Children and families jobs in Edinburgh

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a small but growing charity, working to ensure that every child has 1:1 reading support at the time they need it most.

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 for building new corporate partnerships, will be crucial to ensuring that we have sufficient volunteers 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 Business Development Officer to be an integral part of a team which aims to both maximise corporate income and take Chapter One into new regions across the UK.

Reporting to our Business Development Manager (BDM), but also working closely with our Corporate Partnerships Team, you’ll help them to deliver our annual volunteer targets. This will involve prospect research and engagement, presentations, networking, pipeline management and lead conversion.

This role within Chapter One is an opportunity for an early career professional or someone looking for a career change to hone their business development and sales skills in a dynamic, fast-growing charity which is flexible and agile. 

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Partner Recruitment

• With support from the BDM, proactively ‘sell’ Chapter One programmes to potential new corporate partners to achieve annual new partner/volunteer targets

• Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other relevant platforms to identify, research and contact potential new corporate partners

• Prepare and tailor communications for prospective new partners, including research on their CSR/social value strategy and its alignment with Chapter One’s mission and regional presence

• Ensure the prospective new partner pipeline is proactively managed on our Salesforce CRM and work with the BDM to automate the pipeline process where appropriate.

• Identify opportunities for regional expansion and support the BDM to secure commitments in line with launch timetables

• Identify opportunities for expansion in specific sectors or in relation to specific initiatives.

• Post on LinkedIn and develop a network of CSR and Social Value managers and relevant organisations

• Research relevant intermediaries, local authorities and groups with which Chapter One could build ‘broker’ relationships

• Keep up to date with developments in CSR/ESG/Social Value and employer-led volunteering

• Research relevant events and conferences that Chapter One team could attend to network and/or speak

• Ensure Chapter One information on external volunteering and matchmaking platforms is kept up-to-date

Account Management

• Lead the account management of a portfolio of corporate partners (approx. 10–15), delivering against retention, growth, and income targets through regular reviews and proactive relationship building.

• Plan and deliver partnership meetings, volunteer recruitment sessions, and tailored communications aligned to each partner’s CSR strategy and Chapter One’s mission.

• Collaborate with the Corporate Partnerships Team and internal teams to produce high-quality reports, pitches, onboarding experiences, and promotional materials for partners and volunteers.

• Ensure accurate partner administration, including CRM record-keeping (Salesforce), invoicing coordination, and general account management processes.

General

• Oversee, maintain and develop business development processes, including use of Salesforce CRM and exchange of information with the Corporate Partnerships Team

• Conduct administrative duties as required to support the Business Development Manager

• Attend online and in person meetings, conferences and events to represent Chapter One, talk about its work and recruit 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 business development of Corporate Partnerships in a charity or B-2-B 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/volunteering and/or a commitment to learning more about social value and how it’s interpreted by businesses

• 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, Mailchimp, PowerPoint and more.

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

• Experience of using social media to develop business relationships

• Experience of achieving annual sales targets

• A background in CSR or social value

Interview Dates

First Round: Week commencing 9th March

Second Round: Week commencing 16th March

Join Family for Every Child as a Programme Advisor!

We’re seeking a passionate Programme Advisor to co-lead our Children on the Move portfolio and drive innovative strategies across emerging themes — including the integration of cross-cutting priorities and our response to the climate crisis. In this role, you’ll work closely with Family’s local CSO members and secretariat teams to deliver our Impact goals, strengthen locally led action, and help shape our global positioning for children and families.

If you’re a collaborative professional with experience in child rights and programme strategy, a commitment to locally led change, avaiablable to inyerview and start role asap, we’d love to hear from you! NB - Only  avaiavle immediately,applicantions will be considered due to the urgency of the role. 

You must be available and adaptable to work across varied time zones (UK, India, New Zealand, and Australia) to support global team operations.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Development Manager to help grow and embed our early help and family mental health services across the UK.

This is a senior, outward-facing role focused on securing statutory income, developing high-quality tenders, and building strong relationships with local authorities, Family Hubs and strategic partners. A key priority will be positioning KidsTime Workshops as a recognised, commissioned early help offer within local authority family support systems.

Working closely with the CEO, you will identify high-impact opportunities, navigate commissioning processes, and help ensure more children affected by parental mental illness receive timely, preventative support.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in local authority commissioning, business development or statutory income generation, who understands early intervention and wants to use their skills to create lasting social impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Corporate Fundraiser to help grow vital income through meaningful, long-term partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

This role plays a key part in delivering our fundraising strategy by connecting purpose-driven organisations with our mission to support children and families affected by parental mental illness. You will build and steward corporate relationships, develop partnership and sponsorship proposals, and represent Our Time Charity to external audiences.

Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you’ll help secure funding that directly supports our KidsTime Workshops and wider programmes – enabling children to feel supported, understood and less alone.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in corporate fundraising, relationship management or partnerships, who enjoys building connections, telling compelling stories, and turning shared values into lasting impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

SUDC UK is a national charity dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and supporting families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Our team is passionate, warm, friendly and impact-driven.

SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child aged 1-18 years where the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation. 40 children are affected every year in the UK, more than young child deaths due to traffic accidents, fires or drowning and comparable to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight, often going to sleep and never waking up. 

As a specialist charity, SUDC UK informs, empowers and advocates for families when their child dies suddenly and unexpectedly. We operate nationally and have expertise in SUDC, bereavement support, the child death process, genetic investigation, SUDC research and medical screening.Founded by three bereaved parents, we have deep understanding of the impact of SUDC and loved children, and their families, are at the heart of all we do.

The purpose of this role is to lead and deliver our income generation and marketing strategy, growing sustainable income streams while increasing our profile, reach and impact. This dynamic and rewarding role blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, including first-line management of a small team.

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

To apply

Please visit our website to download the recruitment pack and application form, and apply

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 9 February 2026 

First-round interviews: Wednesday 18 February 2026 (London) 

Job Description

Job Title: Family Liaison Officer

Location: Remote working (Home based)

Salary: £28,000

Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)

About React:

React – Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal illness is a dynamic charity working to improve the quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses living in financially disadvantaged households throughout the UK. Our work is unrivalled by any other organisation and our passion and belief that every child should have comfort, dignity, and the opportunity to participate in life as fully as possible is our driving force.

The Job, in a few words:

Reporting directly to the Director, this role will support our small team working with React families and donors.  We encourage our staff to get involved with all aspects of our work and candidates must be literate, logical and have sympathy for the cause. Good writing skills are essential. To succeed in the role you must be a self-motivated team player who is happy to roll up their sleeves and get on with the job.

SUMMARY OF ROLE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

Working directly with our families and donors you will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks and must have:

• Ability to work on your own initiative

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong literacy skills are a must

• Good computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook

• Flexible and pro-active approach

• To operate within the ethos and culture of React and promote our values

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To summarise family applications

• To liaise with families and healthcare professionals

• To make grant awards to React families and process payments

• To enter data on databases and maintain accurate records

• To assist with the preparation and writing of new fundraising applications

• To identify and research funding opportunities as requested

• Be a collaborative team-player who is willing to learn all aspects of React’s work

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Educated to degree level

• Excellent administrative and time management skills

• Intelligence, organisation and creativity

• Ideally at least two years work experience

JOB TITLE: Youth Programmes Officer North Wales 

SALARY: £18,731 pro-rata including holiday pay, based on a working pattern of 30hrs/week across 4 or 5 days, and 39 weeks/year. £26,700 FTE   

LOCATION: Homebased with travel within North Wales (Mainly within Anglesey/Bangor Area and occasionally along the A55 corridor) 

HOURS: 30hrs a week, working term time only (39 weeks/year). The hours and days of coverage may be negotiable for the right candidate and experience 

CONTRACT: Permanent  

Ideal opportunity if you enjoy working with young people and want to help them be the best they can be.  

Flexible and rewarding position within a dedicated and supportive team, working together to develop teamwork, leadership, and employability skills that inspire the next generation to aim high.  

Join our team and make a real difference!  

Our charity, the Jon Egging Trust, is looking for a highly motivated individual with experience of working with young people, to plan and deliver inspiring teamwork, leadership and employability programmes in North Wales. The role involves liaising with school staff, local partners (including the Military and local businesses) and volunteers to ensure programmes meet the needs of our young people and is supported by the Regional Manager, North Wales.  

The successful candidate will be based from home with a requirement to travel to partner schools and business sites in and around Anglesey, Bangor and occasionally along the A55 corridor. Fuel expenses are paid and travel time is included as part of working hours. Working with secondary schools to provide early support programmes, core delivery time is usually within the school working day and during school terms only. All other working hours can be managed with flexibility by the post holder to ensure that all administrative tasks are completed as required.  

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack  

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply 

Please complete our online application form.

The closing date is Sunday 22nd February 2026 at 23:59.

Interviews to be held week commencing 2nd March 2026. 

This will be a two-part interview, which will involve an online interview on Monday 2nd March via Microsoft teams, followed by an in-person delivery observation interview on Wednesday 4th March at a local school within North Wales. Details of which, will be shared upon invitation to interview. 

Questions? 

Contact us through our website. 

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback. 

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role. As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy.

Join a charity which helps families wherever and whenever they need us

Lia’s Wings is the only charity delivering life-saving aeromedical transfers by plane both within the UK and overseas. We make sure babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. Alongside these urgent medical transfers, we provide tailored, wrap-around support for families to help them through a crisis, creating long-term improved health and well-being outcomes.

We are seeking a new Director of Fundraising to help us increase our income to support more families. 

The successful candidate will set the strategic direction for fundraising, lead the team to build strong and sustainable income streams and ensure the charity has the resources it needs to deliver and expand our vital services.This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of our small but mighty charity. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for providing life-changing support to babies and children.   

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals.
• Lead income development and diversification across corporate, major donor, trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events.
• Lead the development of compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor communications.
• Build a strong corporate partnerships programme, including aviation sector engagement and charity of the year partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects, working closely with the CEO where appropriate.
• Grow individual giving, including regular giving, appeals, and legacy development.
• Oversee the trusts and foundations pipeline, ensuring high quality applications and stewardship.
• Provide strategic insight to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance, opportunities, and risks.
• As a member of our Senior Management Team, contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, and impact.  reporting.

We are looking for someone with: 

• Proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams.
• Demonstrable success in building relationships with high-value donors, corporates, or trusts.
• Experience working in a small or growing charity environment.

For further details, please see the attached job description. 

How to apply: 

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February. 

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.

Each year, around 150 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide. The actual number of suicides as a result of domestic abuse remains unknown. Most of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. We help these families in many ways, our prime function being to provide families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after domestic homicide.

AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) is a growing Charity and to meet the demands we are looking for a specialist Advocate for Scotland. Although home based, some travel will be required - frequency will be commensurate to the role. We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse. We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

Scotland is expected to introduce Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews commencing in April 2026. We are looking for a candidate with a good understanding of the Scottish legislative system and good understanding around domestic abuse to join our growing charity

Our Specialist Advocates support families impacted by fatal domestic abuse through provision of lay advocacy, for and on behalf of, families with a range of statutory service providers (e.g. those conducting reviews and inquiries, social services, police, housing) and work to build good relations between all parties. To ensure that families get the support they need, you will use AAFDA’s Home Office endorsed seven-step approach to working with individuals and families, to ensure that they receive the best possible support and advocacy to restore dignity and relief for families and to help them cope and recover. Through trauma-informed approaches, you will:

· Listen to families and advocate for them in a complex system that too often treats them as passive participants and overlooks the value of their insight.

· Provide information, support, guidance, advice and advocacy on Domestic Homicide & Suicide Reviews (DHSR’s) and other reviews where relevant and appropriate.

· Manage families’ expectations of the legal and procedural processes facing them by supporting families in meetings with agencies such as health, police and local authorities.

· Give families practical help on a wide range of issues - including help with letter writing or advocating with employers and local authorities on the families’ behalf.

· Support AAFDA in our bringing families together in AAFDA’s peer support events, such as the Hear Our Voice weekend and the on-line peer support Zoom sessions, where families can speak with others to share their experiences and stories. This will involve occasional evening work.

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. Closing date:

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.

.You will be required to visit families and clients across Scotland. 

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
• Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
• Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews:  Wednesday 4th March

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

Senior Policy Officer

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  

We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. 

Senior Policy Officer Job Description

Do you want your policy work to genuinely change lives? As a Senior Policy Officer, you’ll lead a defined area of our UK-wide policy work, shaping evidence-based positions that influence decisions across health systems and government. You’ll have the autonomy to own your brief, the space to think strategically, and the support of an expert, collaborative team who care deeply about impact. Your work will directly affect people living with bowel cancer.

This role is ideal if you’re an experienced policy professional who enjoys tackling complex problems, building trusted relationships, and turning evidence into action. You’ll work closely with policymakers, clinicians and sector partners, represent us in high-level forums, and help steer how we respond to fast-moving health policy developments. In return, we offer flexibility, trust, and a strong values-led culture and the chance to be part of a growing organisation delivering an ambitious strategy at a critical moment.

If you’re motivated by purpose, confident in your judgement, and ready to step into a role with real responsibility and influence, we’d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to come and join our team providing maternity cover until January 2027 during a period of organisational growth.

Location – This role is mainly working from home with one day a week in our London office (usually a Monday). Occasional travel to our other programme sites (currently Stoke-On-Trent, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Scotland) will also be required.

Salary – Circa £60,000

Employment Type – Fixed term until January 2027, 35 hours per week

Team – Communications team

 

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

· Strong experience in strategic communications, ideally within a start-up, growing, complex or place-based organisation.

· Experience setting up and embedding communications functions, including establishing foundations and building approaches as priorities evolve.

· Significant experience in people leadership, including developing others and building a strong, collaborative working culture.

· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working with an SLT, including supporting government policy, media, funding and influence related activity.

· Strong content, storytelling and copywriting expertise and the ability to communicate a clear organisational narrative.

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include:

· Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of national and local communications strategies and plans, including national content activity and priority local campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

· Leading the set-up and embedding of new place-based communications functions.

· Leading and overseeing the planning and delivery of Thrive at Five’s 2026 Impact Report, communications relating to evaluations and learning, and our fifth-year anniversary, working closely with evaluation and fundraising colleagues.

· Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key national and local stakeholders in line with our communications strategy and goals.

· Providing professional and operational leadership and coaching to the wider Communications team to ensure they deliver to a high standard.

 

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities.

About our benefits

· Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST.

· Hybrid working with one anchor day a week in our central London office near to Victoria train station, coach station and underground.

· 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.

· In addition to your laptop and phone provided by us, you can also receive a £100 contribution towards your home-working set up.

· £100 contribution towards your professional body membership

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK.

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. While the closing date is midnight on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.

Advert

People Services Officer

Fixed term contract until August 2027

17.5 hours per week (Wednesday to Friday).

£13,134.87 per annum

Location

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need

This role sits within our People and Culture Domain.

We're looking for a proactive and customer-focused People Services Officer to join our People (HR) Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys delivering high-quality operational HR support.

In this role, you will help ensure our HR processes run smoothly, efficiently and in line with policy, while working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation. You'll be a key point of contact for employees, volunteers and managers, supporting the full employee lifecycle and helping drive continuous improvement across our HR service.

As a People Services Officer, you will:

-Ensure smooth and accurate processing of pay and contractual changes, working closely with Payroll and confirming all changes in writing.

-Manage and respond to internal and external queries via shared inboxes, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution.

-Lead, plan, and provide guidance on family leave processes, and offer first-line advice on low-level employee matters (e.g. sick pay entitlement, volunteering/positive disclosures).

-Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities, contributing to HR projects, and helping implement new processes and initiatives.

-Provide administrative and system support to the People Partnering team, including preparing HR documentation, generating data reports, and supporting compliance with key people processes.

-Maintain a customer-focused approach while ensuring data accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to HR policies and procedures.

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, which includes the disclosure of criminal records, vetting checks, and the provision of appropriate references. The number and type of references required may vary depending on the nature and responsibilities of the role, ensuring that each appointment is carefully assessed. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

Please note we will be shortlisting an interviewing as and when applications comes in.