Community engagement lead jobs

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for Advocates to join our team in the Inverclyde area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join and shape this service covering Inverclyde.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

  Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

  How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by visiting our webpage.  Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 22 June 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?

Please visit our website. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sports Development Officer 

Remote based in North West England

Fixed term contract: Initial 12-month period with potential to extend. 

Job Purpose: 

To lead and support the planning, delivery, and promotion of local sporting initiatives within the North West Regional Hub. The Sports Development Officer will focus on increasing participation, improving access to sport, and strengthening partnerships with National Governing Bodies, community groups, clubs, and Local Authorities. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Programme Delivery & Development 

• Design, implement, and evaluate sport development programmes that increase participation across a range of age groups and abilities. 

• Coordinate local sport events, festivals, and competitions. 

• Promote inclusive, safe, and engaging sporting environments. 

• Community Engagement 

• Build strong relationships with local sports clubs, community organisations, and governing bodies. 

• Support the establishment and growth of grassroots initiatives. 

• Identify and work with local volunteers to sustain participation and deliver a popular and engaging programme. 

• Partnership & Stakeholder Management 

• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and funding partners to align with regional sport strategies. 

• Secure and manage funding streams and sponsorship opportunities. 

• Monitoring & Evaluation 

• Track participation data and programme outcomes, providing regular reports and insights. 

• Use feedback and data to improve project impact and sustainability. 

• Promotion & Advocacy 

• Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences, and events across the North West. 

• Champion sport as a tool for wellbeing, inclusion, and community development. 

• Collaborate with Head Office to promote local sporting opportunities and create a consistency across both local and national sport offers.

Person Specification: 

Essential: 

• Proven experience in sport development, community engagement, or a related field. 

• Knowledge of the local sporting landscape and challenges in the North West. 

• Excellent project management and organisational skills. 

• Strong communication and partnership-building abilities. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a regional team. 

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel within the region. 

Desirable: 

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in Sport Development, Physical Education, or related discipline. 

• Experience of working with underrepresented groups in sport. 

• Understanding of safeguarding and inclusion principles.

What We Offer: 

• 24 ½ days annual leave + Bank Holidays. 
• Free CSSC Membership. 
• 90 minutes of wellbeing time per week. 
• Flexible working arrangements. 
• Excellent company pension schemes. 
• Training and Development opportunities. 
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme. 

About Us:

We are a not-for-profit membership organisation with over 124,000 members. Our vision is to inspire our members to explore new ways to be active and healthy. Our four organisation values are Passionate, Progressive, Supportive, and Social.

Closing date : Wednesday 25th June 2025

ORCA are looking for an outstanding Training Manager to join their team and help the charity take the next step in the evolution of their programme of e-learning training courses to help more people than ever to help protect whales and dolphins.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about the power of education, a systems thinker who is able to take the e-learning system ORCA have built and maximise it's capabilities. A keen understanding of how to engage and inspire learners through digital channels and how to construct dynamic courses that maximise learning is key.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading ORCA's training programmes, developing content using expert knowledge from the wider ORCA team to train people from a variety of backgrounds about whale and dolphin conservation, including members of the public, experience ORCA volunteers and seafarers.

This is an opportunity for someone to build on a strong foundation of training and catapult it into a digital space, creating an efficient, effective and wide reaching training programme that has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for whale and dolphin conservation around the world.

At TLG, we’re passionate about building an exceptional staff team that’s committed to making a real difference in the lives of struggling children across the UK. We’re always on the lookout for great people to journey with us towards our vision, and we’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a motivated and passionate graduate to join us as a Grants Coordinator.

Our Graduate Programme is designed to accelerate leadership and career development through a unique involvement in key areas of TLG’s work. It’s a chance to build on your individual passions, skills, and interests while contributing to meaningful change for children and young people. As a Grants Coordinator, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the non-profit sector, develop essential skills in grant management, and play a key role in supporting our impactful programmes.

Based primarily within our Fundraising & Supporter Engagement team, the Grants Coordinator will work to grow and maximise voluntary income from grant-making trusts. This role offers the chance to work closely with colleagues across TLG and with external partners, giving you a broad and varied experience and developing your understanding of the sector. From liaising with funders and writing compelling applications to leading new projects and contributing to strategic development, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to bring hope and a future to struggling children.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Closing Date: Tuesday 8th July

Initial Interviews: Monday 14th July – Online

Final Interviews: Tuesday 22nd July – at our National Support Office in West Yorkshire

Job description

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

The Corporate Partnerships Officer will help manage and support on implementing MDUK’s growing corporate partnerships strategy, playing an instrumental role in prospecting and supporting the delivery of charity partnerships that raise funds for MDUK. A confident individual that understands how to identify, develop, manage and retain corporate partnerships at a regional and national level.

This position is responsible for supporting the Partnerships and Ambassador Engagement Manager in delivering on ambitious income target in relation to employee fundraising, cause-related marketing, and strategic staff-based volunteering.

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the UK. 

We share expert advice and support to live well now; fund groundbreaking research to understand the different conditions better and lead us to new treatments; work with the NHS towards universal access to specialist health; and together, campaign for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

Closing date: Thursday 26 June

Interviews will be on a rolling basis so early application is recomended

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

Lead the Future: Become the Chief Executive of Future Youth Zone, Barking & Dagenham

Location: Barking & Dagenham, East London
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits: 33 days annual leave, gym access, professional development via OnSide
Application Deadline: 5pm Monday 30^th June

Are you a bold, inclusive leader ready to shape the future for young people in one of London's most dynamic boroughs?

Future Youth Zone is seeking a new Chief Executive to lead its next chapter. With a strong foundation in place and a passionate, values-led team behind you, this is your opportunity to drive innovation, deepen community impact, and ensure every young person in Barking & Dagenham has the opportunity to thrive.

About the Role

As CEO, you will:

• Lead a £1.5m+ organisation with a mission to empower young people through opportunity and support.
• Be a visible, community-facing leader-present in the Youth Zone and across the borough.
• Drive financial sustainability, programme innovation, and strategic partnerships.
• Champion youth voice and inclusion at every level of the organisation.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome candidates from all sectors who bring:

• Proven leadership in complex organisations (charity, youth, community, or beyond)
• Strong fundraising experience across corporate, philanthropic, and public sectors
• Operational and financial acumen (including managing £1.5m+ budgets)
• Experience working with Boards and multidisciplinary teams
• A deep passion for young people and community engagement
• Lived experience and local knowledge are highly valued. We especially encourage applications from women and racially diverse candidates underrepresented in charity leadership

What You'll Lead

• A high-energy, mission-driven team committed to continuous improvement
• Strategic priorities including youth employment, mental health, and inclusion
• Expansion of our reach to underserved young people
• A refresh of our strategic plan beyond 2025

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a national movement through the OnSide Youth Zones network
• Shape the future of youth services in Barking & Dagenham
• Access to a supportive Board and national peer network
• Lead with purpose, visibility, and impact

Location:  Hybrid (can be based from either our Head office, The Grange, Saunderton, Buckinghamshire or from our Northern Centre in Bielby, York)

About us

National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people and provides hearing loss services – because nobody with hearing loss should feel alone.

About the role

Drive a consistent, user-centred experience across the applicant, client, and volunteer journeys by leading service improvements, coordinating cross-team delivery, and using data and feedback to inform continuous enhancement.

Key Activities

• Review end to end applicant and volunteer journey and ensure delivery within and across teams
• Oversee the distribution of national support for applicants across the regional client advisors teams
• Manage the experience of hearing loss services through volunteers, to ensure volunteers are well utilised and engaged within their role, and clients needs are thoroughly met
• Review criteria for volunteers and clients to ensure standards are maintained and expectations are met
• Meet regularly with colleagues across services to ensure systems thinking and consistency of experience for users
• Development of interventions when user experience can be improved, utilising the Services Design team
• Lead on the roll out of new initiatives to enhance user experience
• Review data from feedback systems, and ensure delivery standards are maintained across the applicant/client journey and volunteer teams
• Marcomms Collaboration and liaison for story gathering
• Interact with Power Bi to provide timely reports and metrics
• Delivering puppy training framework and representation and volunteers
  • Reinforce the regional representation of volunteers throughout the organisation
  • Lead on developments to continually improve volunteer experience
  • Work in close collaboration with Service Engagement Manager to ensure volunteers are positively engaged within their roles
  • An advocate for all services volunteer voices and perspectives, ensuring they are represented and listened to
  • A guardian of volunteers within the team, ensuring their needs are met to enable them to aid delivery of services
  • Establishing support frameworks

About you

Knowledge, Skills, Strengths and Behaviours

• Empathy: Understanding user needs and perspectives, along with the ability to build strong relationships and trust
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders, with experience of managing multi-disciplinary teams
• User Experience Design and Strategy: Knowledge and understanding of holistic user experience strategy
• Analytical Thinking: Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving
• Customer Journey Mapping: Use data-driven insights to inform improvements and track the partner experience over time
• User Research and Feedback: Analyse behaviour, preferences, and feedback to create actionable insights for enhancing strategies
• Project Management: Ability to manage projects, timelines, and resources efficiently, excellent time management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure decisions align with business objectives
• Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution: Address issues or concerns raised regarding the user experience, working quickly to resolve any challenges
• Stakeholder Communication: Present insights, updates, and progress on projects to stakeholders at various levels of the organization
• Technology Proficiency: Familiar with analytics platforms to track and analyse interactions and behaviours
• Ability to think strategically and objectively: Experienced with working independently, take initiative, influence and negotiate at high level and with a variety of stakeholders. Clarity in thinking ability to negotiate, form strategy

How to apply

As part of the recruitment process, we are requesting:

• A comprehensive CV
• A supporting statement that addresses Knowledge, Skills, Strengths and Behaviours and tells us why you are particularly interested in the role. (Maximum of 2 sides of A4)

Closing date: 27 June 2025

About the Role

The Assistant Reserves Officer is one of our team managing and developing the Trust’s nature reserves for people and wildlife.  Your work place includes internationally recognised wetlands and woodlands along with nationally important meadows, chalk grasslands and heathland across Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

You will need to have strong experience in practical habitat management, including the use of power tools and machinery, such as chainsaws, brush cutters and BCS mowers. You will have experience of working within a dynamic team and leading volunteers. You will need to have a keen interest in wildlife and preferably a knowledge of the habitats in our area.

No two days are the same as an ARO at HMWT; you will get the opportunity to utilise and develop your practical habitat management skills across our nature reserves including tree felling, coppicing, scrub clearance, hay cutting and pond/ditch management. You will also undertake the maintenance of site infrastructure; assist with the management of livestock; and perform surveying and monitoring of habitat/species, tree safety and infrastructure. These tasks will be delivered working closely with members of the nature reserves team; our volunteer wardens and our practical conservation volunteers.

Willingness to travel throughout our work area and flexibility to work occasional irregular hours is required for this post.

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of all our staff.

About the Trust

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a local conservation charity working to protect wildlife and help people connect with nature. With a team of volunteers we care for wild places so that nature has a place to thrive. We help people experience the wildlife on their doorsteps and to take steps to protect it.

We believe that wildlife should have space to thrive alongside our everyday lives and that everyone benefits from having access to nature.

Our head office is based in the attractive setting of Verulamium Park on the outskirts of St Albans.

Our staff team is enthusiastic, friendly and committed to wildlife conservation and exemplifies our values of professionalism, valuing contributions by others and continuing to improve.

How do we support you?

The Trust strives to be a positive employer supporting our staff through flexible and hybrid working, and training and development. We recognise the importance of our staff team and looking after their health and wellbeing. Our values and expected behaviours reflect the culture which the Trust seeks to maintain to ensure productive, efficient, effective and pleasant workplaces and roles.

In support of this, we offer an excellent benefits package, ranging from office perks, generous leave entitlements and financial benefits. You can find out more by visiting the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust website.

Project Manager (Programmes)

£40,000-£46,000 (dependent on skills and experience) plus generous benefits

Location – Home-based with regular travel across a designated region and to our offices as required

We are the Football Foundation - the Premier League, the FA and government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most. 

As Project Manager, you’ll lead key aspects of the Grass Pitch Programme, working with national governing bodies and stakeholders to improve the quality and sustainability of grass pitches. You’ll also deliver a nationwide volunteer strategy, helping to recruit, train, and retain volunteers who maintain vital community pitches. This role blends programme delivery, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement at the highest level.

In this role, you’ll manage multi-sport capital and revenue investment plans, build strong relationships with NGBs, County FAs, and delivery teams, and lead the development of a robust volunteer Groundskeeper strategy. You’ll coordinate project timelines, budgets, KPIs, and risks, while using data to drive continuous improvement.

About the Football Foundation

Over the last 22 years, the Foundation has awarded more than 23,000 grants to deliver outstanding grassroots facilities across England worth more than £877 million. This year, the Foundation will be investing more money than ever into facilities across England and is committed to improving the experience of playing football for everyone. 

The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring everyone has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with demonstrated experience in complex, multi-stakeholder project or programme management, and excellent skills in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and team collaboration. You’ll have a strong understanding of sports development, facility operations, and community needs, as well as in-depth knowledge of sports National Governing Bodies. Strategic thinking, effective communication, and an understanding of funding and investment processes are essential, and you should be confident using digital tools and data to drive delivery and continuous improvement. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as an understanding of barriers to participation, is crucial. Experience working with or alongside national governing bodies or in the sport/community development sector is highly desirable.

You don’t need to follow football to apply, but it is expected that you appreciate the power of sport to change lives and have a genuine interest in using your skills and experience to help the Foundation achieve our charitable and strategic objectives.

For full details of the role and requirements, please download our recruitment pack below.

What can we offer you?

The salary band for this role is £40,000 - £46,000 per annum, dependent on relevant skills and experience.

You will start with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (which increases after 2 years), plus additional time off to volunteer. We also offer a generous pension scheme (8% employer contribution), collective bonus scheme, free health care provision, a monthly gym subsidy, interest-free season ticket loan, death in service benefit and access to selected match tickets.

We are committed to helping our team members maintain a healthy work-life balance, so offer flexible working around core hours to help achieve that.

Equality and Diversity Commitment

The Football Foundation is committed to and values the principles of diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all our team feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. We encourage and welcome applications from all, regardless of background and are particularly interested to hear from individuals belonging to under-represented groups including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with a disability and those from the LGBTQI+ community.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview stage, please contact us.

The closing date for applications is: Thursday 3 July 2025 at 09:00am

Interviews will be held in-person at Wembley Stadium on 11 July 2025.

Job Title: Floating Support Worker

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Floating Support Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children living in our dispersed refuge accommodation in Warwickshire. This service will provide emergency accommodation across Warwickshire with high-quality domestic abuse support, ‘by-and-for’ services for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. 

The post holder will provide high quality support and safety planning to survivors and their children who are fleeing domestic abuse. This includes enabling survivors to access housing, welfare, benefits and legal advice.  A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

The Floating Support Worker (FSW) will carry a caseload of survivors of domestic abuse to enable them to provide a more holistic and intensive support package. They will work closely with survivors from the point of crisis through to move on from the emergency accommodation. FSWs will work in partnership with both statutory and voluntary sector partners to ensure that the whole range of survivors’ needs are met.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 14 July 2025

Interview Date: 23 July 2025

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. 

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

PEAS (Promoting Equality in African Schools) is on a mission to expand access to quality education across sub-Saharan Africa so all children enjoy an education that unlocks their full potential.

As Partnerships Lead – Philanthropy / Fundraising Manager – Major Gifts, you will play a central role in growing PEAS income from philanthropists and private foundations, to support our ambitious global strategy.

Working as part of a small, collaborative and high-performing global Partnerships Team, you’ll take the lead in building new philanthropic relationships and deepening existing ones—helping to raise over £7 million annually to support education in Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, and beyond. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the UK, US, and Africa to shape PEAS' fundraising strategy, identify new opportunities, and craft compelling communications and pitches to gain funding support.

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial and creative fundraiser with a proven track record in securing support from major donors and foundations. You’ll have the freedom to innovate, backed by a strong, supportive team culture where “everyone’s a fundraiser.”

If you’re excited by the chance to grow something impactful and work across continents with a mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you.

Please find more information on this exciting role and requirements in the attached job pack below.

The successful candidate will have a good, current understanding of safeguarding practice as it applies to young people and will have practical experience of working/volunteering with children in this context. An understanding of school sport and/or the FA’s Safeguarding 365 standard would be an advantage.

If you are passionate about providing safe opportunities for children to play football, and have a track record of positive influence, then the role offers flexible working, pension provision and 31 days’ leave in an environment which strives for high levels of staff satisfaction.

The ESFA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all communities. The ESFA is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Checks on online presence may be made as part of the application process.

The role description is below and applications should be submitted via email in the form of a CV highlighting the way in which you meet the role description, and a covering letter of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining how you meet the person specification. We would welcome completion of our equality monitoring form, from which candidate data is anonymised and amalgamated with other EDI data to enable monitoring of our equality policy. This data will be removed from your application prior to shortlisting. Applications must be submitted to the CEO vis email no later than 29 June 2025. Successful candidates will be contacted during w/c 30 June and interviews are expected to take place on 7th July. The full JD & EDI form can be found on the ESFA's website.

Main responsibilities:

• To support delivery of The FA Schools’ Football Strategy and the English Schools’ FA’s Business Plan
• To manage the ESFA’s safeguarding work, in line with legislation, FA safeguarding policy, procedures, regulations, standards and guidance.
• To manage safeguarding and child and adults at risk protection concerns in a timely manner and in line with FA requirements and guidance.
• To take operational responsibility for the implementation of The FA’s Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs and driving safer practice and culture in schools’ football.

Job role

• To oversee, track and ensuring ongoing compliance with all areas of The FA’s Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs measures, policies and procedures and collate and submit all evidence for assessment.
• To operationally lead the implementation and delivery of safeguarding within the ESFA, being accountable for relevant areas of The FA’s Safeguarding 365 Standard.
• To support the Senior Leadership Team and take a dynamic and strategic approach to safeguarding delivery within the ESFA, raising awareness and providing organisational support and direction to colleagues and Members
• To work with the Chief Executive Officer to provide the Board with regular reports on safeguarding activity within the ESFA.
• To work with The FA Safeguarding Case Management Team (FA SCMT) to refer child abuse and adults at risk concerns to The FA, acting in line with the relevant FA safeguarding policy, regulations and guidance.
• To record all safeguarding concerns on the prevailing FA safeguarding system and ensure all data is securely retained in accordance with FA regulations, policies and data protection legislation.
• To manage all safeguarding poor practice concerns and complaints referred to the ESFA, with a focus on timeliness and outcomes and line with FA policy, regulations and guidance.
• To provide training, support and guidance to the ESFA and its Members on how to manage safeguarding complaints and concerns effectively, with a focus on timeliness and outcomes and in line with FA policy, regulations and guidance.
• To use IT systems to monitor safeguarding compliance across the schools’ football volunteer network to manage risk and assist in strategic planning.
• To utilise insight and data to inform all compliance activity and take appropriate activity to address non-compliance.
• To ensure the ESFA is compliant with safeguarding legislation e.g. Data Protection/GDPR 2018, Children’s Act, Protection of Freedoms Act (Criminal Record Checks), the Government’s prevailing ‘Working Together’ guidance. Prevailing ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance and any other legislation or statutory guidance that may be introduced.
• To identify, develop and maintain strong relationships with key safeguarding stakeholders.
• To strategically manage effective Association Safeguarding Officer networks; liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officers, Local Safeguarding Partnerships, Local Safeguarding Adult Boards, Children’s and Adults’ Social Care Services, Police Child Protection Teams and support Association Welfare Officers to be compliant with safeguarding legislation, FA safeguarding policy, best-practice guidance and education programmes.
• To manage a diverse workload being able to prioritise work according to risk and timeframes, providing regular updates to the line manager on progress against the work programme, targets and business plan priorities.
• To maintain strong links with key FA staff and attend national FA safeguarding events and CPD courses to ensure knowledge and skills are maintained and updated.
• To work with colleagues to address poor behaviour and raise standards in schools’ football, promoting fun and safe football environments and creating a culture that lives and celebrates safer working practice across the ESFA’s activity and schools’ football.
• To co-ordinate safeguarding support visits, parental engagements and Association health checks with Members to ensure they are compliant with the records they have submitted to the ESFA and to check on the culture and safeguarding practice.
• To co-ordinate and deliver or source CPD events for Association Safeguarding Officers.
• To ensure that any individual helping with any ESFA or ESFA Member event involving children is suitably DBS-checked, trained and understand their responsibilities at the event.
• To work with colleagues to embed safeguarding and equality throughout the ESFA and the schools’ football network.
• To provide the highest level of customer excellence to support volunteers across all FA Technology systems.
• To line manage National Safeguarding Manager
• Execute tasks as required in order to meet the ESFA’s changing priorities.
• To support the Safeguarding Operations Group to deliver its responsibilities.
• To take responsibility for operational health and safety checks at ESFA headquarters
• To fulfil the financial responsibilities of the role as prescribed in the Financial Regulations.
• To participate in training, development and appraisal processes necessary to fulfil the role
• To support the ESFA Council to fulfil its responsibilities.
• To act with high standards of professionalism, business integrity and personal conduct at all times
• To act as an ambassador for the ESFA in the conduct of all business;
• To comply with the requirements of the staff handbook;
• To use best endeavours to support others in the achievement of their objectives;
• To conduct any other duties as may reasonably be required by the employer.

SKILLS

Essential

• Effective leadership and management

• Practical experience of managing and quality assuring safeguarding procedures

• A child-centred approach and the ability to maintain this perspective and apply common sense.

• Clarity about what constitutes low-level concerns, poor practice and abuse and how to manage cases effectively.

• Ability to deal constructively with people’s emotions (e.g. upset, distress, conflict, animosity).

• Capacity to handle confidential data/information sensitively.

• Ability to promote safer practice and the importance of safe and fun football environments.

• Outstanding team-working skills.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.

• Effective prioritisation and time-management skills.

• Competent in the use of IT, including Microsoft Office applications

• A reflective practitioner with a focus on continuous improvement

Desirable

• Effective presentation and facilitation skills.

• Ability to de-escalate heated and challenging situations.

• Experience of interviewing children and/or adults in relation to allegations.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Working towards agreed safeguarding standards

• Influencing the practice of others

• Knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, policy and practice relating to children and adults at risk.

• Experience of working in a designated safeguarding role.

• Experience of writing reports and compiling case related evidence and information.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of inclusion, equality and anti– discrimination.

• Working knowledge of the roles of statutory agencies in safeguarding children and adults at risk.

• Experience of implementing policies, protocols and guidance.

• Knowledge of the structure and partner organisations within football

Desirable

• Knowledge of The FA’s Grassroots Football Strategy.

• Working knowledge of current FA systems.

• Knowledge and understanding of diverse faiths, communities and cultures.

• Understanding of the effects of various conditions that affect children such as, but not limited to, ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome.

As a Fundraising Assistant, you’ll play a key role in supporting all aspects of our fundraising activity – from day-to-day operations to our ambitious Transforming Lives Appeal. You’ll work closely with individuals, community groups, and organizations to inspire and maximize their fundraising potential.

About the role

• Support all aspects of fundraising for both day-to-day needs as well as the Transforming Lives Appeal

• Proactively work with individuals, community groups, and organisations to encourage and maximize their fundraising potential

• Assist in the development of strong relationships with donors and supporters by engaging them on a professional level and understanding their motivations

• Assist in delivering the fundraising events programme contributing your ideas to help develop and plan events and supporting their delivery

• Engage with students and staff on an ongoing basis to facilitate the understanding of their fundraising needs as well as to be able to host tours of the trust in a knowledgeable manner

• Assist in all aspects of administration from taking calls, answering emails, and general administration tasks

• Deliver a consistent and high quality of supporter engagement through all enquiry channels

• Contribute new ideas and continually seek to improve processes to drive efficiency and improve supporter experience

What we’re looking for:

• GCSE English and Maths grade 4/C or above
• Experience of charity, sales, marketing or administration
• Excellent organization and administrative skills
• Excellent IT skills and good understanding of social media
• Working on databases
• Self-motivated with a flexible approach to working including being available to assist with events during evenings and weekends
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal and written communication skills with an attention to detail – able to interact at all levels within the trust in a professional and engaging manner
• Full clean driving license – post holder to be prepared to use own car in line with Trust driving policy

About Seashell

Seashell has a simple mission; to help children and young adults with the most complex needs, and their families, live their best lives. It is a truly inspiring place to work. We celebrated our 200-year anniversary in 2023 and have been based on our current campus in south Manchester since 1952. Our amazing workforce of over 600 staff educate and care for 150 young people who attend our school and college, 50 of whom live with us on site in our 17 residential houses.

Seashell is nationally recognised for its skilled workforce who are trained to educate and care for children and young adults who have the highest needs in the UK, and which include a complex range of visual, hearing and multi-sensory impairments, severe and complex autism, as well as physical disabilities.

Seashell’s exciting new vision launched in 2022 and reads: “Seashell aims to be exceptional in educating and caring for children and young adults with the most complex needs, with an amazing workforce supporting families from its world class campus, and to share its excellence on a national and international platform.”

The journey towards this vision has already begun and new, state of the art facilities are being built. Following the construction of a residential village in 2015 and a world class school and shared services building which opened in February 2023, we are embarking on the next phase of our site transformation - a new college and inclusive sports and wellbeing facilities which is set to be delivered in 2026. Following this we will continue with our campus transformation, with plans for several capital projects including a knowledge hub, forest school and tree house, sports pavilion, and a hydrotherapy centre.

If you would like to work for an inspirational, values driven Northwest charity and make a real difference to the lives of our very special students, please apply for this exciting role.

Role Summary

We are looking for a passionate and effective Autistic Lived Experience Trainer to support us to deliver an exciting new programme of work. We have been commissioned by an NHS organisation to deliver and support the roll out of autism-informed care training to all staff working in their mental health inpatient settings. This programme of work will run for 9 months, and will include the delivery of various half day and full day autism-informed training sessions both in-person and online. We will also be working closely with Experts by Experience to become skilled and confident in delivery of this training to support the organisational sustainability of this knowledge. The programme of work will also embed an evaluation of the training to demonstrate learning and impact.

The Autistic Lived Experience Trainer will be working closely alongside our Lived Experience Lead to deliver all aspects of the programme, with support from our wider staff team.

Role Description

• Co-facilitate training sessions both online and in-person to staff from various professions and in various roles across mental health in-patient settings.
• Deliver pre-prepared content and facilitate reflective conversations.
• Monitor feedback and adjust content and delivery as necessary.
• Collect and analyse feedback data, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Support Experts by Experience to become confident with delivery of content.
• Ensure training content remains relevant and includes the latest research, alongside lived experience insight.
• Use own lived experience insight to supplement content and support reflection and catalyse change.
• Liaise with NHS colleagues to support training session logistics
• To represent Neurodiverse Connection nationally, regionally and locally as appropriate and to promote the work that we do.
• To work alongside the Neurodiverse Connection staff and associate team to ensure delivery of high-quality work.
• Frequent travel within Norfolk and Suffolk to deliver in person training.
• Some national travel may also be required to support training and delivery on other projects.

​Recruitment details

Recruitment Timeline

1. Deadline for applications: Monday 7th July, 9am
2. Applicants notified if shortlisted no later than: Friday 11th July, 5pm
3. Dates of interviews: Friday 18th and Monday 21st July
4. Interviewees notified if they have been appointed no later than: Monday 28th July, 5pm

Proposed start date for successful applicant: Start of September

How to apply

The application process is two stages.

Stage 1: download and complete application form.

• You will be asked to confirm you met some of the essential criteria.
• You will be asked to enter your contact details and details of previous work.
• You will then be asked to answer 4 questions.
• Email the completed form to our recruitment email address.
• You will also be asked to complete an equity and diversity form. This is optional.

Stage 2: If you are shortlisted you will be invited to attend an online interview. You will be sent the interview questions 5 days ahead of the interview date.

As part of the interview, you will be asked to deliver a 15-minute virtual training session. We will share the training topic when we invite you to attend the interview.

About Neurodiverse Connection

Neurodiverse Connection is a neurodivergent led Community interest Company.

Our mission is to:

• Listen to and amplify neurodivergent views and voices.
• Give additional consideration to intersectionality and how we can support the amplification of views and voices that are often unseen and unheard.
• Support people from different neurologies to understand each other, facilitating solutions to the double empathy problem.
• Lead on changing understanding of sensory and social processing differences, particularly in relation to the built environment.
• Challenge the common misunderstandings and misconceptions of autism and support an improved understanding of neurodiversity within health and social care.
• Promote an improved understanding of neurodivergent culture and communication.
• Support neurodivergent people to have equal opportunities in life.
• Support neurodivergent people to have equal opportunities and outcomes in health.
• Support neurodivergent employment, including in leadership positions and facilitating change for the neurodivergent community.

How we work

Neurodiverse Connection is a new Community Interest Company. We are working to be a neurodiversity affirming and supportive organisation. We want to support you as an important team member to work on projects that you love, that align with your interests and skills and enable you to have a balanced and rewarding work and personal life. We welcome you working with us and providing gentle challenge if we don’t get this right, so we can learn together. We want to see neurodivergent people treated better, and that starts with us. We hope you’ll work with us to champion this approach for other people, too.

Our commitment to you

It’s part of our mission to be a great place to work and to demonstrate how to work in neurodivergent affirming ways. We believe this is beneficial to everyone, regardless of neurology.

We aim to:

• Enable you to shape your role to your strengths and interests.
• Offer flexibility in delivery hours, within agreed parameters.
• Work to make Neurodiverse Connection an organisation that you enjoy being part of, that supports you in your role, that recognises your contribution and that delivers great outcomes for the neurodivergent people we work to support.
• Support to develop in your role through access to training, shadowing and mentoring.
• Access to supervision and a reflective space to support you in a lived experience role.
• Involve you in shaping and directing the organisation.
• Listen when we don’t get it right, and welcome constructive feedback.
• Involve team members in development opportunities and spending the social value we’ve accumulated together.
• 35 hour working week (pro rata).
• 4% work place pension contribution.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Access to a wellbeing fund.

Application deadline: Monday 7th July, 9am