Community development jobs

About us:

Empire Fighting Chance is a sport for development charity. We use  psychologically informed non-contact boxing programmes that reach around 10,000 vulnerable young people every year.  We run these programmes in our gym, in schools, and through a growing network of partner organisations and affiliated amateur boxing clubs in England and Wales.

Our model features a powerful fusion of boxing and psychology, delivered by coaches and therapists that young people can trust, in a place where they feel safe, cared for and understood.

With Empire Fighting Chance, young people gain support in ways that are natural and enjoyable, encouraging them to turn up, relax, engage in the work, and go on to make positive changes to their lives.

About the job:

Do you have a drive for breaking down the barriers of traditional therapeutic services, whilst supporting young people to address mental health issues in a creative and non-stigmatising way? 

We are passionate about breaking down the barriers that often prevent young people from accessing the mental health support they need. In many of the communities in which we work, mental health issues are stigmatised and rarely discussed. Traditional clinic-based therapy can be difficult to access and intimidating for young people, leading to reluctance in seeking the necessary help and opening up. Our approach is to bring mental health services out of clinics and into the communities where young people live.

Box Therapy combines non-contact boxing with psychologically informed interventions with the primary aim being to support and empower young people to improve their emotional wellbeing and mental health. Box Therapy most commonly takes place in a boxing gym setting, where our therapists use non-contact boxing as a physical outlet to help young people build trust, manage their emotions, and make positive changes in their lives. We also deliver Box Therapy in school-based settings.

This is an incredible opportunity to play a key role in a thriving charity that is supporting youth in our community through an active and engaging approach to improving lives. Every day, we meet young people who are facing significant challenges in their lives such as mental health issues, chaotic home lives, difficulties at school or involvement in crime.

With your commitment, timely input, and ability to think outside the box, we can dramatically increase the impact of our work, and improve the mental health outcomes of those who engage with our services and promote new and innovative ways to break down the barriers many young people experience in accessing critical mental health support.

We are also embarking on an exciting journey to take Boxing Therapy to the nation. We have just finished our inaugural training programme to create and support new Boxing Therapists from across the UK.

Your role:

Box Therapy is an accessible way for young people to receive support from a qualified practitioner in a non-clinical, non-intimidating setting.

As a Boxing Therapist you will be expected to work with young people with moderate to severe and enduring mental health issues in both 1:1 and group settings. You will not be expected to have a specific sports or boxing qualification, but an interest in fitness and the benefits of physical activity as a therapeutic tool are essential. 

You will receive full boxing coaching skills training as a part of your induction.

Your responsibilities:

• To provide effective mental health support to young people aged between 8 and 25. This includes combining non-contact boxing and physical exercise with psychosocial interventions.
• To work in a dynamic and unconventional work environment where flexibility and creativity are paramount.
• To work with young people in a 1:1 and group-based capacity in both gym and school-based settings.
• To maintain the highest standards of record keeping including electronic data entry and recording, report writing, outcome. measurement and the responsible exercise of professional self-governance in accordance with Service and Partner’s policies and procedures.
• To ensure the development and maintenance of the highest personal and professional standards of practice, through active participation in clinical supervision, training, and reflective personal development sessions.
• To utilise assessment and formulation skills to guide the delivery of therapeutic interventions.
• To work flexibly and with initiative to meet the core aims of service delivery to children and young people, including working evenings and some weekends.
• To autonomously manage own caseload.
• To build positive and effective relationships with young people/ carers/parents/ external services to aid a young person's therapeutic journey.
• To increase understanding and awareness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and how this informs Box Therapy.
• To work within a multi-disciplinary team, and alongside colleagues.
• To work collaboratively with other organisations/agencies.

What we’re looking for from you:

We are seeking compassionate and culturally competent therapeutic practitioners who understand the complexities of working-class communities and the impact of societal inequalities on mental health. In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide support and advocacy to clients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds

Qualifications:

• Registered practitioner (RMHN, OT, Practitioner Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist)
• Therapy-related qualification desirable

Essential attributes:

• A proactive and creative approach to work
• The ability to use own initiative and work cohesively as a part of a team.
• A willingness to support others, and ability to work empathically as part of a team.
• A creative and curious approach to providing alternative approaches to mental health support.
• An active interest in fitness and sport and its therapeutic potential.
• Confidence and enthusiasm, alongside a passion for professional development.
• Excellent written English skills with reading, writing and numeracy skills.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with young people, parents and careers, and other organisations/agencies.
• A high level of analytical and judgement skills.
• Robust and well-developed clinical reasoning skills
• The ability to engage young people in meaningful therapeutic alliances, being personable and welcoming whilst setting clear and consistent boundaries.
• Resilience, a sense of humour and the willingness to integrate as part of the wider Empire boxing team.
• Required experience/knowledge:
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development in an area of mental health or supporting people field.
• Awareness of social determinants of mental health and wellbeing.
• Experience working with underserved populations, and an understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors that impact mental health outcomes.
• An understanding of common mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
• A good understanding of the barriers and challenges that people with serious mental health issues face.
• Must have some understanding of the issues affecting people from underserved and marginalised populations, and a commitment to social justice and advocacy.

Read the full job pack and apply through our website. 

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul's Group is a charity committed to supporting and empowering young people and communities across London. We provide transformative youth work, essential community services, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and supported accommodation for those at risk of homelessness.

Our mission is to help create thriving places for young people and flourishing communities. With over 150 years of service, we remain dedicated to long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant, you will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality housing and support services to our residents. You will often be the first point of contact for residents and visitors, responding to a wide range of enquiries and offering clear, holistic, and informed guidance.

This role is wonderfully varied, combining customer service, reception duties, safety responsibilities, and building support. Whether welcoming new residents, assisting Health & Wellbeing members, or responding compassionately to concerns, you will be a key representative of YMCA St Paul’s Group throughout the night.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Outstanding Customer Service

Be the warm, reassuring presence that sets the tone for a positive resident experience. Your professionalism and empathy will leave a lasting impression on our residents and their support network.

Versatility at Its Best

No two shifts will be the same. Alongside reception responsibilities—such as managing telephone services, handling mail, overseeing repairs, and processing payments—you will support the smooth operation of the building and contribute to a safe, welcoming environment.

Safety and Security

As the designated first aider and fire marshal, you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding residents during emergencies. Your routine wellbeing checks, patrols, and facilities inspections will help uphold a safe and comfortable environment for all.

Welcoming and Listening

As the first point of contact, you may welcome new residents, respond to complaints, handle reports of anti-social behaviour, and provide a compassionate, attentive ear. Your ability to identify, escalate, and report concerns appropriately will be essential.

A Supportive Team Environment

Joining our team means becoming part of a friendly, experienced, and collaborative group of housing advisors. Your skills and passion will shine as you help make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. The diverse nature of your responsibilities will keep you engaged, while the impact of your work will be a source of pride and fulfilment.

What We Offer

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our workforce and services. We value your authenticity and encourage you to bring your unique voice and perspective. You’ll also have the opportunity to influence positive change by participating in our Employee Resource Groups.

We believe in your growth. Through our comprehensive learning and development programme—including training, qualifications, and hands-on experience—you’ll be supported in gaining the skills you need while accessing clear pathways for professional progression.

Benefits to Support Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

• Free gym access across all YMCA sites

• Discounts from major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• Flexibility to work across a range of outer London locations

• Career development programmes to help you thrive

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

The Junction is an out of hours service, open 365 evenings a year 4pm-11pm, to support and assist individuals experiencing a mental health concern. The aim is to alleviate the need for people in the Swindon locality to access A&E acute mental health services and primary care GP services unnecessarily by managing the presenting symptoms/mental health crisis along with the triggers and context for that crisis.

Main duties of the job

• Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, elevating the mental health and emotional well-being of the people we serve.

• Effective Partnerships: Ensure effective and appropriate communication with all individuals, staff, community agencies and partner organisations

• Expertise and Risk Management:Effectively manage risk and supporting positive risk taking.Conduct investigations in line with relevant policies

• KPIs and Data Excellence: To effectively record and evidence outcomes.

 

Who we are

Swindon and Gloucestershire Mindprovide advice and support to empower anyone in our local communities experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our Vision:We will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind creates services where people are recognised, valued and supported.

You are joining a committed and skilled team and you will be working alongside people who are passionate about mental health care and support.

Our Values:

• SelflessnessWe will act in the best interests of the people we support.
• IntegrityWe will be principled in our work.
• ObjectivityWe will act and take decisions impartially and fairly, without discrimination or bias.
• AccountabilityWe will take responsibility for what we do and how we do it.
• OpennessWe will work and take decisions in an open and transparent manner.
• HonestyWe will be truthful and reliable.
• LeadershipWe will model Swindon & Gloucestershire Minds values and lead by example in demonstrating organisational behaviours.

Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind is committed to promoting equality, diversity and we ensure that we are an inclusive organisation, where diversity is valued, respected, and built upon. We are committed to compliance with relevant equality legislation, the Equality Act 2010, Codes of Practice, and relevant best practice guidance.

The postholder will manage our membership of groundwater professionals, support them and our core staff with their various deployments on humanitarian and development projects, manage the promotion of the organisation through external communications, social media, website and events, and provide administrative support to the Project Board.

Key Responsibilities

Membership Support

• Act as the first point of contact for members, ensuring effective communication and timely responses.
• Maintain and update the membership database and records.
• Develop initiatives to strengthen member engagement and professional exchange.
• Support members, and staff, with arrangements for overseas assignments, including pre deployment coordination (including insurance, risk assessment form, medical forms, code of conduct, partner administrative requirements) and logistics (flights, accommodation), general support during their assignments and post deployment review.

Public Relations Support

• Lead on the organisation’s external communications, including managing social media content.
• Oversee and update website content including members updates and case studies.
• Draft newsletters, press releases, and other external communications to promote the organisation’s work.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, stakeholders, and media contacts.
• Organise and coordinate events, workshops, and conferences that engage the GWR membership.

Administrative Support

• Provide direct administrative support to the CEO, Grants Manager, Finance Manager and Technical Team Lead.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• Good level of education, with the skills to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Demonstrable experience in administration and have strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task, and alter priorities as required.
• Ability to build working relationships with a wide range of people, especially those whose first language may not be English.
• Demonstrated ability in managing social media accounts and web content.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with digital platforms.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a small team.
• Able to work from our offices in Dartington, Totnes

DESIRABLE

• Relevant degree or experience in administration, communications, public relations or similar.
• Experience using CRM software

 YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for someone motivated by a strong commitment to support marginalised communities and the extreme poor. You will be professional but with a natural ability to build collaborative relationships and support colleagues and members working often in challenging contexts. You will bring cultural sensitivity and confidence in engaging with a diverse international network of groundwater professionals.

The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator who can foster trust with members, supporters, and partners. You will enjoy writing clear, creative, and engaging content for social media and the website, using communication to share impact and strengthen connections.

You will need to also be organised and able to coordinate activities, support members and staff with preparations for overseas assignment whilst remaining flexible to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances that are common within the humanitarian sector in which we work. You will be proactive and comfortable in communicating independently, while drawing on the expertise of others to inform your approach.

Above all, we are looking for someone who will contribute positively to a happy, supportive, and effective working environment at GWR.

Visit our website for more details.

We are looking for a dynamic, people-focused individual who is passionate about empowering volunteers and strengthening community engagement. You’ll combine excellent interpersonal skills with strong organisational abilities and bring both strategic thinking and hands-on experience to the role.

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

We’re looking for an experienced Marketing and Communications Manager to provide maternity cover and lead our small but mighty team during a pivotal period for St Michael’s Hospice. 

This is a hands-on management role at the heart of the Hospice, driving strategic marketing and communications priorities across the organisation.

What you’ll do

• Drive marketing and communications strategy and team leadership.
• Oversee brand management, campaign and content planning, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and marketing that supports income generation, community engagement, and awareness of our services.
• Delivery of some marketing and communications activity alongside management responsibilities.
• Play a key role in major projects, including embedding a new CRM system, website relaunch, and planning for the Hospice’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience managing marketing and communications teams.
• Charity sector expertise (health, care, or hospice desirable).
• Strong CRM and data-driven marketing knowledge.
• Values-led leadership: kindness, respect, inclusivity, innovation.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact while steering a talented team through a period of innovation. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a role that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of a special community organisation that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives across Hastings and Rother.

At St Michael’s Hospice we offer a friendly, team orientated work environment – a good pension scheme with the option to continue any existing NHS pension scheme membership, an Employee Assistance Programme (Benenden Healthcare), up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays, subsidised employee meals and free refreshments, free parking, supportive supervision along with a proactive Education Department to support with your development. Hospice employees also qualify for a Blue Light Card with access to a huge array of discounts.

To apply for this position, please complete a Hospice application form available for the job opportunities page of our website. Please note CVs will not be accepted, unless candidates are unable to complete the application form due to a disability, in which case please contact the HR team.

Programme Support & Knowledge Director

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: The role can be based in the London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

UK: £75,916 - £79,912 per year with excellent benefits.

Ethiopia: ETB 13544181 - 19864798.8 per year with excellent benefits.

Tanzania: TZS 217215222.3 - 304101311.22 per year with excellent benefits.

Nigeria: NGN 81860262.3 - 106418340.99 per year with excellent benefits.

Ghana: GHS 1200723 - 1681013 per year with excellent benefits.

Rwanda: RWF 95234280.3 - 133327992.42 per year with excellent benefits. 

Salaries and benefits for other countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people.

About the role

As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department’s SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK’s programmes
• Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
• Lead programme learning and knowledge management
• Oversee programme support and capacity development
• Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
• Strong technical WASH skills – e.g. sustainable rural and /or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH, 
• Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
• Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
• Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
• Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
• Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement and
• A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
• Experience leading or managing applied research
• Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on December 21st 2025. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

BACKGROUND

Ashiana is a ‘by and for’ women led BME VAWG service with 30 years’ experience in delivering a holistic range of specialist services to South Asian, Turkish and Middle Eastern women affected by Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG).

OUR SERVICES

Ashiana runs three refuges with a total of 29 bedspaces; specifically for women aged 16-35 fleeing forced marriage. This multi award winning project is the only service of its kind in the UK and is highly innovative in terms of addressing an area of significant need not met in other refuge provision. Within these refuges we designate a number of bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds. We offer an advice and support service to women and girls who are experiencing VAWG, enabling them to make informed decisions and exit violent relationships. We provide a legal service supporting women with no recourse to public funds to help resolve their immigration status.

Counselling is offered for women and girls affected by VAWG. The counselling service works from an integrative stance, with the focus of providing a holistic service whereby we also work alongside other services and provide specialist domestic violence group work. The emphasis of therapeutic work with our clients is from a trauma informed model.

We also deliver an education programme for young people in secondary schools in East London aimed at preventing domestic violence and enabling young people experiencing domestic violence to access appropriate services. The prevention service includes delivering a whole school approach in schools to young people as well as group work to women and girls across North East London boroughs as well as community engagement activities and delivery. We deliver a range of awareness raising workshops for young people in the community and training on domestic violence for professionals in the voluntary and statutory sector.

PRIMARY TASK:

The post is instrumental in overseeing the delivery of a comprehensive package of services and care for women in our refuges. To provide a safe environment and a service that is appropriate to the needs of young BME women particularly those from South Asian, Turkish and Middle Eastern communities and to support ex-clients following resettlement.

The post holder will have a caseload of clients and be responsible for providing advice, advocacy, casework and support to women and girls, advocating on behalf of these women and making others aware of their particular needs. The post-holder is required to demonstrate sensitivity and an awareness of the culture and needs of minoritised communities in all aspects of their duties and responsibilities.

Please see the attached the full job description

Migrants Organise is seeking an experienced and values-driven Co-Director to join our leadership team and work closely with our CEO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to strengthen Migrants Organise’s organisational infrastructure, support growth and sustainability.

This is a pivotal leadership role that combines strategic vision, grassroots solidarity movement building with hands-on management. The Co-Director will contribute to key aspects of organisational development, including strategic leadership, fundraising and financial management, staff management and development, governance, and capacity building of our grassroots membership to ensure that our mission and movement values are reflected in our internal systems, culture and external impact.

We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays. 

Reports to: CEO

Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Remuneration: TBD

Main responsibilities 

• To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values. 

• To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:

  • Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure

  • Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively

  • High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision

• To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations

• To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.

• To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:

  • Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate

  • Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared

  • PDRs are completed in line with company policy

  • To ensure training is up to date and relevant

  • To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required

• To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships

• To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work. 

• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan

• To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven exceptional leadership skills

• Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team

• Excellent communication skills 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Extensive project management experience

• Excellent understanding of neurodivergence 

• Excellent business management skills 

• Flexibility to work during school holidays 

• Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park

• Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values

Desirable 

• Experience with Ofsted

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools

• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Experience of leading teams through change and growth

We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services located at our Head Office in Islington .

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

The post-holder will be based at GMRC but work alongside TRC and MASH women’s services and Greater Manchester Pathfinder partnership, with service users who have experienced sexual trauma but who present with additional complex mental health needs.

They will work with service users in partner organisation settings and in the community, working collaboratively with individuals, carers and partners from local multi agency providers and services, to assess and identify social care needs that may be potential barriers to the client being able to address their sexual trauma.

The post-holder will provide guidance, leadership and consultation on social care legislation and policy to the team and to other areas of mental health services, including joint working where appropriate.

They will contribute to developing and maintaining high standards of decision making and professional practice in the field of social work.

The post-holder will be responsible for a caseload of service users under the care of the Pathfinder Partnership, supporting them in their recovery journey.

They will provide specialist social work interventions to service users and their carers / families, and involve them in all planning, helping to develop social resilience, motivation and daily living skills.

Human Resources Manager (Scotland), L'Arche Edinburgh & L'Arche Highland
 
ABOUT THE ROLE
 
Hours of work: 30 hours per week
Salary: £35,759.57 FTE (£28,607.66 pro rata for 30 hours), rising to £37,378.35 FTE (£30,357.60 per year pro rata) from year two
Reports to: Community Leaders of L’Arche Edinburgh & Highland
Place of work: Hybrid, with a base in the Edinburgh or Inverness community, and regular monthly travel to the other community
Contract type: Permanent, Part-time
Closing date: Monday, 5th January 2026 at 9:30
 
Notes: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
 
Main purpose of the role

The Human Resources Manager provides effective HR support to all employees and in the two L’Arche Communities located in Scotland, in line with L’Arche’s identity, mission and values.
 
The HR Manager will:

• Support the Community Leaders and Coordinating Teams, provide advice and guidance to all leaders on best practice in HR matters, and ensure that the two Communities meet all of their regulatory obligations with regard to the employee life cycle. 
• Ensure implementation of employment legislation, and compliance with Safer Recruitment, national policies and initiatives, and SSSC requirements.
• Address employee relations issues through direct involvement, advice to operational leaders, facilitating mediation, fostering a positive work environment, and managing conflict and performance.
• Supervise two training co-ordinators and have dotted line management of HR admin, providing coaching and training to managers and employees on HR-related topics. 

 
Key essential criteria

• Understanding and identification with the aims, mission and values of L'Arche;
• Experience of working in HR, especially employee relations casework;
• Experience of the full employee life cycle including recruitment, training, performance management;
• Experience of a similar role with lead responsibility for employment matters;
• CIPD level 5 (Associate) or equivalent; 
• Able to act as Lead Countersignatory with the Scottish Social Services Council.

 
This role is subject to an enhanced PVG criminal record check. 
 
You can find more details about L'Arche Edinburgh and L'Arche Highland on our website.
 
Additional details about L'Arche can be found on our website.
 
Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore our employee benefits on our website.
 
A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.
 
To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions from our online application form.
The closing date is: Monday 5th January 2026 at 9:30
 
We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.

We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.
 
Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.
 
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