Children and families jobs in Billericay, essex

Job Title:

Senior Legal Rights Team Manager

Department/Responsibility for:

Legal Rights Team

Line management of 3 employees

Reports To:

Director of Research and Support Services

Purpose of the Role:

Due to an ambitious strategy to increase our reach and revenue by 2027, and increasing demand for our legal services, we are ready to welcome an experienced Senior Legal Rights Team Manager to our Legal Rights Team.

We are looking for an experienced and organised individual to lead the delivery of our high-quality legal rights service, managing a team to ensure our services and support comply with regulatory obligations and remain up to date with the latest legal updates. This includes casework supervision within the team as well as managing your own caseload. The legal focus of the team’s work is within the health and social care field.

In addition, you will need to support the Director of Research and Support Services in managing our external relationships, evaluating and monitoring our service, devising and delivering training and supporting research and marketing activity. Additionally, you will use casework evidence to inform the Charity’s wider policy and advocacy strategies to achieve systematic change.

To be a success in this role, you should be an excellent communicator, proactive, flexible, highly organised and able to meet deadlines. This is a challenging but well-supported role, where you can make a large, career-defining impact for Cerebra and the children and families that we serve.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Team Management and Supervision

• Provide effective, remote line management, support and performance management to direct reports to help them maximise their potential and effectiveness.
• Ensuring that knowledge, training and skills are maintained within the team, with a particular focus on legal knowledge and expertise.
• Conducting inductions, performance management and ensuring casework supervision.
• Provide practical and person-focused coaching support to the Legal Rights Team.
• Ensure there is a continual culture and focus on learning and development and wellbeing.

2. Culture & leadership

• Work to continue the development of a strong, person-centred, empathetic, supportive and inclusive culture at Cerebra.
• Build on excellent relationships between different teams and directorates for each other’s and Cerebra’s overall strategic goals and objectives
• Collaborate across departments to align partner activity with service delivery and communications.
• Contribute to strategic, organisational and cultural development.
• Champion innovation, growth mindset and learning from failure.

3. Legal Casework

• Oversee and supervise casework around health and social care legal entitlements.
• Manage referrals to the Legal Rights Service and triage new cases.
• Ensure that casework is managed in a timely, appropriate and compliant manner.
• Undertaking a personal caseload, including complex cases.
• Ensure all cases are handled in a timely manner - compliantly, effectively and ensuring quality standards are adhered to.
• Develop and maintain legal information products.
• Providing reports to the Director Group and Trustees where required on service performance, legal trends and key performance indicators.
• Use any common occurring problems that arise from the casework to feed into developing further research work into the area of health and social care.

4. Policy and Advocacy

• Utilise insights and data gathered from casework to identify systematic issues/updates and contribute to Cerebra’s policy and advocacy strategies.
• Collaboration and supporting the Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager to ensure insights and data trends identified from casework are appropriately actioned and communicated.
• Use knowledge, experience and legislative updates to influence wider policy changes.

5. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of the Legal Rights Team.
• Build and develop relationships with similar charities/organisations.
• Analyse trends in the area of health and social care law that can feed into future research projects.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s legal rights strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

Specialist & Expert Advocate for Children - based in Scotland

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse AAFDA

Remote – Based in Scotland with regular travel across Scotland

Salary – £33,000 pa

Full-time

Fixed term for 12 months (potentially 36 months dependent on funding)

Closing Date – 10th April 2026

AAFDA is a growing charity, and we are looking for a specialist Children’s Advocate to be based in Scotland. Although home based, travel will be required across Scotland. We welcome applications from candidates who are registered social workers and who have professional experience of working with people who have experienced domestic abuse.

We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.

Scotland is expected to introduce Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews (DHSRs) in April 2026. We are looking for a candidate with a good understanding of the Scottish legislative system and good understanding around domestic abuse and how it impacts on children to join our growing charity. Each year, in Scotland, around 25 families lose a loved one to fatal domestic abuse, perhaps one third of this number being domestic homicides and the others being suicides following domestic abuse. The actual number of domestic abuse related suicides remains unknown.

Many of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. The Children’s advocate will provide expert advocacy, specialist peer support to children, and other services, helping them practically and emotionally. This may include helping them to contribute to DHSRs and providing opportunities to recover from harm for example via trauma therapy and other services.

Through trauma-informed approaches, you will help the children bereaved by fatal domestic abuse:

-To enhance their voice after fatal domestic abuse including by helping them to contribute to domestic homicide and suicide reviews and formal / informal meetings with various professionals.

-By providing residential peer support events, or access to these events for both the children and their carers.

-Via virtual support tools and other resources.

-By developing pathways into groupwork programmes for carers of bereaved children.

-Cope and recover by direct support and by linking into other services, for example, specialist trauma therapy.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

· 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays

· Excellent development and training opportunities

· Pension Scheme

· Healthcare Scheme

· Employee Assist Scheme

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please submit a supporting statement along with your CV. The closing date is 10th April 2026. Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification. Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.

Please note that we will not progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

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

Benefits to working at Shine:

• 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 with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine 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. 

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. 

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

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

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

At TLG, we’re passionate about building an exceptional staff team that’s committed to making a real difference in the lives of struggling children across the UK. We’re always on the lookout for great people to journey with us towards our vision, and we’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a motivated and mission-driven individual to join us as Therapeutic Hub Head of Service in Greenwich.

We’re looking for a skilled and innovative individual to lead one of our pioneering Therapeutic Hubs, developed in partnership with a local church. This role sits at the front line of responding to the growing mental and emotional health needs of children, young people and families, offering high-quality therapeutic support to intervene early and prevent crisis.

As Head of Service for the Hub, you will provide strong clinical leadership, delivering targeted therapeutic support for complex cases while overseeing referrals and therapeutic pathways within the Hub. You will lead and support a multidisciplinary team of volunteer counsellors, trainees and therapeutic coaches, modelling trauma‑informed, relational practice shaped by PACE values and reflective supervision.

Alongside direct delivery, you will play a key role in developing the Hub’s reach and effectiveness, working collaboratively with TLG, the partner church and local referrers. Safeguarding, quality and professional excellence are central to the role, with responsibility for ensuring the hub is a safe, welcoming and effective space for children and families from diverse backgrounds to find healing and hope.

If you are a skilled clinician with a heart for children, families and the local church, and you’re excited to help shape an innovative model of care, we would love to hear from you.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: Part-time, 2.5 days (18.75 hrs) per week (0.5 FTE)

Closing Date: Sunday 17th May

Initial Interviews: Monday 1st June – Online

Final Interviews: Mon 8th / Tuesday 9th June – at Emmanuel Church London

Circa £43,000 per annum

Permanent

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as Prospect Research Manager within the Partnerships Research and Assurance team.

In this role, you will contribute to the delivery of our prospecting strategy and work across Philanthropy, Corporate and Foundation Partnerships to achieve ambitious results for children. The role is responsible for delivering impactful and insight-led prospect research, including research profiles, network maps and gift capacity ratings, as well as supporting prospecting activity and pipeline development for high value fundraising teams.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in prospect research within high value fundraising, and a strong understanding of prospect research principals. Knowledge of data protection regulations and supporter databases is required, in addition to expertise in data analysis. The role will also require exceptional communication skills, the ability to develop effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, and a willingness to contribute to a supportive and high performing team.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 9am, Thursday 16 April 2026.
First round interview date: Thursday 30 April 2026 via Microsoft Teams.
Second round interview date: Monday 11 May 2026.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We anticipate most colleagues will work two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

Senior Families and Professionals Advisor

Fragile X Society

Salary: £40,000 to £46,000 depending on experience
Hours: Part-time  (22.5hours per week)
Location: Great Dunmow, Essex, with some flexible and hybrid working considered
Contract: Permanent

Help change lives for families affected by Fragile X

The Fragile X Society is the UK’s leading charity supporting individuals and families affected by Fragile X syndrome and associated conditions, including FXTAS and FXPOI.

For more than 35 years we have provided trusted information, emotional support, and practical guidance to families across the UK. Our work connects families with clinicians, researchers, and services while helping professionals better understand Fragile X.

We are now looking to recruit a Senior Families and Professionals Advisor (Adult Enquiries) to join our small and dedicated team as part of a planned transition when our long serving advisor retires later this year.

This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to take on a respected specialist role supporting families navigating complex health, social care, and life transitions.

About the role

This is a senior advisory role supporting adults, families, carriers, and professionals affected by Fragile X conditions.

You will provide information, guidance, and emotional support to individuals and families across the UK, helping them navigate services such as adult social care, benefits, housing, health services, and transition into adulthood.

The role also plays an important part in ensuring that the Fragile X Society continues to provide trusted, accurate, and meaningful information for families and professionals.

A structured handover and training period will be provided by the current postholder to help transfer specialist knowledge.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the handling of adult and carrier enquiries including those relating to Fragile X associated conditions such as FXTAS
• Provide emotional support and practical guidance to families navigating complex situations
• Maintain up to date knowledge of adult benefits, legislation, and social care services
• Work with clinicians, services, and professional networks supporting people with Fragile X
• Ensure the Society’s information resources and website content remain accurate and relevant
• Support colleagues through mentoring and case discussion where appropriate
• Contribute to the continued development of the Society’s information and support services.

About you

We are looking for someone with experience in complex advisory or support work within areas such as:

• disability services
• adult social care
• learning disability
• health services
• rare disease charities
• advocacy or advice organisations.

You will also have:

• strong knowledge of UK benefits systems and adult social care
• excellent communication and listening skills
• high levels of emotional intelligence and resilience
• experience supporting people in complex or sensitive situations
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.

Previous knowledge of Fragile X is not required, but an interest in learning about rare genetic conditions and the lives of families affected by them is essential.

What we offer

Working at the Fragile X Society means being part of a values driven charity where your work genuinely changes lives.

We offer:

• Salary of £40,000 to £46,000 (pro-rata) depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
• Pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible
• Professional development opportunities including rare disease and clinical learning
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

The role also includes the opportunity to work closely with leading clinicians, researchers, and national rare disease networks.

About the Fragile X Society

The Fragile X Society supports thousands of families across the UK and works closely with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to improve understanding and support for Fragile X conditions.

Our mission is to ensure that every family affected by Fragile X has access to reliable information, compassionate support, and a community that understands their journey.

How to applyTo apply, please send:

• your CV and supporting statement explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Further information about the Society can be found on our website.

Ready for a role where your psychology can genuinely shape a developing service? PATH is growing, and we’re looking for a Clinical Psychologist who is energised by complexity, values-led practice, and the chance to build something alongside a passionate team. This is an exciting moment to join us—bringing your ideas, your therapeutic skill, and your professional leadership to a service that is ambitious about outcomes and relentless about care and compassion. 
 
We’re proud to be part of an Ofsted rated Outstanding provision, and we’re investing in psychological thinking as a central part of how we work. If you’re looking for a post with space for creativity, strong multi-disciplinary relationships, and real opportunity to develop specialist expertise, PATH could be the right next step. 

We warmly welcome applicants with strong knowledge of neurodiversity, early trauma and the experiences of adopted and care-experienced people, including those with lived or professional expertise. 

A values-based team you’ll want to be part of

You’ll be joining a warm, supportive and highly committed group of professionals who care deeply about the people we serve and the quality of our practice. We work collaboratively—sharing thinking, holding risk together, and making space for reflection even when we’re working at pace. Psychological safety matters here: you’ll have access to supervision, peer support and opportunities for CPD. 

What you’ll bring 

• Professional expertise in psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and consultation, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice. 

• Confidence with complexity—able to hold risk, uncertainty and co-occurring needs, while staying compassionate and person-centred. 

• At least two therapeutic modalities relevant to this sector (e.g., CBT, ACT, CFT, DBT-informed approaches, systemic/family therapy, EMDR, or other trauma-focused therapies), and the ability to integrate approaches thoughtfully. 

• Collaborative team working—you enjoy working across disciplines and with partner agencies, contributing to shared plans and shared outcomes. 

• Agility and pace—able to prioritise, adapt and respond to changing needs while maintaining high clinical standards and clear documentation. 

• A development mindset—motivation to contribute to a growing hub, improve pathways, and evaluate impact using outcomes and feedback. 

We’re also happy to discuss the opportunity with clinical / counselling psychologists who may be earlier in their career. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment to this sector—through relevant placements, roles, voluntary work, research, reflective learning, or lived experience that informs your practice—we would welcome a conversation. We’re interested in potential as well as experience: your values, your curiosity, and the way you work with people and systems matter to us. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Clinical Psychologist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 £43,471 - £59,389(pro rata for part time)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Deliver high-quality psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for the PATH client group.

·Provide specialist advice, consultation and reflective practice to colleagues and partner services.

·Facilitating reflective groups for families referred to PATH.

·Identify and manage safeguarding risk in line with AUK policies.

·Contribute to multidisciplinary formulation and intervention planning.

·Support service development, evaluation and quality improvement, using outcome measures and feedback.

·Maintain accurate clinical records and produce clear, timely reports for a range of audiences.

·Provide line management and/or supervision within the PATH team.

·Contribute to the training offer within Adoption UK

·To contribute to and maintain accurate records for those using the service on Adoption UK systems and ensuring compliance with both GDPR, safeguarding and confidentiality.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•Experience of working with children and families experiencing the effects of trauma and attachment difficulties (Essential)

•Extensive experience of working within the field of mental health (Essential)

•Experience of working with adoption services (Essential)

•Experience of providing clinical supervision to staff and therapists delivering services to vulnerable families (Essential)

•Knowledge and experience of safeguarding process and procedures (Essential)

•Extensive experience and specialist training/accreditation in relevant subjects and differing types of therapy such as DDP, Theraplay, Neurodiversity, Life story, NVR (Desirable)

•Knowledge of adoption services including AGSGF processes (Desirable)

Qualifications and Education

•Doctoral Level Clinical Psychologist (Essential)

•Current registration with a professional body HCPC (Essential)

•Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. NVR, DDP, Theraplay, Internal Family Systems, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

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

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

Trusts and Foundations Manager
Permanent | Full time
Ideally 1 or 2 days a week in either in Coventry or Middlesbrough
circa £38,000 - £45.000 per annum

Are you an experienced trusts & foundations fundraiser looking to join a much loved charity which supports babies and young children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Aquilas is delighted to be supporting Zoe’s Place in the appointment of a new Trusts and Foundations Manager, a key role at an exciting time of growth for the charity.

About the charity

Zoe’s Place is the only baby specific hospice charity in the UK, providing specialist palliative, respite and end of life care for children aged 0 to 5 with life limiting and life-threatening conditions. They offer a safe, nurturing and joyful environment where families can feel completely supported. With their dedicated nurses delivering 24-hour care, they work together to make every moment of childhood count.

About the role:

Supporting the delivery of Zoe’s Place overall income generation strategy, by researching, record keeping, applying and reporting to a portfolio of trusts and foundations to deliver long term sustainable income growth for the Trust. Overall accountability for capital projects across the Trust

Key Responsibilities:

Account manage the trust and foundations fundraising function   

• Contribute to the maintenance of a comprehensive database for both hospice sites of all relevant grant making trusts and keep up to date with changes in the sector.
• Develop and write applications and bids to a wide range of funders as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Fundraising and fundraising colleagues to ensure all funding opportunities are maximised
• Manage and develop relationships with new and existing funding partners.
• Work collaboratively with Director of Clinical Services, clinical teams and finance to prepare bids and reports.
• Ensure funding partners receive timely and appropriate information about the progress and outcomes of projects including written reports and evaluation in accordance with requirement.
• Responsible for delivery of income targets.
• Ensure excellent relationships are maintained with current, past and prospective funders so the Zoes Place Trust name is associated with honesty and high standards of service delivery.
• Organise visits and tours for trustees of charitable foundations if requested to both Middlesbrough and Coventry sites.

 Administration and pipeline

• Use our fundraising CRM and in line with GDPR to ensure accurate and timely record keeping allowing for good stewardship.
• Carry out detailed research on prospective foundations, identify and maintain a calendar for submitting applications.
• Working with an income pipeline / tracker to ensure accurate and timely financial forecasting, identifying risk to income and mitigating accordingly.
• Ensure activities comply with current law, guidance and best practice of the Fundraising Regulator

Person Specication:

• strong track record in Trusts and Foundations fundraising
• Experience of working in the charity Sector
• Excellent and persuasive writing skills and a sharp eye for details
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas (contact details in candidate pack)

Applications close 5pm Monday 20th April

Aquilas are wholly committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates.  We are truly invested in our candidates and being supportive and informative throughout the application journey

Together for Short Lives is looking for a driven and creative Business Development Manager to develop and secure high‑value corporate partnerships that will help transform the lives of seriously ill children and their families. You’ll lead our business development strategy, build a strong pipeline of opportunities, and develop lasting relationships with prospective and existing supporters.

If you’re collaborative, tenacious and passionate about making a real impact in children’s palliative care, we’d love to hear from you.

Full‑time 1 year FTC | Hybrid (UK‑wide with travel to our Bristol Office) | £42,000

Purpose of role

The Business Development Manager will lead our efforts to secure high-profile, high-value partnerships with corporate organisations  that will generate vital income for children's palliative care. Securing new partnerships and growing our income requires exceptional collaboration skills; a driven, tenacious and resourceful nature; innovation and creativity; and a passionate determination to make a difference to the lives of children and families across the UK.

The main objectives are as follows:

1. Secure new corporate partnerships raising funds to support Together for Short Lives’ direct work, and our National Fundraising Scheme (raising funds on behalf of the UK’s children’s hospices).
2. Develop and deliver a business development strategy, including  prospect research, managing  a robust pipeline of opportunities, and developing a diverse range of business development products. 
3. Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of individual contacts and organisations, including prospective and existing supporters.

Family Support Worker 

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton, Chelmsford

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

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full time basis (35 hours per week) to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Essex Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Essex Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

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

Location:

This role covers Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton & Chelmsford.

What we’re looking for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

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

· Company car for front line care posts

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

· Time off in Lieu

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

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

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

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

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

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

Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

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

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

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

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

About us:

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

How to apply:

Please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Interview Date to be confirmed

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

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

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

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

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

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a growing charity dedicated to ensuring every child has access to one-to-one reading support at the time they need it most. 

We support children at every stage of their primary reading journey through three programmes - Early Literacy Intervention, Online Reading Volunteers, and Book Clubs - helping them build both the will and the skill to read. Our innovative Online Reading Volunteers Programme aims to support 3,500 children facing disadvantage during the 2025-26 academic year, pairing five to eight-year-old children with reading support volunteers from over 180 local and national businesses. Our unique approach requires volunteers to commit just 30 minutes a week for an entire academic year, using our bespoke digital platform. The results are transformative, significantly boosting children's reading confidence and ability. 

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.

About the role

With ambitious targets to support thousands more children by 2029, Chapter One is seeking a passionate, energetic Fundraising Officer to be an integral part of our Fundraising team. Reporting to our Fundraising Manager, you’ll generate income from a range of existing and new trusts and foundations, along with individual fundraising activities, to contribute towards the 2025-26 fundraising target. The fundraising budget in 2026-27 will be £356,000, when you’ll have an individual target.

This role is ideal for an early career professional who can write creative, compelling proposals and build impactful relationships to make your mark in a fast-growing charity which is flexible and agile. You’ll be a proactive, determined self-starter and have high standards for yourself and others. You’ll develop and manage a funding pipeline by investing in thorough research and relationship cultivation, and you will thrive in working with funders, partners and supporters on a day-to-day basis. 

Key responsibilities

Deliver the fundraising plan 

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising Manager to grow Chapter One’s fundraising portfolio and meet agreed income targets from trusts and foundations. 

• Maintain a portfolio of existing trusts and foundations, ensuring an excellent cultivation and stewardship journey​ in order to build relationships and maximise income. 

• Proactively identify and research new prospective trust funders, finding creative ways to engage with them to secure support.

• Create compelling and tailored fundraising applications and reports, ensuring there is a strong emotional case for support and accuracy, to inspire prospects and supporters across trusts and foundations. 

• Contribute to the highest levels of donor care for supporters, including creative stewardship, adhering to all grant conditions and responding in a timely manner to all enquiries from supporters and prospects. 

• Research, interpret and present data about literacy and impact that makes a compelling case for Chapter One’s programmes. 

• Contribute to internal planning and budget setting for restricted and unrestricted activities, setting out clear plans and a pipeline for income generation from trusts and foundations.

• Work with the Fundraising Manager, Corporate Partnerships team and Communications team to support the development of strategies and campaigns to grow individual giving from existing volunteers and supporters.

• Undertake administrative duties to support the delivery of individual fundraising initiatives including matched-giving campaigns and Payroll Giving. 

• Work closely with the Fundraising Manager, Corporate Partnerships team and Communications team to ensure a cohesive approach and maximise all fundraising opportunities.

General

• Oversee and maintain specific fundraising administrative processes, including recording of activity on the Salesforce CRM and internal databases.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulations, networks, and developments across the sector. 

• Adherence to Chapter One’s Donation Acceptance Policy.

• Contribute to forecasting and regular reporting, producing verbal and written reports for senior management as required.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

• A commitment to Chapter One’s mission and values.

• Experience of fundraising, ideally from trusts and foundations. 

• A demonstrable track record of successfully generating income and achieving targets. 

• An ability to create compelling and successful fundraising applications and proposals. 

• Excellent written communication skills, with an understanding of how to tailor communications for different audiences/contexts.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and manage relationships with a range of stakeholders, both internally and externally. 

• Evidence of effective prospect research, growing and managing a pipeline, planning for your portfolio and increasing income​.

• Good financial acumen and proven ability to present complex financial information accurately.

• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

• Ability to effectively work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities.

You’ll be more successful in the role if you have:

• Experience of individual giving or employee fundraising.

• Experience of working in a charity that has a strong corporate volunteering offer.​

• Experience using the Salesforce CRM.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (maximum 2 A4 sides) and a covering letter via Charity Jobs. Your covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4) should:

1) Detail your relevant experience, including clear examples.

2) Tell us the story of a successful fundraising relationship that you have been involved in, how much you raised and what you did to make it succeed.

3) Tell us about how our organisational mission is in line with your values.

Applications that fail to meet these criteria will automatically be discounted. We understand that you may use AI to help craft your application, but do remember that we will be looking for individuals who write a letter that stands out. We want you to have every opportunity to shine and to show us your talents - please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the assessment process works for you.

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of inclusive teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from persons who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

About Chapter One 

Chapter One's mission is to ensure that every child has 1:1 reading support at the time they need it most. We want a world in which all children have the literacy skills they need to thrive.

Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports about 3,500 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 180 local and national businesses. The volunteer task is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability.

We have set ourselves ambitious targets and want to support 3,900 children by 2026/27, so this role, with responsibility managing, stewarding and nurturing our existing corporate partners, will be crucial to ensuring that we have sufficient volunteers and support to achieve this target. 2026 has been designated by the Government as the National Year of Reading, so we have a great opportunity to capitalise on this and secure business commitment for our work!

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.

About the role 

Chapter One is seeking a proactive, energetic and enthusiastic Corporate Partnerships Officer to be an integral part of a team which aims to both maximise corporate income and deliver an excellent partner experience. 

Reporting to our Corporate Partnerships Manager, but also working closely with our Business Development Manager, you’ll support them both to deliver our annual volunteer targets and maintain our strong partner retention rate (currently 84%). This will involve supporting the account management of a portfolio of existing partners and the responsibility to nurture relationships to increase partner investment in Chapter One over time. The role involves collaborating across departments to ensure a seamless and positive experience for volunteers and partners.

This role represents a great opportunity for an early career professional to learn about charity-business partnerships in a dynamic, small charity which is flexible and agile.

Key Responsibilities 

Partner Stewardship

• As determined by the Corporate Partnerships Manager, lead the account management of a selected portfolio of corporate partners, achieving annual retention and growth targets for these partnerships.

• Focus, in all corporate partnership discussions, on maximising income and identifying opportunities to grow a partner’s support.

• Plan and conduct a regular cycle of partnership meetings, including mid and end of year reviews, proactively seeking out new opportunities that will maximise income and retain and grow partner support. 

• Support the Corporate Partnerships Manager to produce high quality written communications, reports and pitches as per the requirements of each partner, collaborating with the Data and Systems Officer and other teams as needed.

• Advocate effectively, with passion and enthusiasm, for Chapter One’s programmes in a variety of internal and external settings.

• Ensure, in conjunction with the HR and Finance Assistant, that partners are invoiced for their Chapter One donations accurately and in a timely manner. 

Partner/Volunteer Onboarding and Experience

• Work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Manager, Head of Corporate Partnerships and Volunteer Support Team to ensure that partner and volunteer onboarding is a smooth and positive experience. 

• Lead volunteer recruitment meetings as requested by partners, including presenting the programme to prospective volunteers and creating excitement and interest. 

• Alongside the Corporate Partnerships Manager, use internal systems to assign partner teams and volunteers to specific schools and ensure that their needs are met.

• Build proactive, supportive relationships with Volunteer Coordinators across partner organisations, providing timely, high-quality data and insights, and delivering an excellent partner experience to foster long lasting relationships.

• Work with Programme Manager team, Volunteer Support Team and IT team, to troubleshoot any issues that arise. 

• Support the Programme Management team to liaise with partner contacts about the organisation of in-person school/office visits and virtual meet and greets.

• Attend Chapter One’s internal Volunteer Experience group and Corporate Engagement Group.

Marketing and Communications

• Work with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure that companies and volunteers have access to an array of promotional assets and recruitment materials.

• Contribute content for the regular volunteer and corporate partner newsletters, including working with partners to gather volunteer testimonials and partner profiles.

• Encourage corporate partners and volunteers to promote Chapter One through their own social media and channels.

• Support the organisation of online and in person partner and volunteer recognition events.

General

• Oversee and maintain specific Account Management related processes, including stewardship plans, recording of activity on the Salesforce CRM and internal spreadsheets and platform databases.

• Regularly use Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets to analyse data and support decision-making.

• Conduct administrative duties as required to support the Head of Corporate Partnerships and Corporate Partnerships Manager.

• Attend conferences and events to represent Chapter One and talk about its work to existing and potential new partners.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others: 

• .A commitment to Chapter One’s mission and values. 

• Experience of account management of Corporate Partnerships or equivalent relationship-based roles in a fundraising, events, sales or marketing environment

• An ability to create compelling written pitches, ensuring messaging and brand are consistent 

• Outstanding presentation skills, with the ability to excite and inspire an audience 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with business professionals at all levels 

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail 

• An understanding of CSR/social value and employee engagement 

• An understanding of social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn. 

• Able to take personal accountability for own workload and for delivery of targets 

• A ‘can do’ and flexible approach with an ability adapt to changing priorities 

• Awareness of the importance of data security best practice and GDPR regulations when processing a range of stakeholder data 

• Highly computer literate, particularly in Excel, with hands-on experience of using Google suite and platforms and tools such as Salesforce CRM, PowerPoint and more. 

You’ll be more successful in the role if you have: 

• Experience of using digital marketing platforms 

• Experience of working in the charity/non-profit sector 

How to Apply 

Please send your CV (maximum 2 A4 sides) and a covering letter via Charity Jobs. Your covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4) should: 

1) Detail your relevant experience, including clear examples.

2) Tell us about a partnership that you have initiated or been involved with and what you did to make it succeed. 

3) Tell us about how our organisational mission is in line with your values. 

Applications that fail to meet these criteria will automatically be discounted. We understand that you may use AI to help craft your application, but do remember that we will be looking for individuals who write a letter that stands out. We want you to have every opportunity to shine and to show us your talents - please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the assessment process works for you.

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of inclusive teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from persons who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

Our focus is on creating libraries of tomorrow with children and young people today.

We want all children and young people to feel at home at the library, to be understood, empowered and inspired. Our collaborative network is made up of member, partners and supporters. We believe in the need for safe spaces and real-life connections to support the demands of modern life. Together, we’re creating change, and you can be a part of it.

This is a pivotal moment of growth and development for Libraries Rising as a young charity. We’re seeking a passionate, skilled manager to join our team. We’re looking for someone to bring the energy and expertise to help us develop and grow over the next 12 months.

We’re looking for:

An experienced project manager who enjoys a flexible and iterative approach.

A proactive leader who is energised by variety, and able to work effectively across diverse topics and themes.

A values led bid writer who has experience of co-creating successful grant funding bids.

A creative thinker who enjoys a productive and responsive environment.

An enthusiastic collaborator who will build strong relationships with our team, members and partners.

We’re looking for someone who lives our values - progressive, collaborative, kind, aspirational and inclusive.

What’s important to us needs to be important to you too. We want to focus on impact, to work openly, to collaborate with and learn from others, to take the time to care for ourselves and each other, and to have fun together. We want to build an environmentally sustainable charity, and we want to be celebrated as an inclusion changemaker in the sector.

About the work

We are an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation. Our members are leaders in children and young people’s public libraries and schools library services (SLS). 

The Development and Delivery Manager (Projects) is a new role for the charity. You will work with a small and growing team, who are passionate about our mission and vision. You will also work with our members (leaders of children’s public library and School Library Service leaders) and sector partners.

We are in the final stages of creating our strategy for the future. You’ll be supporting us with organisational and sector development across all pillars, with a particular focus on our Thriving Charity goals.

Job purpose

To lead and deliver a range priority projects and funding bids for the charity.

The purpose of the role includes:

• To scope and deliver a range of projects to support both organisational and sector developments.
• To convene members and young people to participate in events and workshops, ensuring projects and developments are co-created with stakeholders.
• To compile reviews, reports and options appraisals to aid effective decision making.
• To lead the development and submission of grant and trust funding opportunities.
• To support the shaping, and delivery, of a funding plan to enable delivery of our new charity strategy.
• To ensure creative and flexible use of resources.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Strong project management skills, with experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder work.
• Track record of delivering to achieve strategic goals and outcomes.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, plan and manage risk.
• Ability to negotiate and influence.
• Experience of identifying funding opportunities and successfully bidding for grant funding.
• Able to work on own initiative and collaborate within a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent listening skills with the ability to take diverse opinions into account.
• Digitally literate and technologically curious, with experience of Microsoft Office and project software.
• Experience managing and monitoring budgets.
• Experience of facilitating events and workshops.
• Committed to engaging and co-creating with children, young people and families.
• Understanding of the role of libraries within communities.
• Experience of managing partnerships, subcontractors or commissioned work.
• Awareness of GDPR implications and requirements.

Personal qualities

• Empathetic, able to understand a variety of viewpoints that are different to their own.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality.
• Confident in building relationships and constructively challenging where needed.
• Thrives when working collaboratively and taking responsibility for delivery.
• Trusts others and inspires trust.
• Ambitious for our charity, the library sector and for children and young people.
• Strategic thinker who can also absorb and analyse detailed information.
• Entrepreneurial, with the ability to spot opportunities and develop them.
• Asks for feedback and is able to accept and act on it to improve their own performance.
• Understanding of inclusion and its importance within a diverse society.
• Commitment to own continued professional development.

Our application process is open to everyone and anyone with the experience we’re looking for. We have a diverse board of trustees, but we know our staff team is not as diverse as we need for the future, as we grow. We particularly welcome applications from people from racialised communities, men, trans or non-binary individuals, and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

Employee benefits include:

25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays

5% employer pension contribution

Employee Assist Programme – including 24/7 counselling, health support and legal helpline.

A range of discounts on retail, entertainment, travel and wellbeing.

If you have any questions about the role, or want to chat Tabitha, Chief Executive before applying, please get in touch.

All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. Please also note that appointment will be made subject to collection of two references and a satisfactory DBS check or evidence of a current DBS certificate.

Join our Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH) and make a meaningful difference in everyday life for adoptive, kinship and care-experienced families. We’re recruiting an Occupational Therapist with specialist expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and attachment-informed practice to deliver practical, trauma-informed assessment and intervention that strengthens regulation, participation and connection. 

• Make a difference that families feel every day: co-produce practical strategies that support calmer routines, better sleep, smoother transitions and greater participation at home, school and in the community. 

• Bring specialist sensory expertise: assess sensory processing and regulation needs and translate findings into clear, realistic plans for parents/carers and partner professionals. 

• Work at the sensory–attachment interface: use a trauma- and attachment-informed lens to understand behaviour and build felt safety and co-regulation alongside sensory strategies. 

• Thrive in an MDT: contribute an OT perspective to formulation-led work within PATH, collaborating with psychology and therapy colleagues to create joined-up support. 

• Flexible, UK-wide reach: deliver support primarily online with occasional travel for team days, training or commissioned work (as required and agreed). 

You’ll need: 

• HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. 

• Strong experience supporting children/young people and their parents/carers (including complex presentations). 

• Proven skills in sensory processing assessment and intervention, including regulation strategies, activity adaptation and environmental modification. 

• Confidence working in an attachment- and trauma-informed way with adoptive/kinship/care-experienced families (or closely related work). 

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills, able to translate specialist thinking into practical, non-judgemental guidance that families can use. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Occupational Therapist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 - £43.471

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Occupational Therapist (Sensory & Attachment) will deliver high-quality, trauma-informed occupational therapy assessment and intervention to families with a history of adoption, kinship care and long-term fostering. The postholder will bring advanced expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and the impact of early adversity, attachment disruption and developmental trauma on regulation, participation and family life. The role will work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) within PATH, contributing to formulation-led support, practical strategies and therapeutic approaches that strengthen safety, connection, and everyday functioning at home, school and in the community.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Provide specialist assessment and intervention where sensory processing differences interact with attachment needs, developmental trauma, neurodiversity and emotional/behavioural presentations.

·Co-produce practical, strengths-based support plans with parents/carers and, where appropriate, the child/young person; provide clear strategies that are realistic for family life.

·Deliver evidence-informed interventions (1:1 and group-based as appropriate) including sensory-based regulation strategies, activity adaptation, routine design, environmental modification and caregiver coaching.

·Integrate attachment- and trauma-informed principles (e.g., PACE/connection-based approaches) into OT recommendations, ensuring strategies support safety, relational connection and felt security.

·Contribute to MDT formulation and case discussions, offering an occupational therapy perspective on function, participation, sensory-motor development and regulation

·Prepare high-quality written outputs including assessment summaries, recommendations, letters and reports suitable for families and professionals; contribute to documentation required for commissioning/regulated service evidence as needed.

·Support families to understand the sensory, neurodevelopmental and trauma/attachment factors that may underpin behaviour and distress, and to implement strategies safely.

·Maintain accurate, timely records in line with organisational policies, data protection and confidentiality requirements.

·Contribute to the development of resources (e.g., guides, webinars, workshops) that translate specialist OT knowledge into accessible tools for families and professionals.

·Contribute to delivery of training in your specialist area (sensory processing, regulation, sensory-attachment interface) internally and externally.

·Actively manage a caseload, prioritising risk and complexity, and working within agreed service pathways, timescales and outcome measures.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•  Significant experience working with children and young people and their parents/carers.

•  Experience delivering assessment and intervention for sensory processing differences and regulation needs.

•  Experience delivering remote/online OT interventions and caregiver coaching.

•  Experience of group work (parents/carers and/or young people).

•  Experience of working with adopted children, previously looked-after children, kinship or long-term foster families (or closely related settings).

•  Strong understanding of attachment, developmental trauma and the impact of early adversity on regulation, behaviour and participation.

•  Ability to integrate sensory strategies with relational/attachment-informed approaches.

•  Training/experience in DDP, PACE, NVR, therapeutic parenting or other attachment-informed models.

•  Expert knowledge of sensory processing and sensory-based regulation strategies.

•   Ability to differentiate sensory needs from (and understand overlap with) trauma responses, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental differences.

•  Sensory Integration training (e.g., postgraduate modules) and/or recognised competency frameworks.

•  Knowledge of neurodevelopmental profiles (e.g., autism, ADHD, DLD, FASD) and how these can interact with trauma/attachment and sensory processing.

•  Ability to provide accessible psychoeducation to families and partner professionals.

Qualifications and Education

   •Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy.

   •     Current HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Postgraduate       training/qualification relevant to sensory integration, sensory processing or advanced   paediatric OT practice.

•  Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•  Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. DDP, Theraplay, BUSS model, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

   •         Experience of working within an MDT and contributing an OT perspective to shared          formulations and plans.

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at      all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

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

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.