Children jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead quality and innovation in adoption – and make a lasting impact.
Position: Adoption Quality and Development Lead
Location: Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements
Contract: Permanent role. Full time (37 hours per week) or part-time (4 days per week may be considered).
Salary range: Starting Salary Range from £49934 to £58256
About the role:
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a newly created position which is a reflection of our dedication to ensure the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement across our adoption services.
The Adoption Quality and Development Lead plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality adoption and adoption support services. The post holder will lead on quality assurance activities, policy development, complaints investigations, and specific projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to continuous improvement. They will be one of PACT’s agency decision makers. They will also manage projects such as the birth relatives project and support digital and training initiatives. The role requires collaboration across teams, liaison with external agencies, and occasional cover for Team Managers.
About you:
We are looking for a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in adoption and children’s services, including quality assurance and inspection preparation. You will have excellent knowledge of adoption legislation and standards, strong analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to influence and advise at all levels.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving quality and innovation in adoption services. You will have access to learning and professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.
We realise that this may be a role that is unique to PACT. Other relevant roles you may have experience of could include: Team Manager; Adoption Team Manager; Adoption Practice Manager; Practice Manager; Adoption Service Manager; Service Manager; Quality Assurance Manager; Social Work Team Lead; Social Work Team Manager etc
About PACT:
PACT is a long-standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a long history of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023.
PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a passion to support families and a desire to deliver the highest quality services. Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 84 children.
For further information, contact email and details on how to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026 (midday)
Interviews are planned for: Monday 9th February 2026
We look forward to hearing from you. Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy or interview earlier than stated.
Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.
PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.
PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5-year period. All opportunities are based in the UK
an adoption charity and family support provider helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and adoption support services

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Action for Stammering Children for a Deputy CEO who is interested in combining their fundraising expertise with a dynamic leadership role. This is an excellent role for someone with a fundraising background to assist the CEO in growing and diversifying the charity’s income streams and gaining experience in managing day-to-day operations.
The Deputy CEO will lead on implementation of the fundraising strategy and support the CEO in managing operational matters. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have experience in donor acquisition and Trust and Foundation fundraising.
This role will involve working closely with the CEO who sets the strategic direction, oversees and evaluates the charity’s activity portfolio, manages the charity’s partners, and represents the charity externally. A key priority for Action for Stammering Children is effectively demonstrating the impact of its work to beneficiaries, supporters and funders. We are therefore looking for someone with excellent communication and organisational skills, passion for making a difference to children who stammer and their families, and experience of line management.
For full details, please download the job description and person specification below.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a passionate and proactive Philanthropy Manager eager to play a pivotal role in transforming education opportunities for children through locally powered change? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
This one year maternity leave cover role comes at an exciting time for AfriKids! With the recent launch of a new brand identity and with an ambitious new strategy taking shape, we are looking for a driven fundraiser to join our team to identify and steward AfriKids committed and passionate supporters in the UK.
With outstanding relationship-building and stewardship skills, you’ll work collaboratively with the AfriKids team in northern Ghana to increase AfriKids’ visibility with donors and co-create impactful ask and appeals to secure income for our work.
Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, and part of a small but ambitious fundraising team, you will lead our relationships with many of AfriKids existing and prospective major donors, as well as have oversight of our small individual giving and community & events programmes.
Your role will focus on building existing relationships, developing stewardship plans, identifying and researching prospects and forming proposals and appeals. You’ll also play a key role in supporting the development of the team’s fundraising strategy, using your experience and knowledge of the fundraising landscape to help us devise an ambitious but sustainable plan to expand and safeguard our work into the future.
With an eye for detail and the creativity to identify new opportunities, you will bring the energy and drive to deliver results for children.
Unlocking the power of communities to ensure children's rights in northern Ghana, so that they can thrive now and as the leaders of tomorrow.


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.
Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. We’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.
Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker
Location: Reading office with hybrid working arrangements and frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Reading, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Oxford City.
Contract: Permanent part time – 15 hours per week, weekdays.
We’re open to discussing working patterns that match both your needs and our service delivery.
Salary range: £10,433 - £12,751 pro-rata per annum (full time equivalent range £25,735 - £31,453 per annum)
About the role:
As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:
· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families
· delivering group work for children and parents
· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need
· supporting our families through providing outreach support
About you:
A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.
If this sounds like you please visit our website to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.
Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026
Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.
Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.
All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.
an adoption charity and family support provider helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and adoption support services

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The CYP Link Counsellor role makes a real difference by providing children and young people who have experienced Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or other forms of sexual violence and abuse with timely, appropriate, trauma-informed, and compassionate specialist support as part of our wider CYP Services.
- Deliver specialist, boundaried, relational, and trauma-informed counselling for children and young people aged 5–17 who have been subjected to or are at risk of CSE.
- Actively engage children and young people to rebuild trust and encourage participation in Counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) services.
- Provide counselling in safe, secure environments where young people feel supported.
- Tailor counselling and therapy to individual needs and abilities, including conducting assessments and creating therapeutic plans.
- Maintain awareness of contextual safeguarding issues and respond promptly and professionally to any concerns.
Our mission is to support people in Birmingham and Solihull to thrive and enjoy a future of hope and confidence after sexual violence.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to make a lasting difference in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse? Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.
Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. From April next year, we’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.
Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker
Location: Homebased with frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Oxfordshire area including Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Oxford City.
Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week, weekdays.
Salary range: £25,735 - £31,453 per annum
About the role:
As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:
· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families
· delivering group work for children and parents
· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need
· supporting our families through providing outreach support
About you:
A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.
If this sounds like you please apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.
For more information about the role and to apply please visit our website.
Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026
Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.
Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.
All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.
an adoption charity and family support provider helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and adoption support services

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to make a lasting difference in the lives of children affected by domestic abuse? Join an award-winning trauma recovery service provider that is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.
Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) is a lifeline for children healing from the trauma of domestic abuse. From April next year, we’re expanding our service and looking for new Support Workers to join our team – helping guide children and families on their healing journey.
Position: Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K) Support Worker
Location: Homebased with frequent travel. Role covers casework activity across Oxfordshire area including Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and the wider Oxfordshire area.
Contract: Permanent part time – 18.5 hours per week, weekdays.
We’re open to discussing working patterns that match both your needs and our service delivery.
Salary range: £12,868 - £15,727 pro-rata per annum (full time equivalent range £25,735 - £31,453 per annum)
About the role:
As a Support Worker you will play a significant role in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse, some of your key responsibilities will include:
· the completion of assessments to understand the needs of families
· delivering group work for children and parents
· provide 1-2-1 sessions to children and families most in need
· supporting our families through providing outreach support
About you:
A successful Support Worker will need a good understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on children and families (or an interest in working in this field), with experience of delivering groupwork programmes for vulnerable parents and/or children.
If this sounds like you please visit our website for further details on how to apply.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with personal lived experience of domestic abuse or from underrepresented communities, who meet the essential role requirements.
Closing date: 9am, Fri 30 January 2026
Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, etc.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.
Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.
All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.
an adoption charity and family support provider helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and adoption support services

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead inspiring community and challenge fundraising at Rays of Sunshine, delivering standout events, campaigns and supporter experiences that make a real difference.
As Public Fundraising Manager (Community & Challenge Events), you’ll play a key role in growing our public fundraising programme - leading flagship events such as the London Marathon and Gameathon, developing creative campaigns, and building meaningful relationships with supporters, schools and families. You’ll be part of a passionate, supportive team, working collaboratively across the charity to turn generosity into magical wishes for children and young people across the UK.
This role offers variety, responsibility and the chance to see the direct impact of your work every day -all while helping shape the future of Rays of Sunshine’s fundraising.
We brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About SCEC
SCEC was founded over twenty years ago to provide learning enrichment opportunities to primary school children in disadvantaged communities in south London. Together with our partners, several leading independent schools, we currently operate four schemes in math, literacy, science and art. Children learn through fun, engaging group activities like science experiments, storytelling and mathematical treasure hunts, all taught by qualified teachers with added support from student mentors. Through the schemes, children explore their curiosity, build knowledge and develop their confidence as learners.
Your Role
The Scheme Director is a newly created role that will be pivotal in helping SCEC extend its reach. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will help SCEC design and implement an expansion programme as well as coordinating the delivery of the existing schemes via our school partners. You will also serve as a trusted partner to the Board in the administration of the charity.
Similar to a COO, this role straddles the operational and the strategic. We are looking for a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work across varied stakeholder groups. You will have project management experience that can be applied to challenges like process design and change management. You should be able to grasp the big picture and have an eye for the details needed to deliver successful outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join SCEC on a transformational journey working with excellent learning partners and established leaders to improve educational outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee scheme operations including pupil recruitment, enrolment and attendance to ensure the smooth running of schemes and maximum impact
- Promote the charity to prospective partners and donors
- Support the Board in developing, implementing and monitoring an expansion programme
- Monitor and report on scheme performance and impact
- Prepare and manage budgets and disbursement of funds
- Build and maintain systems and processes to support scheme operations, compliance and monitoring
Key Qualities
- Passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organisational goals
- Track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation
- Committed to working collaboratively to build strong relationships with business partners and colleagues and proactively engaging stakeholders when making decisions
- Self-motivated and highly organised, you have a strong sense of initiative and take a hands-on approach to planning and administration
Child Protection
SCEC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole organisation (trustees and staff). An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.
For more information, please see the attached Job Description below
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. If you used any AI tools to prepare your application, please submit a separate statement setting out what tools you used and how you used them. As a small organisation we do not discourage the use of AI tools, but we are committed to transparency around how and why they are used.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
If you’re passionate about securing justice and protection for the world’s most vulnerable children, thrive in political environment, and have the skills to build powerful advocacy movements, this is your opportunity to lead bold and impactful advocacy at War Child UK.
As our Advocacy Lead, you’ll play a key role in driving change for children affected by conflict. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of influencing the UK Government, ensuring that decision-makers take meaningful action to protect and support children globally affected by war and conflict.
You’ll lead War Child UK’s political engagement, forging influential relationships with MPs, civil servants, think tanks and parliamentary groups, ensuring that children’s voices are heard where it matters most. It’s essential that you’re skilled at building and managing long-term relationships with senior parliamentarians, influencing policymakers, and engaging government officials to drive meaningful policy change. With a strategic approach, you’ll mobilise cross-party support, help shape public campaigns to mobilise public action and support and push for tangible action and increased resources for children in conflict zones.
Working alongside a committed and high-performing team, you’ll ensure that War Child UK’s policy and advocacy priorities resonate across government, parliament, the media, social channels and the wider public.
This role offers an incredible platform to make a tangible difference at a time of unprecedented need. Join us in standing up for children affected by war and help create a future where no child’s life is torn apart by conflict.
Below are some of the experiences and qualities we’re looking for. You can read the full job advert on our website.
- A track record of delivering tangible outcomes in advocacy, public affairs, particularly within the UK Government and Parliament, ideally within an international development and/or humanitarian context.
- Demonstrable examples of building and managing long term relationships with senior parliamentarians and engaging and influencing policymakers, government officials, and other MPs to achieve policy change.
- A record of creating ambitious advocacy strategies that tangibly advance organisational objectives.
- Experience of successfully engaging with Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum to secure speeches in parliament, interventions, oral and written questions, EDMs, secure debates and other parliamentary procedures.
- Strong understanding of UK political systems, parliamentary processes, and key government departments (e.g., FCDO, Home Office, MOD).
- Demonstrated ability to build strategic relationships with civil society organisations, coalitions, and political stakeholders.
- Experience working on public campaigns to further advocacy objectives.
What we can offer you
At War Child, we genuinely value different ways of working. From day one, we’re open to discussing flexible options, including hybrid working and flexible hours. Our goal is to support our employees to do their best work while ensuring we continue to deliver for children affected by conflict. Some of our benefits include:
- Flexible working culture and flexible public holidays 28 days annual leave (pro-rata), plus bank holidays, which increases by one day per year on your work anniversary, up to a maximum of 33 days.
- Pension - 5% employer contribution (increasing to 6% after one year’s service), with minimum employee contribution.
- Health and wellbeing - employees may take advantage of a healthcare cash plan, a GP 24/7 helpline, cancer cover, and a range of wellbeing initiatives and training.
- All employees have access to free, confidential one-to-one wellbeing consultations with trained counsellors.
This role offers an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference at a time of unprecedented need. Join us in standing up for children affected by war and help create a future where no child’s life is torn apart by conflict.
Start date: We’re hoping for someone who can join us as soon as possible, though we can offer some flexibility for the right candidate.
No child should be a part of war. Ever.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Refugee Children's Worker to join our Homelessness and Complex needs Service in Tower Hamlets.
£14,000.00 per annum, working 20 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.
Are you looking for a rewarding role working with families who have fled domestic abuse? We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our refuge team.
This is a fixed term contract until May 2026 with possibility of extension
What you'll do:
* To ensure that the needs of children and young people in the refuge are assessed as part of admission and the duration of their stay
* To plan and implement a programme of therapeutic and recreational activities for children and young people living both at the refuge and in the community, as well as play-work and activity trips
* To provide individual, age-appropriate key working sessions for children of all ages. With a focus on safeguarding, including risk and safety planning, emotional & physical health & wellbeing, education and social & family networks
* To encourage and support mothers to build loving and consistent relationships with their children
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:
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Flexible
* Open to feedback and self-development
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments Mission & Values 'Working with people to make choices, achieve goals and take control of their live through high quality care, support and housing'
What you'll bring:
Essential:
* A recognised qualification in childcare such as NVQ level 3, NNEB/DCE,
* Experience of working with children of all ages
* Experience of working with children who've experienced domestic abuse
* Ability to communicate effectively with children of different ages and backgrounds, and help them communicate their experiences
* Experience of planning, facilitating, evaluating and recording group play
* Experience of writing Reports
* Ability to work flexibly around working hours
Desirable:
* Experience of working with children in a residential setting
* Experience of delivering domestic abuse recovery programmes
* Experience of coproducing delivery outcomes and gathering evidence in accordance with them
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
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Policy Specialist (children and young people)
Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!
We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership.
This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.
This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.
You will:
· Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
· Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
· Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
· Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
· Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
· Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
You will bring to this role:
· Experience of working on public policy issues.
· Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
· Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
· The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
· Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
· Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system.
· Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability.
If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This advert has been extended and will now close on Sunday, 4th January, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.
Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.
Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Overview
Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.
Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.
Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)
Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week
Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*
*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.
Responsibilities
About the Role
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:
- Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
- Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
- Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
- Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others.
- Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
- Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
- Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
- Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
- A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
- You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.
What we Offer
- 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days”
- Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
- Contributory pension scheme
- A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
- Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team
- Training, career development & progression opportunities
- Refer a friend scheme.
Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.
Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)
ILW / OLW /Fringe
N/A - Outside London Weighting Area
Interview Date
23/1/2026
Closing Date
12/1/2026
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
Children & Partnerships Manager
We have an exciting opportunity for a Children & Partnerships Manager to play a vital role in expanding our national referral network and ensuring more children across the UK can access the life-changing breaks we provide. This new role will work closely with our Development Director and Referrals Team to strengthen relationships with schools, Local Authorities, charities and community groups who support children aged 8–13 facing significant challenges.
Position: Children & Partnerships Manager
Location: Home-based with national travel
Salary: £32,000–£35,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time preferred (part-time considered)
Duration: 12-month fixed term (potential to extend)
Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11.59pm
About the role
As Children & Partnerships Manager, you will be at the forefront of driving national growth by identifying, engaging and nurturing the referral and delivery partners who help us reach the children who need us most. You will map areas of greatest need, build trusted relationships with key organisations, and support frontline professionals to confidently refer children onto our fully funded five-day breaks.
Some of your key responsibilities will include:
- Mapping UK regions with high child poverty and low current engagement to identify priority areas.
- Developing and delivering a national strategy to grow the referral base.
- Proactively seeking new partnership opportunities with MATs, Local Authorities, schools, charities and community organisations.
- Cultivating strong relationships with existing referrers and encouraging them to champion the charity within their networks.
- Representing the charity at events, networks and forums to raise awareness of our impact.
- Meeting directly with teachers, social workers and other professionals to showcase our service and explain the referral process.
- Working closely with the Referrals Team to ensure smooth onboarding of new partners and clarity around referral requirements.
About you
We are looking for a proactive and determined relationship-builder with a strong understanding of the challenges facing children and young people.
You will have the following essential skills and experience:
- Proven experience in partnership development, stakeholder engagement or network building
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills, comfortable engaging with a wide range of professionals.
- Strong relationship building capabilities and persistence in reaching key decision makers.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and travel nationally when required.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and championing equality and inclusion.
- A collaborative approach and confidence working across teams to support shared goals.
It would be desirable if you also have:
- Experience working within or alongside schools or Local Authorities.
- Understanding of child poverty, early intervention and barriers to support.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and data protection principles.
About the charity
The charity gives children and young people across the UK who face serious challenges in their lives the chance for a break that lasts a lifetime. For over 30 years, more than 20,000 children have enjoyed a week of adventure, creativity, and new friendships at our centres in Derbyshire and Cornwall. When they go home, they take with them confidence, resilience, and memories that last forever.
Everyone who works for the charity has a responsibility to promote the safeguarding and welfare of children. All successful applicants will require a DBS Disclosure.
You may also have experience in roles such as: Partnerships Manager, Engagement Manager, Network Development Manager, Children’s Services Manager, Education Partnerships Lead, Community Engagement Manager, Outreach Manager, or Stakeholder Engagement Officer, etc.. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to become a vital part of our collaborative and innovative team to make a lasting difference to families?
We are looking for a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker to join our team, based from either Milton Keynes or London.
We believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive home. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to help make that a reality, and we are proud of our three successive outstanding ratings with Ofsted.
Position: Social Worker or Senior Social Worker
Location: Based in either our Milton Keynes or our London team, with hybrid working arrangements in place for both home and office working, and travel covering Milton Keynes, North London and surrounding areas.
Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Salary Ranges: Social Worker - Salary in the range of £34,053 - £41,620 per annum. Senior Social Worker - Salary in the range of £39,292 - £48,022 per annum. If based from our London office, a location allowance of £3,299 per annum will be payable.
About the role:
Our Social Worker/Senior Social Worker’s role is a pivotal one within our Adoption service. Some of your responsibilities will include:
· undertaking ‘home study’ assessments (PARs) and present these to the adoption panel
· support families throughout the matching process and once children are placed, up until the Adoption Order
· participating in recruitment activities and training for prospective adopters
About you:
As a Social Worker, you’ll bring a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in childcare social work and as a Senior Social Worker, a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience. You’ll have an understanding of child development and the impact on behaviour of interrupted development. You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion within service delivery.
If this sounds like you then visit our website to apply today to join a dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. We look forward to hearing from you!
If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please visit our website for contact details for our Adoption Team Manager.
Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.
Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 06 January 2026
Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 13 January 2026
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Adoption Social Worker, Adoption Senior Social Worker, Adoption Support Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, Fostering Social Worker, Independent Reviewing Officer, Supervising Social Worker, Children’s Social Worker, Child Protection or Safeguarding Hub Social Worker, Looked After Children’s Social Worker, etc.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.
Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.
All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.
an adoption charity and family support provider helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and adoption support services

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.