53 Bereavement support jobs

Help shape the UK’s dedicated Muslim Cancer Support Network. Lead, inspire and support volunteers delivering faith‑sensitive cancer support across the country.

Safeena is the UK’s dedicated Muslim Cancer Support Network, created to ensure no Muslim facing cancer feels alone. As we grow into a professionally governed national charity, we are recruiting a Volunteer Manager to lead, develop and support our expanding volunteer workforce.

The Volunteer Manager will oversee Safeena’s national volunteer programme including Befrienders, Community Champions, Bereavement Volunteers and operational volunteers, ensuring high‑quality recruitment, training, safeguarding, supervision and ongoing support. This role is central to Safeena’s transformation programme, helping build a credible, compliant and compassionate volunteer service that reflects the needs of Muslim communities affected by cancer.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard and train volunteers

• Deliver induction and ongoing training programmes

• Provide supervision, wellbeing support and reflective practice

• Coordinate rotas, assignments and community outreach activity

• Maintain volunteer records, policies and compliance

• Promote Safeena’s volunteer opportunities across communities and mosques

Person Requirements

Essential

• Experience managing or coordinating volunteers

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• Ability to support volunteers in emotionally sensitive roles

• Knowledge of safeguarding and confidentiality

• Confident delivering training or group sessions

Desirable

• Experience in charity, community or health settings

• Understanding of Muslim communities and culturally sensitive support

• Training in safeguarding, bereavement or cancer awareness

The role

At Cruse we believe bereaved people should not be alone in their grief. We provide expert bereavement and grief training and support.

Cruse has over 3,500 volunteers who provide bereavement support in a range of ways including answering helpline call, support through understanding your bereavement sessions, and one-to-one and group support. We provide a wide range of training for organisations and individuals, through grief awareness webinars and essential bereavement support training.

As a trainer at Cruse Bereavement Support, you will play a key role in equipping volunteers, individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge to support bereaved individuals. You will deliver high-quality training, assess learner progress, and contribute to the continuous development of our bereavement training programmes, both internally and externally.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages. Please note that if your application does not include both a CV and covering letter, your application may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16th September 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing the 28th September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28th September 2026 unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

The role

The Project Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of our Council funded Adult Bereavement Service in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.This service aims to provide accessible, empathetic and effective support for adults affected by bereavement, particularly sudden or drug/alcohol-related deaths. The Project Officer will work collaboratively as part of the local and regional volunteer and staff team.

Remote in the UK (homebased) with travel within Cornwall. In practice, this means that there will be regular travel to community venues across Cornwall for service delivery and outreach events. The remaining work will be remote from home. We need to manage travel costs and working time within the project budget, so cannot recruit anyone living outside of Cornwall or West Devon

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.

The closing date for applications is the 18 September 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing 28 September 2026 via Teams.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online:

• Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

• Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email. 

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.

The role

Lead the growth and delivery of Cruse's External Training & Consultancy programme, combining business development, customer relationship management, and delivery oversight to make Cruse the leading provider of bereavement training in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You will be responsible for managing our external training programme. The programme has been delivering high-quality grief and bereavement training to over 370 external organisations and thousands of individuals for the past ten years. This role will be responsible for sourcing, planning and managing customer engagements, and ensuring Cruse is the leading training provider for loss and bereavement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You will be responsible for developing a sales and marketing strategy, targeting relevant organisations and selling our training products. You will be overseeing the organisation of training sessions and then handing over to one of our trainers to deliver the sessions, providing support where needed, monitoring and acting on feedback, and always ensuring a consistently high standard of customer service.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.  Please note that if your application does not include both a CV and covering letter, it may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026 with interview taking place week commencing the 28th September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

The role

As a Finance Manager at Cruse Bereavement Support you will oversee the day-to-day financial transactions made by Cruse Bereavement Support and ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of all income and expenditure transactions undertaken. You will also assist in implementing the financial control within the team, oversee month-end processes and monthly payroll, and prepare the monthly management accounts and supporting information.  This is a unique opportunity to gain experience at a national charity and make a difference.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages. If your application does not contain both a covering letter and CV, your application may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16th September 2026, with first interviews taking place week commencing 28th September 2026 via Microsoft Teams.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28th September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

Would you like to be part of a young and vibrant charity that is dedicated to supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide?

Do you want to be on the frontline, helping people through the emotional impact of their loss or offering information and guidance on some of the practical issues they may be facing?

We looking for someone to join our team of Suicide Bereavement Advisers who are the first port of call for people looking for support following their loss.

It is a hybrid role with a 60/40 split between working in our office in Westminster and from home.

We will be expanding the team at regular intervals. If we do not have the time to contact all applicants in this recruitment round or if you are not successful in this round, there will be future opportunities to apply.

About the role

As a Suicide Bereavement Advisor you will:

• Manage a caseload of assigned clients.

• Provide emotional and practical support to clients over the phone and via email and SMS.

• Provide a safe space for them to talk about their loss and how it is impacting them, offering them empathy and validation.

• Provide information and advice about practical issues they may be dealing with.

• Where appropriate, refer them to our Counselling Service and help them to fill in the application form.

• Support them to access other relevant services through signposting.

• Log all contacts in our client management system, ensuring accurate records are kept and maintained.

• Meet agreed performance standards around call duration, timely note completion and consistent caseload management, in line with our commitment to fairness and consistency for clients and team.

• Help with ongoing initiatives to improve our services, including opportunities to contribute to resource creation, training and presenting, and wider projects.

• Support the Client Care team where needed, including covering the phone line and helping with administrative tasks when available.

• Liaise with other relevant organisations to build our connections within the sector and increase awareness of our services.

• Attend and contribute to team and staff meetings.

• Attend training, conferences and workshops in line with continuous professional development.

• Represent the charity at relevant events

• Work in accordance with our values and follow all policies and procedures.

This is a very rewarding role within a small, friendly and hardworking team which is committed to providing the highest quality support to our clients.

About you

You will have experience of working on a helpline or a client-facing role, ideally in the area of mental health; or you may be studying to be a counsellor.

Key attributes we are looking for include:

• A warm, empathic manner

• An ability to listen without judgement

• Calmness when dealing with people in distressing or challenging situations

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

• An enthusiasm to learn and to develop knowledge and skills

• Confidence in using digital technology

• Attention to detail, especially when it comes to record keeping

You will live within commuting distance of our office in Westminster.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and as such are actively seeking candidates of all backgrounds to represent the diverse population of people that we serve.

This role requires eligibility to work in the UK and a Basic DBS check. Training will be given to the right candidates.

Context of Role

2wish support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person
aged 25 and under. We are an All-Wales and part England charity providing immediate
casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative
therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.
The post holder will provide immediate and ongoing emotional and practical support to families
affected by the sudden and unexpected death of their child or young adult.

Although the role is remote, we do require candidates to live within the area they are delivering the service (Bristol or Gloucestershire in this case) and they are required to drive.

Main Duties

1.0. Service:
1.1: To initiate immediate support for a caseload of families whose children and young people aged 0-25
have died suddenly and unexpectedly across the region
1.2: To contact all families within 24-48 hours of the referrals by telephone
1.3: Complete an initial assessment of families' needs to identify and plan the support as required in line
with safeguarding and risk reduction
1.4: Offer emotional support and advice to a case load of families through home visits and ongoing
weekly telephone calls
1.5: To liaise with the Counselling Support and Outreach Coordinator, who is responsible for organising
formal support such as counselling, complementary therapy or play therapy, subject to consent from the
bereaved individual
1.6: To work with hospital staff, GP’s, police officers, coroner offices, mental health teams and other
healthcare professionals to raise awareness of and promote referrals into the charity
1.7: To liaise with other professionals working alongside the family to provide a holistic and multi-agency
approach to support
1.8: Attend relevant forums within the area
1.9: To deliver awareness training in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools and workplaces on
the use of the bereavement boxes, referring into the charity and bereavement awareness
1.10: To monitor the use of the memory boxes and ensure families have been offered a memory box
1.11: To work with hospital trusts to establish and maintain the upkeep of suitable bereavement suites for
bereaved individuals to use as required
1.12: Facilitate debriefs within professional settings following a traumatic or sudden death of a child or
young person
1.13: To submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to Bereavement Services Manager as required
1.14: To signpost and/or refer to other agencies as required that can provide support as needed
1.15: Cover members of the support team for annual leave and/or sickness

General

2.1: To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
2.2: To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
2.3: To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
2.4: To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality,
Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working
practices as appropriate
2.5: To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
2.6: Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake,
as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role
2.7: Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish
It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances
unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and
tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties
and performance over the period.
This role is subject to a DBS check.

Context of Role

2wish support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person
aged 25 and under. We are an All-Wales and part England charity providing immediate
casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative
therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.
The post holder will provide immediate and ongoing emotional and practical support to families
affected by the sudden and unexpected death of their child or young adult.

Although the role is remote, we do require candidates to live within the area they are delivering the service (Shropshire, Worcestershire or Herefordshire in this case) and they are required to drive. 

Main Duties

1.0. Service:
1.1: To initiate immediate support for a caseload of families whose children and young people aged 0-25
have died suddenly and unexpectedly across the region
1.2: To contact all families within 24-48 hours of the referrals by telephone
1.3: Complete an initial assessment of families' needs to identify and plan the support as required in line
with safeguarding and risk reduction
1.4: Offer emotional support and advice to a case load of families through home visits and ongoing
weekly telephone calls
1.5: To liaise with the Counselling Support and Outreach Coordinator, who is responsible for organising
formal support such as counselling, complementary therapy or play therapy, subject to consent from the
bereaved individual
1.6: To work with hospital staff, GP’s, police officers, coroner offices, mental health teams and other
healthcare professionals to raise awareness of and promote referrals into the charity
1.7: To liaise with other professionals working alongside the family to provide a holistic and multi-agency
approach to support
1.8: Attend relevant forums within the area
1.9: To deliver awareness training in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools and workplaces on
the use of the bereavement boxes, referring into the charity and bereavement awareness
1.10: To monitor the use of the memory boxes and ensure families have been offered a memory box
1.11: To work with hospital trusts to establish and maintain the upkeep of suitable bereavement suites for
bereaved individuals to use as required
1.12: Facilitate debriefs within professional settings following a traumatic or sudden death of a child or
young person
1.13: To submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to Bereavement Services Manager as required
1.14: To signpost and/or refer to other agencies as required that can provide support as needed
1.15: Cover members of the support team for annual leave and/or sickness
 

General

2.1: To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
2.2: To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
2.3: To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
2.4: To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality,
Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working
practices as appropriate
2.5: To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
2.6: Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake,
as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role
2.7: Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish
It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances
unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and
tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties
and performance over the period.
This role is subject to a DBS check.

As a Community Support Coordinator, you will lead the delivery of our Community Support Volunteer service across Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

You will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to access high-quality, safe, inclusive and person-centred support. Working closely with volunteers, health and social care professionals, and local partners, you will build strong community connections, facilitate access to relevant information and services, helping people make informed choices about the support available to them.

This home-based role offers the opportunity to connect communities, strengthen volunteer networks, and ensure people have choice, control and access to the support they need.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop a team of Community Support Volunteers
• Recruit, induct and retain volunteers, ensuring safe and effective service delivery
• Respond to enquiries and referrals, providing information, support and signposting
• Build strong relationships with health and social care professionals and community partners
• Support local branches and groups to understand and respond to community needs
• Promote inclusive, accessible and needs-led support that enables personal choice and control
• Facilitate effective communication between volunteers, staff and local stakeholders
• Support safeguarding processes and respond appropriately to concerns
• Monitor and record activity, outcomes and key performance information
• Contribute to service development, continuous improvement and regional teamwork

About You

• Experience leading, managing or coordinating volunteers, ideally within the voluntary sector
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Experience identifying and responding to support needs using a person-centred approach
• Understanding of care and support services and the role of volunteering within them
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and risk management
• Ability to build networks and influence a range of stakeholders and partner organisations
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across the region.

Essential requirement This role requires regular travel to locations that are not reasonably accessible to public transport and/or travel between locations within working hours. Applicants must hold a current valid driving licence. This is an essential requirement of the role due to the nature and location of the work. The MND Association will consider reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. A lease car is provided as part of the benefits package.

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND.We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters. 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen within our award-winning fundraising team, to join us in an exciting new role of Legacy and In Memory Manager (Lead).

At Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, we believe there’s always more we can do for our sick kids and women, and that’s why we will always strive to do more for our patients and families. It’s our mission to raise the vital funds needed to make a real difference to all who use our hospitals, and to make our hospital feel just like home. 

This role requires someone with experience in legacy administration and promotion and/or in memory fundraising, as well as excellent communication skills and a strategic mindset. We need someone with previous experience in relationship management and income generation - ideally within a legacy and/or in memory setting - who is able to lead and inspire our supporters and staff in order to generate long term income and awareness for the charity.

To be successful in this role you will: 

• Lead the development and delivery of legacy marketing and in-memory fundraising strategies to drive sustained income growth and supporter retention
• Be self-motivated, independent and target-driven
• Act as the subject matter expert on legacy administration and in-memory giving, providing guidance, training, and mentoring while promoting a strong culture of philanthropy
• Manage all aspects of legacy casework, including complex and contentious cases, ensuring effective stakeholder relationships and full compliance with legal, regulatory, and best practice standards
• Oversee data management, reporting, and analysis to generate insights, improve processes, and support accurate forecasting and long-term financial planning
• Collaborate across teams to maximise fundraising opportunities, enhance donor engagement across channels, and deliver impactful events and integrated giving initiatives
• Posses a natural confidence in talking to people with high emotional intelligence and resilience due to the sensitive nature of the role, with excellent communication and relationship building skills.

What we offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance 
• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service 
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay 
• Employee Assistance Program and Lifestyle Savings
• Free flu jabs 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Charity events throughout the year 
• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution 
• Ongoing commitment to education and professional development 

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.  

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. 

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

PLEASE NOTE: Within our organisation, this role is titled Legacy and In Memory Lead. This reflects our internal structure and does not change the scope or responsibilities described in this advert.

We will conduct interviews as suitable candidates apply and we're ready to hire if we find the right person before the job ad closes.

The role

Individual giving at Cruse is in its infancy; therefore, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced, proactive and creative individual giving expert to join, develop and build the role. We are looking to build all areas of individual giving including committed gifts, cash appeals, legacy and in memoriam gifts, and increase our supporter acquisition and retention. With integrated cross team planning and delivery between individual giving, events, campaigns, brand and supporter engagement.

Experience of using digital channels to grow income from supporters and creating an exceptional donor experience are key to this role. The Individual Giving Manager role is part of the Voluntary Income Team, that will drive development of both acquisition and retention channels to improve overall supporter experience, and therefore income. This is a great opportunity to make this role your own and set the direction for generating income from individual supporters alongside growing our legacy pipeline.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.  Please note that if your application does not include a CV and covering letter, it may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing 28 September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

Change how the UK understands and supports bereaved children and families.

This is an exciting time to join Child Bereavement UK.

We are establishing a brand-new Research & Policy function and are looking for an ambitious Public Affairs Lead to help ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents shape policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and sector leaders to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, lived experience and influence, translating evidence into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy recommendations that make a difference.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new function, shape our national influence, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and families are heard where it matters most.

While based remotely, this role has a strong external focus and requires regular travel to London to represent Child Bereavement UK, build key relationships and engage with policymakers, partners and sector networks.

Role Purpose

As Public Affairs Lead you will play a central role in ensuring the voices and experiences of bereaved children, young people, parents and families influence policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, sector partners and influencers to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, policy and communications, helping to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and influencing activity.

Main Responsibilities

 Public Affairs & Policy Influence

· Develop and deliver public affairs plans that support Child Bereavement UK's strategic priorities and policy objectives.

· Use research, evaluation findings and lived experience evidence to identify policy gaps, develop influencing priorities and shape recommendations for decision-makers.

· Translate organisational evidence into clear policy asks and reform proposals for government, parliamentarians, public bodies and sector leaders.

· Identify opportunities to embed evidence and learning within national, regional and local policy frameworks, guidance and professional practice.

· Support the development of long-term influencing strategies that drive systemic change for bereaved children, young people and families.

· Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, government officials, policymakers and key sector stakeholders.

· Coordinate engagement with relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups, consultations, inquiries and policy forums.

· Support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions.

· Organise parliamentary events, stakeholder roundtables and engagement opportunities that raise awareness of bereavement issues.

· Work with the Head of Voice & Participation to ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are represented at all stages of policy development.

Advocacy & Campaigns

· Lead the delivery of advocacy and influencing campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Ensure advocacy campaigns are grounded in robust evidence, insight and lived experience, with clear objectives for policy and practice change.

· Work with the Head of Policy & Research to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

· Develop stakeholder engagement plans that support campaign objectives.

· Build relationships with partner organisations, coalitions and networks to strengthen collective influence.

· Develop compelling narratives that connect research findings with real-world outcomes and policy solutions.

· Work with colleagues to identify tangible actions that policymakers, practitioners, employers, schools and communities can take in response to emerging evidence.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.

· Build productive relationships with sector leaders, professional bodies, charities, academics and decision-makers.

· Coordinate engagement with strategic partners and external networks.

· Support senior leaders in stakeholder engagement activity through briefings, meeting preparation and follow-up actions.

Research Translation & Communications

· Develop evidence-informed policy asks, implementation recommendations and calls to action that support measurable change.

· Identify opportunities to move research and insight beyond publication and into policy development, service improvement and public discourse.

· Translate research, evidence and lived experience into compelling stakeholder communications.

· Produce parliamentary briefings, policy summaries, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure policy and research activity is effectively communicated to external audiences.

· Collaborate with the PR & Press Lead to identify opportunities to amplify policy and research messages through media and public engagement activity.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Insight

· Monitor and evaluate public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.

· Track policy developments, stakeholder engagement outcomes and influencing opportunities.

· Produce reports demonstrating impact, engagement and progress against objectives.

· Maintain stakeholder databases and records to support organisational relationship management.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

· Significant experience in public affairs, policy, advocacy, campaigns or stakeholder engagement.

· Experience building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, public sector organisations or influential stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK political systems, parliamentary processes and policy development.

· Experience developing and delivering influencing or advocacy campaigns.

· Experience producing briefings, consultation responses or policy-focused communications.

· Understanding of how evidence and lived experience can be used to influence decision-making.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong relationship-building and influencing abilities.

· Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

· Excellent organisational and project management skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Personal Attributes

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child.

· Collaborative and relationship-focused.

· Compassionate and emotionally intelligent.

· Proactive, resilient and self-motivated.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents

· Experience within the charity, health, social care or education sectors.

· Knowledge of bereavement, grief, loss or trauma-informed services.

· Experience working with All-Party Parliamentary Groups or parliamentary engagement activity.

· Experience working with research and evidence-based policy development.

· Experience working with lived-experience contributors and ambassadors.

· Understanding of campaigning, coalition building and systems change approach

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 17th September 2026 at midnight

Interview dates: 29th and 30th September on MS Teams

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Family Support Worker

£27,000 pa + Company Car (with an approx. retail value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8K) and other excellent benefits

Southampton to cover Dorset, Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire and Isle of Wight

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full-time basis (35 hours, 5 days per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Southampton Care Team to families in the local area, at a time where they need it most.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Southampton Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child or young person has a life threatening or terminal illness. You will enjoy responsibility for managing your own schedule, remaining flexible to the needs of the families on your caseload.

Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! As a Top 10 Charity, we have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Control over your own schedule, based on the needs of families on your caseload, to balance home and working life

· Company car for front line care posts (car P11D value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8k)

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 days to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Time off in Lieu

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth.

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our why work with us page on our website.

More information about us and our recruitment process can be found in our Candidate Pack

Development opportunities:

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris skills development programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, introduction to play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website & apply online.

Closing date: 30th September 2026

Interview dates: Interview dates to be confirmed

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Southampton Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know as part of your application.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Family Support Worker

£27,000 + Company Car (with an approx. retail value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8k) and other excellent benefits

This role covers Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full-time basis (35 hours, 5 days per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our North East Care Team to families in the local area, at a time where they need it most.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Southampton Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness. You will enjoy responsibility for managing your own schedule, remaining flexible to the needs of the families on your caseload.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

·An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care.

·A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly.

·Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines.

·Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

·A persuasive and open communicator, you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

·A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people, and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential. 

What we offer:

We are proud to be a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! As a Top 10 Charity, we have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Control over your own schedule, based on the needs of families on your caseload, to balance home and working life

· Company car for front line care posts (car P11D value of £23,000-26,000, taxable benefit in kind of £6-£8k)

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 days to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Time off in Lieu

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth.

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our why work with us page on our website.

More information about us and our recruitment process can be found in our Candidate Pack on our website.

Development opportunities:

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be the best they can be, and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Workers are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, and Introduction to Play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs, with all family support workers having a foundation level of skills within their first year.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of their time together, providing expert practical and emotional support where they need, it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

To apply please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Additional information:

Interviews will take place at our North East Care Team Office, we will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know as part of your application.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate the team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.