under supervision.

This post is subject to a DBS check.