The overall purpose of the role is to lead and coordinate meaningful participation and engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults to shape services, influence decision-making and ensure the voices of lived experience are central to organisational development. The postholder will support in designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives that build trust, inclusion and empowerment.
Main Responsibilities
- To co-ordinate and provide safe spaces for children, young people and adults to participate in user- led activities and projects.
- To be a key link between children, young people and adults within our participation service and staff, making sure their voices and experiences are heard.
- To recruit and engage children, young people, and adults, to enable them to feel comfortable to join our Participation service.
- To support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement to develop opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be actively involved throughout the organisation.
- Lead and facilitate small scale participation projects.
- To maintain records of all interactions with stakeholders, using Salesforce.
- To be able to work flexibly, including regular evening and occasional weekend work in response to participants availability.
- Support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement in planning and facilitating forums.
- Work with people with lived experience of bereavement to create meaningful content and service recommendations.
- Work across the organisation sharing, promoting and training in best practice in participation.
- To assist in planning, organising and delivering participation events (virtually and in-person).
- Ensure that a range of voices are heard, with particular focus on EDI.
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of members of the participation service through adherence to the organisation’s safeguarding policy and practice.
- Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements.
Communication and Relationships
- Develop and maintain trusted relationships with children, young people, families, adults, and stakeholders to create safe and inclusive spaces for participation.
- Facilitate group and one-to-one engagement sessions using creative and accessible methods to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including service delivery, communication, marketing and fundraising to embed participation principles across all areas of work.
- Represent the organsiation externally at meetings, events and networks, sharing insight from lived experience to inform sector-wide learning.
- Translate feedback and participation outputs into clear reports, presentations or creative formats that inform decision-making.
- Demonstrate empathy, confidentiality and active listening when engaging with individuals or groups who may have experience loss and trauma.
- Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues.
- Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
- Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
- Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families.
- Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults.
- Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.
Knowledge, training and experience
- Proven experience in youth participation, community engagement, co-production, or related areas, ideally within charity, education or health and social care sector.
- Understanding of participation frameworks, rights-based approached and trauma-informed practice.
- Demonstrate a good understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults.
- Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and creative engagement activities both in-person and online.
- Ability to translate engagement insight into practical feedback and recommendations
- Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act.
- Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery.
- Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.
Analytical and judgment skills
- Ability to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback and identify key themes, trends, and areas for improvement.
- Exercise sound judgement in managing sensitive information, ethical boundaries and participant confidentiality.
- Assess engagement risks and implement appropriate boundaries and referrals in line with safeguarding policies.
- Critically evaluate participation initiatives and contribute to evidence-based practice through reflection, evaluation tools and reporting.
- Balance organisation priorities with participant needs, ensuring representation remains authentic rather than tokenistic.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.
Planning and organisational skills
- Plan, coordinate and deliver participation activities, forums and events with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.
- Support the development of annual participation calendars or frameworks as needed.
- Manage competing priorities across multiple projects, ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external partners.
- Maintain accurate records, consent forms and participation data using appropriate digital systems.
- Support logistical arrangements including venue booking, accessibility adjustments, transport and safeguarding measures.
- Contribute to strategic planning by identifying emerging themes, opportunities for partnerships and areas for innovation.
- Provide cover and support for participation and engagement team members during periods of absence or high demand.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
- Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential
- Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and young people or adults in health, social care, youth, community or education setting
- Experience of advocating for the interests of children, young people or vulnerable adults or individuals from ethnically diverse communities
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of tailoring these to a wide range of audience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
- Experience of facilitating participation groups both in person and online
- Knowledge of different facilitation approaches and methods
- Demonstratable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practice in a way that promotes this
- Experience of building trusting relationships with children, young people, and adults creating safe space
- Passion for the power of Voice and Lived Experience
- Understanding of the challenges that participation work can present, and experience of how to overcome this
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external organisations
- Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
- Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in bereavement sector
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
- TOIL for our hours work.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Company sick pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance.
- Training loans.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
Recruitment Timetable
Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight
Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.
Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
This is an exciting new opportunity to shape the future of technology and digital capability across five South West charities. We are seeking an exceptional Regional Chief Technology Officer who is motivated by both challenge and purpose; someone who can harness technology to make a tangible difference to how our faith-based charities support church communities.
Working across Bath & Wells, Bristol, Exeter, Salisbury and Truro, this role offers a rare platform to influence at scale. The successful candidate will lead a region-wide programme of digital transformation and process optimisation, helping modernise systems, strengthen cyber resilience and unlock efficiencies that release resources for mission and ministry.
This is not technology for its own sake. We are looking for someone who combines strategic insight with practical delivery; a leader who can translate complex technical possibilities into real-world improvements for staff, clergy and volunteers. You will play a key role in shaping the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, while ensuring strong governance, security and compliance.
Please note that, whilst the role will be primarily home-based, the post-holder will be required to travel regularly across the Southwest region, with an onsite presence in each organisation at least once per month.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop, articulate, and implement a shared digital transformation and technology strategy that is directly aligned with the overarching mission and strategic goals of the five dioceses.
- Act as the principal technology advisor to the Diocesan Secretaries and their senior leadership teams.
Process Mapping & Optimisation:
- Lead a comprehensive, collaborative review of key administrative and operational processes within the Diocesan Boards of Finance (DBFs) and in parishes where appropriate.
- Use process mapping techniques to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, and then design and implement optimised workflows.
AI & Responsible Innovation:
- Actively research, evaluate, pilot, and implement appropriate AI and automation tools to enhance efficiency, support fundraising, and improve service delivery.
- Ensure all innovation is undertaken responsibly, ethically, and with a clear focus on tangible benefits.
Stakeholder Management & Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across all five dioceses, including clergy, staff, and volunteers.
- Foster a culture of digital literacy and champion the benefits of change in a clear, accessible, and empathetic manner.
Project & Change Management:
- Oversee the full lifecycle of technology and process improvement projects, from initial conception and business case development through to delivery, user training, and final handover.
- Employ robust project management methodologies to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Qualifications, Training & Experience:
- Proven and extensive senior technology leadership experience (e.g., CTO, Head of IT, Director of Digital Transformation) with clear evidence of strategic impact.
- Relevant degree (or equivalent) in a technology-related discipline, with appropriate professional certifications in technology, architecture, project or change management, and membership of a relevant professional body.
- Strong track record in business process mapping, analysis and re-engineering delivering measurable efficiency gains.
- Practical experience evaluating, procuring and implementing modern technology solutions, including cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365), CRM systems and data analytics tools.
- Experience in the charity, non-profit or similarly complex, values-driven sector is highly desirable. Demonstrable experience of, or well-informed and practical interest in, the responsible and ethical application of AI and automation in an organisational context.
- Significant experience in technology strategy, budget management, vendor negotiation and delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.
Competencies & Behavioural requirements:
- Exceptional communicator and translator: Able to convey complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language and influence a wide range of non-technical stakeholders with confidence.
- Strategic yet pragmatic thinker: Sees the big picture and aligns technology with organisational priorities, while remaining hands-on and focused on practical, value adding solutions.
- Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader: Builds trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders and cultures, leading change with empathy, credibility and sensitivity.
- Resilient and delivery-focused: Proactive and self-motivated, with the drive and discipline to deliver complex, multi-year programmes and achieve measurable outcomes.
- Culturally astute and values-aware: Demonstrates understanding of, and respect for, the Church of England’s context, governance and ethos, navigating the environment with diplomacy and good judgement.
Our benefits include:
- Generous company pension
- A comprehensive health & wellbeing programme, inlcuding an Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid volunteering & study leave allowace
- Company events
- Home working
Registered Charity
51 - 100
The Diocese of Salisbury is a Christian community of churches, schools and chaplaincies serving one million people over 2000 square miles.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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About Care4Calais
Care4Calais (C4C) is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in northern France and the UK. We support through on-the-ground assistance, and advocate for a fair asylum system - including safe routes to the UK with refugee rights on arrival.
We work alongside people seeking safety to ensure access to daily essentials, and fill gaps where state support is not provided. We are here for everyone attempting to navigate the complexities of claiming asylum in the UK - providing access to justice, and practical, welcoming support. We also communicate to the public the need for action in support of refugees. Our vision is an inclusive society where people seeking safety have a safe home and a bright future free from inequality.
In northern France we operate year round from Calais, providing warm clothing, shoes, shelter, services, and assistance to refugees living in appalling conditions.
Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes and other essential items, and provide social support and interaction including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services. We are a community with the shared goals of creating a just asylum system, and a fair and welcoming society for all refugees.
Our work involves organising successful campaigns against racist UK government policies, such as the Rwanda plan and the use of barracks as accommodation for people seeking sanctuary.
All of Care4Calais' operations are supported by a small, dedicated staff team, who supervise large volunteer teams to provide critical support to asylum seekers and people on the move in both the UK and France.
About the role
The UK Operations team provides essential psychosocial support to people seeking safety through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and drop ins, as well as activities to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.
The UK Field Operations Manager will be responsible for managing our operations in London, working as part of the UK Field Operations Team to support large teams of grassroots volunteers to provide essential support to people seeking safety.
You will need to onboard and motivate volunteers through continuous engagement and support to ensure that proper safety procedures for effective distributions and activities are in place, well communicated, and consistently applied. The performance of each region and team needs to be regularly assessed and action taken to build capacity and skills where needed. Successful Field Operations Managers will build networks with local charities, community groups and Local Authorities to help grow and develop the operations of the local Care4Calais volunteer teams. As an operation, continuous improvement through research, learning and development of practices and policies will be critical. The successful candidate for this role will be proactive and hardworking with the ability to problem-solve and prioritise effectively. The role would suit someone who is a self-starter, a strong team player and excels working in a varied role. Candidates will need strong organisational skills and must have the ability to make numerous important and compassionate decisions each day.
You will be expected to demonstrate excellent judgement, initiative, integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of people. You will be part of Care4Calais’ core team in the UK and will report directly to the Chief Operations Officer.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly committed team dedicated to improving the lives of those seeking safety.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:
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Providing core operations support for Care4Calais’ operations in the UK (specifically London), working to build capacity and support volunteers in their activities. This includes supporting with setting up and running clothing distributions, drop-in sessions, trips and activities as well as supporting volunteers offering guidance and information to individuals.
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Working alongside a small staff team to develop processes, procedures and documentation to support the effective running of Care4Calais’ humanitarian operations.
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Attending external meetings, building and maintaining relationships with partners and key stakeholders which allow Care4Calais’ operations to continue to run smoothly and effectively.
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Managing and supporting large teams of dedicated volunteers supporting people seeking safety.
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Being involved in ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed in your teams.
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Volunteer onboarding and induction, and continuous volunteer management.
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Develop and deliver training to volunteers.
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Regular in-person visits to the volunteer teams you manage in London.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience:
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Clear leadership ability, with the capability to act with initiative and drive;
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Proven project management skills;
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Strong commitment to the rights of people seeking safety;
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Commitment to Care4Calais' values and mission, including anti-racism;
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Hands on, operational, dynamic and enthusiastic;
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Team worker with good communication and people skills;
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Self-motivated and used to managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines;
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Able to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders including those from displaced communities, Local Authorities and other charities;
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Ability to respond to the fast-changing and dynamic nature of the UK asylum system, always prioritising the needs and desires of the communities we support;
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
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Ability to work on Google Workspace and Office 365.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
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Experience leading and managing volunteer teams from varied backgrounds
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Experience working/volunteering supporting people seeking safety
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Experience in making grant applications/fundraising experience and managing budgets
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Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as, but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya or Amharic.
Please note: While day-to-day this is a remote role, you will be expected to conduct semi-regular visits to the local volunteer teams in the areas you manage (London). You must therefore be willing to travel, and you will be supported in doing so.
Applications
Please provide a short cover letter/personal statement that explains why you are suitable for this role and why you want to work for Care4Calais, and answer the short application questions.
The successful applicant will be provided with the induction and training needed for them to succeed in the role.
Please note that we receive a high number of applications and are a small internal team. If you do not receive a response in the first round, it means you have not been selected.
We understand that AI can be a useful tool, however we ask that you do not use it for this application as we want your application to be personal to you.
Equality & Safeguarding
Care4Calais is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled candidates, and those with lived experience of the immigration system.
Care4Calais is committed to safeguarding, so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and assessments to ensure post holders demonstrate attitudes and values that align with our commitment to an organisational culture that promotes safeguarding.
Lived Experience Inclusion
We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system. As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.
We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment.). In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation.
Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.