Children and young people youth advocate jobs

Chief Operating Officer

Location: Hertfordshire (with hybrid working possible)
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Contract Type: Full-time (flexible arrangements considered)
Reports to: Board of Trustees

About Us

We are a collaborative umbrella charity supporting 12 exceptional children’s charities across Hertfordshire. Our mission is to champion and sustain the vital work these organisations do by raising funds, amplifying their voices, and creating strategic opportunities to increase collective impact.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation with a strong network, deep community roots, and a powerful purpose — supporting children and young people across the county to thrive.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary COO to lead our charity into its next chapter. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all operations, fundraising activity, and strategic development — ensuring that we deliver on our mission, grow our impact, and serve our member charities with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Implement our forward-looking strategy to support the long-term success of the Helping Herts umbrella model.
• Act as a visible and credible ambassador for the organisation with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public.
• Build strong relationships with the 12 partner charities to ensure their needs are heard, supported, and addressed.

Fundraising and Income Generation

• Lead and diversify fundraising efforts — from individual giving and corporate partnerships to major events and grant funding.
• Strengthen the charity’s profile and reach to attract long-term supporters and sponsors.
• Develop an income-generation strategy that is sustainable, collaborative, and impactful.

Operations and Governance

• Oversee daily operations and ensure the charity runs effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure legal, financial, and regulatory compliance.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, preparing reports and providing strategic advice.

People and Culture

• Lead a small staff and volunteer team, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusion.
• Build capacity through partnerships, volunteers, and external service providers.

Communications and Advocacy

• Shape and deliver a clear communications strategy, including public relations, social media, and stakeholder engagement.
• Act as a spokesperson and advocate for the sector locally and regionally.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven leadership experience in the voluntary, public, or commercial sector.
• Track record of income generation and fundraising success.
• Strong operational, financial, and governance knowledge.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
• A strong interest in children’s charities.

Desirable

• Experience working with or within consortia/networks.
• Understanding of the charity landscape in Hertfordshire or similar regions.
• Experience working with Boards and reporting at a senior level.

What We Offer

• A unique leadership role with purpose and impact.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A supportive, mission-driven board and stakeholder community.
• The chance to shape the future of children’s support services in Hertfordshire.

224 Youth Zone is set to be a significant new part of South Bristol’s play and youth landscape – and we’re looking for a bold, experienced, and inspiring Head of Play, Youth & Partnerships to lead the charge.

As we scale up towards opening, this is your opportunity to shape a high-impact, seven-day-a-week frontline offer for up to 250 children and young people each night – energising a team, building a culture, and delivering at scale.

This senior leadership role sits at the heart of delivery, partnerships, and safeguarding, with the power to help shape the future of inclusive, relational, and values-led play and youth provision in the city – working alongside an incredible network of partners and community organisations.

What you’ll be doing:

· Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of our open access play and youth programme 40 hours a week of activities that are responsive, inclusive, and exciting!

· Line manage Team Leaders and oversee a large team of part-time and sessional staff, embedding a culture of reflection, excellence and relational practice

· Shape a delivery model rooted in Play Work and Youth Work theory, focused on progression, relationships, and personal development

· Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead ensuring all children and young people are safe and supported

· Build powerful partnerships with local organisations, schools, and services to strengthen our reach and offer

· Champion the use of CRM and data systems to track, evidence and grow our impact

· Play a vital role in organisational planning and decision-making as part of the Senior Leadership Team

What we’re looking for:

· A dynamic, experienced leader of services for Children and Young People, passionate about relational, inclusive, high-quality delivery

· Confident in staff management and programme design – able to motivate, support and inspire large teams

· A safeguarding expert, with a strong understanding of duty of care and safe practice

· A strategic thinker with the ability to lead both day-to-day operations and long-term vision

· Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, purposeful environment and believes deeply in the power of play and youth work

If you’re a thoughtful, values-led leader who puts children and young people at the centre and brings both strategic insight and a strong sense of purpose to your work, we’d love to hear from you!

For Further information please check out our website:Youth Moves

Spark Inside runs coaching programmes in prisons across London and the South East, to encourage rehabilitation and reduce reoffending. 

We are one of the first organisations to take life coaching to people living and working in prison and to use systems coaching to bring together staff and prisoners in UK prisons. Our expert coaches are qualified and trained professionals. In addition to developing and delivering innovative coaching programmes, we are also committed to working with parliamentarians and government officials to influence criminal justice policy, and shift the perception of people in prison, platforming their voices and highlighting their unlocked potential.

To achieve our ambitious strategy, Spark Inside is seeking a Communications Manager to help raise the charity’s public profile, build influence with policymakers, attract funders and commissioners, and ensure the lived experience of young people in the justice system shapes our messaging, campaigns and strategy.

You will work with the Head of Communications and Advocacy to deliver a programme of compelling external communications activities through digital, print, press and events in order to increase Spark Inside’s visibility and ensure our key messages are wide-reaching and impactful.

You will report to the Head of Communications & Advocacy and work closely alongside our Participation and Engagement Manager and Policy Lead, with line management responsibility for a part-time Communications Officer. You will also work with a range of external freelancers on design, film and print. You will build and maintain good relationships with colleagues across the whole Spark Inside team, offering support and advice as well as drawing on their expertise and insights to make our communications impactful and engaging.

While target-driven, you will have a supportive style and work in a highly collaborative way with colleagues across the organisation.

You will share a passion for our cause, and a commitment to high standards. You will be highly organized, enthusiastic and motivated, with a talent for building relationships and networking. You will be up to date on the latest digital tools and trends and able to harness them to take Spark Inside’s communications to the next level.

To find out more information about the responsibilities of the role and required experience, and how to apply, please see attached job description.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Senior IDVA:

Youth Realities is a youth and survivor-led charity based in Barnet, addressing teenage relationship abuse through creative education and specialist, survivor-centred support.

Youth Realities aims to: 

• Reduce abuse within teenage relationships 

• Increase awareness of teenage relationship abuse through education

• Empower young people’s personal development & growth

• Provide advocacy and trusted support for young survivors

Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence. Our mission is to end relationships abuse by working with young people to provide specialist spaces for prevention, intervention and healing.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor in West Midlands, in particular Birmingham, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Stafford and Stoke-On-Trent. 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness.

Job title: CRM Administrator
Central London office based, possibility for some hybrid working
Hours:  14 or 17.5 hours (0.4fte or 0.5fte)
Salary: £16k to £20k pro-rata (£40k fte)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you want to leverage your skills to combat homelessness for children and young people? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you.

We are looking to recruit an exceptional CRM administrator to maintain and manage our Donorfy CRM, ensuring it works seamlessly to protect our strong supporter relationships with the Centre. This is a new and exciting role sitting centrally in our HR and Operations team and you will have a flair for data analysis, an aptitude for accurate reporting and thrive in maintaining system efficiency and data integrity. The role will be pivotal in supporting our friendly fundraising team in the effective use of Donorfy. 

The Centre has to raise circa £2.5m every year to support our work with young people, children and families facing homelessness.  Our CRM and its effective use is critical to building our knowledge and insight to grow this income.  It’s a critical role that will have real impact.

Bringing your hands-on CRM experience and strong communications skills, you will have a curious mindset, proactively seeking to continually improve yourself and the role, championing a culture of data excellence, as well as taking ownership and accountability of your workload.

Please refer to the job description for further information. 

In your cv and cover letter please outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.

The Centre is an equal opportunities employer.  We are always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us and help improve the lives of homeless young people, insecurely housed families and their children.  We particularly want to encourage people from under-represented groups in the not-for-profit sector to step forward and apply to work with us. We require our staff to recognise the valuable role that volunteers play in the work of the Centre and to welcome and support volunteers with whom they work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We require job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration and undertake a basic DBS check.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas.

Benefits

· 26 days’ leave, rising to 28 days’ leave after two years’ service (pro rata for part time staff)

· Discretionary wellbeing and celebratory days

· Workplace pension scheme and we’ll match employee contributions up to a maximum of 6%

· Salary exchange option

· Life assurance cover (after probation passed)

· Employee assistance programme

· Season ticket loan

· Training and development opportunities

· Access to Blue Light Card discounts

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 16 July, 11.55pm
Interviews likely: 24 July

If you’ve not heard from us two weeks after the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Lumos is an international children’s charity founded in 2005 by the author J.K. Rowling to end the harmful practice of institutionalisation of children. Lumos’s mission is to fight for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.  Our vision is for all children to grow up in safe and loving families. 

Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, an estimated 5.4 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. Separated from their families and communities, these children are deprived of the love, attention and opportunities they need to thrive. Our three-pronged approach is to prevent family separation, to protect children and to promote care reform. We’ve made important progress in closing harmful institutions and reuniting children with their families. And where children are unable to live with their birth families, we promote alternative family-based care, such as kinship care and quality foster care.  Thanks to our tireless efforts alongside many other champions of care reform, the harms of institutionalisation are now more widely understood. A global movement is underway and the UN, the EU and some large development agencies have joined individual countries in pledging to change how they care for vulnerable children.  We are committed to ensuring that global policy commitments are translated into local action, leading to sustainable change for vulnerable children.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor in the North West, in particular Merseyside, Manchester and Stoke-On-Trent. 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness.

Job title: Communications and Content Manager
Central London
Hours: 28 hours a week part time; 21 hours considered for the right candidate
Salary: £30,400 for 28 hours  (£38,000 fte)

At the Cardinal Hume Centre, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a full life, but we know that homelessness and poverty can wreck that potential. Too often homelessness at a young age is repeated and compounded in later years.  Our renewed vision is to increase our focus on young people, children and their families. To value every individual, nurture their potential and help people thrive.

We are looking to recruit a Communications and Content Manager to provide hands-on accomplishment of our communications and content initiatives. This is an exciting role in our fundraising team that will create and manage engaging content across various platforms, enhancing our digital presence.  The role is pivotal in highlighting the Centre’s impact, aiming to amplify the voices of young people, children and families we support.  A natural with websites and associated software, marketing and content creation, you’ll be comfortable as point of contact in a standalone role.  Bringing your experience and strong communications skills, you’ll proactively seek to continually improve yourself and the role, taking ownership and accountability of your workload.

Please refer to the job description for further information. 

In your cv and cover letter please outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.

The Centre is an equal opportunities employer.  We are always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us and help improve the lives of homeless young people, insecurely housed families and their children.  We particularly want to encourage people from under-represented groups in the not-for-profit sector to step forward and apply to work with us. We require our staff to recognise the valuable role that volunteers play in the work of the Centre and to welcome and support volunteers with whom they work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We require job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration and undertake a DBS check; a basic check applies to this role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas.

Benefits

· 26 days’ leave, rising to 28 days’ leave after two years’ service (pro rata for part time staff)

· Discretionary wellbeing and celebratory days

· Workplace pension scheme and we’ll match employee contributions up to a maximum of 6%

· Salary exchange option

· Life assurance cover (after probation passed)

· Employee assistance programme

· Season ticket loan

· Training and development opportunities

· Access to Blue Light Card discounts 

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 22 July, 9am
First interviews likely: w/c 4 August

If you’ve not heard from us three weeks after the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor in Wet Yorkshire & Humber, in particular Leeds, Bradford and Hull. 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor in South & East Yorkshire, in particular, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham. 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £27,144

Location: Camden (NW3)

If you are looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career where no two days are the same, this might be the job for you!

The only thing you need is a passion for making a difference. We don't require previous care experience as we provide all the training and support you need to excel in your role.

About the Role

As a Waking Night Support Worker in a Semi-Independent Home, you will have the opportunity of developing authentic relationships with our young people (aged 16 – 21 years old), you will also have responsibility for making sure our residents are safe, providing support, liaison with other professionals and completion of support documents to record information.

Throughout the shift you will have the additional support of an on call manager should you have any questions. Further to this, you will be involved in team meetings monthly and will also receive monthly supervision.

St Christopher’s Academy

At St Christopher`s we can provide more than just a care job. We can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.

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

We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions.

Working Hours

Our Young People need care 24/7 so we have fixed rotas, with staff needing to be able to commit to weekends and bank holidays.

For Waking Night support staff; shifts are 11.5 hours from 20:00 - 07:30 or 21:00 - 08:30, on average you will be working 40 hours a week.

There is always the possibility to do overtime if you need a bit extra, this is paid time and half; same as bank holidays.

What you need to bring to this role

• Genuine commitment to working and supporting Young People to achieve their full potential.
• An understanding of the issues facing young people.
• The ability to cope effectively with challenging behaviour.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.

What you should expect from us

• Salary: £27,144
• 4 weeks full induction and training program (paid).
• Competitive pay and reward structure offering salary progression based on performance.
• Tailored career development plan through our “St Christopher’s Academy”.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

About Us

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

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

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

Recruitment Process

In order for your application to be reviewed, it must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. 

For the full Job Description and Person Specification - please visit our website.

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

Once application has been submitted, candidates will require to complete an online situational test which will inform the shortlisting process. Unsuccessful candidates will be communicated the outcome via email.

Closing date: Monday 30th June 2025

First stage interview: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June & July 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an individual interview. The interview will be face to face at our offices in Putney.

Second stage interview: Successful candidates will then attend the second stage at their preferred location.

We advise you to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note:

• This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.
• It is illegal to apply for any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children.
• All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.