Community centre manager jobs

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

Communications Officer – Homes team

· 3 months Fixed Term

· Salary £37,275 per annum

· Full time

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

We’re looking for a talented and motivated Communications Officer to join our Homes team at the Centre for Ageing Better. In this exciting and varied role, you’ll lead on delivering high-quality, impactful communications that raise awareness of the importance of good quality, accessible housing for older people.

You’ll be responsible for creating engaging content across a range of channels – from blogs and case studies to media pitches and social media posts – and help shape and deliver communications and influencing plans for key projects. You'll also support events, stakeholder engagement and public affairs activity, working closely with colleagues across the Homes and Communications teams.

The role offers the opportunity to make a real difference to our external presence and influence, contributing to national conversations on housing and ageing. You'll be at the heart of a dynamic and supportive team, with flexible working and hybrid office arrangements in place.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is a strong communicator, creative storyteller and confident writer, able to turn complex ideas into accessible content for a range of audiences. You’ll be comfortable managing multiple priorities, planning communications activity, and working collaboratively across teams.

You’ll bring experience working in a communications role and have a good understanding of media engagement, content creation, and digital communications. Ideally, you’ll also have some knowledge of housing or the challenges facing our ageing population, but more importantly, you’ll have a passion for making change happen through great communications.

You’ll be highly organised, enthusiastic, and collaborative, ready to take the initiative while being a strong team player. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential, along with a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

A diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis is life-changing. Over 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of, and for which there is no known cure.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK funds research, provides award winning information and support and raises vital awareness by increasing the public’s understanding of the conditions, and what it means to live with debilitating symptoms. But we need to do more. We need to be a louder voice in the marketplace. Our ambitious plans for 2025, will help to make a real difference to every supporter’s journey with us. If this excites you - join us!

Role Overview

The successful candidate will be involved in leading and co-ordinating the delivery of Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s research strategy including our programme of grants, and our work to support increased patient and public involvement in research.  They will work with the Director of Services & Evidence and Head of Evidence & Research to support the charity’s involvement with external research bodies and contribute to the leadership, planning and delivery of cross-team projects, helping to influence and meet our strategic objectives.

About You

We are looking for someone who has proven experience of delivering successful research funding and patient and public involvement research activities.  The successful candidate must be adept at establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders and comfortable working with operational performance metrics, and implementing strategies and objectives for the organisation.  Ideally your background will be in health care or working in a medical charity and you’ll be educated to degree level or equivalent.  Given this role will involve managing and providing leadership to the Research team, prior management experience would be an advantage. Whilst not essential, a knowledge of the needs of people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis would be beneficial also.

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role, there is plenty of scope for working from home, although there will be times when you will need to travel to events/conferences. You will be required to attend two Directorate days each year and occasional face-to-face meetings with your team or our partner agencies. In addition, the charity meets four times annually at its office in Hatfield (or a location in London) for its’ ‘All Staff Together’ days, at which attendance is mandatory.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the applicant residing in the UK and a valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Leeds Citizens Advice & Law Centre has been providing free and independent advice for more than 80 years, offering access to justice for people experiencing disadvantage or discrimination. In November 2024, we joined the Law Centres Network and have secured funding to expand our legal advice service.

We’re looking for a Solicitor or CILEx to supervise our housing advice team and legal aid contract. The team offers complex casework and representation to clients facing possession, eviction, serious disrepair and housing issues related to DAV and to anti-social behaviour. You will have 3 years’ PQE in housing law and be able to manage a wide range of cases, as well as experience of working under a legal aid contract, supervising caseworkers, and meeting targets.

Leeds Citizens Advice & Law Centre offers family friendly employment policies, 6.5% pension contribution and an Employee Assistance Programme. Hybrid working is available but this role will require at least 3 days per week in the office. Our modern offices are located in the city centre close to the combined courts and with excellent transport links.

If you’d like to join our friendly team working in an organisation that’s committed to social justice, you can find more information and application details on our website via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: 23 May 2025

Interviews: Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and interviews may be conducted before the closing date. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

HFT-Barking Food Bank is looking for someone exceptional to help us fight hunger in our community. We’re on a mission to increase our fundraising income from £200,000 to £500,000 and need a passionate, results-driven individual to lead this effort. In this role, you’ll be a crucial part of our growth, enabling us to achieve our goal of increasing fundraising income and impact.You’ll build strong relationships with trusts, foundations, businesses, schools, and individuals, crafting impactful campaigns and proposals that inspire support. You’ll be at the heart of our local efforts, driving the financial support we need to continue our essential work, and ensuring that no one in Barking and Dagenham goes hungry.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details.

Job Introduction

• Location:  Oxfordshire
•  Annual Salary: £47,710.05
•  Hours per week: Full time (37.5 hours) 
•  Required: Full UK driving licence and access to a car/vehicle. 
•  Sponsorship is not available for this position

Help lead the kind of support that helps people live life their way.

At Affinity Trust, we support people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and related support needs to live the kind of lives most of us take for granted - ordinary, full, and led by choice. As an Operations Manager, you will be leading a team that is all about making that happen.

How will I be effective?

You will show others what good support looks like, helping managers and teams grow their confidence and skills to do their best.

You will build relationships with families and stakeholders so that the people we support can achieve great outcomes in life. 

You will encourage teams to be creative, courageous, and practical in helping people live life their way. 

What will I do as an Operations Manager?

You will ensure people are in receipt of amazing, safe, and consistent support which is always shaped around them.

You will lead with heart, setting a clear example and creating a place where everyone feels respected and valued.

You will bring people together to work in the same direction, making sure the people we support are truly at the centre of everything.

You will help people have real choice and say in their lives. 

You will maintain and manage an effective budget. 

You will be responsible for enhancing and maintaining quality and compliance across all the locations under your management.

You will be the Registered Manager for your locations and be part of the on-call rota 

This post reports into the Divisional Director. 

What do I need?

You will have previous experience managing teams (managers) in supported living, ideally supporting adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism.

You will have a clear understanding of the expectations set by our regulators, the CQC.

You will need previous experience in managing and maintaining a budget.

A proven history in driving and maintaining KPIs, compliance, and quality.

A confident use of tools like Word, Excel, and other everyday IT systems.

You will need to work flexibly, as required and be prepared to frequently travel across the area

What do I get in return?

We have a range of benefits that you can mix and match to suit you, such as:

• Buy and sell annual leave – transfer windows open twice a year. 
• Wagestream – an app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it, access to coaching, vouchers, discounts, cashback and more.  
• Vivup – spread the cost of home and electronics items, or a bike to cycle to work through fixed salary reductions throughout the year. 
• Simply Health - Fully funded health cash plans giving you access to a 24-hour GP, money back on prescriptions, dental treatment, opticians, and access to many more health benefits.
• Blue light card – we will reimburse your Blue Light Card membership which provides discounts in your favourite shops and restaurants
• Care Friends - our employee referral and reward app. You’ll receive points which can be exchanged for extra money. 
• Pension and Life Assurance - you’ll be enrolled into our Scottish Widows pension scheme and Life Assurance scheme. 

If you want to lead a team that helps people live life the way they choose, with purpose and pride, apply today.

If you are offered a role with us, you will need to complete an enhanced DBS check. We will submit your application and pay for your check. 

We’re committed to being Disability Confident and we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient applications are received.

Are you passionate about empowering young people to explore exciting careers in STEM? Do you have a knack for building engaging online communities and fostering meaningful connections? If so, this could be the role for you!

STEM Learning is seeking a dynamic and creative Community and Content Officer to join our innovative Marketing and Communications team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the STEM Ambassadors Community to support the organisation in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. The STEM Ambassadors Community is an online community of practice for STEM Ambassador volunteers (STEM professionals who encourage young people to take up STEM subjects and careers) to share ideas, resources and support.

The Role

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of maintaining a vibrant online community that connects STEM Ambassadors, educators and partners. Working alongside the Community and Content Manager, you’ll:

• Create compelling content: Lead on the development of content, curate engaging campaigns and identify the best distribution channels that will bring STEM to life.
• Foster engagement: Lead initiatives like competitions and milestone celebrations, interact with community members and curate diverse content to increase engagement and keep the community buzzing with activity.
• Platform support: Facilitate the effective use of the online platform (Higher Logic Thrive) and provide guidance to members, educators and STEM Ambassadors.
• Build partnerships: Collaborate with key employers, educational institutions and volunteers to amplify the community’s impact.
• Shape the future: Take ownership of innovative projects and continuously improve how we engage and inspire our network.

Every day will bring something new - whether you’re interviewing a passionate volunteer, designing a campaign to celebrate volunteering milestones or brainstorming creative ways to amplify the voices of our community members.

Our Ideal Candidate

Candidates will demonstrate our values: Sustainable – Innovative – Proactive

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A storyteller with a talent for creating engaging content across platforms.
• A connector who thrives on building relationships and fostering collaboration.
• A self-starter who is proactive, adaptable, and energised by a fast-paced environment.
• Experienced in online community management, communications, content creation or a similar field.

If you’re enthusiastic about inspiring young people, passionate about STEM, and ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you!

Why Join Us?

At STEM Learning, we value our people and offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• 30 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Access to an excellent pension scheme
• Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme
• Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more

About Us

STEM Learning’s vision is ‘improving lives through STEM education’ by empowering young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive through effective teaching and learning. To achieve this, STEM Learning provides a range of support which includes subject-specific professional development for teachers and other educators, quality assured resources, a suite of enhancement and enrichment activities and the inspiring STEM Ambassador programme showcasing the incredible careers and opportunities in STEM.

The Big Picture

The UK is facing a critical challenge in developing the pipeline of skills required for future STEM-related occupations and industries. To remain competitive on a global scale, it’s essential to inspire more young people to engage with STEM subjects at school, explore the exciting careers available, and pursue STEM pathways through education and beyond.

The STEM Ambassadors programme plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge. As the UK’s largest STEM volunteering initiative, it connects nearly 26,000 individuals from over 5,000 employers with teachers and young people across the country. These volunteers share their enthusiasm and expertise, bringing STEM to life and demonstrating the transformative potential of STEM education and careers.

At STEM Learning, we recognise that positive, long-term partnerships are key to making this vision a reality. By working collaboratively with businesses, professional institutions and other organisations, we maximize the impact of our work and ensure mutual benefits for everyone involved.

By joining us, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring the STEM Ambassadors programme continues to inspire and empower the next generation, equipping them with the skills and motivation to shape the future.

To Apply

Please provide us with:

• Your up-to-date CV including the contact details of two referees (please note, references will not be approached without your permission)
• A covering letter (no more than the equivalent of 2 sides of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you think you would be the ideal candidate.

STEM Learning strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to employing teams with diverse abilities, skills, and experiences.

Are you knowledgeable and passionate about community and health? Could you recruit, lead and support a team of community volunteers to run fun and healthy living initiatives? Do you have the ability to take the unexpected in your stride? Then why not join us at SMART?

We are looking for someone that recognises the importance of good wellbeing for all, is capable of dealing with a wide scope of managerial areas, and can work with our local communty as our Public Health-funded Community Champions Manager.

SMART is a unique Chelsea-based charity, serving the local community in a supportive and flexible environment. We offer 28 days annual leave (plus paid bank holidays), a pension program, competitive salary, and additional benefits.
   
Think you'd be a good fit? Just click the Apply button, and send us an up-to-date CV, and a 2-page covering letter telling us why.

The closing date to apply is 15th May at 23:30, with interviews taking place on 23rd May. 

About the Angelou Centre

The Angelou Centre is a Black-led women’s organisation committed to empowering Black and racially minoritised women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. Our centre provides trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and holistic support to help survivors heal, recover, and rebuild their lives.

Role Overview

The Communications and Community Engagement Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping the Angelou Centre’s voice and presence across digital and community platforms. This is a creative and strategic position responsible for managing communications, enhancing the organisation’s visibility, and deepening engagement with local communities. You will lead on digital content creation, website management, social media, campaigns, and outreach communications, while ensuring all messaging reflects the Centre’s anti-racist, feminist values and the lived experiences of the women we support. This role offers a unique opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and support social justice through meaningful storytelling and connection-building.

As a team member, you will:

a) Work collaboratively with your teammates and actively support colleagues across teams and functions to deliver on The Angelou Centre’s (AC) mission

b) Champion a culture of mutual respect, accountability and excellence within your team and across the Angelou Centre

c) Embody and champion black-led feminist values, principles and ethos 

About Us: The Weir Link is a small and vibrant charity and community centre dedicated to bringing the community together through educational, training, and social opportunities. Established in June 2010, we have transformed a derelict space into a thriving hub for local residents. Our centre hosts a variety of activities including after-school clubs, stay-and-play sessions, arts and crafts, Pilates, yoga, ante-natal classes, and community meetings.

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract – 1 year (potential to extend)

Location: Clapham Park/Balham, SW12

Hours: 20 hours per week, working pattern can be flexible, subject to agreement

Salary: £20-25 per hour depending on experience

Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Centre Manager to join our team and manage this important community resource. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community development and has a proven track record in business development, fundraising, and, ideally, project management.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the management and operation of The Weir Link in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.

Identify fundraising opportunities and submit credible applications resulting in income generated to support the great work of the Centre.

Manage the delivery of high-quality activities and events for the local community.

Maintain and develop partnerships with organizations and community groups.

Line-manage the Facilities and Bookings Coordinator to ensure the building is well-maintained and safe.

Work with Trustees to implement the business plan and sustainable funding strategy.

Develop and execute an effective marketing strategy to promote our activities and events.

Ensure all visitors feel welcome, safe, and encouraged, and maintain systems for monitoring satisfaction and evaluating outcomes.

Person Specification:

Experience in business development and identifying potential opportunities.

Proven success in fundraising and applying for grants.

Strong project management skills, including marketing and communications.

Experience in community research and organizing events.

Motivated, organized, and reliable with a flexible and resourceful approach.

Commitment to contributing meaningfully to the local community.

Benefits:

Flexible working pattern, ideal for parents or carers.

Hybrid working options during school holidays.

Opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role and why you would like to work for The Weir Link.

Interview Process: First interviews will take place between 20th and 23rd May, in person, at The Weir Link.  There will be a final, informal conversation between the successful candidate and the trustees as a second and final stage (virtual).

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

Could you be our new Community & Events Fundraising Manager? This is an exciting role with real purpose, helping us build a sustainable funding future that supports our values and the people at the heart of our work. 

We are seeking to grow our income in the coming years by diversifying our revenue streams and increasing our community engagement to include:

• individual giving
• support from schools, churches and local community groups
• corporate donations and sponsorships in and around our local area

In establishing this new role, you’ll proactively create and grow fundraising income across all fundraising streams to enable us to continue supporting people in crisis and meet local need.

Please see all details in our attached job description and person specification.

In this exciting new role, the Centre Fundraising Manager will be responsible for effectively and autonomously managing the full portfolio of activity relating to the Centre and to manage complex networks and relationships which have a wider regional and national focus including hospital teams and senior volunteers. 

You will be responsible for fundraising across a range of income streams including businesses, individuals, community groups, volunteers and media contacts.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Hub Co-ordinator to lead the development and day-to-day running of our exciting new Community Hub, made possible thanks to five years of National Lottery funding. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a member-led organisation that supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to thrive.

You’ll shape a vibrant, inclusive and accessible community space at the heart of Bexley—one that offers a range of activities, support, and services. The exact shape of the Hub is still to come—because we’re co-creating it with our community. From creative workshops and peer-led support, to potential social enterprises like a community café—your ideas, energy and leadership will help make it happen.

You’ll lead a team that includes staff with learning disabilities or autism, and you’ll work closely with our partners and other charities to open up new opportunities for local people.

This role is ideal for someone who is dynamic, compassionate, and organised—with experience of coordinating projects, working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people, and a strong belief in inclusive community-led change.

About Us

Bexley Mencap is a small but growing local charity working exclusively with people with a learning disability and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to live life to the full.

We provide support, activities and opportunities for people to thrive. We’re proudly member-led, passionate about inclusion, and committed to creating spaces that feel welcoming and safe for all.

We’ve just secured five years of National Lottery funding to create a brand-new Community Hub in Bexley. This will be a truly shared space—designed with and for our members—where people with a learning disability, autistic people, and the wider community can come together, connect, and grow.

About the role

 As Community Hub Co-ordinator, you’ll lead the launch and development of this exciting new space. You’ll manage the day-to-day running of the Hub, support and line-manage a small team (including staff with lived experience of learning disability or autism), and co-design a wide variety of services, events, and partnerships with our members and community.

You’ll also work with other local organisations and charities to expand the support on offer—exploring exciting ideas like social enterprises, creative groups, advice drop-ins or a community café. This is a hands-on role. Some days you’ll be welcoming people and helping with a session, other days you’ll be planning future activities, liaising with partners, or exploring funding ideas. No two days will be the same.

We’re a growing organisation with big ambitions—so this is a great time to join and shape something truly special.

About You

 You’re proactive, passionate, and organised. You love bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and making things happen.

You’ll have experience of managing community-facing services, working with diverse groups (ideally including people with learning disabilities or autistic people), and leading a team.

You’re happy rolling up your sleeves to get things done—and you’re confident developing new ideas, building partnerships, and planning activities.  Being a car driver is a plus (but not essential), and some evening or weekend working may be required. We’re happy to talk about flexible working, part-time options and job shares.

What we offer

 We offer a range of benefits including discounts at local shops and restaurants (through a Blue Light Card), training and development opportunities and flexible working.  We also offer 22 days holiday plus all English bank holidays, as well as a variety of other leave such as volunteering days and enhanced carers leave.

Person Specification

Our work is underpinned by our values and you will be expected to demonstrate these in your daily work:

Nurturing:  You work in a person-centred way supporting every individual to reach their full potential.  You empower people to take risks and develop their skills

Approachable:  You can communicate with a range of people with differing abilities and maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the people you support and their families.

Inclusive:  You involve people you support in all aspects of services.  You are able to communicate effectively with people with a learning disability and adapt your approach where need.

Passionate:  You are dedicated to improving the lives of the people that we support.  You will professionally challenge where necessary whilst maintain effective working relationships.

Respectful:  You treat everybody with compassion, dignity and respect ensuring privacy and confidentiality for the people we support.

You will also be able to demonstrate or tell us about the following areas in your application and at interview:

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

· Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with a wide range of people including people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· Ability to coordinate multiple projects or activities, ensuring smooth delivery and follow-up.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, using initiative and sound judgment.

· Confident IT user, including Microsoft 365 (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel), Canva, and database/CRM systems.

· Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how to implement them in a community setting.

· Good working knowledge of inclusion, accessibility and equality in service delivery.

 Desirable

· Understanding of the voluntary and community sector and the opportunities and challenges it faces 

· Understanding of the support needs of people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

Experience

 Essential

· Proven experience of running or coordinating community-based services, hubs, or similar projects.

· Experience of working directly with people with a learning disability and/or autistic people (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).

· Experience of line managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers, including giving feedback and supporting development.

· Experience of organising and delivering events, activities or workshops.

· Experience of maintaining records and reporting on impact or outcomes.

Desirable

· Experience of working in partnership with other organisations or agencies.

· Experience supporting or delivering social enterprise or community business activity.

Values and Personal Qualities

 Essential

· A strong commitment to the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· A values-led approach aligned with Bexley Mencap’s ethos: Nurturing, Approachable, Inclusive, Passionate, and Respectful.

· Calm and approachable under pressure, able to adapt to unexpected challenges and find practical solutions.

· Willingness to “muck in” and take a hands-on approach to running the Hub—including setting up rooms, greeting visitors or supporting a group activity.

· Creative, enthusiastic and pro-active—always looking for ways to improve what we offer and how we work.

· Commitment to learning, personal development and continuous improvement.

· Willing to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel locally when required.

Desirable

· Lived experience of disability or of supporting someone with a disability.

· Holds a full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent ability to travel within the borough).

Start date:  Mid-August 2025 (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £36,411 - £38,261 per annum, pro rata.

Hours: 35 hours a week, with some flexibility possible.

Contract: This is a 9 month maternity cover contract, with possibility of extension to 12 months

Place of work: To work flexibly at CARA premises across mid and north Essex, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harwich and Dunmow, with some remote home working.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification. 

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.

Application deadline:  10am, Monday 2nd June 2025 

Interviews:  Monday 9th June 2025 

Start date: Mid-August, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

The role of CARA’s Child and Young Person’s Practice Manager is to lead CARA’s teams of Young Person’s Practitioners and Child and Family Practitioners and manage the provision of specialist sexual violence counselling for young people, play therapy and support for parents and carers.  The post holder may hold a small caseload of clients and undertake some assessments, but the main emphasis of this role will be on the management, support and coordination of the team.

This is a varied and interesting role, giving the post holder opportunity to lead a talented and committed team of practitioners.   As well as overseeing day-to-day operations of the team, the post holder will be part of CARA’s management team and will have the opportunity to play a key role in CARA’s wider development, working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO.   The post holder will work with our sister centres, SERICC and SOS Rape Crisis to gain an understanding of Child and Young Person’s services across Essex and coordinate these as appropriate.   

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• To manage all operational aspects of CARA’s Child and Young Person’s Practice, including overseeing the delivery of our specialist young person’s counselling service, play therapy and support for parents and carers.    This may also include managing any new Child and Young Person’s Practice projects that CARA develops.

• To work in accordance with CARA’s policies and procedures and embed a feminist approach in CARA activities.

• To co-ordinate, review and develop effective processes within the Child and Young Person’s Practice, working closely with the Deputy CEO, the Young Person’s Practitioners and the Child and Family Practitioners.

• To line-manage a team of Young Person’s and Child and Family Practitioners, providing day-to-day support, monitoring performance and identifying training and development needs.   This will include keeping up to date notes of line management meetings and conducting and recording annual staff appraisals.

• Work with our Adult Practice Manager to oversee the work of a wider team of sessional counsellors, including supporting Practitioners in line managing sessional and volunteer counsellors and identifying training needs. This will include helping to co-ordinate a monthly sessional and volunteer counsellor meeting. 

• To support practitioners and sessional counsellors in maintaining up-to-date client records and ensure that gaps in data are proactively addressed, as required.

• To work with CARA’s Deputy CEO to recruit and train new staff and sessional and volunteer counsellors, as required.

• To lead regular Young Person’s Practice and Child and Family Practice meetings, producing notes to share with team members and with senior management.

• To maintain an overview of waiting lists, working closely with practitioners and with the Deputy CEO and CEO to ensure that staff and resources are deployed effectively.

• To keep up to date with relevant legislation, policy and practice issues, including BACP and child safeguarding guidance and ensure the practitioners are aware of changes.

• To liaise with CARA’s other teams and more widely with Synergy Essex teams, resolving problems and ensuring good communication and mutual understanding of respective roles and ways of operating.

• To liaise with external agencies, including children’s mental health and social care, ensuring CARA is represented at meetings as required and developing effective relationships to ensure our services co-ordinate with statutory and voluntary services.

• To be part of the CARA management team and attend regular management team meetings, contributing to CARA’s ongoing development.

Counselling and client support

• To oversee client work within the teams, working closely with all team members to resolve client issues and ensure high quality service provision.

• To undertake client assessments and make appropriate arrangements for support.

• To provide specialist counselling for young people and/or play therapy for children and support for their parents, holding a small caseload of clients.

• To keep client records up to date. 

• To work flexibly at CARA centres across mid and north Essex, providing face-to-face and remote sessions, as required.

General

• To work flexible hours, including some evening work and occasional weekends.

• To participate in CARA team meetings, supervision, training and development.

• To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.

• To raise awareness of sexual violence and its impact in the community and within other agencies.

• To keep appropriate records in accordance with CARA policies and procedures.

• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

• To be administratively self-servicing.

• To report to the Deputy CEO, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports and verbal reports.

• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Deputy CEO, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA 

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here.   We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East and we work closely with South Essex-based SERICC and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

About VODG

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) represents over 130 organisations within the voluntary sector whose work is focused on enabling disabled people of all ages to live the lives they choose. VODG believes that an ambitious, reliable and vibrant voluntary sector that works together is critical to achieving this aim.

VODG’s mission is focused on two key areas – enabling our members to be the best they can and improving the environment in which its members operate. VODG believes that our membership approach and operations should centre around the views of disabled people and be influenced by professional expertise.

Introduction to the role

Reporting to the Head of Membership and Operations, the Business Development and Partnership Manager will play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and cultivating strategic partnerships that align with the organisation's core mission and values. This newly created position aims to strengthen our expansion efforts and help us adapt to the changing landscape of care and support for disabled people.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development and Partnership Manager who will lead initiatives to identify, develop, and manage partnerships that can drive significant growth and enhance our market presence. This role will also focus on existing revenue streams and explore new areas for development and growth. The position requires exceptional relationship-building skills and a deep understanding of partnership management. It also requires a strategic approach that blends attention to detail and results-oriented delivery.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, along with a proven track record of successful partnership management and revenue growth. As we continue with our growth plans, this role will be essential in advancing our organisational goals and objectives while fostering an environment both internally and externally that draws in expertise and insight from beyond our membership.

Purpose of role

The role will:

· Formulate and nurture strategic partnerships with corporate partners and non-profit organisations.

· Enhance the visibility and reputation of VODG among key stakeholders.

· Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligning with VODG’s mission and vision.

· Manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

· Foster collaboration and create synergetic relationships for mutual benefits.

· Assess partnership effectiveness through detailed metrics and feedback.

· Negotiate corporate partnerships and secure commercial sponsorships.

· Build long-term relationships that promote shared goals and lead to the development of new business opportunities.

· Focus on exploring new areas for development and growth.

· Support internal colleagues, as necessary, on partnership grants and awards.

· Coordinate with colleagues for alignment of activities with organisational goals.

Specific responsibilities and duties

Business Development Strategy and Implementation 

· Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies to identify and secure partnership opportunities. 

· Identify and explore innovative areas for development and growth.

· Set clear goals and objectives to measure the success of business development efforts. Analyse market trends and the competitive landscape to inform partnership strategies.

Partnership Development and Relationship Management 

· Identify and engage potential partners while building and maintaining strong relationships with existing stakeholders. 

· Serve as the main point of contact for key partners, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded. 

Opportunity Identification and Market Research 

· Identify and evaluate new business opportunities and partnerships that align with organisational goals, including new membership opportunities.

· Conduct market research to recognise trends, opportunities, and challenges in the sector, analysing competitor activities to inform strategies.

· Deliver on existing opportunities and identify new ones, including sponsorship activities for events, projects, programmes, work, events and conferences, and smaller strategic roundtables.

Negotiation and Contract Management 

· Lead detailed negotiations for partnership agreements, ensuring favourable terms for both parties, and oversee contract management to ensure compliance and performance monitoring.

Collaboration and Project Management 

· Work closely with internal colleagues to align partnership initiatives with business objectives, managing execution to ensure initiatives align with organisational priorities. 

· Collaborate with internal teams to coordinate campaigns and promotional events effectively.

Performance Tracking and Financial Management 

· Monitor and analyse partnership performance, using data to refine strategies and maximise impact. Prepare regular updates on business development activities and partnership outcomes. 

· Prepare budgets and financial forecasts related to business development activities, monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of initiatives and partnerships.

Networking and Representation 

· Represent the organisation at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to promote business development initiatives and cultivate a strong professional network for future partnerships. 

·Engage in community outreach and represent the organisation in public forums to expand its network and promote its mission