Children advocate jobs in Manchester

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England)

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England

Location of work: Remote but role holder will ideally be London-based to be able to frequently commute for meetings/ events at Westminster. The role may involve also some infrequent travel across the UK.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, although flexible/ compressed hours will be considered. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000

BACKGROUND

Magic Breakfast is the UK’s leading school breakfast charity and makes a difference to over 350,000 children and young people every day by offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle child morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland.

This is an exciting time for Magic Breakfast as the benefits of school breakfast provision are increasingly recognised by policymakers, educators and the public. The Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Team is central to this work. And through our new organisational strategy, Nourishing Futures, the work of the PPA Team is growing to meet our advocacy ambition to expand school breakfast provision and deliver our vision which would see every child in the UK nourished, empowered and thriving.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Policy and Public Affairs Manager is a high-impact role, central to designing and delivering Magic Breakfast’s national policy and public affairs strategy in England. The role holder will lead the development of evidence-based policy positions and work collaboratively to drive forward strategic, integrated and impactful advocacy campaigns to successfully influence decision-makers, policy change, and funding frameworks aligned with our key objectives. Specifically, you will also lead the design and implementation of our new workstream to expand school breakfast provision to secondary schools and early years settings, alongside our work to ensure the effective implementation of the Free Breakfast Club Programme.

More broadly, you will keep abreast of political developments relevant to Magic Breakfast - proactively identifying opportunities to respond, influence and shape the debate across the school food system and provide strategic, analytical and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team.

Using your excellent communication skills, you will be able to translate complex policy into tailored and effective communications, policy briefings, positions and submissions, and will play a lead role in confidently engaging external stakeholders including UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, special advisers, officials and sector partners.

We are looking for someone who enjoys collaboration, who shares our passion for driving systematic change, and who can use their experience to navigate, respond to, and influence the fast-moving political environment to deliver lasting and meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative and ambitious organisation, working at the intersection of policy, practice and impact – putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do and helping to ensure every child starts their day nourished, empowered and ready to thrive.

KEY RESPONSOBILITIES

• Lead the policy development process in consultation with cross-organisational teams and external organisations to develop clear, evidence-based policy recommendations and positions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, Special Advisers, officials and sector organisations, including conducting stakeholder mapping and power analysis to identify key routes to influence.

• Design, lead and implement integrated advocacy campaigns to deliver maximum impact in collaboration with cross-organisational teams.

• Work closely with colleagues to share expertise and intelligence, inform and shape research areas, support campaign activities aligned with advocacy objectives, and respond proactively to live developments across the organisation.

• Line manage and support the development of the Public Affairs Officer.

• Strong ability to translate complex policy into clear, persuasive communications tailored to specific audiences to deliver maximum impact.

Please read the full job description attached below. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive.

Please see our job pack below

Please see our website

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast .com

Shortlisting: w/c 25th and 26th May

Interview 1: w/c 1st and 2nd June

Interview 2: w/c 8th and 11th June

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Partnerships and Best Practice Lead

Salary: £42,000
Contract: 36 hours per week, fixed term (12 months initially, with potential to extend subject to funding)
Location: Home-based, with travel for meetings, collaboration, and partnership work. You’ll be expected to spend time in person with colleagues and partners across locations including London, Sutton Coldfield and Hull.
Reports to: Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy

About the Role

Too many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face a sharp drop in support as they transition into adulthood. This role sits within an ambitious new programme, Ending the Cliff Edge, designed to change that.

As Partnerships and Best Practice Lead, you will play a central role in building a national, cross-sector alliance of young people, families, practitioners, organisations and service providers. Together, this alliance will drive meaningful reform and create better pathways into adulthood for disabled young people.

This is an opportunity to help shape a new initiative from the ground up—spreading best practice, testing innovative approaches, and building strong evidence of what works.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a broad collaborative partnership of cross‑sector organisations, providers, and experts to achieve collective ambition of driving improvement in transitions support.
• Refine, capture and share best‑practice models for supporting disabled young people into adulthood, ensuring they are evidence‑informed and accessible.
• Support partner organisations to design, adapt and deliver pilots that test innovative approaches and generate strong evidence of impact.
• Expand Kids’ national reach by growing the number of young people supported through improved transitions pathways, and increasing the number of businesses and providers engaged.
• Act as the central link between Kids’ direct delivery and wider national partners, ensuring learning is shared widely and consistently.
• Represent Kids externally as a champion for high‑quality transitions support, contributing to sector learning, collaboration and thought leadership.

About You

You are a confident relationship builder with experience of working across sectors and bringing people together around a shared goal. You’re comfortable working in a developing programme environment, able to take initiative, manage ambiguity, and turn ideas into action.

You are motivated by improving outcomes for disabled young people and have a strong understanding of the barriers they face.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience of partnership development and cross-sector collaboration
• Experience identifying and sharing best practice, and translating learning into practical resources
• Ability to coordinate and support pilot projects, including stakeholder engagement and evaluation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong understanding of challenges faced by disabled young people transitioning to adulthood
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
• Experience supporting funder relationships and understanding funding environments
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and sustain partnerships
• Experience using data and insight to inform practice and demonstrate impact

Desirable

• Experience in disability, SEND, education, employment or youth sectors
• Knowledge of policy and practice related to transitions into adulthood
• Experience facilitating training, workshops or communities of practice
• Familiarity with co-production approaches
• Experience evaluating programmes and capturing outcomes

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a national movement for change—working collaboratively to ensure disabled young people have the support, opportunities and outcomes they deserve as they move into adulthood.

Interviews will take place on 21st and 22nd May 2026

For further details, please see the full Job Description attached.

Shine supports a community of over 15,000 members living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including 5,000 children and young people (0–25).

You will be delivering high-quality support and creating opportunities for children and young people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families/carers. Supporting Shine members to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives by improving condition management and fostering connections within the Shine community. 

This role will focus on children and young people (0–25), you will be primarily working within the Children, Young People and Families team. However, there will be occasions when you will work across age groups to ensure the best outcomes for our members. 

The role is home-based but you will be required to attend regular clinics in London including GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital). Other travel across Southern England including Bristol, Devon and Hampshire may be required. There will be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at events, conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough. 

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027 

• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)   

• 3% pension contribution 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year 

• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’ 

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

• Broadband allowance for home-based roles 

• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment   

• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders  

• Support to learn and develop  

How to apply  

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.  

If you would like to discuss the role please email Gill Valentine, Deputy CEO, to arrange a convenient time for a call.  

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application, but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.  

Closing date:  Monday 17th May 2026 at 11pm  

Interviews:  Tuesday 26th May 2026  (Virtual) 

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.  

Please see full details on the Job Description and Person Specification document below and on our website.

Job Title: Advocate

Service: Warrington

Reporting to: Children’s Rights Manager

Salary: £12,239.50 (£24,479 FTE)

Location: Home based and work within the communities (Candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of the service area).

Hours: 17.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram Voice

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity, established in 1975, and one of the UK’s leading organisations championing the rights of children and young people in care. We ensure their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon, and we work every day to improve the lives and outcomes of those who rely on the support of the state.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Advocate to join ourdedicated team supporting children and young people in Warrington.

About the role

As an Advocate, you will:

• Deliver high-quality advocacy for children and young people in line with organisational guidelines, legislation and contract requirements.
• Provide direct advocacy support face-to-face and virtually
• Ensure children and young people understand their rights and options and are supported to agree outcomes/action plans.
• Represent and amplify young people’s views in decision-making about their lives
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to data/reporting,
• Promote best practice, equality and safeguarding values: challenge discrimination, maintain confidentiality (GDPR), follow health & safety, and contribute to CPD/training and wider organisational learning.

If you are passionate about, young people’s rights, and meaningful, lasting change, this role could be perfect for you.

What We Offer

Coram Voice is committed to recognising and rewarding the vital work of our staff. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Competitive salary
• Matched pension contributions (up to 5%)
• 25 days’ annual leave plus 3 additional paid days between Christmas and New Year
• Supportive, flexible working culture
• Family friendly policies and a focus on staff wellbeing

You will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference—every single day.

Recruitment Process

Shortlisting:
Conducted by Emma Keen, Children’s Rights Manager, and Sarah Gabriel, Children’s Rights Manager.

How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through our portal.
Please complete the full application form and address every point in the person specification.
We cannot accept CVs.
Internal applicants may submit a supporting statement addressing the person specification.

Interview Process:

• Written exercise
• Panel interview
• A further one‑to‑one interview (Warner compliant)

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026, 9am

Interview Date: Thursday 4th June 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Do you want to change the world for vulnerable children?

The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA) aims to improve adoption policy and practice across the UK for the benefit of children, challenging the adoption system to deliver for children and work in their best interests. Alongside advocating for system change, CVAA works to support our member voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) across the four nations of the UK, stimulating innovation and ensuring they stay at the leading edge of practice. The active engagement of members and the building of collaborative alliances with others who seek positive change for children are essential to the effectiveness of our work.

The Head of Policy is a vital member of the small CVAA team, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to champion the voluntary adoption sector and put children at the heart of everything we do. Due to maternity leave we have an exceptional and unique opportunity for someone who shares our passion to change the world for children, to gain valuable experience working at national level with senior stakeholders to contribute to system change, advocating for the power of adoption to change lives.

You will need strong people skills, experience of developing policy in consultation with stakeholders and using data to transform services and strengthen lobbying work. Most of all you need a cast iron commitment to change the world for vulnerable children.

CVAA works to challenge discrimination and disadvantage and welcomes applications from all communities, particularly those who are underrepresented in our sector, which includes but is not limited to people from Global Majority backgrounds, adoptees, men and those who identify as LGBTQ.

Key information

• Maternity Cover 1 year from July 2026
• Location - remote contract with occasional travel
• £40 – 45K depending on experience
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Applications

Please send a CV and letter of application, outlining your motivation for applying and the skills you offer, to Satwinder Sandhu (CEO) by 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.

Both Satwinder (CEO) and Alice (Director of Strategy and Policy) are happy to have an informal chat about the role. Please email to arrange a convenient time to speak.

Initial online interviews via Microsoft Teams will be on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th May, with final in-person interviews scheduled for Thursday 28th May 2026 in London. Please let us know whether you cannot make any of these dates in your application.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children and Young People (CYP) Caseworker to join Manchester SPACE - our new service supporting children and young people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse, and are currently living in interim accommodation across Manchester City.

This is a hybrid role, based within Sacred Heart Family Hub (Gorton).

Are you ready to join an innovative, committed, and caring team making a real difference?

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

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

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role:

This is a hybrid role, based within Sacred Heart Family Hub (Gorton).

As a CYP Caseworker, you will be responsible for providing safe, high-quality, trauma informed and consistent support to children and young people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and are currently living in interim accommodation. You will provide a range of evidence based support and interventions within 1:1 support and group work programmes, and provide advice, information and advocacy where necessary.

About Us:

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

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

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

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

How to apply:

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

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

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children and Young People (CYP) Caseworker to join Manchester SPACE - our new service supporting children and young people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse, and are currently living in interim accommodation.

This is a part-time role (22.5 hours per week) on a fixed-term contract until January 2027, providing maternity leave cover. The post is hybrid, with a base at Woodville Family Hub, in Cheetham.

Are you ready to join an innovative, committed, and caring team making a real difference?

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

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

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role:

This is a hybrid role, based within Woodville Family Hub (Cheetham).

As a CYP Caseworker, you will be responsible for providing safe, high-quality, trauma informed and consistent support to children and young people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and are currently living in interim accommodation. You will provide a range of evidence based support and interventions within 1:1 support and group work programmes, and provide advice, information and advocacy where necessary.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences. Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

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

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

How to apply:

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

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

ID: 1782 Operational Manager, Northeast

Service: Stockton on Tees Family Time, Stockton Family Outreach & Volunteer service and South Tees Perinatal service

Salary: Grade 4 Point 34-38: £42,562 – £46,703 FTE (£34,049.60 - £37,362.40 per annum, pro rata for 29.6 hours per week)

- Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Location: Home based

Hours: Part-time (up to 29.6 hours per week)

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the operational delivery of services across Stockton on Tees and South Tees (Recar & Middlesbrough) area.  The Operational Manager will provide strategic and operational management to our services in the Northeast and line management of 2 - 3 service managers.

Stockton services are delivered under our successful strategic partnership with Stockton Borough Council. This unique partnership was formed nearly 5 years ago with the aim of transforming service provision using a collaborative approach to service development and innovation. Our South Tees Perinatal service operates over Redcar and Middlesborough and are just entering a 3 year extension to our current contract.

Main Responsibilities:

· Provide leadership, management and supervision to operational services that provide Family Time sessions, Family Outreach support and Volunteering support, plus perinatal support to families.

· Ensure that services are delivered to a good quality standard in relation to practice and performance and that services can demonstrate their impact using evidence based outcomes tools.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Experience of providing effective management, leadership and safeguarding oversight of case work and group work based support services, which overall improve the lives of  service users.

· Experience of setting up and/or managing innovative projects.

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence and ability to present and communicate information effectively both in person and using a range of mediums to internal and external stakeholders, including children and young people, parents and carers, and funders.

· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service –Enhanced

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holiday pro rata

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the “Apply Now” link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Sunday 10th May 2026 at 23:59

Interviews are scheduled to take place on: 20th May 2026

For direct queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: Claire Meek (email address available on advert document).

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.

While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online.

About the role 

Are you a connector, a builder, and a champion for community?

We're looking for a bold and driven Volunteering and Community Manager to join our team and shape the future of postnatal support across the UK - leading a thriving network of 4,000+ volunteers who show up every day to transform the lives of parents and families.

What you'll be doing: 

• Lead and grow a volunteer movement - take ownership of our national volunteer network across the UK and Channel Islands, building the systems, processes and communications that keep 4,000+ passionate people engaged, supported and inspired to make a difference. 
• Build something that lasts - redesign and streamline how volunteering works at NCT, removing duplication and fragmentation to create a scalable, self-service model that makes it easier than ever for volunteers to show up and stay. 
• Put the volunteer experience front and centre - craft communications and support journeys that motivate and retain volunteers, ensuring every person who gives their time feels valued, informed and connected to our mission. 
• Grow our community footprint - partner with the Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships team to expand Baby Cafés and postnatal drop-ins, and identify creative community fundraising campaigns that extend our reach to more families. 
• Develop and manage - line manage the Volunteer Administrator, champion safeguarding and safe operating procedures, and lead the rollout of digital tools (Eventbrite and iPlicit) that will transform how our volunteer community operates. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you 

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays) 
• Pension matched up to 5% 
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more 
• Cycle to work scheme to support sustainable commuting 
• Life Assurance for peace of mind 
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts 
• Blue Light discount card 

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know—we’re here to support you.Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of something truly special. 

To apply visit our NCT Website and complete the application process. 

Youth Work Apprenticeship

Location: Based at a local GMYF Youth Centre in Manchester or Trafford with regular attendance at Ormside Mill Outdoor Residential Centre in Cumbria

Responsible to: Outdoor Education Manager

Contract: Fixed 3-year apprenticeship contract with potential for FT employment on completion of successful apprenticeship.

Hours: 30 hours per week to be worked flexibly, inclusive one day per week university study.

Salary/Grade: £20,982 with the option of an auto enrolement pension 

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)

Introduction

Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage. A key part of our offer is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education activities, including residentials at our Ormside Mill Residential Centre in Cumbria.

Purpose of Role:

The Youth Work Apprentice will work alongside professionally qualified youth workers learning the skills and qualities of the youth work profession. The apprentice will attend sessions on a weekly basis as well as committing to a university study day each trimester. A central focus will be to engage and support young people 11 – 18 years to take part in outdoor education activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There will be an expectation for the apprentice to attend residential events, expeditions and wider outdoor activities e.g. canoeing, climbing and hill walking to encourage and support young people taking part in these activities. Apprentices will learn a range of essential youth work skills including mentoring, boundaries, safeguarding and reflective practice which they will utilise in their work with young people, carrying out their roles with enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism.

An overarching skill and ethos of the role will be to build trustful and meaningful relationships with young people for which ongoing training will be provided. Understanding the barriers some young people face and how to overcome these will be a regular feature of the youth worker portfolio of skills. While the core components of youth work skills will be central to the role a significant amount of time will be spent supporting young people to experience and enjoy outdoor activities which is central to our mission of improving the life chances, inclusiveness and resilience of young people.

The role will involve regular travel and overnight stays which will need to be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the charity. A TOIL system is in place which is subject to agreement with line manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Delivery & Development

• Undertake a course of studies at degree level attending university one day per week developing a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to achieve a professionally recognised youth worker Degree Apprenticeship.
• Develop a working knowledge of GMYF’s policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the organisation and to meet the Apprenticeship Standard.
• To have a high regard to and comply with GMYF’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to maintain a strong working knowledge of appropriate safeguarding developments.
• Provide high levels of performance which comply with GMYF’s commitment to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage and wider barriers to participation and achievement.
• Under supervision, work closely with other team members to assist (and as skills levels develop lead) in a range of youth work projects and areas of specialism e.g. outdoor education.
• Plan, coordinate, and support young people aged 11–18, up to 25 with additional needs, to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, reflecting GMYF’s youth work approach, values and behaviours.
• Develop progressive outdoor learning pathways that support personal development, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with youth workers to integrate outdoor education into wider youthwork  programmes, targeted interventions, and school partnerships.
• Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with ADHD, SEND and other barriers to participation.
• Through personal example promote the behaviours that exemplify GMYF mission and ambition.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure youth worker apprenticeship compliance and comply with university policy and procedures throughout the duration of studies. This will include working to GMYF professional guidance and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, guidance, and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
• Read, understand and comply with risk assessments, operating procedures, and emergency action plans as required.
• Contribute to and support the organisation’s monitoring and self-evaluation process.

Administration & Organisation

• Maintain all academic and administrative duties aligned with the youth worker degree apprenticeship.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by line manager consistent with GDPR.
• Contribute to the promotion and marketing of GMYF to schools, youth groups, and partners.

Representation & Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain a professional partnership with the youth worker degree apprenticeship training provider, schools, DofE, funders, and outdoor sector regulator bodies.
• Represent GMYF within the youth work and outdoor education sectors at meetings and events.
• Advocate for the value of outdoor learning in supporting young people’s wellbeing, mental health, and personal development.
• Support GMYF’s strategic objectives and values through professional leadership, collaboration, and celebration of success.

Person Specification

Essential

• L2 qualification in Maths and English
• L3 qualification e.g. Youth Work, Sports Leader or similar (A’ Levels) *
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and youth-centred practice
• Ability to work collaboratively within a youth work and multi-disciplinary team
• L3 Safeguarding qualification working with young people – to be obtained within 3 months of employment – training provided via employer

Desirable

• Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or additional barriers
• Experience and passion for outdoor education activities and or qualifications in this area e.g Mountain Leader, canoe instructor

*If an applicant does not have the essential qualifications stipulated, discretion may be applied if the applicant can evidence significant work experience and demonstrate appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy for studying in Higher Education.

Other Requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

This is a UK-based post, and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your cover email. 

Closing date for applications: 14th May 2026, midday.

Interview date: 20th & 21st May 2026

Start date: August 2026

Salary: £35,668 – £39,005 pro rata
Hours: Part-time (21 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home-based (with regular travel across Brentwood Diocese)

About the role

CAFOD is looking for a Community Participation Coordinator to grow engagement across the Catholic community in Brentwood Diocese.

You’ll inspire and support volunteers, build strong relationships with parishes and clergy, and increase participation in CAFOD’s work to tackle poverty and injustice.

Working as part of a regional team, you’ll help deliver plans that drive volunteer engagement, fundraising, and community action.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver participation plans across Brentwood Diocese
• Recruit, support, and retain volunteers
• Build relationships with clergy and key diocesan stakeholders
• Support fundraising, campaigns, and community engagement
• Monitor activity and adapt plans based on insights

About you

• Experience working with and managing volunteers
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Organised, proactive, and able to work independently
• Comfortable using data to track and improve performance
• Committed to the value of volunteering and social justice

Additional information

• Home-based with significant travel (access to a car required)
• Some evening/weekend work (TOIL provided)
• Part of a flexible regional team (occasional wider travel) 

The full job description is available on CAFOD's careers page 

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

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves contact with children and young people and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues. The post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). 

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

JOB TITLE:                      Parent Partner

RESPONSIBLE TO:Peer Services Lead for England

HOURS OF WORK:As per individual terms

GRADE/SALARY:Grade 2.4/ £24,479

LOCATION:Home based 

TYPE OF CONTRACT:Permanent

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Provide peer support services via the transition service for One Adoption. You will support individual families with peer to peer goal-based intervention servicedeliverable via 6 sessions of support (1-1).

Provide peer support services via dedicated support phone line, bookable sessions & email cover. This will be delivered via rota’dsessions for the Eastern Region Peer Support Line.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct 1-1 support

•To work with families to achieve agreed goal-based outcomes.

•To work to a plan for transition.

•To signpost families to relevant support.

•To provide 6 online support sessions of 1 hour via TEAMS covering the programme topics agreed within timescale.

•To follow a programme of support and monitor progress regularly.

•To empower families to work closely with schools, settings and relevant professionals encouraging them to build and strengthen relationships. 

•To complete admin and paperwork relevant to the family including evaluation paperwork. 

Support Line

•Following a scheduled work pattern, respond to adopters calling in to alive phone line, providing a listening ear & signposting to relevant resources/information.

•Following a rota ensuring bookable sessions are responded to, listening & signposting where required

•Monitor & respond to emails within your scheduled shifts.

•Ensure feedback texts are sent at the end of each interaction with a caller.

General

•Retain accurate records in accordance with Adoption UK policy and practice, complying with GDPR legislation.

•To ensure compliance with appropriate Adoption UK policies and procedures 

•To carry out such other duties as may be deemed necessary.

•Ensure all admin tasks are carried out within a timely manner, Evide updated.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE

•Personal experience of adoption. (essential)

•Sound knowledge of current adoption issues, or a strong interest in developing such knowledge (essential)

•Experience within the education setting (desirable)

•Experienced mentor or similar support role. (essential)

•Experience of supporting families in group settings as well as 1:1 (desirable)

•A good understanding of One adoption RAA(s) systems and adoption landscape (desirable)

•Safeguarding – understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures (essential)

•Good working knowledge of how to use social media and a range of online platforms with confidence. (essential)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•Work and act on own initiative (essential)

•Work to deadlines and tight timescales and reporting around progress (essential)

•Flexible and able to work purposefully from home (essential)

•Excellent communication skills or verbally and written (essential)

•        Group facilitation skills (essential)

•Good empathic listening skills, able to deal with issues in relation to significant trauma and loss (essential)

•Ability to organise and hold meetings, including by telephone and online (essential)

•Excellent IT skills including Teams, Outlook and Zoom or a willingness to learn (desirable)

•Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. Aware of GDPR, particularly around holding information at home (essential)

•Ensure that internal policies and procedures are complied with. (essential) 

BEHAVIOURS 

•Supports, encourages and motivates adopters and families (essential)

•Values transparency and consistency (essential)

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability (essential)

•Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities (essential)

•Approachable and friendly (essential)

•Confident in 1:1 and group settings (desirable)

•Ability to empower and work in partnership with families (essential)

•Shares skills and knowledge appropriately (essential)

•Offers outstanding service to service users (essential)

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders (essential)

•Willingness to learn new skills (essential)

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

Do you have experience of successful delivery of safeguarding strategies and initiatives?  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard through a profound commitment to safeguarding, protection and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our team to Act as the expert organisational designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for all work 

covering children, young people (CYP) and adults in equal measure. Your role will be homebased but may require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes nationally to meet with stakeholders; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

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

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

About you 

You will have at least 2 years’ experience of working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with line management responsibility, developing, implementing and evaluating of CYP and Adult safeguarding policies, procedures, and training programmes, reflecting current legislation and best practices.You will also have demonstrable experience in leading, managing, influencing diverse teams on safeguarding, focusing on developing a positive culture and promoting continuous professional development. 

You should have experience in managing complex safeguarding cases, including conducting risk assessments, deciding on immediate actions, and coordinating with external agencies and key stakeholders. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be called upon internally and/or by external bodies as a source of organisational expert knowledge. 

You will provide leadership and accountability for the advancement of safeguarding best 

practices. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively across agencies and adapt child protection systems to address risks in diverse social environments as part of a contextual safeguarding approach, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people, vulnerable groups and adults alike.

Benefits  

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

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

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

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

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

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

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

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

Equality and Diversity 

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

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

Work with us at NCT

For pregnancy, parents and progress.

At NCT, what we do every day has a real impact on people’s lives.

We’re the UK’s charity for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. For nearly 70 years, we’ve been alongside women and parents, offering trusted information, practical support and building communities.

Today, we reach hundreds of thousands of new and expectant parents every year. We provide antenatal and postnatal education, local and national support for infant feeding and mental health, and we campaign for fairer, safer maternity care. We listen to parents’ experiences and act on them - tackling health inequalities, challenging systems that don’t work, and pressing for progress.

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families.

Your role will include:​

• Raise awareness of who we are – what we do and the difference we make and encourage people to use our services, support our charity and advocate on behalf of new parents.
• Drive impactful campaigns – Engage parents, policymakers, pregnancy and birth stakeholders and organisations with compelling advocacy and messaging.
• Lead the press office – Develop and implement PR strategies to enhance NCT’s visibility and credibility through powerful and creative storytelling.
• Lead our responsive external communications work – developing thought leadership, reactive comment pieces and content in response to external developments affecting new and expectant parents.

Why work at NCT?

Whether you’re supporting services, shaping policy, delivering programmes, raising funds, running operations or telling our story, you’ll be contributing to something bigger:
a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.

People join NCT because they want to make a difference - and stay because they believe in how we do it.

How we work

We’re guided by a simple principle: no judgement, no exception. That shows up in how we support parents - and how we work with each other.

At NCT we are:

• Welcoming: We are always welcoming, creating connections and building communities.
• Collaborative: We achieve better outcomes by working together.
• Inclusive: We ensure equity and inclusion are core to who we are and what we do.
• Bold: We are bold, brave, and progressive
• Trusted: We provide trusted, high-quality, evidence-based information, support, and services.

We deal with complex issues, make tough decisions, and work in environments that can be challenging. But we do it with honesty, care and a shared sense of purpose.

When you work at NCT you’ll get fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Pension matched up to 5%
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more
• Cycle to work scheme to support sustainable commuting
• Life Assurance for peace of mind
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts
• Blue Light discount card

Join us

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want your work to contribute to lasting change - for generations of parents to come - we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we are NCT.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At NCT, we believe everyone should be able to shape their own journey - as parents, and as colleagues.

We are taking positive action to increase diversity across our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging for all our people and for the parents and families we support. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action.

We are committed to zero discrimination, both internally and externally. This commitment applies regardless of visible or invisible difference, including (but not limited to): sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long‑term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including single parents), socio‑economic background, pregnancy and maternity.

We actively welcome applications from people from communities who are under‑represented in our organisation and the charity sector more widely.