Community development executive jobs

Terms & Conditions

Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: £34,692 per annum (inclusive of £3,990 Southeast Weighting)
Location: HMP Bronzefield and South London Women’s Hubs
Working hours: Full time: 35 hours
Contract: Permanent

Benefits

Annual leave: 30 days plus statutory bank holidays (if full time). All WIP staff also receive an additional 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year.

Pension scheme: WIP provides an auto enrolment pension scheme with 5% contributions from the employer and 3% from the employee.

Clinical supervision: Working with WIP can be enormously rewarding but also challenging at times. So we provide clinical supervision through a Harley Street practice, to encourage reflective practice and support the wellbeing of our team.

Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential access to a range of support and information on a 24/7 basis. Including legal advice, emotional support, practical advice and signposting.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Eligible employees can save money and spread the cost of a new bike and accessories.

Job Purpose:
This role will be based in HMP Bronzefield, leading the development and delivery of specialist domestic abuse/family & significant other support with women impacted by the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Lead on developing an effective domestic abuse/family & significant others intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system
2. Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to addressing women’s needs
3. Provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including Women in Prison’s influencing team
4. Provide effective leadership to direct report/s, ensuring teams are managed and supported.

For the full job description, please refer to the recruitment pack.

Director of Commercial Services

Salary: £60,727
Location: University of Reading Students’ Union
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)

Are you ready to shape exceptional student experiences through vibrant and innovative commercial services?
Reading Students’ Union is seeking a progressive and values-driven Director of Commercial Services to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all commercial services, helping to deliver outstanding spaces, services and experiences for the student community.

About Reading SU

Reading Students’ Union is an independent education charity led by, and for, students.

The Students’ Union is central to the University experience and works to support all aspects of student life for the 19,000 plus students studying at the University of Reading. Located in one of Britain’s top green spaces, the Students’ Union is an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student at Reading University in achieving personal success.

Reading SU sits at the heart of a thriving student community, with activities and initiatives inspired by students themselves. The Students’ Union is committed to promoting the interests and welfare of its members, representing their needs, and offering opportunities for personal development through a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.

This commitment to student experience also underpins the Union’s commercial activity. Reading Students’ Union’s venues, services and events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and vibrant spaces where students can connect, feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Guided by student insight, the commercial services play an important role in supporting the Union’s mission while enhancing student life across campus.

About the Role

Reading SU are thrilled to be searching for a Director of Commercial Services, a dynamic leader experienced in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo but about reimagining and diversifying the commercial services in line with student community needs.

The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, with an ability to develop Reading SU’s commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations.

The successful candidate will not necessarily come from the Higher Education sector but will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the trends, challenges and opportunities that shape student life and the Students’ Union sector. They will bring a sound understanding of charity governance and financial management, alongside the strategic and operational capability required to lead complex commercial services within a democratic, student-led organisation.

Reading Students’ Union offers an inclusive and engaging working environment and is passionate about developing its people. The organisation is committed to ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it serves, respecting individual identity and celebrating differences. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of background, and Reading Students’ Union particularly welcomes applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities.

The SU offers a range of sector-leading benefits including enhanced leave, onsite nursery, occupational sick pay, access to campus facilities and winter shutdown over the Christmas period- a rare opportunity within the hospitality and commercial sector.

It’s a genuinely exciting time for Reading Students’ Union and we look forward to receiving your application.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Thursday 9th April, 12pm
First Stage Interviews (Remote): 20th April
Final Interviews (In-person): 27th April

Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: 26th March, 12pm. Email to register (see below)

How to Apply

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and the application process, or to register to the optional Q/A session, please contact our recruitment partners at Atkinson HR Consulting. Their details can be found in the candidate pack.

As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will play a critical role in shaping the operational future of Mermaids. Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you will lead the development and delivery of robust finance, people, income generation and operational strategies that ensure we are well equipped to meet the needs of the communities we exist to serve. Mermaids is a charity with deep meaning and purpose for our beneficiaries, and the work we do has never been more important.

We are looking for someone with a track record of delivering meaningful transformation across finance and operational functions, ideally in a charity or values-driven setting. You will bring a collaborative and strategic mindset, with the ability to lead teams through change while maintaining focus on care, impact and accountability.

This role is fully remote, full time with a four day working week (32 hours).

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting the recruitment of a Head of International Programmes for a respected international Catholic charity supporting seafarers, fishers and their families worldwide. The organisation operates an extensive global network spanning more than 50 countries and hundreds of ports, delivering vital practical, pastoral and welfare support to those working at sea.

Reporting to the CEO, the postholder will lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s international strategy, strengthening partnerships across the global network and identifying opportunities to expand programmes. You will build and maintain strong relationships with international partners, develop a pipeline of high-impact projects, and secure funding from corporates, trusts and foundations. The role will oversee programme delivery, grant management and reporting, ensuring compliance and impact, while also contributing to business planning, budgeting and organisational leadership. You will represent the organisation externally, both in the UK and internationally, and play a key role in enhancing its reputation and influence across the sector. You will also play a key role in strengthening organisational capability across the global network, supporting training initiatives and capacity building for international colleagues. Acting as a senior adviser on international affairs, you will provide insight to the CEO and contribute to informed decision-making at leadership and board level.

We are looking for a confident and strategic leader with significant experience in international programme management within a development or humanitarian context. You will bring a strong track record in grant fundraising and stakeholder engagement, alongside experience of leading teams and delivering organisational strategy. The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware, and able to translate complex ideas into compelling cases for support. Strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse global contexts are essential, as is a proactive and resilient approach.

Please note that to be considered for this role, candidates must have prior experience within the charity sector, alongside a background in international programmes. Unfortunately, applications that do not meet both of these essential criteria will not be progressed. Only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV by 23:59 on 19 April.

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

Is this position right for you?
We’re seeking a Fundraising Officer to support the growth of all our programmes, services, and campaigns. Primarily working on a new area of trusts and foundations fundraising, including researching prospects. You will be responsible for making grant applications and updating funders, as well as providing overall support to the wider fundraising team at Humanists UK.

Are you an early-career fundraiser with some experience of working in the trusts and foundations sector, either for a charity or as a funder? Are you looking for your next big move and a new role that you can really get your teeth into? Do you want to grow your skillset while taking ownership of exciting projects? If so, this could be the role for you.

What you'll be doing

You'll be part of the Advancing Humanism Directorate. You'll work with our Head of Fundraising, Jess, as well as working closely with our Director of Advancing Humanism, Liam, and other members of the Communications and Marketing team.

The fundraising team is responsible for income generation including donors, campaigns, grants, and exploring new ways we can sustain and grow our fundraising. This includes planning and leading giving campaigns; donor and funder stewardship (working with the Chief Executive’s Office); developing and maintaining an income pipeline; and identifying new opportunities to diversify our income streams.

Key Tasks & Activities

Implementing and further developing Humanists UK’s grants, trusts, and foundations fundraising strategy, with key tasks including:

• Researching new funding prospects

• Maintaining and growing our funding pipeline.

• Supporting colleagues across the organisation to develop, bid for, and report on appropriate projects for funding

• Writing clear and compelling funding bids, proposals, and appeals, and produce timely, high-quality reports for funders

• Maintaining accurate records of applications, reporting schedules, project milestones, and grant income using the charity’s CRM system.

• Working with the finance team to make sure grants are administered efficiently and all income is accurately recorded

• Monitoring progress against targets, providing regular updates and income reports to the Head of Fundraising

• Supporting continuous improvement by maintaining effective systems for tracking and evaluating trust fundraising activity

• Keeping informed about developments and sector trends in fundraising

As a successful candidate

You will have strong organisational skills and be confident managing a varied workload, balancing application and reporting deadlines with funder stewardship and pipeline development needs.

You will also be a proactive and supportive team player and a self-starter. We are a small team who manage our own work, but value coming together to share ideas, support one another, and take creative risks.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

This is one of the most important leadership roles at Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre as we reopen in 2026. Based at our seaside centre in Skegness, you’ll lead life-changing residential experiences for children who need them most.

For over 135 years, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has given children the chance to experience the seaside — often for the very first time. For many, it’s far more than a holiday. It’s a moment of safety, joy, confidence and belonging that stays with them for life.

As Holiday Centre Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operation of our Skegness centre, ensuring every child experiences a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment. You’ll oversee residential programme delivery, manage staff and volunteers, and take responsibility for safeguarding, health & safety and site operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You’ll design and oversee engaging activity programmes, support and develop your team, and ensure the highest standards of care and compliance. You’ll also play a key role in building relationships with schools and partners, helping us grow our reach and impact.

This is a full-time, permanent role offered on an annualised hours contract, reflecting the seasonal nature of our work — with busier periods during holiday delivery and quieter times for planning, development and preparing the centre.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A confident, practical leader who enjoys being hands-on

• Passionate about children’s wellbeing and development

• Experienced in managing teams, operations or residential settings

• Strong in safeguarding, organisation and decision-making

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Make a genuine, measurable difference to children’s lives

• Lead a small committed team of staff and volunteers

• Shape and grow a unique and historic charity

• Take pride in a role with real purpose and impact

If you’re ready to lead with energy, care and purpose — and help children experience the joy of the seaside — we would love to hear from you.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in our London office E1, with frequent travel to our stores across London and to our warehouse in Canning Town. Some homeworking available in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy.

About the role

As Director of Retail, you will provide bold strategic leadership to grow and strengthen the organisation’s retail operation, creating an innovative and inspiring pre-loved retail experience across both shops and online. Working collaboratively with the Executive Director of Commerce & Enterprise and wider teams, you will drive sustainable income growth, expand the retail portfolio, and integrate e-commerce to deliver a seamless omnichannel offer. With an impactful focus on achieving ambitious revenue targets and building strategic partnerships, you will use retail as a powerful platform to engage communities and supporters in Crisis’s mission to end homelessness.

You will lead and develop a high-performing team of staff and volunteers, fostering an equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through inspiring leadership and clear direction, you will ensure operational excellence, innovation, and outstanding customer experience across the retail estate. Combining commercial acumen with purpose-driven leadership, this role will ensure Crisis’s retail growth is not only financially strong but also socially impactful, helping to create lasting change for people experiencing homelessness.

About you

We are looking for an experienced and strategic retail leader with a proven record of growing and transforming retail operations, ideally within the charity or high street sector. You will bring strong people leadership and financial acumen, a passion for charity retail, an understanding of e-commerce, and the ability to turn strategic vision into clear operational delivery. With experience leading large and dispersed teams, you will be an inspirational and collaborative leader who empowers others to perform at their best while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.

You will have the skills to drive income growth and customer engagement across both physical and digital channels, underpinned by a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. With sound knowledge of health, safety, and safeguarding, you’ll ensure Crisis’s retail spaces are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. Above all, you’ll share our commitment to ending homelessness and live our values — being Bold in your ambition, Impactful in your leadership, Collaborative in your approach, and Equitable in how you support staff, volunteers, and communities.

Please visit our website to view the job pack.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. 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 homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 12 April 2026 at 23:59

Interview format:

Stakeholder panel: Wednesday 27 April 2026 at one of our London shops. This will involve meeting with a panel of key stakeholders for an informal conversation where you can learn more about the role, organisation and ask questions.

Main panel interview date and location: Wednesday 29 April 2026 at our London office, E1. The interview will be a range of competency, values and hypothetical questions and there will be a presentation.

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

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 email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094

Head of Operations

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Hybrid (40% office-based)
Full-time (35 hours)

Permanent
£46,200
Start: ASAP

Lead and shape services supporting victims of stalking and abuse

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic leadership across our services, ensuring they are safe, effective, compliant, and sustainable.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible for overseeing service performance, infrastructure, and delivery at an organisational level. You will play a key role in shaping strategy, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our services meet the needs of victims and funders alike.

About the role

You will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all services, ensuring high-quality and compliant delivery
• Lead on organisational performance, including KPIs, quality standards, and reporting frameworks
• Oversee contract and grant delivery, ensuring all obligations and compliance requirements are met
• Hold senior relationships with commissioners, funders, and external stakeholders
• Lead service development, mobilisation of new contracts, and organisational change
• Ensure effective systems, infrastructure, and processes are in place to support delivery
• Provide leadership across safeguarding, risk, and organisational compliance
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to shape and deliver organisational strategy

This role focuses on service infrastructure, performance, and strategic oversight, rather than direct frontline management

About you

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational and strategic service delivery within a safeguarding or related environment.

You will have:

• Significant experience leading multiple frontline services within a safeguarding or VAWG-related sector
• Experience operating at senior leadership level, contributing to organisational strategy
• Strong experience of performance management, KPIs, and quality assurance frameworks
• Experience managing statutory contracts or grant-funded services
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, service mobilisation, or transformation
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, compliance, and information governance
• Experience working with commissioners and senior external stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience within stalking, domestic abuse, or VAWG services
• Experience in a charity or commissioned service environment
• Experience in organisational restructuring, service redesign, or systems implementation

Why join us

• Lead and shape services that support victims of stalking and abuse
• Join a collaborative and mission-driven senior leadership team
• Play a critical role in organisational strategy, growth and impact

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria detailed within the person specification.

Applications will not be considered without a supporting statement

Additional information

• This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most 

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections. 

We are now seeking an Impact and Operations Manager to join our passionate team and shape the future of our services. 

About the Role 

This is a unique opportunity to lead our impact and operations strategy, ensuring we have the insight, tools, and systems to deliver high-quality support to families. You’ll play a pivotal role in measuring and communicating our impact, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage data collection, evaluation, and reporting across all family support services 

• Develop tailored reports and insights for internal and external stakeholders 

• Collaborate on funding applications with the CEO and Head of Marketing & Fundraising 

• Oversee administrative systems and policies, including GDPR compliance and HR processes 

• Manage office operations, including tech support, premises, and general administration, and line manage operations and data & impact team 

• Contribute to strategic planning and service innovation using data and insight 

• Strengthen our presence across local and national networks in partnership with the Senior Management Team 

What You’ll Bring 

• Strong experience in managing and interpreting data to drive impact and inform strategy 

• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results 

• Confidence with technology and quick ability to learn new tools and systems 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships 

• A curious, analytical mindset and a passion for telling the story of our work 

Why Join Us? 

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team 

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families 

• Excellent pension and generous annual leave 

Zoe's Place Baby Hospice was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

As work begins on our new hospice facility, our dedicated team continues to deliver specialised care from our existing site, and our team of fundraising, marketing, finance, compliance and administration professionals work hard to keep the charity operating smoothly.

This is a rare opportunity to join our dynamic and successful team as the head of our Income Generation and Marketing function. This role enhances the previous role of Head of Fundraising to be responsible for the overall income generation for the hospice, and the key role for the Head of Income Generation is to maintain a sustainable level of fundraising by increasing the income from paid placements through our relationships with Health Trusts and Councils in Merseyside and Cheshire in particular.

We are looking for someone with proven senior-level experience in income generation within the charity, health or care sector, and with a track record of growing income through commissioning or fundraising. You will need to be a strategic thinker with the confidence and compassion needed to build productive relationships and to manage our passionate and hard working team.

In exchange you will benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package, the opportunity to make a real difference to an incredible cause, and you will be joining the charity at a pivotal point in its development. 

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Norwich.

Location: IntoUniversity Norwich
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until August 2026
Applications close: 9am Monday 13th April 2026
Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed directly with the successful candidate

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Furnishing Futures is a charity that creates beautiful healing homes for women and children who have escaped domestic abuse, and been given empty social housing, using unwanted furniture from the interiors industry. We are looking for a Senior Specialist Support Worker, to provide maternity cover for 12 months managing our specialist support service and providing focussed support to beneficiaries.

Our specialist support team works alongside our home designers to provide advice and support on a range of issues to help alleviate social isolation for survivors, as well as facilitating women’s groups and managing relationships with referral partners.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting vulnerable people with complex needs from a wide variety of backgrounds, and an understanding of the impact of deprivation, discrimination and domestic abuse on individuals, families and communities. Based in Leyton you will be managing a small team and helping the charity develop its service across London. 

Are you passionate about creating meaningful volunteer experiences and strengthening how volunteers are supported and managed? ​

Do you enjoy supporting and developing volunteer leaders, helping them build confidence in leading volunteers and supporting strong volunteer relationships?​

Are you able to use volunteer feedback, insight, data and best practice to develop innovative approaches that improve volunteer retention, engagement and support, helping shape the future of volunteering at Samaritans?

​​

Samaritans is looking for a dedicated Volunteer Experience Advisor to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of volunteering across our network. Our incredible volunteers run more than 200 branches and locations across the UK and Ireland. They offer their time to help to deliver our 24-hour emotional support service to callers in many ways, from answering telephones and emails, to fundraising, generating publicity, administration and finance.

​

About the Role

Our Volunteer Experience Team support over 20,000 volunteers and no two days are the same. You’ll be responsible for supporting our network of volunteers and volunteer leaders in engaging and managing volunteers, as well as involved in a variety of creative new projects helping us to provide a positive and rewarding experience for anyone that gives their time to Samaritans.

You’ll play a key advisory, analytical and development focused role, supporting volunteers and volunteer leaders on all volunteer management matters, including sensitive and sometimes complex situations. You’ll also deliver impactful initiatives and projects that strengthen and enhance the volunteer experience, helping shape the ongoing development of Samaritans’ volunteer management and support practices.

​

About the Role

Our Volunteer Experience Team support over 20,000 volunteers and no two days are the same. You’ll be responsible for supporting our network of volunteers and volunteer leaders in engaging and managing volunteers, as well as involved in a variety of creative new projects helping us to provide a positive and rewarding experience for anyone that gives their time to Samaritans.

You’ll play a key advisory, analytical and development focused role, supporting volunteers and volunteer leaders on all volunteer management matters, including sensitive and sometimes complex situations. You’ll also deliver impactful initiatives and projects that strengthen and enhance the volunteer experience, helping shape the ongoing development of Samaritans’ volunteer management and support practices.​

Contract terms

• £30,000 - £35,000 per annum

• Permanent

• Full time (35 hours per week)

• Hybrid working: Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
   

What you’ll be doing

• Providing expert advice and guidance to branches and regions on all volunteer management matters.
• Analysing complex or sensitive situations to identify key issues, risks, and appropriate courses of action.
• Developing and delivering initiatives and projects that strengthen and enhance the volunteer experience at Samaritans.
• Drafting clear, well-structured and professional written communications, including reports and formal correspondence.
• Supporting learning, training and resources that build confidence and capability in Volunteer Leaders.
• Contributing to the development and refinement of volunteer policies, processes and guidance.
• Supporting the fair, balanced and proportionate handling and effective resolution of volunteer concerns and complaints
• Identifying themes, risks, and organisational learning opportunities to inform continuous improvement.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders across the organisation.

​You’ll ideally bring:

• Experience working with or supporting volunteer, or advising on people related matters.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex and sensitive situations, producing analysis and meaningful conclusions.
• The ability to exercise sound judgement and take a balanced, proportionate approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management experience, including the development and delivery or improvement focused initiatives.
• A proactive, solutions focused and improvement-oriented mindset
• Knowledge of principles of natural justice and complaints management, and effective people resolution good practice.
• Experience of providing advice, training or support on volunteering matters.
• Experience and understanding of navigating organisational risk and safeguarding related volunteer matters .
• Report writing and presentation skills.
• Experience in prioritising workloads and working to deadlines with speed and accuracy.

​

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

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Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions and to upload your CV.

​Applications close: Thursday 16th April @ 09:00am

Interviews: w/c 27th April

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.