Community advice jobs in ruislip, greater london

The Richmond upon Thames Council for Voluntary Service (Richmond CVS) is looking for an inspirational leader to build on its excellent reputation and take it into the next phase of its development. 

Richmond CVS is an independent infrastructure organisation whose role is to "Empower, Enable and Involve” the thriving Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) across the Borough in order to deliver the Vision of:

“Strong vibrant communities at the heart of local life”

The Sector contains over 700 organisations who are coming to terms with and adapting to the challenges of the post-COVID and “cost of living crisis” world.

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the Sector and be a Senior Leader with extensive experience of service delivery, people management, organisation development, finance, income generation and stakeholder engagement.

The role is based in Richmond and is accountable to the Board of Trustees.  More details are provided in the Job Description and Person Specification document and the Summary Terms and Conditions attached. 

To apply, please complete the attached Application Form.  In the “Supporting Information” section please address all the Person Specification criteria to include relevant examples.  Please also complete the Diversity Monitoring Form attached.

Timetable

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 30th June, 2025.

Successful candidates to be notified of interview by Friday 4th July, 2025.

Initial interviews on Thursday 17th July and final interview(s) on Friday 18th July, 2025.

For more information about Richmond CVS, please refer to the document attached

We're looking for someone who can:

1. Deliver current services efficiently, achieving high levels of performance and satisfaction against contract requirements in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

2. Lead and develop the team in a supportive and collaborative manner and build resilience into the organisation.

3.Maintain and develop effective relationships with existing funders to ensure the renewal and ideally expansion of existing contracts as well as seeking new funders to help achieve Richmond CVS’s External Income growth goals.

4. Be a visible and effective ambassador and champion for Richmond CVS within the local and wider London Voluntary Sector to promote and support the health and growth of the Sector.

5. In collaboration with the Board, develop and maintain effective strategic relationships with key external stakeholders to ensure maximum impact.

6. Ensure strategic representation for Richmond CVS and the Voluntary Community Social Enterprise in key strategic boards and partnerships.

7. Work with the Board, Company Secretary and Treasurer to ensure effective and efficient Governance, to include:  Annual Work Plan, regular and timely reporting on contractual and project performance metrics, financial planning and reporting, risk management, policies and procedures and meeting all statutory requirements.

8.Work with the Board on the development, deployment and review of the Strategic Plan and Priorities and prepare an Annual Financial and Business Plan for approval and ongoing review by the Board. 

Person Specification

1. Demonstrate strong and effective leadership, with a proven track record in staff management.

2. Understand the Voluntary Sector and the challenges it faces.

3. Develop and implement fundraising strategies to drive new income streams.

4. Communicate and influence effectively, building relationships, networking, negotiating and managing stakeholders with diplomacy.

5. Manage complex multi-year service delivery contracts or equivalent agreements.

6. Work with the financials to support budget setting, cost management and financial reporting in collaboration with the Treasurer.

7. Apply digital skills to optimise technology use across service delivery, fundraising  and communication.

8. Operate confidently at Board level to contribute to strategy development and translate strategy into effective operational plans.

9. Demonstrate principled leadership and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Location: Cheam, Surrey (hybrid – at least 3 days in the office per week during probation, reducing to at least 2 days post probation)
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract until 31.05.26
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Salary: £31,228 per annum
 
The vision of our client is a lifelong community: people offering effective support for each other when life takes a turn for the worse. Their mission is to support all civil servants, past and present, throughout their lives, with whatever problems they may have. They listen without judgement and offer practical, financial and emotional support. 
 
Their Help, Advice and Services Directorate offers financial assistance, money advice and guidance and wellbeing support and advice. As an Advice and Support Officer you will be responsible for:
 
• Providing advice and information about their Services
• Screening applications for urgency, checking eligibility, handling enquiries and phone calls
• Exploring the applicants’ circumstances to understand their needs and how they can help
• Collaborating with the Help, Advice and Services team members and other teams within their organisation
 
They are looking for an excellent communicator in writing, on the phone and digitally. You will be confident in handling difficult conversations. You will also have a basic knowledge of welfare benefits and be able to record data accurately and consistently.
 
They support hybrid working. In this role, you will need to commit to working from their Head Office. During the 3 month probation period, you will be based 3 days per week in the Head Office. If probation is successfully completed, you will have the option to work up to 3 days per week from home. 
 
They offer excellent benefits including a health cash plan, Headspace, life assurance, excellent pension, generous annual leave, birthday leave, interest free loans for season tickets and their cycle to work scheme.
 
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter that states why you would be suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on 29th June. Interviews will take place soon after closing.
 
Our client is committed to building and developing a workforce which reflects the diversity of the civil service community that they support. They seek to ensure all job applications are treated fairly, with respect and without bias and they encourage applications from suitably experienced candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, or any other factor. 
 
Strictly no agencies.
 
You may also have experience in the following: Advice and Support Officer, Support Advisor, Advice Worker, Welfare Support Officer, Client Services Officer, Caseworker, Service Advisor, Information and Advice Officer, Financial support officer, Charity Services etc
 
REF-221 990

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

Funded by the Department for Education, the National Peer Support Service for England is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and over two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form peer support groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

About you

We are seeking a dynamic person located in or close to Greater Manchester, and willing to travel into priority areas across the North West of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to: 

• Establish new peer support groups across a diverse range of communities 
• Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers 
• Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives 
• Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community
• Support the sustainability of existing Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the Hub (our network support Team)
• Keep precise records to create reports, extract learning, and share key insights throughout Kinship, enabling the organisation to enhance our services and products continuously

In the role of Senior Peer Support Development Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers. 

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey toward sustainability.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
• Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
• Experience developing peer support communities.
• Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.  
• Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection.  
• Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers, 
• Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries.  
• Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.  

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time) as well as a generous pension scheme. We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

This is a fantastic time to join a supportive and well-established team within an organisation with rapid growth ambitions. This role will be what you make it and we’re looking for someone to seize this opportunity!

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job with your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages for the attention of Deborah Fox. Please include your notice period and earliest availability to start in your cover letter.

• Application deadline:      11.59pm, Thursday 26 June 2025
• First interview:                 We will hold ongoing online first-round interviews as we receive applications. Final interviews will be held face-to-face in Manchester on Thursday 3 July 2025

Kinship reserves the right to close applications early on receipt of sufficient applications. Apply early!

About Us

The Advice Services Alliance (ASA) is the umbrella body for the not-for-profit social welfare advice sector in the UK. Our members include national organisations such as Citizens Advice, Age UK, Law Centres Network, Macmillan, and Shelter. Together, our network represents around 2,000 advice outlets across England and Wales.

We exist to champion access to justice by strengthening the advice sector. We do this by promoting collaboration, developing quality standards, influencing policy, and leading sector-wide projects that support the delivery of high-quality, accessible advice.

ASA also owns and manages the Advice Quality Standard (AQS), the only independently audited quality mark designed specifically for providers of generalist and specialist social welfare legal advice services.

We are entering an exciting new phase of strategic development, expanding our impact across the sector and working to ensure advice services are high-quality, sustainable, and accessible to those who need them most.

The Role

We are seeking a highly capable and motivated Deputy Director to lead our quality assurance work and play a central role in shaping and delivering cross-sector projects. You will oversee the management and strategic development of the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and collaborate closely with the Director on broader organisational and policy initiatives.

You’ll represent ASA at external stakeholder meetings, manage contracts and project teams, and act as a senior leader within a small and dynamic team that is passionate about access to justice and social welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of the Advice Quality Standard, ensuring its integrity and independence as a sector-wide benchmark.

• Manage and deliver strategic projects aligned with ASA’s business plan and broader goals.

• Represent ASA at external meetings, consultations, and strategic discussions with stakeholders.

• Line manage project staff and consultants, and oversee contract relationships with AQS licence holders.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and funders, including government and regulatory bodies.

• Identify opportunities for growth and development in ASA’s offer to the sector.

• Support ASA’s communications strategy, including website, newsletters, and social media.

• Stand in for the Director when required and contribute to the wider running of the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is passionate about social justice and experienced in leading quality assurance or project delivery in a public or voluntary sector context.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Commitment to the values of human rights, social justice, and access to justice.

• Strong project management skills and experience delivering strategic outcomes.

• Understanding of standards and quality assurance in service delivery.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Proven experience in managing people, partnerships, and budgets.

• Ability to work flexibly, independently, and as part of a collaborative team.

Desirable experience includes:

• Direct knowledge of the social welfare advice sector.

• Experience managing quality assurance frameworks in public services.

• Skills in fundraising, evaluation, or research.

Benefits

• Salary: £42,000 per annum (inclusive)

• Pension Contribution: 6% employer contribution

• Annual Leave: 30 days + 8 statutory bank holidays

• Flexible Working: Office space available in central London, with flexible hybrid arrangements

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and learning within a supportive environment

• Impact: A unique opportunity to influence quality and standards across a critical sector

Community Based/Home Working – North East Scotland

Permanent, Full Time

Circa £30,000 plus competitive benefits

Do you want to make a difference?

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the leading welfare charity for the RAF. Every year we make a real difference to over 40,000 people who benefit from our services. Working at the Fund is more than sitting at your desk ad in this role you will have the opportunity to be part of our RAF Family.  Alongside helping our beneficiaries, we also get to hang out with Spitfires and Typhoons, take part in a Dambusters bike ride, attend events like Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Bomber Command Memorial Service. Every day you will make a difference and play your part in changing the lives of others and helping people in the RAF Family get through the toughest of times.

It doesn’t matter how long someone served or when. If they were part of the RAF, they and their family are part of our RAF Family. We will always be here to support them when they need it most.

Join the RAF Family and play your part in making a difference.

Do you want to play a part in what we do?

People are at the heart of what we do. Together we:

· Help reduce social isolation and loneliness among veterans. 

· We support ill or injured men and women to have a safe place to call home, a home that meets their specific needs.

· We fund youth services on stations to provide clubs and activities for the children of serving personnel who move every few years.

· We provide grants to help with the cost of living. But this is just a few of the ways we help.

We are seeking an individual to raise awareness of the Fund’s welfare offer amongst social welfare agencies across the North East of Scotland but also, crucially, to help address the issue of social isolation and feelings of loneliness experienced by some members of the RAF Family.

The post holder will be working with socially isolated individuals to identify meaningfully enriching opportunities to reduce feelings of loneliness, some of whom may have complex and challenging welfare needs, to develop actions plans and coordinate support to overcome any barriers preventing successful connection into these enriching opportunities, assisting them by identifying appropriate support from within the RAF Benevolent Fund and the wider statutory and military charity sector.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a social welfare role supporting individuals, have strong people and relationship-building skills, as well as empathy with or understanding of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community. Individuals with a social prescribing or working aged veteran support background are encouraged to apply.

This is a community-based position working from home but covering the Inverness, Moray and Aberdeenshire regions primarily, delivering both remote and face to face support.  The candidate must have their own vehicle to use to travel around these regions.  Occasional travel to Edinburgh and London will be required.  The successful candidate for this role will need to be Enhanced DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK.

To apply, please click on this link and send your CV, together with a cover letter detailing why you believe you are suitable for this role, providing examples of how you meet the job profile when you apply through our recruitment portal.

The closing date for applications is Monday 16th June 2025, 5.00pm.  Interviews will be held on 24th – 26th June 2025.

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website. The RAF Benevolent Fund follows Safer Recruitment practices as it strives to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Fund will be protected from harm. The successful candidate for this role will need to be Enhanced DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

The HIV Prevention Peer Project Lead will coordinate a team of workers in the delivery of an HIV prevention project in Southwark borough to increase uptake & awareness of HIV & sexual health testing, PrEP and HIV prevention strategies among Latin American (Spanish and Portuguese speaking) communities. The work involves mapping community locations conducting HIV Prevention outreach and testing and engaging community ambassadors from local Latin American-focused organisations and businesses.

The project aims to raise awareness about methods of HIV Prevention, as well as reduce HIV stigma alongside improving the general health and wellbeing for Latin American communities in Southwark. 

Programme 

The Southwark Latin Community HIV Prevention Project will deliver a targeted programme of outreach, engagement, and education to the Latin American community in Southwark. The programme will include street-based outreach with our community engagement bus, Point of Care HIV testing and PrEP awareness sessions in community spaces such as high streets, local markets, nightclubs, bars/restaurants, and local Latin support and social organisations. 

Role 

You will coordinate a small team of staff and volunteers to provide education, support and HIV testing and referral services to Latin Communities in Southwark. You will coordinate monthly outreach activities using our mobile community testing bus to deliver interventions that increase HIV and sexual health testing uptake, condom usage, PrEP awareness, HIV treatment adherence support and reduce HIV stigma. You will also deliver broader health advice, interventions, and referrals for Latin American populations, such as GP registration, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight management & smoking cessation. 

You will gather data from outreach and collate to create quarterly reporting for our funders. 

You will work with the METRO Comms team to develop promotional materials, create a social media impact, and establish service branding to support effective community engagement and service delivery. 

The post holder is required to be fluent speaker in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese.

The applicant would have the ability to drive our outreach bus (desirable but not essential). For this, our insurance requires that you be aged between 25 and 70 and that you have held a UK, Category B driving licence for 2 years. 

Richmond Borough Mind is a vibrant local charity that has been supporting and providing services for adults affected by mental health problems and their carers for over 60 years. 

We are excited to be looking for a Young Adults Peer Support Worker. You will have your own lived experience of mental ill health and be able to use this experience as well as your professional skills and knowledge, to support others.

With the expansion of our work in this area we aim to reduce waiting times, reduce the number of people going into crisis, address inequalities and support transitions from youth to adult services. We will be offering holistic and personalised care and support to service users and carers.

This role will carry caseload and deliver a range of support and person-centred interventions to meet these needs, which could include group support, one-to-one interventions and signposting where specialist advice is needed. Referrals could be young adults, careleavers, people currently under adult mental health services, or carers supporting people in the community.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about motivating and coaching individuals with mental health issues, and able to support people on their journey to recovery. As well as having an empathy with the core values of RB Mind, the successful applicants will have the skills to provide person-centred support, through one-to-one sessions and through facilitating groups. You will have an awareness of the boundaries we work within when supporting vulnerable adults. You should be enthusiastic and self-motivated, and must be able to work on your own initiative.

This is a partnership project with South West London St George’s Mental Health Trust (SWLStG), locally led by Richmond Borough Mind. There are further Peer Support Worker vacancies within Age UK, Richmond AID, and Crossroads Care requiring appropriate skills and experience. Partners will seek your permission to share your details if we have sufficient successful applications.

Richmond Borough Mind values diversity and difference.  We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

Benefits of working for RB Mind: 

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full

year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]. 

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period

· Contributory Pension Scheme 

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 

· Training and personal development opportunities 

· Staff away days and socials 

· Access to shared resources and training opportunities via Mind Federated Network.

The successful applicant will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Hours: 37.5 hours/week (1 FTE), Part time or Job share applications welcomed

About Us

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is a local charity that provides advice and information for anyone that lives, works or studies in Epsom and Ewell.

We deliver our service through as many different channels as we can to make sure we are accessible to everyone.  This includes face to face, phone, video conferencing, and email. The role is based in our Epsom office.

About the Role

This post will provide advice via a number of different channels including telephone, outreach and appointments. It is the main point of access for clients and provides a first response on the full range of advice issues including benefits, debt, housing, family and employment.  This adviser role offers great variety, providing holistic advice answering queries and supplementing existing advice, empowering clients to understand and assert their rights.

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised team player.  No experience of working in the charity sector is needed but the successful candidate will have a keen interest in helping people in need no matter what their background. You will have effective communication skills and an ability to work pro-actively, both individually and within a team, along with being able to demonstrate effective computer literacy.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make a difference in people’s lives, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society and helping them to find a way forward.

Closing date: 13th June 2025

Interview Date: 18th June 2025

Job Description 

Role title

Operations Officer 

About Us 

Spring Community Hub exists to ensure that no one in our Southwark community goes hungry. But we don’t just provide food:

We work alongside people to help them escape poverty, build confidence, and find community.

Our principal activity is the prevention of food poverty and food insecurity by offering culturally appropriate food, fresh fruits, and

vegetables as well as dietary and religiously appropriate food which we have continued to run at our five-week sessions to local people for as long as they address the underlying cause.

We also provide a range of wraparound support, including advice services, particularly around employment and immigration through our Back2Work Team, Holiday Clubs for Children, Youth Groups, a Clothing Bank and our Spring Up Women’s group.

Mission 

The mission of SCH is that through a 'Community Hub’ and full activity programme, local people in or at risk of crisis will be supported along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community which supports each other.

Vision 

Our vision at Spring Community Hub is to tackle food insecurity and hunger before people find themselves in crisis. We want to see equality in our communities and be a vehicle for positive and lasting change in our clients so that they never need a Food Bank again. 

Values 

These are our Principles, ideals, and characteristics that define the culture, standards and aspirations of the organisation. 

An organisation that is driven by people with integrity and commitment to the cause.  We believe in leadership, development, growth, and continual learning.Ensuring fairness, equity and equality. Creating a place of respect, kindness and dignity for all.  A healthy environment where people have fun and can be creative.

Salary  £12, 979.20 per year

Permanent Contract. ( Subject to further funding ) 

Part-Time,  16 hours over 4 days 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 am - 2 pm ( With 1 hour Unpaid Lunch Break ) 

5-week Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays.

Working from our offices & Centres across Southwark/ Lewisham and  Havering and in the community/outreach locations

Hybrid can be discussed during an interview, and Flexible Hours are Also Available. There will be work/ training outside of office hours, with time off in lieu given

Main Purposes of Job and Key Tasks

We are seeking a highly organised and quick-witted Operations Officer to join our dynamic team at Spring Community Hub. The ideal candidate will have experience in operations or project management and excel at managing multiple priorities simultaneously. This role is crucial in supporting the day-to-day operations of the organisation and ensuring smooth workflows across various departments.

In addition to their primary operations duties, the Operations Officer will also play a key role in recruiting and managing volunteers, organising events, and assisting with fundraising activities. The Operations Officer will support impact, monitoring, and evaluation tasks to help demonstrate the effectiveness of our programs to funders and stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate, preferably from a project delivery or impact measurement and evaluation background.

Primary duties include:

• Administrative and Office Support: Provide daily administrative support to the Operations Manager and team, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, coordinating logistics, handling correspondence, and overseeing general office administration functions such as phones, mail distribution, supply orders, and facilities management.

• Project Management Support: Assist with project planning and execution, ensuring that timelines and deliverables are met. Help prepare project documentation, track progress, and provide updates to stakeholders. This includes running reports via our CRM system and other tools.

• Process Improvement: Identify areas for process improvement within the operations team and assist in implementing new procedures to increase efficiency and productivity. Contribute to maintaining a quality assurance schedule and support various business support functions.

• Communication and Collaboration: Act as a liaison between different departments to facilitate smooth communication and collaboration. Provide timely updates on project status and operational activities, ensuring transparency and alignment across the organisation.

• Problem Solving: Address operational challenges promptly and effectively, demonstrating quick thinking and resourcefulness to resolve issues as they arise.

• Inventory and Resource Management: Assist in managing inventory and supplies, ensuring timely procurement and distribution of resources to meet departmental needs.

• Volunteer Recruitment and Management: Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and management of volunteers, building strong relationships and fostering a positive and inclusive volunteer culture. Recognise and appreciate the contributions of volunteers and provide them with support and training as needed.

• Event and Fundraising Management: Organise and manage events and fundraising activities, including planning, logistics, coordination, and execution. Work with the team to develop and implement strategies to achieve fundraising goals and ensure successful events that engage the community and stakeholders.

• Customer and Stakeholder Support: Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries and resolving issues with professionalism and efficiency. Represent the organisation at external meetings and events with community partners, local authorities, funders, and other key stakeholders.

• General Office Administration: Support the smooth running of the office by handling routine executive support tasks, event planning, and general office administration. Assist with recruitment processes for staff and volunteers, including job postings and duties related to new hires.

• Compliance and Safety: Ensure adherence to Health and Safety guidelines, risk assessments, and safeguarding measures. Comply with SCH policies and procedures regarding the operation of services and policies.

• Supporting Impact, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Occasionally assist the impact, monitoring, and evaluation (IM&E) function by supporting data collection and analysis, preparing reports, and contributing to the development of data collection tools. Help with the production of reports for internal and external audiences as needed.

• There will be some out-of-hours working occasionally for Events / Development/ Training sessions according to the needs of the business - which you will be able to arrange time off in lieu with your Line Manager.

• The post holder will be required to be flexible to the changing needs of the organisation and as such undertake tasks and responsibilities not specifically listed here but relevant to the smooth running of SCH, including general office and administrative tasks and aspects of service delivery, as directed by the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees.

Person Specification

• Organisational Skills: Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating ideas clearly and concisely.

• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.

• Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness.

• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft/Google Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with project management software (e.g., Zoho, Trello) is a plus.

• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also being capable of working independently and taking initiative. A self-motivated, organised, and methodical approach to work with excellent time management skills.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage appropriately with a wide variety of people, including colleagues, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.

• Event and Fundraising Skills: Experience in organising events and managing fundraising activities, including planning, logistics, and community engagement.

• Adaptability: Open to change and continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to learning and training as required by Spring Community Hub.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility: Willingness to occasionally work outside standard hours for events, development sessions, or training, with time off in lieu of arranged with your line manager.

• Compliance: Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR implications, and the importance of record-keeping and other safe working practices..

• Personal Attributes: Compassionate and empathetic, with a genuine interest in the well-being of others. Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and reinforce boundaries.

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Commitment to Equal Opportunities 

All Staff, Contractors, Freelancers, and Volunteers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that Spring Community Hub is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, and race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part-time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of Significant Poverty or Inequality and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that SCH reflects the communities we serve. 

SCH is consciously working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can bring out their skills and talents and make their best contribution to our mission to support our guests along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic, and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community that supports each other.

We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of Significant Poverty and Inequality and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Responsible for staff/equipment 

Volunteers/Phone/Laptop

Reporting to…

• Operations Manager 

Why Join Us / Benefits 

• A warm, welcoming, and passionate working environment.

• People-focused with a friendly and supportive workplace culture

• We are a London Living Wage Employer

• An active commitment to equality and diversity

• We offer continuing opportunities for learning, and personal and Professional development together with regular supervision, training, and support for all our staff and Volunteers.

• Generous annual leave entitlement: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Company pension scheme.

• Frequent Team Away Days and Celebrations, as part of a friendly and collaborative team

How to Apply 

Fill in the application form. You will then be asked to submit your CV.

Please also include the names of 2 referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer (references will not be taken up until after the interview for the successful candidate)

Closing Date:  Interviews to be held Virtually: 

Application process:

1. Complete our Application form 

2. Submit your CV with a Supporting Statement.

3. Initial Telephone interview - shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Telephone interview

4. If you are shortlisted from the Telephone Interview, you will be invited to a formal interview, which will consist of the following: 

• A  Presentation topic will be shared with you in advance

• 60-minute Panel Interview with members of the SLT / Board of Trustees - Questions will be shared with you before the interview so that you can prepare. 

• Role-specific Practical Task 

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Head of  Compliance and Development to discuss how we can help.

As an Employment Advisor, you will sit within the Employment & Careers team, supporting the direct delivery of our employment service by recruiting beneficiaries through outreach and supporting them to secure or progress in employment.
 
Reporting to Head of Employment & Careers you will be required to manage and support a varied and challenging caseload into employment by providing high quality information and guidance. You will be expected to conduct in depth and comprehensive initial assessments in order to produce SMART and tailored action plans. 

Your role will also require meaningful weekly contact with beneficiaries, conducting regular reviews of agreed actions and setting revised actions where applicable. It is imperative that you are able to demonstrate and encourage a positive mind-set among beneficiaries by adopting a strengths based approach to their journey into employment. 

As an Employment Advisor, you will be expected to conduct employer engagement activity for the service, as well as support the delivery of job fairs and sector specific workshops. The role will also require you to ensure the service is at capacity levels by establishing and maintaining a network of referral partners and attending outreach events. 

You will have at least 1 year of experience working in a similar post supporting disadvantaged groups back to work and/or training and education. You will have experience of working in an evidenced based practice and working to set targets. You will be equipped with influencing and persuasion skills. 

You will also be responsible for conducting caseload reviews weekly/monthly and maintaining up to date beneficiary records on our internal systems.

Benefits of working at High Trees

• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual Staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

Job Description 

Service Officer 

About Us 

Spring Community Hub exists to ensure that no one in our Southwark community goes hungry. But we don’t just provide food:

We work alongside people to help them escape poverty, build confidence, and find community.

Our principal activity is the prevention of food poverty and food insecurity by offering culturally appropriate food, fresh fruits, and vegetables as well as dietary and religiously appropriate food which we have continued to run at our five-week sessions to local people for as long as they address the underlying cause.

We also provide a range of wraparound support, including advice services, particularly around employment and immigration through our Back2Work Team, Holiday Clubs for Children, Youth Groups, a Clothing Bank and our Spring Up Women’s group.

Mission 

The mission of SCH is that through a 'Community Hub’ and full activity programme, local people in or at risk of crisis will be supported along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community which supports each other 

Vision 

Our vision at Spring Community Hub is to tackle food insecurity and hunger before people find themselves in crisis. We want to see equality in our communities and be a vehicle for positive and lasting change in our clients so that they never need a Food Bank again. 

Values 

These are our Principles, ideals, and characteristics that define the culture, standards and aspirations of the organisation. 

An organisation that is driven by people with integrity and commitment to the cause 

We believe in leadership, development, growth, and continual learning

Ensuring fairness, equity and equality 

Creating a place of respect, kindness and dignity for all 

A healthy environment where people have fun and can be creative

Salary £16,224 per annum

Permanent Contract. ( Subject to further funding ) 

Part-Time,  20 hours over 5 days 

Term Time 

Monday, 1 pm - 6 pm 

Wednesday 1 pm - 6 pm

Thursdays - 1 pm - 6 pm

Fridays 9 am - 2 pm 

Saturdays 9.30 am -2.30 pm 

(including 1 hr unpaid lunch) 

School Holidays

Monday -    9 am-2 pm 

Tuesday -    9 am - 2 pm 

Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm 

Thursdays   9 am - 2 pm

Saturdays    930 am -  230 pm 

(including 1 hr unpaid lunch) 

Working - from our Offices and  Centres and in the community/outreach locations

The post holder must be flexible to work evenings and weekends to meet client and community needs.

There will be work/training outside of office hours, including evenings and weekends, with appropriate time back in lieu.

Main Purposes of Job and Key Tasks

Do you have an empathic personality and want to work in a challenging but rewarding field? Spring Community Hub has an exciting opportunity to recruit a Service Officer 

The Service Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the mission of our charity by providing comprehensive assistance and advocacy services to individuals and families in need. This position will involve engaging with diverse communities and ensuring that all services are delivered with cultural sensitivity. 

The Service Officer will work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to deliver Food Bank services, Activity Camps, and Afterschool club, advice and advocacy support, clothing assistance, cooking programs, and Social Supermarket Operations, as well as support initiatives for the elderly, individuals experiencing poverty and isolation, and families with children.

The post holder must be an enthusiastic and motivated person to coordinate and manage our Food Banks, Community Café, and Social Supermarket, including the supervision of its volunteers/staff, as well as planning, organising, and implementing supermarket collection. 

The post holder will be required to be flexible to the changing needs of the organisation and as such, undertake tasks and responsibilities not specifically listed here but relevant to the smooth running of SCH, including general office and administrative tasks and aspects of service delivery, as directed by the Leadership Team/ CEO and trustees.

About the Role / Key Responsibilities 

Programme Planning, Delivery and Implementation

•  To design and deliver the  Activity Camps and After School Club  Programme calendar, curriculum, and events that are outcomes-focused, educational, and engaging, and enable young people to develop a range of skills appropriate to their needs.

• Working with Children, young people, and their families to build services that meet their needs, wants, and aspirations of the individual.

• Work in Collaboration with the Leadership Team  to oversee the work of the Spring Activity Camps Coordinators to design and develop a range of activities, workshops, and programmes to meet the needs of our children, young people, and their families 

• Collaborate with other staff members, volunteers, and external partners to deliver engaging, fun, and impactful activities

• Ensure all activities align with the organisation's mission and values and promote personal growth, inclusivity, and well-being.

• Oversee and coordinate the operations of Food Services 

•  Assist clients in accessing food bank services, ensuring they receive the necessary support with dignity and respect.

• Maintain inventory management for food items and coordinate food drives and partnerships with local suppliers.

• Developing and coordinating effective stock control systems, arranging timely transportation of collections and deliveries, and meeting legislative standards - i.e., Health & Safety/Environmental Health.

• Provide and oversee assessments of guests, customers, and service users on a one-on-one/group basis to ensure they receive adequate advice/signposting and support on benefits, housing, financial support, and other relevant issues impacting clients' well-being. Work in collaboration with the Advice and Advocacy team.

• Advocate on behalf of clients to secure access to necessary resources and services.Stay updated on the relevant policies and available community resources.

• Oversee the operation of the clothing bank, ensuring that items are organised, available, and of good quality for clients..

• Develop and oversee cooking workshops that celebrate cultural diversity and promote healthy eating practices.

• Collaborate with local chefs or volunteers to create a welcoming environment for participants.

• Oversee in the day-to-day operations of the social supermarket, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

• Engage with elderly clients and those experiencing isolation to provide companionship, support, and resources related to their specific circumstances.

• Work on outreach programs targeting vulnerable populations to provide suitable assistance.

• Educate the team on nutritional options and food

• Lead or assist in after-school clubs and programs that promote educational engagement, social skills, and personal development for children.

• Support families to identify their needs and connect them with appropriate services and resources.

• Represent Spring Community Hubs Service and project at relevant forums and meetings across the Borough and at a London/National level

• Ensure that all processes and procedures in the SCH manual are being followed

• Ensure that the foodbank meets health and safety/environmental health standards in all its locations

• Bring to the attention of the Service Manager any concerns about the running of the project or its future sustainability

• Oversee the food Services in conjunction with the Service Manager

• Organise and run food collections in conjunction with Hub support

• Liaise with clients and referral agencies and resolve any issues that may arise in conjunction.

• Keeping up to date with legislation and policy related to the Service and making any necessary modifications to accommodate changes.

• Overseeing stock orders and working in collaboration with the Hub support and  Finance department.

• Comply with SCH policies and procedures regarding the operation of services and policies 

Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, and Management 

• Representing the organisation on a  strategic level at external meetings and events with Community partners, Local Authorities, Funders, and other key stakeholders 

• Liaise with clients and referral agencies and resolve any issues that may arise in conjunction.

• Foster relationships with local organisations, community leaders, and stakeholders, and participate in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about available services and encourage community involvement.

• Maintaining relationships with suppliers, community groups,  Schools, Libraries, supermarkets, and other stakeholders.

• Supervise the work of the Activity Camp Coordinators, Bank Staff, Volunteers, and Facilitators during Camp and Activity Sessions 

• As one of the Deputy Safeguarding Leads, manage any concerns about a child, young person or family's welfare effectively and share concerns with the Leadership Team and other DSLs. 

• Actively contribute to and participate in AGMs, Away Days,  Team Meetings, Development Sessions, and other  Internal Meetings

• Support in the rolling recruitment of Coordinators, Bank Staff, and Volunteers to meet the needs of the service.

• Work with the Leadership Team to ensure up-to-date Employment, Training, and other HR  records for all Staff and Volunteers within the Team, and work in collaboration with the Business Support Team

• Work with the Leadership Team to ensure the service and Resources are used effectively within designated budgets, including the reimbursement of expenses.

Camps and Event Management:

• Coordinate and oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of SCH Holiday Camps, Afterschool Camps and Events.

•  Ensure adherence to Health and Safety Guidelines, Risk Assessments, and appropriate Safeguarding measures.

• Manage Camp staff, volunteers, and external contractors during activities and events, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Liaise with schools, organisations,  local authorities, and volunteers to explore ways of sustaining and improving the provision.

• Promote and market the project through outreach to schools and other community groups in Southwark/Havering and surrounding areas, and organise bookings.

Volunteer Management:

• Work in collaboration with the Leadership Team and  Business Support Team to recruit and train Volunteers.

• Oversee and manage the volunteers in the team who support activities and events, providing necessary guidance and supervision.

• Work with the Leadership team to foster a positive and inclusive volunteer culture, recognising and appreciating their contributions.

•  Work with the leadership Team to monitor and evaluate volunteer performance and provide constructive feedback, reports, and support as needed.

• Coordinate and oversee  all Food Service / Project volunteers, and oversee the volunteer timetable to ensure the best use of volunteers

• Coordinate the volunteer team at the warehouse and oversee groups of corporate volunteers, school groups, and other youth groups visiting to help.

• Ensure that volunteers are trained to undertake responsibilities within the warehouse and to meet the relevant legal requirements. This could include basic food hygiene,  first aid, evacuation procedures, manual handling and lifting, health and safety, and fire procedures 

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of activities, participant attendance, incidents, Impact Reporting,  Monitoring and Evaluations,  including referral processes, and ensure the requirements of Data Protection, Quality Assurance, Funding, and Compliance are met. 

• Prepare regular reports for all the Projects highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

• Work within agreed budgets for activities, Camps, and Pastoral Care Services, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

• Ensure that local data is entered into the database

• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, services provided, and outcomes achieved for reporting and evaluation purposes.

• Provide regular updates to the Leadership Team on service delivery and community needs.

• Produce monthly project reports and keep the CRM/ Database updated 

Person Specification

• Experience in working with children and young people, in particular individuals who are experiencing significant Poverty and Inequality and may also have multiple and complex needs. 

• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and establish and maintain good working relationships with Partners and external stakeholders

• Proven Line Management and Supervisory experience 

• Willingness to undertake further training as required by Spring Community Hub

• Commitment to the concept of continuous improvement of procedures and practices

• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and reinforce boundaries

• Ability to support people in managing difficult feelings, and communicate their needs effectively

• Knowledge of best practice for lone working, data protection, and safeguarding adults

• Ability to recognise and work within the boundaries of the role, including confidentiality, and the working protocols between agencies

• Strong sense of self, and ability to set and maintain boundaries and lead by example 

• Ability to communicate effectively in person on a one-to-one basis and with groups, as well as over the telephone and in writing

• Excellent listening skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and others.

• Understanding of the needs of disadvantaged, disaffected, and vulnerable people, and the ability to work with them in a positive way

Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualifications/Experience in a relevant field (e.g., social work, Counselling, psychology, Information Advice and Guidance, Education, or related disciplines). A master's degree is desirable.

• Proven experience in Programme Planning and Event Management, preferably within a Charity, Community, Education, or similar setting.

• Strong organisational, Project Management and Prioritising abilities, with impeccable attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with participants, volunteers, and external partners.

• A compassionate and empathetic approach, with a genuine interest in the well-being of others.

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, including child protection and vulnerable adult support.

•  Proficiency in using relevant software for record-keeping and report generation.

•  Empathy and compassion for individuals facing hardship

•  Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

•  Proficiency in Google Workspace and databases, and experience with client management and other IT  / Project Management systems.

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.

- A degree in social work, community development, or a related field is preferred.

- Experience working in a charity or community service environment, particularly with vulnerable populations.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse groups.

- Understanding of issues related to poverty, housing, and social welfare systems.

- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Commitment to Equal Opportunities 

All Staff, Contractors, Freelancers, and Volunteers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that Spring Community Hub is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, and race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part-time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of Significant Poverty or Inequality and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.

We believe diversity is a strength, and we aim to make sure that SCH reflects the communities we serve. 

SCH is consciously working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can bring out their skills and talents and make their best contribution to our mission to support our guests along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic, and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community that supports each other.

We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of Significant Poverty and Inequality and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Responsible for staff/equipment 

Spring Activity Camp Coordinators/Bank Staff/Facilitators and Sessional Volunteers/Partnerships/Phone/Laptop 

Reporting to…

• Spring Activity Camp/Pastoral Manager

Why Join us / Benefits 

• A warm, welcoming, and passionate working environment.

• People-focused with a friendly and supportive workplace culture

• We are a London Living Wage Employer

• An active commitment to equality and diversity

• We offer continuing opportunities for learning, and personal and Professional development together with regular supervision, training, and support for all our staff and Volunteers.

• Generous annual leave entitlement: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Company pension scheme.

• Frequent Team Away Days and Celebrations, as part of a friendly and collaborative team

How to Apply 

Complete the application form. You will be asked to submit a CV if suitable. 

Please also include the names of 2 referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer (references will not be taken up until after interview for the successful candidate)

Closing Date: Interviews to be held virtually on a rolling basis 

Application process:

1. Complete our Application form 

2. Submit your CV with a Supporting Statement.

3. Initial Telephone interview - shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Telephone interview

4. If you are shortlisted from the Telephone Interview, you will be invited to a formal interview which will consist of the following: 

• A  Presentation topic will be shared with you in advance

• 60-minute Panel Interview with members of the SLT / Board of Trustees 

• Questions will be shared with you before the interview so that you can prepare. 

• Role-specific Practical Task 

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Compliance and Development Manager to discuss how we can help.

Pro Bono Community is seeking a Training and Volunteer Coordinator to help us achieve greater access to justice.

Pro Bono Community is a registered charity that has developed specialised training programmes for students, trainees and lawyers covering the practical skills involved in delivering free legal advice and areas of social welfare law. In conjunction with the training, the charity arranges and manages volunteering placements at Law Centres and other advice agencies. The charity’s activities include a number of grant-funded projects which the coordinator will be heavily involved in.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who share our aims and mission and are driven to make them a reality.

About the role

Pro Bono Community is looking for a Training and Volunteer Coordinator to help us run programmes aimed at improving the amount and quality of access to justice by training law students and others and then placing them to work as volunteers at advice agencies.

The Training and Volunteer Coordinator will report to and work alongside the Director to undertake work supporting the charity’s activities with a focus on recruiting and training students and lawyers and then coordinating volunteering placements for them at Law Centres and advice agencies. The role also includes administrative work relating to a pioneering digital advice clinic the charity runs in conjunction with a Citizens Advice agency in London.

This is a full-time role with a salary of £30-33,000 depending on experience and the charity is seeking to appoint someone with knowledge of training and the legal/advice sectors and/or experience in a similar role. Occasional weekend work may be required. The role will involve working from home with some travel involved to London and elsewhere in support of the charity’s activities. The role includes annual leave of 25 days and a workplace pension scheme.

Responsibilities

Training and General Administration

· Producing and printing publicity and training materials

· Maintaining databases, content management systems, websites, social media and other tools

· Dealing with enquiries, including those made via the PBC mailbox and telephone line

· Organising the location and timetabling of training programmes

· Liaising with trainers and others to facilitate training

· Attending training programmes and assessments where necessary

· Keeping attendance records

· Monitoring development of the training content and facilitating discussions between stakeholders/authors

Volunteer coordination

· Arranging volunteer placements with advice agencies

· Designing and implementing rotas for volunteering

· Managing PBC’s online volunteer portal and volunteer activity logs

· Monitoring attendance and feedback

· Reacting to problems arising from attendance and other issues

· Dealing with volunteer enquiries

· Liaising with advice agencies on volunteers’ performance

· Dealing with enquiries from advice agencies

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

· Assisting advice agencies to evaluate volunteers’ impact through focus groups, surveys and other research tools

· Collating and analysing data

· Coordinating monitoring and evaluation reporting

· Designing and implementing monitoring and feedback tools

· Reviewing and revising monitoring and evaluation processes

 

Partnership management

· Working with the Director to:

o Develop and maintain productive relationships with Law Centres, advice agencies, universities, law firms and other stakeholders

o Identify and source partnership opportunities

o Explore new ways of working with partners 

Competencies

 Essential

· Administrative experience in the legal, educational or voluntary sectors

· Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills

· Strong written and oral communication skills

· Attention to detail

· IT skills

· Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

· Very good internal and external stakeholder management skills

· Problem solving

· Ability to identify areas for improvement in processes and policies

· Ability to be flexible and assist with different aspects of the project as necessary

· Use of initiative

 

Desirable

· Legal background

· Knowledge of or experience in the free legal advice sector

· Knowledge of or experience in the training/HE sector

· Experience of working with volunteers

· Knowledge of digital training and communications tools

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? Do you have a passion for fighting homelessness and advocating for vulnerable people? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you to take the next step in your career by joining the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as our Housing Adviser.

BIAS’s housing advice service supports members of the local Irish community and beyond with a range of complex housing issues, including homelessness, rehousing, tenancy sustainment and disrepair. We are looking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic person who has a background or demonstrable interest in advice, housing or homelessness to join our friendly advice team. Your role will involve contributing to the day-to-day running of BIAS’s advice service, providing specialist advice on housing via one-to-one client appointments, completing casework and advocating for positive outcomes for your clients.

You will need to have strong people skills and the ability to build good working relationships with colleagues and clients, excellent organisational skills and the ability to digest complex briefs. You will be required to manage an active caseload, ensuring that cases are appropriately actioned and recorded and that deadlines are met.

If you are interested in working in housing advice but don’t yet have all the knowledge or experience required, please consider applying as we are willing to consider appointing the right candidate in a trainee role.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

• Providing appropriate advice, information and practical help to clients, via in-person appointments, outreach visits, telephone, letter or email. Where necessary, advocating on behalf of clients in the appropriate forums.
• Ensuring that all casework records are kept up to date and completed clearly and effectively.
• Contributing to monitoring service delivery and recording client outcomes.
• Maintaining a good knowledge of other available services, and signposting or referring clients as needed.
• Participating in regular team file reviews and supervision sessions, and contributing to maintaining BIAS’s high-quality service in line with Advice Quality Standard (AQS) requirements.  
• Engaging positively and constructively with other service providers, including local authorities and housing providers, to maintain partnerships.
• Staying up to date with developments in housing legislation and identifying opportunities to effect positive change to housing policy, together with the Advice Manager.

These are the basic duties required of the Housing Adviser. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based primarily in our advice offices in Willesden (Brent), with some outreach work in Haringey borough. There may be some options for flexible working (one day per week)

WHAT DOES BIAS DO?

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for over forty-five years. We deliver our support through our welfare advice drop-in service, our Active Ageing Clubs and our Be-a-friend volunteer scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable every year and have over 3000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has exciting plans for further expansion in Haringey in 2025 and has a range of medium- to long-term grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role.

The deadline for applications is Friday 20th June 2025. We would strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.

We are looking for a female candidate to fulfil this role (Equality Act 2010)

Come and join us

The GROW Traineeship gives people with lived experience of homelessness and/or other related disadvantages (including but not limited to; contact with the criminal justice system, mental ill-health or substance use) access to paid employment, training and personal development opportunities. The traineeship lasts for up to 12 months, and each GROW receives personalised training and support to help remove some of the barriers that may have prevented gaining meaningful employment.

We are looking for people who are passionate about using their own experiences to help make change for people in London experiencing bad housing and homelessness.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent. We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the role

As a GROW Trainee, you will play an essential role in delivering Shelter’s purpose to defend the right to a safe home in East London. Our GROW Trainee will learn how to provide advice and advocacy to people experiencing the housing emergency and work alongside a team of advisors, solicitors, support workers and managers who work together to give communities easier access to support and advice. The successful candidate will be given extensive training, support, and supervision to support them to achieve this. They will also have access to a flexible personal budget to help in your own personal and professional development.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to community hub priorities and be involved in systems change work in the area.

The GROW trainee programme includes opportunities to get involved in developing services in London and across Shelter at a national level, using your experiences to influence our local strategic aims.

About you

We are looking for people who have experience of overcoming personal challenges and barriers and who are passionate about using their own life experiences to help make positive change for others. Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel heard will also be essential. Basic computer skills, e.g. word processing, the internet and email would be useful, but support can be provided. Above all, we need people with a real desire to develop personally and learn new skills.

Please note

This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.  

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme. Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free of harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs sent by external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.