This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.
We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.
The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.
We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.
We welcome applications on a secondment basis.
For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.
If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 14th January 2026 (midnight)
Interviews will take place: w/c 19th January 2026
Child Poverty Action Group works to prevent and end child poverty – for good.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Onsite at 47 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AJ (Thursday & Friday), and online (majority of Mondays)
Reports to: Luminary Senior Programme Manager
Hours: 20 hours per week- Monday (1pm-5pm), Thursday (9am-5pm) and Friday (9am-5pm) with 30-minute paid lunch. There will be occasions where evenings or weekends are required, but these are not often
Contract: Permanent. Term-time only contract (working 39 weeks per year)
Who we are
We are a women-led charity offering a bold, innovative response to the needs of women in London who face multiple disadvantage, including gender-based violence. We use baking as a tool to guide women on a journey towards empowerment, employability and independence.
Who we are looking for
***The training and supervision elements of this role include a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is female, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. This requirement reflects the needs of the women we serve, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence and disadvantage.
We’re looking for a professional baker with experience teaching cake, bread, and pastry classes to join our team. The role will involve teaching two cohorts of 7 trainees each week, facilitating their learning in baking, food hygiene standards, and professionalism for the working world as part of Luminary’s Employability and Independence Programme.
The programme sets high standards of professionalism and expectation alongside holistic support in a trauma-informed environment. It is essential that you are personable, approachable and able to adapt your teaching style to each individual's needs. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of supporting women, and experience working with this demographic is helpful.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Teaching
● Teaching the baking and food hygiene elements of the Luminary training curriculum to a high standard
● Taking responsibility for trainee learning and skill development – in collaboration with the Training Coordinator and Teaching Assistant
● Managing expectations, behaviour and dynamics of the training cohort in a trauma- informed way.
● Maintaining a professional & focused learning environment at all times, with an end goal of employability
● Facilitating community amongst women on the programme, investing in each woman as a whole individual and supporting them to build confidence
● Running interventions for women who are struggling in the group or with the learning
● Tracking & documenting trainee progress in order to evaluate services and support fundraising proposals
● Delegating appropriate jobs to the Teaching Assistant and upskilling them to cover teaching sessions when needed
● Responsible for facilitating the learning of Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene course and supporting trainees to complete their online qualification
● Keeping the training kitchen clean to a professional standard and having high
expectations of cleanliness and food hygiene practices from the trainees to prepare
them for a real working environment
● Ensuring a trauma-informed approach to training and championing our trainees at all times.
Programme and Training Management
● Liaising with the second Baking Teacher to coordinate and arrange external masterclass teachers and extra curricular opportunities
● Coordinating with the second Baking Teacher to ensure that all baking ingredients, lunch and equipment are ordered for the week according to the set budget
● Ensuring all recipes are documented according to set guidelines
● Responsible for ensuring Health & Safety standards are followed at all times within the training kitchen
● Following & implementing Luminary Safeguarding Procedures
● Working closely with the Training and Progression Support Team to ensure targets are met, and implementing reflective practice to ensure trainees are receiving the best support and opportunities possible
Other
● Taking part in the appropriate training for the role as suggested by your line manager
● Supporting with coordinating Bake Along sessions for corporate and private clients to raise money for Luminary Ltd
● Support with graduation events (one evening once or twice per year)
● Fulfilling any appropriate roles assigned by your line manager, for example: assisting with trainee recruitment, monitoring and evaluation, and speaking publicly to raise awareness and secure funding.
Job Requirements and Abilities
Necessary:
● Highly skilled professional baker competent in bread, pastry and cakes
● Skilled and experienced in teaching others how to bake in a group setting
● Confident in managing a classroom setting and skilled at managing complex interpersonal dynamics whilst championing the principles of trauma-informed practice
● Copes well in a fast-paced environment with the ability to adapt well to changing priorities
● Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken
● Personable and patient
● Motivated and proactive with the ability to multitask and manage competing demands
● A champion of Luminary’s organisational values of hope, empowerment, collaboration and empathy, with the ability to embody these in the learning environment
● Supportive of the Luminary Faith Policy, championing the role that faith can play in women’s recovery
● It is a requirement of this job role that the applicant is female under the Equality Act 2010.
● Confident in using IT systems, including Google Suite, Slack, Airtable
Desirable:
● Educated to Patisserie Level 3 or higher
● Adult teaching qualification (College or Further Education)
● Experience in a charity or social enterprise
● Experienced in working with women and/or girls from disadvantaged backgrounds
● Experience of facilitating learning for those with additional learning needs or ESOL
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Sahir (formerly Sahir House) is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We are dedicated to fostering a brighter, healthier future for our communities.
We provide practical and emotional support, camaraderie and connection to:
- LGBTQ+ people
- All people living with or affected by HIV
We actively confront injustice, combat discrimination, and address inequalities. By campaigning, we strive to create a fairer and more equitable society for those we serve. Our work is insight and data-driven and our programmes are co-developed with those we serve.
What It Is Like to Work at Sahir
We want people to enjoy working at Sahir and to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. As a health and wellbeing charity, we place strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, reflective practice and work life balance.
We offer a friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment, with access to regular supervision, training and development. Staff are encouraged to build their skills, confidence and experience in ways that support both personal growth and long-term career development.
This role offers the opportunity for a qualified counsellor to deliver high quality, ethical and affirming counselling within a specialist charity setting.
You will work with LGBTQ+ community members as well as people living with or affected by HIV, providing short term counselling within a stepped care model and a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Practice is grounded in the BACP Ethical Framework and informed by the realities of stigma, identity, health and social inequality.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a counsellor who is:
- A qualified practitioner with a recognised counselling qualification at diploma level or above.
- Registered with BACP or working towards accreditation.
- Committed to ethical, reflective and trauma informed practice.
- Confident working with a range of presenting issues, including complexity.
- Empathic, thoughtful and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
We particularly welcome applications from counsellors with lived experience of the issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities and/or people living with HIV, while recognising that strong allies and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds are equally valued.
Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility
Sahir is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
Lived experience is valued at Sahir, but it is not a requirement. We are interested in people who share our values and want to contribute positively to our communities.
You do not need to meet every requirement listed to apply. If you feel aligned with our values and excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.
We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Sahir stands as the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We’re also a proud support organisation for people living with HIV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
