Community development manager jobs in london

Unique opportunity to join a fast-moving, values-led organisation.  The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely data processing of the sales and purchase ledgers for both our organisation and those we outsource our services to.  Teamwork is central to the ethos of our work and staff are encouraged to work collaboratively and supportively.

Role: People and Governance Coordinator

Location: The Royal Court Theatre, London

Contract: Full time, permanent

Salary: £32,643 (gross) per annum

The Royal Court Theatre has an exciting opportunity for someone to join People team as People and Governance Coordinator. 

This role is central to the internal operations of the Royal Court, providing high-quality coordination and administration that underpins how we support our staff, deliver effective governance, and maintain a positive workplace culture. The postholder will oversee key HR procedures, systems and records (including recruitment and payroll support), coordinate trustee and board activity, and ensure clear and consistent internal communications across all teams.

Alongside this core administration, the role offers an opportunity to develop as a trusted People Partner for our Front of House and Catering teams, providing first-line guidance on people matters and gaining insight into the internal management of a leading cultural charity. Handling a high volume of correspondence, processes, and confidential information, the post requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and discretion.

The successful candidate will:

• Have proven experience in an administrative role within a busy office environment (not necessarily arts-specific). 

• Have practical experience in HR and/or recruitment, ideally supporting onboarding, payroll processes and employee lifecycle documentation

• Have excellent written and verbal communication, with attention to detail and the ability to tailor communications for different audiences.

• Be able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, balancing competing priorities

Further details of the role can be found in the Job Description (link above). If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form through ‘Apply Here’ link below and by no later than 17th September 2025. Please address how you meet the criteria set out above within your application.

To note, your application can also be sent through in the form of a voice note, or PowerPoint presentation (no more than five slides). Should there be a more accessible format for your application to be received, please contact the recruitment inbox

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the recruitment inbox ahead of the closing date.

SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of a global federation, which exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. We are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care.

We are now looking for a capable Senior Acquisition Officer to develop, test, learn and grow our acquisition programme.

• Manage acquisition campaigns end-to-end across multiple channels (digital, lead generation, DRTV, telemarketing, face-to-face).

• Support, train and monitor fundraising agencies, including occasional UK travel for campaign visits.

• Deliver early retention activities to engage new donors and improve conversion and retention rate

• Oversee data management and reporting in Salesforce, ensuring accurate coding, reconciliation and trend analysis.

• Ensure high standards of compliance, following the Code of Fundraising Practice and wider regulatory requirements.

• Handle supporter communications professionally

If you are self-motivated with strong communication skills and excellent attention detail, looking for a pivotal role within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be for you!

To Apply

Please read the full Candidate Pack attached which contains the entire job description and person specification, and submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter.

The deadline for applications is Monday 15 September 2025, 09.00am UK time. 

Please note: 

• The post-holder must be UK-based and able to work on a permanent full-time contract. We are unable to provide employment sponsorship if required and unfortunately cannot progress applications without the required right to live and work in the UK on a permanent contract.

• Work location: The post-holder can choose to be remote (in the UK, as above) or hybrid (Cambridge CB2 1AB).

• No agencies please - We are managing this recruitment in-house and are not seeking assistance from agencies at this time. We have existing preferred agencies should the need arise.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex needs Service in Kingston.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role is responsible for delivering person-centred support that promotes wellbeing, independence, and tenancy sustainment for service users with diverse and often complex needs. You will assess referrals, co-produce and review SMART support and risk management plans, and work in partnership with external agencies to ensure access to health, education, employment, and community resources.

The role involves supporting independent living skills, financial stability, and recovery while preventing relapse or hospitalisation. You will maintain accurate records, uphold organisational policies, and contribute to service monitoring and development. Acting as a positive representative of Hestia, you will build strong relationships with service users, colleagues, and key stakeholders.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have experience delivering high-quality support to people with a variety of needs, aspirations, and associated risks. They should be confident using computer-based systems to record work accurately and have good knowledge of welfare benefits, housing options, and statutory legislation.

Strong skills in client-focused key working, support planning, and risk assessments are essential to promote independence. The candidate should also demonstrate a solid understanding of issues affecting the client group, including mental health and substance misuse, and be able to liaise effectively with external professionals to enhance support packages.

Knowledge of health and safety when working in service users' homes, as well as safeguarding practices, is required. The role also calls for flexibility to travel within the borough and a willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Careers4Change is delighted to support Responsible Finance in their search for a Project Support Officer

Role Purpose:

About Responsible Finance:

Responsible Finance is the membership association for the UK’s Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are community lenders, committed to delivering positive social impact, and offer fair and affordable finance to businesses, social enterprises and to people unable to access it elsewhere.

This is a pivotal moment to be joining the CDFI sector. Responsible Finance and CDFIs are poised for exciting growth following two record-breaking funding announcements in late 2024 which has seen the sector backed by Government and leading financial institutions including the British Business Bank and JPMorgan Chase. This follows Lloyds Banking Group becoming the first mainstream lender to invest in the CDFI sector earlier in the year.

This new funding will enable business-lending CDFIs to scale their reach and impact, supporting economic growth and financial inclusion across the UK. Successful candidates will play a vital role in helping to make sure that CDFIs are supported to build their operational capacity and maximise the opportunity this brings.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate to help us to deliver an ambitious Capacity Building programme for our business-lending CDFIs and support our wider and growing member base. You will support Programme Managers to effectively deliver key projects within both the Capacity Building programme and more broadly support our small team to deliver outstanding service to CDFIs across the personal, micro, business and social enterprise lending sectors. The role requires some working with our members and stakeholders and strong levels of versatility and flexibility to deliver outstanding results.

No prior knowledge about CDFIs is required so long as you have a keen interest to learn about the sector and are passionate about increasing access to fair finance for businesses, underserved communities and people.

The Role

The Project Support Officer will assist in the delivery of key projects and support the Programme Director and Programme Managers in ensuring the smooth running of a Programme Management Office (PMO) at Responsible Finance.

The role holder will support the timely and quality delivery of projects and programmes, including playing a key role in producing timely information and reports, and ensuring the smooth running of programme meetings and boards.

Just as importantly the role-holder will also support the wider Responsible Finance team to deliver key projects and ongoing support to our members and provide high quality administrative support where required.

The role-holder will also be responsible for ensuring that Responsible Finance’s onboarding process is followed for all new CDFIs, to ensure that they receive high quality and timely support at the start of their membership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting aspects of Responsible Finance’s communications activity including generating content for and distributing the member newsletter, as well as supporting the effective delivery of events and website updates.
• Ensuring the smooth running of an important and high-profile bank referral pilot project, monitoring email referrals and data entry with a high level of attention to detail, accuracy and timelines.
• Assisting in the delivery of key work streams and projects, including the monitoring and reporting of grants to support capacity building.
• Supporting Programme Managers to monitor project progress, produce and maintain high-quality project documentation (plans, risk and issues registers, etc.) to support effective delivery.
• Supporting the effective and smooth running of project and programme meetings across Responsible Finance, including schedule and arranging, developing documentation, and effective minute taking.
• Supporting aspects of Responsible Finance’s operational and policy function including; record keeping updating of the CRM system, and, assisting with the collection, analysis and presentation of data from multiple sources as required. (For example, to support our annual impact reporting exercise).
• Supporting the Programme Director and Programme Manager with the collation and development of reports for grant funders, and Responsible Finance boards.

This is a varied and dynamic role, working closely with our members and a range of high-profile external stakeholders. This job description is not exhaustive; it outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post which are subject to change. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Strong and proven experience as a project support officer/co-ordinator providing high quality support across multiple projects at once.
• Experience in the generation and updating of online content using tools such as WordPress, Canva, SurveyMonkey etc to develop high quality web and social media content.
• Strong all-round administrative support skills, fluent with standard Office applications such as Word, Excel, Teams with an ability to quickly learn new technologies and applications.
• Able to work with minimum supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills including concise writing skills and ability to synthesise information into an easy to comprehend format/narrative (both written and verbal).
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable dealing with members and stakeholders with a proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and get information needed from busy people.

Desirable:

Working as part of a small organisation, you will need to demonstrate flexibility and versatility and have opportunities to support a range of other projects and support services for our members, developing a wide range of skills and competencies.

Therefore, in addition to the essential criteria above, we are also interested in candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Experience of using project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project, Clickup) and techniques, and of developing and maintaining project and programme documentation.
• Experience supporting and co-ordinating the delivery of online and face to face events.
• Experience of creating and delivering presentations.
• Experience in developing graphics/infographics using apps such as Canva.
• Experience supporting research, monitoring and evaluation.
• An understanding of CDFIs and/or lending helpful.

​Reporting To: Programme Director

Contract:FTC to Dec 2026

Salary: £26,000-£30,000

Date Closes: 15th September

How to Apply

Equity and fairness are at the core of our organisation and we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their best.

Please send your CV and responses to the following questions to Careers4Change using the upload boxes below.

• What appeals to you about this job/Responsible Finance and why do you think you’ll do a great job?
• You need to organise a programme board meeting, develop the agenda, and take minutes. However, several key stakeholders have conflicting schedules. How would you ensure the meeting is effectively scheduled and all necessary information is captured and communicated?
• You are tasked with gathering regular programme reporting information from a group of Responsible Finance’s CDFI members. You will need to turn this into a report for the funder. Please describe how you would go about collecting the information, synthesising it, and writing up a report.
• You are assisting in the delivery of a key project that involves awarding and monitoring grants for capacity building. Midway through the project, you notice that one of the grant recipients is not meeting their milestones. How would you address this issue to ensure the project stays on track and the grant recipient meets their obligations?

The Childhood Trust is London's child poverty charity. We are dedicated to creating opportunities and brighter futures for the 700,000 children growing up in poverty in London. While we work to alleviate today’s impact of poverty, we support children and families to build pathways to become happier, healthier, safer and more resilient, breaking the cycles of inequity. Listening to and engaging with young people who have experience of living in poverty, is critical to ensuring our efforts truly reflect their needs and aspirations.  

As Director of Fundraising, you will be a key member of our senior leadership team delivering on the strategic objectives of the charity with responsibility for raising £4m this financial year in voluntary income for the Childhood Trust across trusts & foundations, corporates, major donors and community.  Delivering growth year on year to support the ambitious plans of the organisation.  Directly managing three ‘Heads Of’ fundraising roles, you will create a new fundraising strategy, steer the fundraising team’s activities, secure funding, and cultivate relationships that fuel our mission. 

Benefits to working at the Childhood Trust include: 

• Competitive holiday package including a day off for your birthday and the days between Christmas and New Year Off
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Flexible working environment
• Hybrid working, with the expectation of ideally two days in our office in Victoria a week
• Part time hours are considered

To read more about the responsibilities in the role, please read the attached Job description. 

We are aiming to hold interviews the week beginning the 6th October. 

Westway Trust is seeking an enthusiastic part time Gardener who will take immense pride in the maintenance and development of the grounds and gardens across the Trust's 23 acres of land. You will be an effective, efficient and safety conscious gardener who ultimately will ensure the Trust's grounds and gardens and green spaces are always kept healthy and beautiful. This role will be critical to ensuring management of a vibrant, diverse and thriving estate.

Key responsibilities of the role include but not limited to:

• Gardening duties will include: Planting, monitoring the health of all plants and green spaces, watering and feeding plants, pruning trees and shrubs, fertilising and mowing lawns, weeding, dealing with pests and diseases, and keeping green spaces and walkways clean and clear of debris and litter / waste. 
• Working as part of the Grounds and Gardens team to maintain and improve soft and hard landscaping on Trust land as directed.
• Assisting in keeping Westway Trust’s land clean and tidy and reporting any damage.
• Co-operating with the Facilities Team, Events Team and other Westway Staff to deliver support to events as part of the wider organisation.
• Welcoming volunteers and community groups onto the estate to learn from the Grounds and Gardens team.
• Ensuring all relevant Health and Safety standards are adhered to with regards to personal safety, and the safety of members of the public using the gardens.
• Being responsible for the proper use, maintenance and safe storage of all plant, machinery, tools and equipment such as leaf blowers, strimmers, hedgecutters, graffiti removal equipment and mowers.
• Undertake planned and unplanned garden maintenance work on Trust grounds as directed.
• Engaging positively with the public and the diverse community in North Kensington and in accordance with our Equalities policies.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience as a gardener.
• Good communication skills and team working skills.
• Ability to work using initiative and be proactive, reliable and flexible.
• Good knowledge of plants, horticulture, horticultural processes and good plant identification skills.
• Practical ability to use and maintain tools.
• Experience of working in public open spaces.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety procedures.
• Experience of managing greenhouse/indoor plants and plant propagation.
• Knowledge of pests and diseases and how to eliminate them.
• Demonstrable commitment to biodiversity and improving green spaces.
• Demonstrable understanding of the needs of diverse communities and a commitment to equality of opportunity.

Desirable:

• Driver’s license

Benefits of working for Westway Trust:

• Great location in the heart of Portobello, North Kensington
• Investor in People (IiP) employer
• Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days (pro-rated for part-time staff) per year + statutory bank holidays
• Free gym membership at health club one minute walk from the office
• Pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Sick pay scheme
• Season ticket / bicycle loan
• Free eye test voucher

The application deadline is Sunday 14 September 2025 when applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview.  However, we reserve the right to close the application early.  An early application is strongly recommended.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disability service in Hertfordshire.
£20,966.40 per annum, working part time - 32 hours per week.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? 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

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.

What you'll do:
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. This includes providing personal care, domestic duties, emotional and social support in a person centred way. Staff will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
About you:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
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
What you'll bring:
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector
Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism
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 Role

We have an ambitious membership growth target of 20%. In order to achieve this we need to be setting up new groups across the UK at scale. We have recently changed our marketing approach and are able to generate high volumes of high-quality enquiries.  But we have lots of areas without groups or with groups who are full and not able to accept new members.  We therefore need someone to take charge of setting up new groups at scale, ensuring the process for doing so is robust and streamlined.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will manage the end-to-end new group set up process:

• Identify geographical location for new group – based on no existing groups in area, local groups being full and/or volunteer availability  
• Source local volunteers and work with them to get new groups up and running
• Help them to identify suitable venue and time for first meeting and free and low cost opportunities to promote new groups in local area
• Work with Social Media Assistants to execute local level organic digital outreach via community Facebook groups and websites
• Outreach to local social prescribers to encourage them to signpost to NWR
• Source volunteers to distribute printed marketing assets within local community
• Chair first meetings or (depending on location) recruit member volunteer(s) to do so

• Call referred enquirers to explain more about new group – try to convert them to attending first free meeting

• Agree details for first meeting and brief press release to CEO
• Manage the enquiry process for new groups or support volunteer in doing so
• Keep record of enquirers, meeting attendees and memberships of new groups and provide updates at weekly meeting and for Dashboard and HOD reports.
• As we are a small organisation, you may also be required to undertake work outside of this remit to support the HOD and Membership team in the smooth running of the organisation.

Person specification

• Motivated by hitting targets and creating lots of new groups to connect socially isolated women
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams) and Google applications
• Enthusiastic and resourceful – keen to learn new systems and work to problem solve when necessary. 
• Experienced social media user
• Experience in volunteer recruitment and management is highly desirable
• Proactive, driven - able to work autonomously
• Outgoing, confident, happy to chat to enquirers and volunteers
• Warm, friendly, approachable, helpful
• Methodical and organised – able to work at pace whilst keeping efficient records of progress
• Appreciative of need to work at scale and streamline processes to maximise output

Are you passionate about supporting parent-carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Our client, a respected West Sussex-based charity, is seeking a dedicated Benefits Service Advisor to join their small but impactful team, in a part-time role.

In this role, you’ll provide personalised advice and guidance on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You will support parent-carers through every stage of the benefits process — from initial applications to appeals — and contribute to the development of key resources and toolkits. Occasional travel within West Sussex will be required for meetings and roadshows.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in welfare and benefits advice (especially DLA, PIP, Carers Allowance)
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with SEND
• Excellent communication, organisational, and writing skills
• Comfortable working independently and remotely
• Experience using Charitylog or similar CRM systems

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families who need it most.

In return, you’ll receive:

• £28,000 pro-rata salary (actual salary £22,400)
• Part-time, 28 hours per week (To be worked across 4 or 5 days a week). The charity is open to less hours, if you are looking to work less hours. 
• Permanent.
• The majority of your time will be remote/ home based, and will suit someone living in or close to West Sussex to be available for in person drop-in advice sessions once a month, and roadshows which take place in West Sussex.
• The ability to drive, with access to a car, is essential. Travel expenses will be covered

For more information, please apply today, as the charity will review applications, and interview on a rolling basis.

As leading charity recruitment specialists 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.

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Head of Change – Children’s Services  

Reports to: Assistant Director for Change – Children’s Services, Neighbourhoods & the Youth Sector

Salary: £67,900

Contract: 2 year fixed-term – potential to extend. Open to 0.8FTE for the right candidate

Location: Central London, Hybrid*  

Closing date:12pm on Wednesday 24th September 2025

About the Youth Endowment Fund

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice. 

Last year, 244 people in England and Wales tragically died after being assaulted with a knife. Of these, 32 were children. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. Even when violence doesn’t strike directly, we know that the fear of violence has a terrible effect on children’s lives.

The Youth Endowment Fund exists to try and permanently change things. To succeed, we must build an exceptional body of knowledge about violence affecting young people and how we reduce it. This knowledge has to be both rigorous and highly relevant to those making decisions about how to support vulnerable young people. We need to find out what works and what doesn’t through evidence synthesis, data analysis and qualitative research into children’s lives. We need to convert this into highly accessible content on what works, how delivery organisations need to change their practice and how the systems they operate in need to be reformed. We then need to work with the right people that can make change happen, across systems, policies and practice, to have a real impact on reducing violence affecting children’s lives.

Key Responsibilities 

We build demand and interest in evidence across the Children’s Services sector 

This will include: 

• Running events, speaking at conferences and curating webinars to bring evidence to life for practitioners 
• We have great relationships with the people who can make change happen.  

This will include:

• Developing great relationships with senior policy makers, sector leaders and experts, including representing YEF in external meetings and speaking at events.
• Managing a Strategic Advisory Board of leading experts across the children’s services sector and keep members onside and excited about our work.

We deliver our children’s services system recommendations. 

This will include:

• Helping to identify the right recommendations at a system level (such as changes in policy, regulation, inspection, funding, or guidance) that make it more likely highly vulnerable children get access to the right support at the right time. 
• Work out the best way to make our system recommendations happen (due for publication in December 2026) and then do it – persuading the key people to make changes that make a difference.
• Tracking progress carefully, being thoughtful and creative about when and how to change the plan.

We work out the most effective ways to connect people with the evidence, then make those things happen. 

This will include:

• Helping children’s services leaders change how they plan or provide services to better protect children from violence, based on the YEF Children’s Services Practice Guidance – due for publication in May 2026. 
• Creating a plan to get people to follow our guidance, using what we know about how they think and behave. 
• Creating practical tools and resources that help leaders put evidence into action 
• Continuously testing and improving our approach to get better results. 

As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also: 

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.
• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results, and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You

You are this sort of person: 

• You know how to make change happen. You combine analytical sharpness with emotional intelligence and real-world experience. You understand why people resist change – and how to move them through it. You’re curious about human behaviour and what drives decision-making. 

• You bring deep experience of the children’s services system. You’ve worked at a senior level in or with children’s services – potentially commissioning support for young people at risk of or involved in violence. You understand how Directors of Children’s Services and other senior leaders think and know how to navigate and influence within the system. 

• You communicate complex ideas clearly. Whether speaking or writing, you break down complicated concepts in ways that make sense to different audiences – without oversimplifying. You bring clarity where others bring jargon. 

• You get things done. You’re organised, delivery-focused, and produce high-quality work, even under pressure. You work independently and to a high standard. 

• You build trust and connect with people. From government ministers to social workers, CEOs to 15-year-olds – you know how to listen, build rapport, and make people feel heard. You’ve led meetings, made strong introductions, and bring people with you. 

• You think big and adapt fast. You’re a strategic thinker who can see the big picture without losing sight of the detail. You’re logical, creative, and open to challenge – always testing and refining your ideas.  

• You understand young people. You get what life can be like for vulnerable young people and you understand the systems and organisations around them. Ideally, you’ve seen this first-hand, whether professionally or personally. 

• You’re committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Not just in theory – but in how you work, who you listen to, and what you prioritise. 

You must have this sort of experience. 

• Delivering concrete change in practice or systems that improved children’s lives. You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within a children’s services setting. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.  
• Leadership experience in the children’s services system. You’ve worked at a senior level in or with children’s services - especially local authority children's services, commissioning and/or children's social care policy, and you understand how to navigate and influence within these complex systems.

• Firsthand knowledge of the system that supports highly vulnerable children, particularly those at risk of or involved in violence. You understand the barriers these children face and what it takes to get them the right support.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence.   

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.   

Hybrid Working Details 

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office for a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.     

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage. 

To Apply

To apply, please send a CV, your answers to the three questions below and complete the monitoring form by clicking on "Apply for this" button by 12pm on Wednesday 24th September 2025.

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions:   

Improving practice or systems 
1. Can you describe a time when you successfully supported children’s services leaders to improve practice or systems? Please include the scale and context of your experience. (maximum 500 words) 

 Developing strategy 
2. Please provide an example of a strategy you developed from scratch and implemented independently. What did you do, what was the impact, what did you learn? (maximum 500 words) 

 Personal and professional experiences in violence prevention 
3. What personal and professional experiences have shaped your understanding of the children’s services sector’s role in preventing violence? (maximum 500 words) 

Interview Process 

This will be a 2-stage interview process. The first stage interview will take place on 9 and 10 October 2025

The second stage interviews are currently scheduled for the week commencing 13 October 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support • Volunteering days - 4 half days per year

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans

• Employer contributed pension of 5% 

Personal Data   

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.   

Substance Misuse Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Substance Misuse Worker

Location: Catford, Lewisham (Approximately 11 minute walk from Bellingham Station - Thameslink and Southeastern rail services) - The service works across two properties which are located in close proximity to each other. This service has step free access.

Salary: £29,000 (Full Time Equivalent)

Shift Pattern: 22.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 3 days a week which can be discussed directly with the hiring manager at interview 

About the role

We are seeking a Substance Misuse Worker who has a specialism in mental health and substance use to join our team in Catford. You will be based within a 24 hour service which provides enhanced rehabilitation support to adults who have been diagnosed with severe and enduring mental health, who would benefit from an intensive rehabilitation and recovery-focused approach. Within this role, you will provide specialist knowledge and experience to support the wider team and residents to help them to overcome their personal barriers.

You will deliver evidence-based interventions based on holistic assessments to support personalised recovery, integration, and promotion of independent living skills. You will be a specialist in comorbidity, supporting the team to achieve positive outcomes for our residents. Some of your duties will include:

• Undertake joint holistic assessments, risk assessments, care plans, and interventions to support harm reduction and minimisation.
• Set up realistic and flexible strengths-based support plans, working closely with colleagues and support teams to support and advise on interventions and approaches to meet individual needs.
• Help reduce episodes of crisis and assist residents/participants to access services which can offer alternatives to crisis support.
• Work closely with support staff and clinical teams to support and advise them on interventions and approaches to meet resident/participant comorbid, complex mental health and substance misuse needs.
• Support multi-disciplinary teams and the wider community teams with support, advice, signposting, and move on care planning. 

About you

We are looking for someone who has specialist knowledge on how to support individuals with comorbid and complex needs, with experience in interventions, and in a similar role. Qualifications are desirable if paired with practical experience which is relevant to this role. We look at individual characteristics with the ability to engage with various people who may not want to receive the support, able to build trusting professional relationships, and able to demonstrate resilience, solve challenges, and be proactive. If this sounds like you, take a look at the further criteria:

• Full knowledge on comorbidity and complex needs, able to share knowledge, skills, and experience with others
• Previous experience in a similar role, providing interventions and holistic assessments and support for people experiencing mental health challenges
• Ability to provide specialist support and knowledge in risk assessment and risk management, particularly in relation to harm minimisation, substance misuse and mental health
• A commitment to promoting recovery, harm reduction, and active involvement in care planning
• Ability to apply relapse prevention models to promote sustained recovery and harm reduction
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Step Down Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Kingston.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are seeking a proactive professional to deliver person-centred, recovery-focused support across multiple Kingston properties. The ideal candidate will assess referrals, develop SMART support and risk plans, and help service users sustain tenancies, avoid relapse, and build independence. Strong partnership working with external agencies and housing providers is essential, alongside experience in housing management, health access, and promoting social inclusion. The role requires excellent record-keeping, flexibility to meet service coverage needs, and a sound understanding of relevant legislation. You'll represent Hestia positively, support service development, and help service users progress in health, wellbeing, financial stability, and personal goals.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The successful candidate will have experience supporting individuals with diverse needs, aspirations, and associated risks, delivering high-quality, client-focused support services. They should have strong knowledge of welfare benefits, housing options, relevant legislation, and health and safety practices, particularly in service users' homes.

They must be skilled in key working, support planning, and risk assessments aimed at promoting independence, with an understanding of issues such as mental health, substance misuse, and recovery approaches. The ability to liaise effectively with external professionals to enhance support packages is essential.

Proficiency in using computer systems for accurate case recording, along with good literacy and IT skills, is required. The candidate must also have a strong understanding of safeguarding, a commitment to personal development, and the flexibility to travel within the borough.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Shape the future of the voice of the rare condition community.

Genetic Alliance UK is looking for an exceptional Director of Engagement and Impact to transform how we connect with our 220+ member organisations, communicate our mission, and foster a thriving, supportive team culture.

If you’re a strategic leader with a gift for building relationships, crafting compelling messages, and creating positive change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference for the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. 

Director of Engagement and Impact
Salary: £55,167 – £63,654 (with new starters usually starting at the lower end of the range)
Location: Home-based, UK (occasional travel required)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) with applications for up to 28 hours per week considered.
Closing date: 09:00 on Monday 22 Sept 2025 

About Genetic Alliance UK
Genetic Alliance UK is the national charity working to improve the lives of the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups, bringing together patient voices to campaign for timely diagnosis, better care, and improved access to treatments. We host Rare Disease UK and SWAN UK, and lead national activity for Rare Disease Day.

About the role
This is a new senior leadership position designed to strengthen our membership engagement, amplify our communications impact, and support a positive, collaborative working culture.

As part of our Senior Management Team, you will:

• Lead and develop our approach to engaging and supporting our diverse membership.

• Provide strategic oversight for all communications, ensuring our messages are clear, consistent and impactful across multiple audiences.

• Champion and embed systems for staff performance, development and wellbeing, ensuring our culture is inclusive, supportive, and sustainable.

You will oversee the Head of Membership and Communications, the Communications and Engagement Manager (SWAN UK), and two new posts (Communications Officer and Project Support Officer). You will also provide operational oversight of SWAN UK, and work closely with the Policy, Public Affairs and Research teams to maximise impact.

About you
We are looking for a strategic leader who combines a talent for building relationships with outstanding communication skills. You will bring experience of leading teams, delivering organisational change, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders. You will be comfortable navigating the needs of a membership organisation, and passionate about making a tangible difference for people living with rare conditions.

What we offer

• Generous pension (5% employer, 3% employee)

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and full office closure over Christmas/New Year

• Flexible, home-based working with occasional UK travel. 

• The opportunity to lead work that has a direct and lasting impact for people affected by rare conditions