Communications manager jobs

A truly rewarding role…supporting local people facing food insecurity

Job Title: Culinary Chef and Trainer

Location: Birmingham

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £34540 per annum

About FareShare Midlands

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, tackling inequality, transforming lives and ensuring no good food goes to waste. We rescue surplus food and redistribute it to 650 local charities and community organisations, feeding 60,000 people every week. We also invest in communities, providing education, training and volunteering opportunities, helping over 700 individuals to date to build a better future. Together, we’re fighting hunger, reducing food waste and creating opportunities across the Midlands. Learn more here or read our latest Annual Report Snapshot here.

The Role

We’re looking for a Culinary Chef Trainer for our brand-new purpose built Commercial and Training Kitchen in The Coronation Food Project Hub, Birmingham, helping combat food insecurity by providing affordable, nutritious surplus food in a dignified and supportive environment for underserved communities. In addition to catering skills, you will need to demonstrate a passion for reducing food waste through innovation and creativity. 

Working closely with FareShare Midlands Head of Operations you will develop and mobilise the kitchen and catering service(s) for The Coronation Food Project, enabling significant increase in FSM’s reach, support and impact in tackling food insecurity. You will play a lead part in managing our flagship Kitchen, producing high quality meals from surplus food as well as catering for large corporate events. We are keen to grow a Catering skills programme in line with our Employability strategy and you will need to play a key role in informing and shaping the training programmes.  Like most charity roles, this is as much a “hands on” as well as management role.

Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation and Cooking

• Plan, prepare and cook high quality, innovative meals in a timely manner for staff, volunteers, visitors and the public as well as larger catering events, ensuring variety, nutritional balance, and high standards of taste and presentation.
• Ensure all food is made according to the recipe and portion control standards
• Adapt menus based on seasonality and availability of surplus food
• Address any feedback or special dietary requirements to ensure a high level of satisfaction, improving offerings

Menu Planning and Development

• Develop and create new recipes in collaboration with the staff, volunteers and local organisations
• Innovate dishes that align with the organisations concept and demand
• Monitor food trends and implement them in the menu, while maintaining FareShare’s brand and ethos
• Create and deliver menus for corporate events

Training

• Develop and coordinate the delivery of catering skills and cookery courses to individuals of all ages and abilities within The Coronation Food Project Hub Kitchen, ensuring equipment, resources and ingredients are appropriate to each class
• Supervise members of staff & volunteers supporting the delivery of cookery classes
• Participate in staff reviews, appraisal and personal development scheme
• Undertake further training as required

Kitchen Management

• Oversee kitchen team, including training, scheduling, and managing their daily tasks.
• Ensure proper stock control, including the procurement of ingredients, maintaining inventory, and minimising food waste. 
• Manage food costs, portion control, and kitchen meeting budgetary requirements.
• Work to guidelines from key stakeholders such funders, Public Health etc. keeping up to date with changes in food policy, strategy and dietary advice. 

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Implement, manage and monitor all food safety standards, policies and protocols including sanitation, food safety, storage and food handling and distribution.
• Oversee the cleanliness, organisation, and hygiene standards of the kitchen, ensuring compliance with HACCP, COSHH and food safety regulations, ensuring effective and timely liaison with Environmental Health Officers.
• Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, with specific responsibility for the health safety and welfare of all personnel within their control.  
• Reports all accidents and/or incidents and near misses in accordance with the organisations’ procedures.

People Management

•  Working closely with the Head of Operations and Food, provide effective leadership, management and supervision to kitchen staff, volunteers, setting clear priorities and targets.
• Ensuring that staff and volunteers understand their role responsibilities in line with FSM overall mission and have the resources, capacity and capability to effectively undertake their duties.
• Ensure and support adequate training and development of staff and volunteers within the team.
• Participate positively in FSM people management processes ensuring organisation and team development, undertaking all aspects of line management responsibility including supervision, development and appraisals for teams.
• Ensure the service is delivered by teams in accordance with FareShare Midlands Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Staff Wellbeing Policies and maintain the values and culture of the FSM.
• Recruit, support and manage volunteers and staff teams.

Person Specification

Essential Experience, Skills & Competencies

• Minimum of 3 -5 years in a Chef/Kitchen Manager/ CDP or similar role.
• Expertise in various cooking techniques and styles.
• Ability to engage with a diverse range of people including corporate guests with strong customer service skills.
• Strong leadership, time management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of kitchen safety, food hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Intermediate food hygiene level 3.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Able to travel and work weekends.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a charitable organisation
• Experience of working with volunteers in a charitable setting
• Experience of working with surplus food
• Culinary degree
• Mentoring/ Coaching experience

Competencies and behaviours

• Creativity and passion for food.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Team-oriented and a strong leader.
• An understanding of, and sympathy with FareShare’s mission.
• Flexibility of approach and ability to work in a team and across other internal teams.

 How to Apply

 To apply, please submit:

• A supporting statement demonstrating your suitability for the role and explaining your interest in FareShare Midlands.
• Your CV.

We continue to strive to ensure that the profile of our staff and volunteers reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Midlands. As such we encourage and welcome applications from all our communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds as they are currently under-represented within FareShare Midlands. 

“Right to Work” in the UK status is required.

Closing date: Monday 14th July 2025, 9 am
Interviews: As soon as possible and during week commencing 14th July 20

We are delighted to partner with the Smallpeice Trust, a charity that is guided by research, driven by empathy, and proud of the positive change it creates. The Trust is committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers through workshops, partnerships, and programmes. As they embark on ambitious plans to grow their income generation, they now seek an ambitious and dynamic Fundraising Officer to secure income from medium and large trusts, foundations and statutory sources.

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Cosby D P Smallpeice — a brilliant engineer who invented the Smallpeice Lathe, the Smallpeice Trust aims to give young people support to bring their big ideas to life through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Today, the Trust is an energetic and independent educational charity that exists to address the shortage of engineers in the UK by engaging and inspiring young people aged 9 – 18 to choose pathways that can lead to a career in engineering. 

Their vision is to inspire increasing numbers of young people to acquire Life, Leadership and Engineering skills.

In this newly created role, the Fundraising Officer will develop and manage a pipeline of funding opportunities and ideally including multi-year opportunities, building strong relationships with existing funders while identifying and cultivating new prospects.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a confident fundraiser, with a can-do attitude, able to build opportunities and bids across functions of a business.
• Demonstrate a track record in developing income streams and account management against deadlines and KPIs.
• Have good governance and knowledge of GDPR requirements and working with a CRM.
• Be a confident and compelling communicator; with exceptional written and verbal skills.
• Demonstrate excellent financial acumen and data analysis ability.
• Be a collaborative, team player with excellent interpersonal skills.

If you are looking to take your next step in your fundraising career, with the opportunity to take ownership of a high-value portfolio and make a meaningful impact, then we would like to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Louise Portnall, Recruitment Consultant at Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Leamington Spa, Hybrid 40/60

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 23 July 2025

However, applications are being reviewed and actioned on a rolling basis. Please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

Interviews with the Smallpeice Trust: We are currently working towards interviews on 17 July (afternoon) or 18 July, with further dates in late July if required.

Reporting to: Head of Services

Location: Home based with some travel across England, Scotland and Wales

Hours: Full time 37.5h per week, however part time working can be considered 

Contract Duration: 12-month fixed term in the first instance

About British Gas Energy Trust (BGET)

British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across England, Scotland, and Wales who are struggling with energy debt and financial hardship. As part of our continued growth, this role will support the Head of Services – Grant Making in delivering essential services for the Trust and its colleagues.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and motivated individual who thrives in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

Role Purpose: The Grant Operations Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the charity's grant giving functions.

Key responsibilities:

And will act as a daily point of contact between the Grant administrator & the Trust, ensuring the Head of Services is appropriately updated. 

• Build strong, transparent, appropriate relationships with British Gas and Centrica, and act as a liaison on a day-to-day basis with project teams.

• Identify, recognize & respond to issues or opportunities as they arise. 

Direct grant scheme: Debt Write Off & Financial Assistance Payments, White Goods & Money Advice - administration & monitoring:

• Support the Head of Services with the debt write off and all programmes including working with Third party contractors as appropriate.

• Work with the Head of Services to build strong relationships with Third Party administrator(s).

• Work closely with British Gas & other third-party contractors to understand their operational process for vulnerable customers, applications and referrals as well as any dependencies.

• Support BGET’s understanding of money and advice sector across England, Scotland and Wales, including sharing policy knowledge and sector developments within the 3 nations.
• Contribute to new initiatives with British Gas and grant giving programmes.

· Support the effective management of the Trust’s grant programmes across England, Scotland and Wales, including:

• Build & manage positive relationships with the grant assessment team and British Gas internal teams. 

• Providing appropriate support to ensure the direct grant programme runs efficiently and effectively, with grant funding distributed to budget and schedule.

• Undertaking both face to face and virtual monitoring visits of the helpline and application portal and assessment teams – including ongoing KPI and impact evaluation process, creating comprehensive follow-up reports including end of grant reports.

Reporting & Contract Management:

• Ensure all data collection aligned to current Data Protection regulations and use and storage of data is in line with the Trust’s own policies and provide reassurance to the Head of Services.

• Ensure accurate data is in place for year-end reporting, quarterly and including assisting Head of Services with quarterly and End of Year Board reporting.

 Reporting & Contract Management: 

• Identify risks to delivery and work with the grant administrator to help resolve any challenges with delivery that impact on the grant obligations.

• To work with internal and external monitoring and evaluation specialists, to gain impact and understanding of the effect of our funding schemes.

Knowledge Sharing

• Identify and develop opportunities to work collaboratively and share learning.

• Ensure case studies and other content is collated from grant recipients to share through our channels.

Please note the employee will be required to undertake any reasonable work or task requested by the Trust, this will include occasional travel, potentially overnight, in England, Scotland and Wales. 

Desirable Experience: 

• Experience of working with positive, equitable partnerships. 

• Experience in using Grant Management Software including reporting systems and dashboards.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively without compromising on quality or efficiency and be able to adapt to changing demands.

Skills and Knowledge: 
Essential: 

• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships 

• Accuracy and attention to detail with a methodical approach.

• Flexible approach to changing circumstances, prepared to re-order priorities as required.

• Practical “can do” approach with ability to manage multiple work streams. 

• Highly adept at Office 365 and Excel, technically confident in managing Grant Management systems. 

• Excellent analytical & numerical skills with the ability to interpret data and share insights. 

Desirable:

• AI & CRM experience.

• Stakeholder management experience. 
• Understanding of OFGEM WHD regulatory requirements.

Please note that we are not working with third parties for this vacancy and therefore speculative CVs will not be accepted.

We are unable to offer sponsorship and a valid and current right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with a respected supported housing provider to recruit a Property Services Surveyor. This role is key to maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-quality housing portfolio for a unique and valued resident group.

Salary: £50,000 + benefits

Location: Fulham, London, with travel to other sites

You’ll lead on property compliance (fire, gas, electrical, water hygiene, etc.), carry out condition surveys and audits, manage maintenance programmes, and oversee external contractors. Your technical insight will support safe, well-maintained homes and guide teams across the organisation.

About You:

• Qualified Building Surveyor (RICS/CIOB or equivalent experience)
• Strong knowledge of housing compliance and building safety regulations
• Experience in housing, supported or social housing preferred
• Skilled in managing projects, budgets, and contractors
• Clear communicator with strong stakeholder skills

Why Apply?

• Competitive salary and pension
• Generous leave and wellbeing initiatives
• Supportive, purpose-driven environment
• Ongoing CPD and professional growth

For more information, please submit your CV to .

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Adviser - (Communities) Leeds (North/East)

Ref: REQ004335

Part Time – 28 hours per week

£25,039.20 a year (£31,299 a year full time equivalent)

Leeds LS10 1JF

Engage your community – Join Us as an Adviser- Communities

Make a Lasting Difference for Disabled People in Your Region

Are you passionate about making a real difference at the grassroots level?

Do you want to help drive social change and champion disability rights in your local area?

Can you bring together people, partnerships, and ideas to create lasting impact?

Are you ready to support events, campaigns, and conversations that tackle inequality head-on?

Do you have the energy and skills to mobilise communities?

If this sounds like you, join us as our Community Adviser and help turn passion into power.

What we’re looking for:

• An enthusiastic and bold presence in our local hub and the community.
• You will deliver direct support and spark change on the ground.
• You can support the creation and running of impactful local events and campaigns.
• You are a brilliant communicator who can build excitement both on social media and in the office.
• You can bring people together from across the region to champion Scope’s mission.
• You can inspire others and make things happen.
• You have a digital know-how and a proactive, ‘let’s go’ mindset.
• You have a genuine fire for justice and for advancing disability rights.
• You show an appreciation of Scope’s values and our ambition of everyday equality for disabled people. 

This is your opportunity to support driving real change community by community.

Please make sure you explain in your application, with examples, how you can meet these important skills.

For more information about the role’s responsibilities, and the skills and experience required please use the Link to full job description.

Our values are being pioneering, courageous, connected, open and fair

By living our values and trusting each other, we give our colleagues freedom and space to be creative, push boundaries and change minds.

Disabled candidates

We are a disability equality charity. We encourage applications from disabled people and people with impairments, conditions, and access needs. We want to create a workforce that is a true reflection of the communities we serve.

Scope will interview all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the post. This is part of our commitment as a Disability Confident Leader. Just let us know in your application that you are applying under the Offer an Interview Scheme. This was previously known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you require adjustments through your journey with us, please email us via our website.

Find out more about asking for adjustments at interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At the heart of everything we do at Scope is Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We encourage people of colour and other underrepresented communities to apply and join Scope. We believe that this will bring new ideas and help us work better. We know that a variety of perspectives and viewpoints will greatly support the work we do and help us to reach all communities. 

We want everyone to feel like they belong. We value each person as an individual. We will treat everyone with dignity and respect and we want to recognise all parts of a person's identity.

We are a disability equality charity. So, we will build a culture that is accessible and inclusive first. We will aim for the same high standards in all our work. We will listen, learn and keep improving.

You can find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on the Scope website.

Scope benefits

We believe hard work deserves reward and recognition. We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible, hybrid and remote working options
• Pay progression at 6 months and 2 years
• Company pension
• Excellent training and career development
• Strong colleague networks across disability, race and LGBTQ+
• Discounted gym membership, cycle to work scheme and much more.

How to apply

To apply please visit our careers site via the link and apply online.

Application closing date: 11:59pm GMT, Wednesday 23 July 2025.

Adviser - (Communities) London (South)

Ref: REQ004336

Part Time – 28 hours per week

£25,039.20 a year (£31,299 a year full time equivalent)

London

Engage your community – Join Us as an Adviser- Communities

Make a Lasting Difference for Disabled People in Your Region

Are you passionate about making a real difference at the grassroots level?

Do you want to help drive social change and champion disability rights in your local area?

Can you bring together people, partnerships, and ideas to create lasting impact?

Are you ready to support events, campaigns, and conversations that tackle inequality head-on?

Do you have the energy and skills to mobilise communities?

If this sounds like you, join us as our Community Adviser and help turn passion into power.

What we’re looking for:

• An enthusiastic and bold presence in our local hub and the community.
• You will deliver direct support and spark change on the ground.
• You can support the creation and running of impactful local events and campaigns.
• You are a brilliant communicator who can build excitement both on social media and in the office.
• You can bring people together from across the region to champion Scope’s mission.
• You can inspire others and make things happen.
• You have a digital know-how and a proactive, ‘let’s go’ mindset.
• You have a genuine fire for justice and for advancing disability rights.
• You show an appreciation of Scope’s values and our ambition of everyday equality for disabled people. 

This is your opportunity to support driving real change community by community.

Please make sure you explain in your application, with examples, how you can meet these important skills.

For more information about the role’s responsibilities, and the skills and experience required please use the Link to full job description.

Our values are being pioneering, courageous, connected, open and fair

By living our values and trusting each other, we give our colleagues freedom and space to be creative, push boundaries and change minds.

Disabled candidates

We are a disability equality charity. We encourage applications from disabled people and people with impairments, conditions, and access needs. We want to create a workforce that is a true reflection of the communities we serve.

Scope will interview all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the post. This is part of our commitment as a Disability Confident Leader. Just let us know in your application that you are applying under the Offer an Interview Scheme. This was previously known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you require adjustments through your journey with us, please email us via our website.

Find out more about asking for adjustments at interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At the heart of everything we do at Scope is Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We encourage people of colour and other underrepresented communities to apply and join Scope. We believe that this will bring new ideas and help us work better. We know that a variety of perspectives and viewpoints will greatly support the work we do and help us to reach all communities. 

We want everyone to feel like they belong. We value each person as an individual. We will treat everyone with dignity and respect and we want to recognise all parts of a person's identity.

We are a disability equality charity. So, we will build a culture that is accessible and inclusive first. We will aim for the same high standards in all our work. We will listen, learn and keep improving.

You can find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on the Scope website.

Scope benefits

We believe hard work deserves reward and recognition. We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible, hybrid and remote working options
• Pay progression at 6 months and 2 years
• Company pension
• Excellent training and career development
• Strong colleague networks across disability, race and LGBTQ+
• Discounted gym membership, cycle to work scheme and much more.

How to apply

To apply please visit our careers site via the link and apply online.

Application closing date: 11:59pm GMT, Wednesday 23 July 2025.

Could you lead our Flagship LGBTQI+ specialist mental health service?  Islington Mind have an exciting opportunity to apply for the of role Outcome Senior Team Leader (LGBTQI+ specialist service). Due to the ethos of the project and funding requirements we are seeking a person from the LGBTQI+ community to lead this multifaceted service. Islington Mind has worked alongside volunteers and service users for over 40 years to co-create a unique, supportive and therapeutic LGBTQI+ community, supporting people with mental health difficulties.  This role offers the opportunity to join a well-established, skilled and committed team.  Please see the Job description for the full range of duties and role requirements.  

We offer:

• An inclusive and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (Pro rata for part time hours)
• A pension scheme
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme

If you are interested, please visit our website, view the full job description and download the following documents:

1. The Monitoring Form

2. Application Form

Department: The Big Issue Group
Contract type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 35
Salary: £32,000 per annum
 
Come and be an instrumental part in helping those furthest from the jobs market achieve their personal goals in the world of work.
 
Big Issue Recruit is a specialist recruitment service from the Big Issue Group dedicated to supporting people who face barriers to joining the workforce into sustainable employment. It offers a person-centred and free to candidates service, supporting individuals pre, during and post-employment.
 
We have recently formed a partnership with Bute Energy based at the Twyn Hywel Energy Park in Caerphilly which we will be focusing on bringing people into sustainable employment in this green energy sector and we are looking for someone with experience in working with people who face barriers to employment either as a jobs coach, professional coach or a similar role to help make this partnership a success.
 
Helping to build our team and provision you will work directly with our candidates to understand their career goals, their barriers and support them into rewarding new careers. You will build a network of service providers and employers to create opportunities for our candidates and provide truly holistic service for all candidates.
 
Skills & Experience

• Previous working experience as a Job / professional Coach or similar role for 2 years or more
• Experience in working with people with barriers to employment
• Existing network, or proven ability to network, with a broad range of service providers
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Problem-solving aptitude
• Ability to inspire and motivate
• Demonstrable commitment to BIG’s values; Inclusive, Adaptive, Collaborative and Entrepreneurial
• Passion for social justice and equality, diversity and inclusion
• Experience of asset-based approach/thinking or a willingness to learn and implement this approach

 
For full details, please see the Job Description below. Both English and Welsh language versions available.
 
Salary and Benefits offered

• Salary - £32,000 per annum
• Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
• Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
• Access to Blue Light Card benefits scheme.

Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment
 
Workplace details
 
This role is based in Caerphilly at the Twyn Hywel Energy Park.
 
Closing date - 13th July 2025 (23:59pm) - Interviews and shortlisting may take place before the advertised closing date so please apply asap.
 
Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
 
Since 1991, The Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now The Big Issue Group consists of The Big Issue Company Ltd, Big Issue Invest Ltd, our social investment arm, and Big Issue Changing Lives Community Interest Company.
 
Benefits: We are proud of our family-friendly and flexible working environment and while this is a full-time role, we can offer flexibility of hours and some flexibility of place of work as standard. While you will need to spend a significant part of your working week in our Finsbury Park head office, we have the technology to enable remote working. We have no service qualification to submit a flexible working request and we would welcome a discussion on how you would like to organise your hours of work. As well as a salary commensurate with our sector, we offer 3 days paid leave in a rolling year to care for a sick child or grandchild, 3 days paid leave in a rolling year to care for a sick or elderly relative, a generous maternity package, an incremental holiday scheme, an enhanced contribution into our workplace pension, life cover, a healthcare cash plan, access to an open learning library and other learning & development opportunities. We have the technology to allow remote working for part of your working week. We offer a salary commensurate with a social enterprise, an enhanced contribution to your workplace pension, incremental holiday entitlement, life cover, a healthcare scheme, unlimited access to our open learning library, up to 6 days paid leave to care for a sick child or elderly relation and the exciting opportunity to be part of a mission-driven social enterprise. We are equipped for flexible working and while you will need to spend most of your week with your team in our Finsbury Park head office, we would welcome a discussion on how you would like to arrange your hours of work. We particularly welcome applicants from those who are underrepresented, such as women in senior roles such as this, disabled people and people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
 
REF-222424

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Carers Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Gloucester!

As a Carers Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work: 1xPart-Time: 22.2 hours, working between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.

Location: Home based with travel around the Gloucester area. 

(Applicants should live in the Gloucester area)

Salary: £14545.44 (Full-Time salary equivalent £24242.40 pro rata per annum)

 

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Carers Independent Advocate Requirements:

1. Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
2. Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
3. Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

1. Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
2. Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
3. Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.
    

   Benefits:

4. 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
5. Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
6. 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
7. Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
8. Auto enrolment Pension plan
9. Death in service cover.
10. Bike to work scheme.
    
    Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
    
    At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients’ best interests.
    
    We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification. The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.
    
    Think you are the perfect fit for this Carers Independent Advocate role? Don’t wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!
    
    Closing Date: 9am, Monday 14th July 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
    
    Interview Date: TBC

    An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

    We’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

    Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

    POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

    POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

    To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

Job Purpose

This role sits within our crisis alternative service, Safe Space, which is a core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis.

The objectives of the service include:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH.
• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA)
• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients
• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service
• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service.
• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.

 

 

The Role

The role of the support workers will be to support the rest of the team in delivering interventions on a one-to-one. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, signposting and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Understanding of safety planning
• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Good time keeping skills – Essential
• To attend all mandatory training including safeguarding and GDPR
• To work autonomously in a fast-paced environment and under pressure
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Providing administrative support to the team
• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision
• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies
• Follow workplans and actively participate in training and development
• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

 

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisis
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and willingness to travel to locations would be desirable.
• Ability to work out of hours and on weekends

Job Title: West London Family Support Worker (Gujarati speaking)

Salary: £31,691

Team: Family Support Team, Psychosocial Services

Hours: 37.5

Location: Based at Shooting Star House (Hampton), This role will be working across sites and in the community

About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Family Support Team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

 Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or whose child has died. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, our teams support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care. Family support is provided to families in 15 different languages.

About the role

Family Support Workers (FSW) are the frontline of our care. Each FSW holds a caseload of end-of-life and bereaved families. They get to know their families, and check-in regularly with phone calls and home visits and can provide enhanced emotional support where required through more regular contact and interventions. Our FSWs tell families about the many services they can access at Shooting Star, assess their needs and make recommendations to our multi-disciplinary team. They  support families of different ethnicities and families living in poverty, helping our service be as accessible as possible. This includes providing support in a family’s first language. Several families cared for by Shooting Star speak Gujarati.

Our FSWs work closely with our Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Transition Team and our Care Events Team. Weekly MDT meetings bring the team together to think of ways to help families in crisis. The work is varied and creative, taking place at the hospices, in family homes and hospitals, allowing the support to be where the families need it. Our Family Support Workers are hugely appreciated by the families we support.

The ambition of our strategy is to ensure every family affected by a life-limiting condition, or the sudden death of a child, has access to the specialist care that they need. Day to day duties are:

• Being the on-site duty FSW, welcoming families on site, monitoring email inboxes and answering the Family Support Line.
• Helping with support groups and family events
• Providing on the spot emotional support, sometimes in a crisis where a calm and supportive response is required.
• Visiting newly bereaved families in their homes – specifically Gujrati speaking families.
• Supporting families staying at our Christopher’s hospice (booked stays and end of life).
• Attending various locations over the course of a week: hospice, hospital, family homes.
• Building connections with families from different backgrounds, delivering culturally sensitive care.
• Helping safeguard families at risk of harm.
• Acting as an ambassador for Shooting Star’s Specialist Bereavement Service, supporting other care team members with their learning and delivery of the bereavement pathway, and continually seeking ways to improve what we offer families.

The post holder will need to have a UK driving license.

The hours are predominantly worked 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Once a month, the FSW will work a weekend day (with advance notice). This is in place of a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that week.

About you

This role requires experience of working with children and families who have experienced hardship, or those with complex needs. You should have a calm, positive manner, conveying empathy whilst maintaining professional boundaries. We are looking for someone who is fluent in Gujarati, who is passionate about supporting children and families.

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

 What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

 Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
  
  Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service
  
  Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card
  
  Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Nutritionally balanced meals at Christopher’s (free for employees) and free fruit at our Hampton site

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

In addition, an enhanced disclosure will be required for this role. Our recruitment checks, induction and ongoing support and supervision reflect our commitment to safeguarding the families we support and consider all applicants in line with the Rehabilitation of Offender Act 1974.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Shooting Star Children’s Hospice is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children’s Hospice to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

The Community Fundraising Team is an integral part of the Charity Fundraising Portfolio, by supporting a diverse range of inspiring supporter led fundraising activities. It is an exciting time to join the Team, as we plan for 25/26.

You will be one of our six regional Community Fundraisers, based across the UK. Covering London & Central England, you will focus on our key audiences of individuals, supporter groups, community organisations, regional corporates & volunteers. Through the provision of exceptional stewardship & fundraising support, you will engage the community, maximising opportunities to raise funds in the region. You will make the most of your boundless energy & creativity to inspire our community and will be the regional driving force, ensuring our Supporter Groups continue to thrive, & our annual Community Fundraising Campaigns including, The Big Bake & Twilight Walk Own Walks are a success.

You will be passionate about the role and in supporting the delivery of our strategic plans and objectives across the region.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

You’ll be a talented and highly motivated individual with a proven track record in community fundraising. With a “can do” approach, passion and enthusiasm, you’ll inspire and motivate our supporters. You will work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the best possible experience and see themselves as an integral part of our community. You will be confident in juggling a myriad of competing priorities and work well under pressure to meet deadlines. With exceptional communication skills & the ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders, you will be creative & agile in your approach in making the most from a fundraising opportunity.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Developing & implementing a Regional Community Fundraising Strategy 25/26.
• Achieving agreed regional fundraising KPIs & contributing to the overall delivery of annual fundraising budgets and targets.
• Recruiting, building and maintaining relationships with the Community across the Region. Aiming to increase their fundraising and encourage their ongoing participation in events and activities. This may be through community fundraising or using our fundraising products or initiatives.
• Recruiting, training and managing a network of regional volunteers who will support activity in the Region.
• Working collaboratively across the wider Charity Team to identify fundraising opportunities & maximise income in the region.
• Keeping our CRM fully up to date with information about our supporters and their activities. Using that data to understand what motivates our supporters in order to provide excellent stewardship.

Our client, an independent mission-driven charity, is seeking a Senior Operations and Governance Officer to provide essential support across corporate governance and organisational planning functions. This role is central to ensuring that leadership and strategic processes run efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with good governance practices.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives on coordination, is highly organised, and has a solid understanding of Board support, minute-taking and cross-team collaboration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the full cycle of Trustee and Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda planning, and paper distribution
• Taking high-quality and accurate minutes and tracking actions to ensure follow-up
• Supporting governance and compliance processes, including maintaining the risk register and statutory records
• Contributing to the planning, monitoring, and reporting of strategic and project delivery across the organisation
• Supporting ad hoc projects and events, including staff conferences and trustee engagement activities
• Acting as a point of contact for trustee-related queries and supporting induction and development processes

 
We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience supporting board and committee governance
• Proven ability to take and manage high-quality minutes and meeting outputs
• Experience working with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and trustees
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and CRM tools (such as Salesforce)
• A collaborative, adaptable approach and a commitment to inclusive working practices

This role offers the opportunity to join a committed and supportive team, helping to shape and support the delivery of the organisation’s mission.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Senior Organiser

Salary per annum: £66,909*

Contract type: Permanent, Full-time
RCN UK HQ (London), Birmingham or Cardiff Gate with hybrid working
Ref: RCN02695

This is a UK wide role ideally located in London, Birmingham or Cardiff but for the right candidate we’re happy to discuss one of the other 9 RCN Office locations. Please contact us if you would like to enquire about the other offices.

There is more to the RCN than you might think. We’re a trade union with a membership of over half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students. We support their practice, represent them, lobby on their behalf, and develop them. We exist to make a positive difference – to the working lives of our members and ultimately to standards in patient care. Our employees are drawn from many walks of life – we are nurses, marketers and communicators, administrators, IT professionals, policy and finance experts, lawyers… together we are so much more. We couldn’t do what we do without our people.

We're accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.

If you’re looking to find a workplace with strong values of fairness, social justice and the opportunity to make a real difference to thousands of nursing professionals, then the Senior Organiser role may be a good fit for you.

As the Senior Organiser you will take responsibility for leading on major organising drives/campaigns and to act in a leadership role with respect to the RCN organising programme and the RCN Activism Strategy. You will work with the Head of Organising and other key stakeholders on designing and implementing organising drives/campaigns in both recognised and greenfield workplaces, as well as manage a small team of UK-wide Organisers and work across multidisciplinary teams to deliver Activism Academy objectives.

This role is for the experienced Organiser and/or Campaigner who is familiar with strategically planning and delivering an organising drive. The successful candidate plays a key role in supporting the nursing profession to realise their power through a organisational wide upskilling of organising theory and practice. This is rare opportunity to shape an Organising Strategy in the early days of culture shift.

With at least five years of Organising experience, you will have first-hand knowledge of running a campaign from beginning to end. Your experience will demonstrate your ability to write a campaign plan, build a team, communicate clearly and deliver against objectives. Management experience is ideal but if your skillset and organising experience demonstrates your ability to manage a small team, then this role may be your next step forward.

In this role you will be designing and managing organising drives/campaigns under the direction of the Head of Organising. This means working with key RCN stakeholders to coordinate all aspects of the assigned organising drives/campaign including strategy, timeline, communication and other aspects needing to be considered.

We’re looking for someone who will lead by example and be out in workplaces, with a small team of organisers, working directly with members. Whether you’re a trade union organiser or community organiser, we’re looking for someone who understands strategy, who will work hard to raise the voice of nursing and who can support an internal cultural shift into the Organising Approach.

If you are unfamiliar with the “organising approach or organising model” this role is likely not to be a good fit.

What we offer you
We expect you to be dedicated to the principles of the organising approach, working alongside members developing the RCN Activism Strategy. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.

*We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.

We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance.

Our selection process
Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.

We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equal opportunities for everyone
Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients.

As a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Contact details
Four virtual informal group drop-in sessions will be made available for those who are considering applying and may have further questions. Please note that joining a drop-in session is not a pre-requisite to applying. These sessions are being made available as alternative for candidates who would have requested an individual informal chat. The sessions will take place after 23 June 2025 and will be led by the recruiting manager. If you wish to be booked on to one of the sessions please email Annemarie McNeely, please visit our website for the email address.

For more information about the recruitment and selection process, please visit our website.

Closing date: 11.59pm, 13 July 2025.

Selection dates:
Assessments (online): 24 and 25 July 2025.
Interview (in-person): 4 August 2025.