Children centre manager jobs in london

37.5 hours per week / permanent / Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, with the requirement to work one late shift per week and be part of an out of hours 'on-call rota'.

At YMCA DownsLink Group,is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections -guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Supported Housing Manager to lead our  Our services provide a low level of support for young people who already have a basic level of daily living skills, and can keep themselves safe without daily supervision. 

As a Supported Housing Manager, you will oversee the daily operations, ensuring our accommodation is safe, welcoming and secure. You will work closely with and lead our Deputy Supported Housing Manager, while supporting the wider team to deliver consistent, compassionate support.

We are searching for a motivational and resilient leader who thrives on developing others, championing best practice, and nurturing a collaborative and compassionate culture. You will bring a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach to both your team and the young people we support, ensuring everyone feels understood, safe and empowered. If you are energised by leading teams, shaping services, and supporting staff to deliver exceptional, person-centred support—even in challenging moments—this could be the role for you.

In delivering the role, you will be responsible for:

-- Leadership and People Management: Lead and manage a team, recruiting and inducting new staff, and supporting their performance to ensure high standards of service at all times.

-- Service Provision: Responsible for the daily operations of the service so that it meets the requirements of the service specification, and:

- reflects Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs), Trauma Informed approaches and restorative practices.

- identifies, maps and encourages the strengths and talents of each young person, enabling them to acquire the skills they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

-- Partnerships: Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner organisations that add value to the core, commissioned service (or have the potential to) attending relevant multi-disciplinary meetings as needed.

-- General: Be a member of the out of hours ‘on call’ rota to provide out of hours management support to projects in the wider locality.

About You – If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we’re looking for.

You will bring substantial experience in leading and developing teams within supported housing or similar services for young people and/or adults at risk. You will have a strong understanding of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted frameworks, coupled with a solid grounding in Trauma-Informed Care and Psychologically Informed Environments.

You will be a confident and effective communicator with strong facilitation and decision-making skills, able to lead your team through challenging situations with calmness and clarity. You will have proven experience in overseeing safeguarding procedures within residential services and will model professional standards, maintaining clear boundaries while fostering a culture of trust, safety and supportive relationships.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact . Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at 

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 14 December 2025 at midnight.

We are not able to support a work permit or offer a visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider.

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development.

We activate teenagers’ confidence, optimism and skills to play their part in the world today, through performing and sharing extraordinary music.

We are looking for a Youth Support Co-ordinator to help deliver pastoral care and safeguarding across NYO’s national programme. This role is central to ensuring that young people feel happy, listened to and secure while participating in NYO activities. It blends practical organisation, careful administration and a young person-centred approach to embed NYO’s ethos into every aspect of delivery.

You will coordinate the recruitment, induction and deployment of our freelance Support Team, and provide high-quality administrative and logistical support for all youth-facing activities. You’ll be confident handling conversations with teenagers and their parents/carers, managing sensitive information with discretion, and supporting the smooth running of travel, accommodation and project logistics. You will also assist with casework administration, help deliver care plans with the NYO Nurse and project leads, and ensure accurate records in Salesforce.

This is an excellent early-career opportunity to play a key role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and development through music. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, and be a visible, supportive point of contact for young people and staff on the ground.

At the National Youth Orchestra, you'll work as part of a supportive, friendly, and adventurous staff team. Learning and personal growth are intrinsic to every role.

Our offices near Holborn in central London are a hive of activity, a space for collaboration and ideas. Hybrid working is standard for most roles, with a flexible and supportive culture. NYO offers a season ticket loan scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, health cash plan, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline.

Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 12 January 2026

About the organisation

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia is a professionally approved member of Rape Crisis England and Wales; an umbrella organisation supporting Rape Crisis Centres across the country. Rape Crisis is completely independent of the government and the criminal justice system.

East London Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for women and girls who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives, regardless of whether or not they have reported to the police. We offer confidential and independent support. Services include advocacy, emotional and practical support, one-to-one counselling and group work. The service is provided across Barking & Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Redbridge, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

We form part of the London Sexual Violence Alliance. The Alliance brings together 225 years of expertise and experience and represents a bold, visionary and survivor-centred resource. The Alliance consists of eight members. Seven are organisations that have historically, and or currently, provide support for victims/survivors. MOPAC is the eighth member, primarily sitting at the oversight and leadership governance level.  Note: each organisation continues to be an independent charity, so the Alliance is not a legal entity.

About the role

In the role of Sexual Violence Navigator, you will provide the first response which supports survivors to make informed decisions about the next steps on their recovery journey. Navigators work within a trauma-informed approach, which centres survivor’s holistic needs, recognises strengths and survival strategies and responds to crisis.

About You

You will work as part of a growing feminist Rape Crisis service that is developing to meet the needs of women and girls. You will be joining the organisation at an exciting period of change and collaboration amongst providers of the London Sexual Violence Alliance.

We are looking for highly organised and self-motivated women who are passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You will have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s feminist approach to supporting women and their children to be safer and well.

Job Ref: 196

Hours: 35 hours per week including evening shifts on a rota basis

Salary: £29,000 - £32,000 depending on experience and qualification

‘Job Ref: 197

Hours: 17.5 hours per week including evening shifts on a rota basis

Salary: £14,000 - £16,000. (FTE £29,000-£32,000), depending on experience  and qualification

Location: Hybrid model of office and homeworking. Current office locations are  Islington or Dagenham Heathway. This post will also alternate one day  per week between Alliance partner organisations offices based in Hackney and City of London.

Closing date:                   10am, 29 November 2025

Interview date:                 5 January 2026

CV's are not accepted

The posts are subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

Are you passionate about helping young people build brighter futures?

Do you love building relationships and making things happen in education? If so, we’ve got a brilliant opportunity for you to join our team as an Educational Partnerships Manager at Young Enterprise.

Who We Are

We’re Young Enterprise – a national charity with a bold mission: to give every young person the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in the changing world of work.

For over 60 years, we’ve empowered more than 7 million young people through hands-on enterprise and financial education programmes. Whether it’s launching a student business or learning how to manage money, we help young people develop key life skills—teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience.

We’re a passionate, down-to-earth team of 90+ staff and 2,000+ volunteers who believe that every young person, regardless of background, deserves a fair start in life.

Why Join Us?

We think Young Enterprise is a great place to work—and we’re proud of our people-first culture. Here’s what you can expect:

• A friendly and supportive team where your voice is heard
• A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion—we want everyone to feel they belong
• Generous holiday allowance and flexible working
• Cycle-to-work scheme, life assurance, and NHS top-up plan
• Ongoing learning and mentoring opportunities
• A chance to directly impact the lives of young people every single day

 About the Role

This is a role where you’ll really see the difference you make.

As Educational Partnerships Manager, you’ll work across SE London, building partnerships with schools, colleges, youth organisations and community groups—particularly in areas where opportunities are hardest to come by.

You’ll be right in the mix: planning events, delivering programmes, supporting volunteers and connecting with school staff to make sure young people have access to our inspiring enterprise and financial education experiences.

You’ll be a key driver of our Inspiring Futures initiative —helping young people break down barriers and imagine bigger futures.

It’s a varied, people-focused role with loads of room for creativity, independence and collaboration. Whether you’re visiting a school, chatting with a funder, or supporting a trade fair, you’ll be helping young people build skills that will last a lifetime.

You’ll love this job if you are…

• A brilliant relationship-builder, confident working with teachers, volunteers, and community leaders
• Passionate about education, social mobility, and giving every young person a chance to shine
• A natural communicator—whether leading a session in a classroom or inspiring a room of volunteers
• Organised and able to juggle multiple projects (with a great sense of humour!)
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and happy working remotely but never alone—you’ll be part of a close-knit regional team
• Excited by the idea of doing a job that combines delivery, relationship-building, fundraising and volunteering

 Key Responsibilities

• Build and grow relationships with schools, colleges, youth clubs and local communities
• Focus on expanding our reach in areas of multiple deprivation and underrepresentation
• Deliver and support the rollout of YE programmes in schools and other settings
• Recruit, train and support volunteers—making sure they feel valued and inspired
• Work with your regional team to meet shared goals and celebrate local impact
• Help secure local funding by supporting fundraising efforts and managing project deliverables
• Support the planning of events, trade fairs and celebrations for young people
• Keep accurate records, track impact, and make sure safeguarding is front and centre

A few practical things:

• This is a hands-on role—you’ll sometimes be lifting resources, setting up venues and travelling regularly
• You’ll need to be happy occasionally working evenings or weekends during peak delivery times – with time off in lieu (TOIL) available and travel expenses all covered
• Expect to be on your feet during some events or sessions—it’s all part of the fun!

 Safeguarding Young People

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check and receive ongoing safeguarding training.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to help shape the futures of young people across SE London, we want to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages) telling us why you’re the right person for this role. Applications must be submitted by 23:30 on 25 December 2025. Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Interviews will be held via Teams and may take place before the closing date. Please note, we are only able to respond to shortlisted candidates.

Full details can be found in the Job Description.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us – and help us give every young person the chance to thrive. Apply today!

Are You Who We're Looking For?

Do you love bringing people together, creating uplifting experiences, and making every day count?  If you’re organised, compassionate, and thrive in a busy, people-focused environment, then we’d love to meet you!

We’re looking for a Daycare Coordinator to join our new daycare service.  You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our day service runs smoothly, providing a welcoming and engaging environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

About the Role

As our Daycare Coordinator, you’ll be the heartbeat of our service — making sure every individual who attends enjoys a positive, person-centred experience.

You’ll support the Daycare Operations Manager in running the service day to day, lead staff and volunteers, and help plan meaningful activities that bring joy, connection, and purpose to the people we support.

This is a hands on, rewarding role for someone who loves people, enjoys variety, and takes pride in delivering high quality care and service.

Key Responsibilities

• To coordinate the day-to-day operations of our daycare service
• Ensure clients attending have a positive and engaging experience.
• Support the Operations manager to deliver high-quality, person-centred support and activities.
• Deputise for the Operations Manager in their absence or as and when required.
• Financial management, oversight and record keeping: including sales and purchase invoicing, receipts, credit control functions, petty cash and reconciliations
• Oversee staff and volunteers
• Organise activities
• Accurate record keeping
• Support individual client plans
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the service

The job will close when a suitable candidate has been hired. Previous candidates need not apply. No CV's.

Duration: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover for 12 months)

Salary: £56,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week (other flexible arrangements will be considered)

Location: Working from home and at 1 Westfield Avenue, London E20 1HZ

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 Finance Business Partner (early moments leave/maternity cover for 12 months).

This role provides the main Finance point of contact across relevant teams and senior stakeholders and is expected to support various teams, including the Marketing Team that generates a significant portion of UNICEF UK’s income, and the Information and People Teams, amongst others.

Reporting to the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will work directly with budget holders in your dedicated teams, supporting financial planning and performance reporting with analysis, insight and constructive challenge to support decision making and strategic financial planning, driving positive outcomes for UNICEF UK.

The ideal candidate would be someone that’s analytical and highly numerate, able to identify key performance and financial drivers and convey complex information with clarity. Experience in finance business partnering is key with experience specifically in digital marketing being desirable.  The role entails building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and being able to both challenge and support.

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

Closing date: 9am, Monday 5 January 2026.

Interview date: TBC in January.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts 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 one or 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)

Woman’s Trust is a leading, specialist mental health charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2026, we stand at a powerful moment of growth and transformation. Each year, our trauma-informed, women-led services provide life-changing counselling, therapeutic support and advocacy to women and children across London. Our ambition is to scale this work to reach many more nationally. With a dedicated team of 45 staff, a strong financial foundation and annual income of £1.3m and a deeply committed Board of Trustees, we are poised to shape an ambitious new strategy for the years ahead.

We are now seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead Woman’s Trust into this next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected organisation whose work is not only transformative but often life-saving. The CEO will steer our strategic and operational development, strengthen and expand partnerships, grow sustainable income, and champion our voice across policy, public campaigns and mental health advocacy. Alongside a dedicated and collaborative team and Board, you will play a vital role in delivering and developing innovative services—supporting women and children, survivors navigating the justice system, and peer-led support groups—ensuring we remain responsive to the needs and experiences of those we serve.

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced people leader who combines strategic thinking with the ambition needed to position Woman’s Trust for growth. Confident in representing your organisation at a policy and advocacy level, you will act as a powerful ambassador for survivors’ mental health, influencing systems, shaping debate and strengthening our public voice. With strong financial and governance insight and the ability to build trusted, values-driven relationships across sectors, you will model a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. Above all, you will uphold our feminist, inclusive and survivor-centred values, nurturing an empowering and equitable culture for our staff, volunteers, partners, and—most importantly—the women and children we serve.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

If you have the passion, clarity and commitment to champion the mental health and wellbeing of women and children survivors—and the leadership to guide Woman’s Trust into a bold new era—we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing Date: 21 December 2025

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 22 December - 6 January 2026

Woman’s Trust Panel Interviews:

· First Stage (online): 13 & 14 January 2026

· Second Stage (in-person): 22 January 2026

Please note:

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

The Coach’s role will be to engage with our adult beneficiaries, supporting them to identify and achieve their aspirations for themselves and for their families.

Adopting a holistic, person-centred approach, she will support beneficiaries both to reach short term goals (through the delivery of Information, Advice and Guidance) and to develop the resources, skills and behaviours necessary to make longer term progress (through Coaching) across the five ‘pillars’ of our social mobility framework:

• ­ Employability 
• ­ Education 
• ­ Family stability 
• ­ Money management 
• ­ Resilience and well-being 

We currently have 3 Social Mobility Coaches on the team.  Whilst supporting women across all five pillars, each Coach has specific areas of responsibility, which may change from time to time.  We anticipate that for the first twelve months of employment at least, this new Coach will have specific responsibility for building out our Employment offer.

Smart Works is looking to appoint an experienced Finance Officer to join our finance team of six at a time of significant growth for the charity.

The successful candidate primarily will be responsible for the day-to-day transactional processing on Xero, coordinating payment runs and managing all the finance related administrative tasks for Smart Works Charity and all our regional centres.

The Finance Officer will work closely with our two Finance Managers and the Director of Finance to ensure there is appropriate financial management across the charity.

Apply via our online portal by Wednesday 17th December.

Rape Crisis South London is looking for a skilled, passionate Family Prevention Practitioner to join a growing children and young person’s counselling team.  The successful candidate must be a qualified therapist with significant experience in providing family intervention work from a trauma informed environment. 

The Family Prevention Practitioner will be part of RCSL clinical team which facilitates innovative, responsive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive services for women and girl survivors.   

Our Feminist Commitment
Rape Crisis South London is a proudly feminist organisation. Our work is rooted in the belief that sexual violence is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We recognise that women and girls experience disproportionate levels of sexual violence, and we are committed to challenging the structures, attitudes, and behaviours that enable this harm.

We centre the voices, rights, and experiences of survivors in everything we do. Our approach is grounded in empowerment, intersectionality, and inclusivity, recognising that women’s experiences are shaped by factors such as race, class, sexuality, disability, migration status, and identity.

By joining our team, you will be part of a movement working to end sexual violence and to create a society where all women and girls live free from oppression, fear, and harm.

EDI Statement
RCSL is an equal opportunities employer, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement. Particularly if you have experience working in diverse background.

We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our People & Culture team to discuss how we can help. 
 

Safeguarding and Confidentiality
RCSL is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment for all survivors who use our services. We recognise our responsibility to protect adults and young people at risk from harm, abuse, and exploitation, and we understand that safer recruitment is a vital part of safeguarding. We welcome candidates in particular who have experience understanding of issues affecting women and girls.

Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the survivors who access our services. All recruitment decisions are made with safeguarding as a central consideration.
 

Our safer recruitment process includes:

• Conducting thorough interviews that explore values, behaviours, and safeguarding awareness.
• Verifying identity, qualifications, employment history, and references.
• Requiring an Enhanced DBS check (with barred-list checks where applicable).
• Providing safeguarding training and ongoing supervision for all staff and volunteers.
   

We expect all members of our team to share our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment. Any information disclosed during the recruitment process will be treated confidentially and in line with our safeguarding policies.
 

DBS Requirement

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of survivors. All roles within our organisation involve working with vulnerable adults and may involve contact with young people. As such, employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced OR Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks of the relevant barred lists.

A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected, and supported.
 
Mission Statement
Providing specialist support to women and girls who have experienced rape and/or childhood sexual violence and abuse.

Charity Vision 

A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected, and supported. 
Interview process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one stage interview process:

Stage one: Formal interview with Clinical Lead MS Teams

Interview questions
As part of our values-led interview process, we will explore your experience and approach to safeguarding, EDI, wellbeing, feminism, role-specific responsibilities, and trauma-informed practice. For management positions, we will also discuss your people-leadership skills.

While we endeavour to contact all applicants, and we thank everyone who takes the time to apply, we have limited resources.  Therefore if you do not here from us within 1 month of applying, please presume you have been unsuccessful but we welcome future applications.

Learning and Development
As a charity currently going through an exciting period of transformation, we welcome people who are enthusiastic about continuous learning and development.

This post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  We are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement.

The position is offered on a permanent (subject to funding) part-time basis with 3 days in the office.  

The post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 
 

How to apply
Please apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter (of up to 1000 words) identifying how you meet the essential and any desirable qualifications, skills and experience.

While we endeavour to contact all applicants, and we thank everyone who takes the time to apply, we have limited resources.  Therefore if you do not here from us within 1 month of applying, please presume you have been unsuccessful but we welcome future applications.

 All positions are located in the UK and require the right to work in the UK.

Interviews will be rolling from week to week.

Closing date: 31 January 2025 with the interviews taking place in February 2026

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services.

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

Make a Real Difference to Mental Health Across Bedfordshire

We are excited to offer a managerial opportunity within our Recovery Lounges, where every evening holds the power to change a life.

Recovery Lounge Manager
Post no: 656
Working Base: HQ,The Rufus Centre, Flitwick, MK45 1AH
Area Covered: Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Bedford & Biggleswade
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35.25 hours per week
Work Pattern: Flexible across Monday to Sunday, up to 5 Shifts on site per week, 1 Day at HQ in Flitwick each week
Salary: £28,581.08.00 per annum (£30,000.00 F.T.E)

If you’re confident working in fast-paced settings and want to support people in crisis while shaping an excellent, high-impact service, this could be the role for you.

Not only will you make a meaningful difference to people when they need it most, but you’ll also have the chance to grow your own career, working within the leading mental health charity across Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes.

As our Recovery Lounge Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of this vital service across Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Bedford, and Biggleswade. You’ll guide and coordinate our incredibly dedicated and skilled team of eight Mental Health Support Workers and our volunteers across multiple sites (as above), working closely with NHS partners to ensure every person who walks through our doors receives compassionate, safe, and high-quality support in line with our RICH values.

This is a dynamic, hands-on leadership role—perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, values meaningful human connection, and is passionate about crisis prevention and mental health recovery.

What You’ll Do

• Champion the day-to-day operation of our Recovery Lounges, ensuring safe, effective, person-centred support, in line with Mind BLMK’s service delivery models, policies and procedures.
• Lead, inspire, and supervise staff and volunteers, fostering growth, wellbeing, and confidence.
• Assess individuals’ needs, offer a community setting where those who struggle with isolation can find engagement, deliver 1:1 support, and help prevent further deterioration or crisis.
• Build strong partnerships with NHS mental health services and local community groups to maximise impact.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, data management, and service quality.
• Represent Mind BLMK across Bedfordshire, strengthening awareness and engagement with our crisis services.
• Work closely with the Crisis Services Delivery Manager and Operational Crisis Services Manager to deliver a successful and valued service.

You can find more information about in the Role Profile on our website.

Benefits of Working with Mind BLMK

We invest in your wellbeing, growth, and work–life balance. Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus all Bank Holidays (usually 8, pro rata)
• NEST pension scheme with auto-enrolment
  • Employer contribution: 3%
  • Employee contribution: 5%
• Optional Health Plan
• Learning & Development opportunities, including in-house and external training
• Flexible working available on request (in line with Mind BLMK policy)
• Proud Disability Confident Employer (since 2008)
• Mindful Employer and Mindful Employer Plus signatory – demonstrating our ongoing commitment to positive mental health in the workplace

Closedown: 5pm, 7th January 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

About HIAS+JCORE

HIAS+JCORE is the UK Jewish voice on refugees and racial justice. Our work is driven by the belief that the Jewish community should play an active part in building a society in which Refugees are able to live in dignity where the UK is a welcoming place free from racism.

Our organisation came into this form through the joining of operations between two organisations: the UK-based JCORE (Jewish Council for Racial Equality) and HIAS, a global humanitarian aid and advocacy organisation. HIAS+JCORE is inspired by Jewish values and history to support those who are displaced, no matter their background.

JUMP is a London-based befriending project for young asylum seekers and refugees who have been separated from their families. The three primary ways in which JUMP supports young people are casework, community, and

befriending.

About the role

We are looking for a self-starting team member who will help coordinate this valuable project in London. You’ll be responsible for the befriending pairs and undertake tasks such as develop and maintain relationships with partner organisations, manage referrals for young people, recruit volunteer befrienders, and setting-up and sustaining pairs. This includes leading an initial training day.

Contact with befrienders is through monthly reporting, and bi-annual supervision (initially after three months for new befrienders); alongside ad-hoc communication on safeguarding or other urgent matters. Contact with young people is more regular and varies depending on their casework support needs.

Community events take place every three months and offer a space for all young people and volunteers to come together and celebrate the work they are doing on JUMP. You will need to attend these events, which can take place on the

weekend, and liaise with your cohort of befriending pairs to ensure everyone has the correct information.

JUMP also has Hardship Fund (HSF) available to young people who need financial support with travel, clothing, food vouchers, and phone contracts. We also have a small budget for miscellaneous payments, which in the past has included paying for emergency accommodation for young people facing homelessness.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supporting the running of our JUMP project in London, and overseeing and supporting up to 15 pairs, by:

Supporting young people and the JUMP Community

· Managing a caseload of young people;

· Offering casework support (e.g., related to housing, education; day-to-day needs; arranging legal intervention etc.);

· Where necessary arranging and attending appointments with the young person (GP, Home Office, Job Centre, and Legal appointments);

· Signposting young people to available support and intervening where necessary.

· Assisting in the planning and organising of group trips and events every 2- 3 months;

· Conducting initial assessments with young people to understand their needs, and once paired with a volunteer, hosting befriending initial meetings;

· Facilitating Hardship Fund payments to young people, including applications and approvals.

Supervising and supporting volunteers

· Organising and delivering JUMP core training to new and existing befrienders;

· Recruiting, interviewing and onboarding new befrienders;

· Supporting befriending volunteers through regular supervisions, meetings, emails and phone calls;

· Responding to applications from new volunteers and actively recruiting volunteers as required;

· Ensuring that volunteers uphold JUMP’s policies and boundaries for

befriending;

· Responding promptly to safeguarding concerns raised by volunteers.

Publicising JUMP, and engaging with key stakeholders

· Publicising the project to existing and potential referral agencies working with young asylum seekers and refugees who have been separated from their families;

· Establishing and maintaining excellent close working relationships with referral organisations;

· Representing HIAS+JCORE and JUMP in the refugee sector as required, for example at the Refugee and Migrant Forum meetings..

Project monitoring, evaluation and record keeping

· Working with experts and the Frontline Support Manager on supporting the project and its evaluation;

· Keeping accurate records in the JUMP database, including for safeguarding and impact evaluation purposes.

Other Duties

· Ensuring that JUMP informs our campaigns, communications and education work. As the project develops, there will be opportunities for the post- holder to contribute to and support these areas of our work;

· Undertaking any other related tasks as required.

ABOUT YOU

· Ability to support, develop rapport and trust with, and motivate both young people and volunteers from a range of backgrounds and ages in challenging circumstances, including the ability to facilitate and engage in cross cultural communication;

· Knowledge of issues facing separated asylum seeking and refugee children and young people, and the rights and entitlements of ‘Looked After’ children and young people;

· Understanding of the current context surrounding immigration, asylum and welfare issues facing children and young people in the UK today;

· Understanding of Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding, and ability to communicate this to volunteers;

· Understanding of youth work principles and methods, including the benefits and challenges of befriending and other participatory methods;

· Ability to network in the refugee sector and develop strong working relationships;

· Ability to work independently and to self-motivate;

· Commitment to HIAS+JCORE values, social justice and antiracism;

· The ability to communicate in languages other than English, in particular Arabic, Spanish and French (desirable).

Necessary Experience

· A track record of working directly with asylum seeking and refugee children and young people;

· Experience of social work, youth work, or other relevant methods of supporting people in challenging circumstances;

· Experience of training, coordinating and supporting volunteers;

· Experience of juggling commitments and responding to relevant stressful situations.

Desirable Experience

· Educated to at least undergraduate degree level, or equivalent background or experience;

· Working knowledge of Local Authorities’ responsibilities for Looked After

Children and Care Leavers;

· Experience of project management including administration, monitoring, evaluation and report writing.

Applicants must be UK based either in London or be willing to relocate. We are only able to consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK. HIAS+JCORE is unable to sponsor working visas to the UK.

We particularly encourage applicants from people with lived experience of the asylum system.

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services located at our Head Office in Islington .

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description