Child protection jobs

Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship. 

Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.

The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.

The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.

Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.

The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.

At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.

This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.

How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.

This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.

Key responsibilities:

Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance

• Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
• Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
• Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
• Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.

Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight

• Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
  • Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
  • Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
  • Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
• Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
• Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
• Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.

 Policy, compliance and organisational assurance

• Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
• Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
• Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Culture, capability and continuous improvement

• Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
• Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
• Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.

Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
• Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
• Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.

Partnership working and external accountability

• Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
• Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
• Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
• Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
• Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
• Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
• Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
• Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.

Knowledge (Essential)

• Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
• Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
• Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
• Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements

Skills and abilities (Essential)

• Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
• Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
• Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
• Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
• Permission to work in the UK.

Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)

• Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
• Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Lived experience of kinship care.
• Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
• Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.

How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack. 

Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026. 

For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.

1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career?  Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to. 

2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.

3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response? 

4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed? 

5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response? 

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in an early years home learning programme in Westminster/Kensington & Chelsea. ParentChild+ has been delivered in America for over 50 years, working one-to-one with families who face significant life challenges. The model is based on one home visit and one group session each week, for at least 37 weeks, by home visitors.It addresses a range of outcomes for parents whose children are at risk of starting school below the expected level, by offering free books, toys and homemade resources and modelling how to create a rich home learning environment.​

The Early Years Team Leader will manage ParentChild+ to support 100 families over 2 years. The role will work with the Regional Manager to train, supervise and manage a team of Home Visitors and volunteers to deliver the early years home learning programme in each area.​

You must have experience of managing a project, meeting targets and deadlines as well as experience of supporting families and managing staff. You will also need to have experience of safeguarding and a degree in Early Years Education or a Level 3 Early Years qualification. A commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and diversity is also essential.​

About Us

Family Lives is a national charity with over four decades of experience in helping parents deal with the changes that are a constant part of family life. We provide targeted early intervention and crisis support to families online, via our national services or in the community.

Please visit our website to obtain the job description, full person specification, and the link to apply using our online system.

Please ensure that you cover all criteria on the person specification as this will be used for shortlisting purposes.

Closing date: Sunday 8th March 2026.

We are recruiting for a family support worker and we would like to hear from you if you have a Level 3 qualification or substantial work experience related to social care, social work, family support or early help. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with children, adolescents and families and have knowledge of parenting skills.

The role of the  Family Support Worker is to directly support, maintain and develop the network around the child, liaising, building relationships and communicating between multiple agencies and multi-disciplinary roles, these include, the local authority, social workers, family members, carers and significant others and the child in placement.
Within the community, the role is closely linked with each child in placement and will closely work with the Community Director and the senior management team to ensure that it meets the therapeutic and educational needs and interests of each child. This will necessarily include working closely with professionals and developing their expertise in a psychoanalytic-systemic approach to care, education and treatment.
Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that plans for the process of assessment, co-ordination and delivery of placement and family support and transition plans are developed and managed on a day to day basis to agreed standards.
• Co-ordinate and facilitate contact arrangements, linking with networks and families in a manner which is integrated with the community’s existing relationship and contribute to and develop its professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the holistic assessment of needs of children, families and networks.
• Devise and develop tailored packages of support based on assessment.

Childhood First is committed to safeguarding children. Appointments will be subject to a satisfactory DBS Disclosure and references.

Salary: £34,436 per annum

Permanent Contract

Full time 40 hours per week

Shift work including evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Location: South West London, Balham

We have a fantastic development opportunity to join our Children’s Homes in South West London. We are looking for candidates with the aspiration to develop their careers with us and become Registered Managers through our Leadership Passport and Management Training offer.

Starting salary of £34,436 as Deputy Manager, and up to £50,000 as Registered Manager.

We are proud that 80% of our Registered Managers are internal promotions. Take your career to next level with our comprehensive in-house training and funded Level 5 qualifications.

About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.  We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy

When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website.

Visit our website to check out our staff stories to see how you can develop your career with us

The successful candidate will have:

• Two years’ recent experience of working with children/young people who are at risk in a residential or community based setting.
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent; and a commitment to complete Level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management in residential care within 2 years of starting.
• Ability to develop appropriate one-to-one relationships with young people and employ mentoring skills that empower young people to achieve their goals.
• Numeracy skills to manage budgets efficiently and contribute to the budgetary process.
• An understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the provision of residential services for children and young people.
• Awareness of issues facing young people such as bullying, gangs and exploitation and how these impact on behaviour.
• Ability to work shifts including weekends and bank holidays and undertake sleep-ins.
• Ability and willingness to be part of an on call rota overseeing multiple Homes.

About the Role

As Deputy Manager, you will lead and support a professional team of staff committed to transforming young lives and creating positive outcomes. You will be supported by a Registered Manager, Team Leaders, and the team of residential staff.

Key aspect of the role:

• To assist the manager in safeguarding and ensuring every child and young person receives high quality care as measured by Ofsted in the social care common inspection framework.
• To assist the manager in the management of the home, including the staff, external relationships, the budget, the resources and fabric of the building.

In return we offer:

• Starting salary of £34,436 per annum.
• Real opportunities to develop your career and become a Registered Manager.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. For the full Job Description and Person Specification please visit our website. CV’s will not be accepted.

For more information or assistance during the application process, please contact us via our website.

This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.

It is illegal to apply for any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children.

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

Would you like to be Gods heart, hands and feet to the children of inner city Leeds?

Do you love Jesus and want to play your part in impacting the lives of 1000 children connected to Kidz Klub? If you love logistics and decision making, and would love to pray, coordinate, serve, project manage and encourage a dedicated team then get in touch. The Children of Leeds need you.

We have an exciting Vacancy here at Kidz Klub!

We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed, compassionate individual who is passionate about reaching children at scale through our large Central Klub and Schools Work. The role involves Coordinating a large team of committed Volunteers and Line Managing Staff members and organising our large Central Klub, as well as assemblies in Schools. In all these areas you will be cheering your team and the children on, injecting a lot of fun along the way. 

Our vision is to work together with congregations and partners to see lasting transformation, through the love of God, for the most marginalised, unreached children, their families and communities of Leeds. 

37.5 hours per week (we would consider term time only-please state on your application). 

Salary £28,000-£29,000 gross dependent upon experience and qualifications. A Pension is offered in line with the Trusts policy. 

Annual Leave 6 weeks/year plus Bank Holidays to be taken in school holidays.  

Other benefits: Employee health support plan. Flexible working options. Termly prayer day, training day and retreat day. Ongoing personal development and training.  Employee discounts scheme. Join a Kings Award recognised organisation and a team who love and care for each other well.

Due to the nature of our work, this position is subject to a successful Disclosure and Barring Service check and references. 

Deadline for applications: 9am 11th March

Interview: Stage 1 Monday March 23rd 3-8:30pm at Central Klub. Stage 2 sit down interview Tues 24th  or  Weds 25th March 26 daytime.

Position to commence:ASAP following above

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and organised Children and Families Worker to lead and grow our ministry with children and families in the parish. This role is perfect for someone who loves helping children explore faith, has experience working with different age groups, and enjoys building relationships in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Run Children’s Church on Sundays during term-time — including leading sessions and coordinating a team of volunteers.

• Develop a new older children’s group, including volunteer recruitment and curriculum planning.

• Help lead monthly All-Age Services in collaboration with the Vicar.

• Run a monthly Bubble Church service and manage related outreach and admin.

• Co-lead Tufnell Tots (stay-and-play group) on Thursday mornings.

• Build relationships with local primary schools (Tufnell Park and Yerbury) through regular lunch clubs, assemblies, and visits.

• Support and co-run termly community events such as our Pancake Party, Fireworks Night, and Back to School Party.

• Develop creative, new initiatives — such as after-school activities or holiday clubs — to help children and families engage with faith.

• Ensure full compliance with our safeguarding policy and support safeguarding admin.

• Encourage sustainability in children’s events and teach the importance of caring for God’s creation.

• Support an inclusive approach to working with children with additional needs and disabilities, adapting content and approaches as needed.

About You

Essential:

• A living Christian faith and a desire to help children grow in their knowledge and experience of God.

• Good knowledge of the Bible and enthusiasm for sharing its stories.

• A strong understanding of safeguarding principles.

• Excellent team player who relates well to both children and adults.

• Experience in recruiting and supporting volunteers.

• Confident organisational and communication skills.

Desirable:

• A qualification in children’s ministry or a related field.

• Experience working with a range of age groups — from toddlers to pre-teens.

• First Aid certification.

Why Join Us?

• A caring, inclusive church committed to your growth and well-being.

• Flexibility, creativity, and scope to shape and develop this ministry.

• A part-time role that makes a full-hearted difference in the lives of local children and families.

Deadline for completed applications: 23 February 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Interviews: We expect to interview in late February to early March. 

It is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a committed Christian.

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance.  This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS.

Location: MSSC NSC, 200B Lambeth Road, London, SE1 7JY (Hybrid Working)

Contract: Full-time permeant

Salary: £39,000 gross, per annum

Closing Date: 1 March 2026

Face to Face Interviews: Either 25 or 26 March 2026

Application: CV & Covering Letter

Are you a Safeguarding professional looking for a new opportunity and challenge?  We are currently looking for an exceptional Safeguarding Officer to join our expanding team.

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development. Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals – and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people – including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.

About the role

We have an opportunity for a Safeguarding Officer to join our very busy team!

The organisation has a strong safeguarding ethos promoting the overall safety, safeguarding and welfare of all of our members. We are seeking individuals who have experience of the voluntary youth or community sector or other relevant professional field and have direct practice experience of working with children & young people in a safeguarding context.  You will have excellent knowledge of the principles and practices of Early Help along with experience and knowledge of statutory requirements, and best practice guidance, relating to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. 

Our safeguarding team operates centrally in London where we are responsible for providing support, advice and guidance to our volunteers relating on all safeguarding matters across the UK. Our safeguarding Officers act as our lead professionals in managing safeguarding casework in line with our policy, procedures and statutory duty.

We aim high and strive for excellence in our practices to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk.  We are continually evolving and seeking ways to improve and enhance our safeguarding practices as we move forward. 

Whilst this is a Monday- Friday full time position, a flexible approach to work and working patterns is a must, as is the ability to work effectively and respond appropriately in challenging circumstances. 

Requirements

• Support, guide and coach SCC volunteers to implement a local response to safeguarding concerns
• Effective and skilful management of an allocated caseload
• Lead professional – Allegation Management
• Action referrals to statutory agencies e.g. Local Authority Designated Officer, Police, Children’s Services, Social Care or equivalent across the UK (including DBS, PVGS)

For further information, please download the full Recruitment Pack.

For applications to be considered, it is essential that both a CV & Supporting Statement are submitted.  Supporting statements should detail how a candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience meet the requirements of the Job Description and Person specification.

Without this, we sadly will be unable to progress your application for this role.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per annum increasing with length of service
• Hybrid working for many roles
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

Safer Recruitment - We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. 

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.

• Location: Norfolk
• Salary: £25,595 per annum, plus mileage
• Hours per week: 37.5 hours, including travel time
• Required: Previous experience working with children and young people with learning disabilities and Autism.
• Full UK manual driving licence, access to a vehicle and a willingness to travel across the area.
• Desirable: BTEC Level 4 in Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support changes lives. Join us and help unlock new possibilities.

 As a Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) Practitioner, you will support children and young people with learning disabilities, Autism and other support needs to transform their lives as part of our new service in Norfolk

Who will I support?

You will work with children and young people in Norfolk who may not be accessing education and may be at significant risk of entering specialist residential care.
 Your role will focus on helping them remain in their local communities, close to the people and places that matter most. 

How will I make a difference?

Every young person will benefit from tailored strategies and interventions to help them flourish in a safe, supportive environment. You will take time to understand each young person’s lived experience and support them, their families, carers and other professionals to learn and apply appropriate positive behaviour support techniques.

Your support will help young people stay in their current placements, access their communities and develop skills and tools they will use for the rest of their lives to live fulfilling, independent lives. Using approaches built on the principles of inclusion, choice and participation, your support could be the difference between a closed door and a clear path to independence 

How will I develop?

If you do not already hold a BTEC Level 4 in Positive Behaviour Support (which is desirable), you will be enrolled onto this course and supported throughout your studies while you work with us, on completion you will receive a salary increase to £27,500
 You will receive regular clinical supervision from experienced professionals to ensure you feel confident and supported in your role. 

What benefits will I have?

We have a range of benefits that you can mix and match to suit you, such as:

• Stream – an app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it, access to coaching, vouchers, discounts, cashback and more.  
• Blue light card – we will reimburse your Blue Light Card membership which provides discounts in your favourite shops and restaurants
• Simply Health - Fully funded health cash plans giving you access to a 24-hour GP, money back on
• Pension and Life Assurance – you’ll be enrolled into our Scottish Widows pension scheme and Life Assurance scheme

Job Title: West London Family Support Worker 

Salary: £25,353.06

Team: Family Support Team

Hours: 30

Location: Based at Shooting Star House (Hampton), This role will be working across sites and in the community

About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Family Support Team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or whose child has died. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, our teams support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.

About the role

Family Support Workers (FSW) are the frontline of our care. Each FSW holds a caseload of end-of-life and bereaved families. They get to know their families, and check-in regularly with phone calls and home visits and can provide enhanced emotional support where required through more regular contact and interventions. Our FSWs tell families about the many services they can access at Shooting Star, assess their needs and make recommendations to our multi-disciplinary team. They  support families of different ethnicities and families living in poverty, helping our service be as accessible as possible.

Our FSWs work closely with our Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Transition Team and our Care Events Team. Weekly MDT meetings bring the team together to think of ways to help families in crisis. The work is varied and creative, taking place at the hospices, in family homes and hospitals, allowing the support to be where the families need it. Our Family Support Workers are hugely appreciated by the families we support.

The ambition of our strategy is to ensure every family affected by a life-limiting condition, or the sudden death of a child, has access to the specialist care that they need. Day to day duties are:

• Being the on-site duty FSW, welcoming families on site, monitoring email inboxes and answering the Family Support Line.
• Helping with support groups and family events
• Providing on the spot emotional support, sometimes in a crisis where a calm and supportive response is required.
• Visiting newly bereaved families in their homes.
• Supporting families staying at our Christopher’s hospice (booked stays and end of life).
• Attending various locations over the course of a week: hospice, hospital, family homes.
• Building connections with families from different backgrounds, delivering culturally sensitive care.
• Helping safeguard families at risk of harm.
• Acting as an ambassador for Shooting Star’s Specialist Bereavement Service, supporting other care team members with their learning and delivery of the bereavement pathway, and continually seeking ways to improve what we offer families.

The post holder will need to have a UK driving license.

The hours are predominantly worked 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Once a month, the FSW will work a weekend day (with advance notice). This is in place of a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that week.

About you

This role requires experience of working with children and families who have experienced hardship, or those with complex needs. You should have a calm, positive manner, conveying empathy whilst maintaining professional boundaries. We are looking for someone passionate about supporting children and families.

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
  
  Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service
  
  Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card
  
  Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Mental Health First Aiders

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

Anticipated Start Date: 06/04/2026

We’re looking for a motivated and collaborative Youth Work Team Lead to join our Children & Young People’s Service in Brighton. This is a key leadership role within a service that is actively strengthening its youth work offer, embedding participation and inclusion, and supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health through trauma-informed practice.

You’ll combine hands-on youth work delivery with leadership and coordination responsibilities, helping to create safe, welcoming and inspiring spaces where young people aged 10–25 can connect, feel heard and thrive.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those from communities currently underrepresented in our workforce.

You will:

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive youth work, embedding participation and creativity across programmes and activities
• Coordinate and lead youth work sessions at the Young People’s Centre and off-site locations, including nature-based provision
• Act as a senior member of staff on duty, managing safeguarding, risk and safe delivery
• Provide line supervision and day-to-day support to youth workers, sessional staff and volunteers
• Work collaboratively with partners and colleagues to strengthen the Youth Hub offer and young people’s pathways

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Strong experience delivering youth work with children and young people
• Confidence acting as a lead worker, including responsibility for safe delivery and decision-making
• A sound understanding of youth work principles, participation and safeguarding
• Experience supervising or supporting staff, sessional workers or volunteers
• Commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming practice

A recognised youth work qualification (e.g. JNC-recognised or equivalent) is desirable, alongside a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why join us?

Impact Initiatives is a Brighton-based charity with a long-standing commitment to supporting children, young people, adults with disabilities and older people across Sussex.

Our Children & Young People’s Service provides safe, inclusive spaces and relationship-based youth work that supports wellbeing, connection and growth. You’ll be joining a values-led organisation with supportive leadership, regular supervision and a strong focus on learning and development.

Closing date: Wednesday 4 March 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 10 March 2026

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.