Community supporter care officer jobs in leeds

The CSE Team Leader will play a crucial role in supporting the Operations Manager and wider Basis management team to oversee the delivery of 1:1 and group-based support to young people in our service offering high quality, effective safety advice, information and support, enabling young people to navigate exploitative and abusive relationships. The Team Leader will hold a protected caseload to enable them to carry out their other duties.

The Role includes line managing the staff on the Young People’s Team, supporting with reports, recruitment and safeguarding. There will be an expectation to attend Child Focussed and Contextual MACE as an expert panel member and to support the Operations Manager with attendance at Silver MACE meetings. The role will work to ensure young people receive an exceptional service and contribute to the strategic development of Basis.

The Young People’s team work across Leeds and Bradford providing specialist support to young people experiencing CSE.  The team work to Basis’ organisational values, taking a harm reduction approach to enable and empower young people to make positive choices, whilst working to reduce risk.  The team have an established reputation for providing high quality, effective safety advice, information and support, enabling young people to navigate exploitative and abusive relationships.  Services are provided within the community, at venues as young people determine.  

Basis Yorkshire is an award-winning charity that was founded in 1995 and now operates across Yorkshire. This is a unique opportunity to join a challenging and vibrant organisation, working with women and young people who are being sexually exploited or are involved in sex work. 

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser 

We are seeking a motivated Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to secure vital income and build strong partnerships with funders across the UK.

Salary: £30,000 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
Location: Remote, UK wide
Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours per week (permanent)
 

About the role

As Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser, you will play a key role in generating income to support our mission of sharing the joy of live music in care settings. You will manage a portfolio of small and medium value trusts and foundations, writing compelling funding proposals and delivering excellent stewardship to strengthen long-term relationships.

Overview of the Job:

• Preparing tailored applications to trusts and foundations in line with organisational strategy and values.
• Managing and developing relationships with funders, providing regular updates and impact reports.
• Undertaking prospect research to identify new funding opportunities.
• Supporting larger-scale applications in collaboration with the Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager.
• Working with internal teams to gather data, acknowledge donations, and ensure accurate reporting.
• Contributing to the strategic planning and stewardship approach for trust fundraising.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference by helping to grow sustainable income that brings music to people in all care settings around the UK.

About you

You will be an enthusiastic fundraiser with excellent written communication skills and an eye for detail. You will be confident in writing creative, persuasive proposals and tailoring them to funders’ priorities. Organised and proactive, you will enjoy building strong relationships and managing multiple deadlines.

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven experience of generating income through trusts, foundations, grants or sponsorship proposals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging content.
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• IT proficiency, including MS Office.

Desirable:

• Experience using CRM databases.
• Financial acumen, with knowledge of preparing budgets.
• Strong research skills for identifying potential funders.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Grants Fundraiser, Fundraising Officer, Trust Fundraiser, Development Officer, Partnerships Officer, Bid Writer, Income Generation Officer

Camwch i mewn i daith drawsnewidiol gyda Cyfleodd Dysgu mewn addysg

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options. We're on a mission to empower young people aged 14–19 across the UK — and you can help make a real difference.

Over the past 18 months, our team has been building a movement of support for young people across Wales, having a significant impact on their life chances and working towards the aim of inspiring every young person in the country.

So far, we’ve already reached 19,000 students in-person and are connected with a third of all Welsh state secondary schools and colleges. In 2025, we’re aiming to reach 13,000 more young people — and we’re looking for a passionate colleague to help us make that happen.

About the role

As North Wales Project Coordinator, you’ll play a crucial role in:

• Connecting volunteers with schools and colleges, ensuring young people benefit from inspiring talks and workshops.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with schools, employers, and volunteers.
• Listening and adapting to the needs of young people, ensuring our programme creates real value for them and the stakeholders we work with.

You’ll be part of a flexible, entrepreneurial, and collaborative team that works remotely across Wales but comes together for events, volunteer training, school meetings, and team meet-ups. We set high expectations for ourselves and each other, value individual contributions, and celebrate shared success.

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about helping young people succeed.
• Fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a “can-do” attitude.
• Highly organised, able to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Skilled at building strong relationships, particularly with schools and colleges.
• Resilient, tenacious, and excited by new opportunities.
• Creative and open to trying new ideas.
• Ambitious for themselves and the charity.
• Confident with technology and has strong computer literacy.

Desirable:

• Experience within educational settings or working with young people in Wales.
• The ability to communicate in the medium of Welsh.

Essential:

• Based in North Wales, or locations within England that are near to the border (e.g. Liverpool, Chester, Manchester)
• While not required, we particularly welcome applications from people who have experienced some of the challenges young people across Wales face today.

At Working Options, we believe in:

• Empowering volunteers to deliver high-quality talks and workshops.
• Providing a first-class service for schools that trust us with their students.
• Supporting each other to innovate, grow, and make real impact.

You’ll be joining a team that’s already changing lives — but we’re just getting started. With your help, we can reach even more young people and open up new opportunities for their future.

If this sounds like the right environment for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Good luck with your application!

Sue Maskrey
Chief Executive, Working Options in Education

_____________

Disgrifiad swydd

Camwch i mewn i daith drawsnewidiol gyda Working Options mewn addysg

Camwch i mewn i daith drawsnewidiol gyda Working Options. Rydyn ni ar genhadaeth i rymuso pobl ifanc 14–19 oed ledled y DU — a gallwch chi helpu i wneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol.

Dros y 18 mis diwethaf, mae ein tîm wedi bod yn datblygu mudiad o gymorth i bobl ifanc ledled Cymru, gan gael effaith sylweddol ar eu cyfleoedd bywyd a gweithio tuag at y nod o ysbrydoli pob person ifanc yn y wlad.

Hyd yn hyn, rydyn ni eisoes wedi cyrraedd 19,000 myfyriwr wyneb yn wyneb ac wedi cysylltu â thraean o holl ysgolion uwchradd a cholegau'r wladwriaeth yng Nghymru. Yn 2025, ein nod yw cyrraedd 13,000 yn fwy o bobl ifanc — ac rydyn ni'n chwilio am gydweithiwr angerddol i'n helpu i wireddu hynny.

Ynglŷn â'r rôl

Fel Cydlynydd Prosiect Gogledd Cymru, byddwch yn chwarae rôl hanfodol mewn:

• Cysylltu gwirfoddolwyr ag ysgolion a cholegau, gan sicrhau bod pobl ifanc yn elwa o sgyrsiau a gweithdai sy'n ysbrydoli.
• Datblygu a chynnal perthnasau cryf ag ysgolion, cyflogwyr, a gwirfoddolwyr.
• Gwrando ar ac addasu i anghenion pobl ifanc, gan sicrhau bod ein rhaglen yn creu gwerth gwirioneddol iddyn nhw a'r rhanddeiliaid rydyn ni'n gweithio â nhw.

Byddwch chi'n rhan o dîm hyblyg, entrepreneuraidd, a chydweithredol sy'n gweithio o bell ar draws Cymru ond sy'n dod at ein gilydd ar gyfer digwyddiadau, hyfforddi gwirfoddolwyr, cyfarfodydd ysgolion, a chyfarfodydd tîm. Rydyn ni'n gosod disgwyliadau uchel i ni ein hunain ac i'n gilydd, yn gwerthfawrogi cyfraniadau unigolion, ac yn dathlu llwyddiant a rennir.

Rydyn ni'n chwilio am rywun sydd yn:

• Angerddol dros helpu pobl ifanc i lwyddo.
• Hollol ymrwymedig i gydraddoldeb, amrywiaeth, a chynhwysiant.
• Hunangymhellol a rhagweithiol, gydag ymagwedd "gallaf wneud".
• Hynod drefnus, yn gallu cydbwyso sawl blaenoriaeth a glynu wrth derfynau amser.
• Medrus wrth feithrin perthnasau cryf, yn enwedig gydag ysgolion a cholegau.
• Gwydn, taer, ac yn gyffrous am gyfleoedd newydd.
• Creadigol ac yn agored i roi cynnig ar syniadau newydd.
• Uchelgeisiol, yn bersonol ac ar ran yr elusen.
• Hyderus o ran technoleg ac yn meddu ar lythrennedd cyfrifiadurol cryf.

Dymunol:

• Profiad mewn lleoliadau addysgol neu weithio gyda phobl ifanc yng Nghymru.
• Y gallu i gyfathrebu drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Hanfodol:

• Wedi'i leoli yng Ngogledd Cymru, neu leoliadau yn Lloegr sy'n agos at y ffin (e.e. Lerpwl, Caer, Manceinion)
• Er nad yw'n ofynnol, rydyn ni'n croesawu'n benodol ceisiadau gan bobl sydd wedi profi rhai o'r heriau mae pobl ifanc ledled Cymru yn eu hwynebu heddiw.

Yn Working Options, rydyn ni'n credu mewn:

• Grymuso gwirfoddolwyr i gyflwyno sgyrsiau a gweithdai o safon.
• Darparu gwasanaeth o'r radd flaenaf i ysgolion sy'n caniatáu i ni weithio gyda'u myfyrwyr.
• Cefnogi ein gilydd i arloesi, tyfu, a chael effaith go iawn.

Byddwch chi'n ymuno â thîm sydd eisoes yn newid bywydau — a dim ond dechrau arni ydyn ni. Gyda'ch help chi, gallwch gyrraedd hyd yn oed yn rhagor o bobl ifanc ac agor cyfleoedd newydd ar gyfer eu dyfodol.

Os yw hyn yn swnio fel yr amgylchedd cywir i chi, byddem wrth ein boddau yn clywed gennych chi.

Pob lwc gyda'ch cais!

Sue Maskrey
Prif Weithredwr, Working Options in Education

We’re an award-winning charity that runs local learning centres in the heart of communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide an innovative education programme which includes practical learning support and motivational and confidence-building activities for children and young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to inspire students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to broaden their horizons and achieve their full potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping thousands of young people each year. We have forty-five centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, with ambitious plans to scale-up our provision further over the coming years.

IntoUniversity and the Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation are working in partnership to offer further life-transforming opportunities for IntoUniversity students to attend independent and state boarding schools on fully-funded bursaries.

We are looking for a Boarding Schools Bursary Manager to join our team. The postholder will have responsibility for leading and developing the Boarding Schools Bursary programme in partnership with Royal SpringBoard and will be the principal point of contact for IntoUniversity centres, the bursary students and their families, the boarding schools and Royal SpringBoard.

The successful candidate will quickly gain an understanding and knowledge of the IntoUniversity students recommended for bursary places and will develop relationships of trust with their families to ensure a smooth transition and integration into boarding school. 

The role at a glance

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Start date: As soon as possible to be agreed directly with the successful candidate
Location: Frequent travel around the UK is required for this role. Could be based in one of the following IntoUniversity  centres: Birmingham, Bradford, Coventry, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Nottingham
Salary: 
£40,800 per annum (including London contribution) for candidates based in London
£38,100 per annum for candidates based outside of London

What will my main duties be?

Programme Management

• To oversee the IntoUniversity Boarding School Bursary Programme including recruitment of potential students and ongoing support of current boarders.
• To prepare the students and their families for Royal SpringBoard and school assessments as well as reparing for boarding school life. 
• To plan and/or attend boarding school taster and pastoral visits across the UK. 
• To create a calendar of out-of-boarding events and support for students and families to connect to their local centre, including centre visits and community hubs. 
• Work with the Safeguarding Team to promote the wellbeing of students and respond to safeguarding concerns (additional training will be provided for this aspect of the role). 
• Encourage post-18 alumni to engage with the Royal SpringBoard alumni programmes and the IntoUniversity Student Associate Network
• Ensure Salesforce database records and monitoring requirements are kept up to date. 

Stakeholder Management

• Manage the relationship with Royal Springboard, including reporting on KPIs and maintaining communication.
• To build strong relationships and liaise with the host boarding schools and the key staff members such as Houseparents.
• To provide support to parents/carers as needed and manage any issues that may arise sensitively, mediating between the boarding schools, parents/carers and students as necessary.

Other duties

• To ensure that the ethos, values and culture of the charity are maintained.
• To champion diversity and inclusion in your role at all times, referring to the Diversity and Inclusion Staff Responsibilities Guide and fully supporting with the implementation of the charity’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
• To ensure compliance with all necessary regulations and legal requirements, including the Children’s Act, Equal Opportunities, Data Protection, Health & Safety and Working with Vulnerable Groups.
• To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post. 
• To have full regard for IntoUniversity and Royal SpringBoard’s policies and procedures and to uphold IntoUniversity and Royal SpringBoard’s reputation, aims and values

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

Harrogate Neighbours (HNHA) exists to support and improve the lives of elderly and vulnerable people across the region, transforming lives and empowering the community on a daily basis! With over 50 years of experience, they provide a vast range of services ranging from meals on wheels in the community to residential care (at their homes in Starbeck and Boroughbridge). The charity’s values focus on compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, and the incredible staff team deliver an uncompromised standard of care to all.

Following a hugely successful restructure we are recruiting 2 pivotal new roles into this life affirming organisation and are looking for passionate and talented individuals able to take on the challenge of leading the charity through this exciting next phase.

Are you a financial strategic leader with experience across governance, IT and compliance? We would love to hear from you!

The Role 

The Director of Finance, IT & Compliance will be accountable for ensuring there is robust financial planning, compliance, and risk management throughout the organisation. Duties will include:

• Providing strategic advice, guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO, Board and associated committees on all issues related to financial matters.
• Providing robust financial due diligence and producing accurate and timely internal financial reports to support decision-making.
• Ensuring IT services are robust, compliant and futureproofed.
• Acting as Data Protection Officer (DPO) for the organisation.
• Collaborating with the CEO and Board to develop and implement strategies for diversifying income streams.

The Person

We are looking for an ACCA, ACA, or CIMA qualified accountant with significant experience operating in a senior financial position. With extensive experience in managing budgets, audits, and financial reporting, you should also have the ability to oversee, improve and implement financial systems, policies, and processes. Although charity or housing sector experience would be advantageous, we are also happy to look at people wanting to gain experience in this area providing they have knowledge of UK financial regulations, charity governance and compliance within housing providers.

This is a leadership role so we are looking for a strong strategic thinker, someone inspiring, and a person who can lead the team and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. Passion for the cause is key – we are looking for an individual who will rise to the challenge of ensuring HNHA continues to change lives across the region.

Why HNHA?

Not only does HNHA care deeply for the people it serves in the community, but it also provides a wonderfully supportive working culture. Spending even a short time at the residential homes, or with the staff team, shows you what a special place this truly is. Following a successful restructure, this is a hugely exciting time to join the charity as they embark on the next phase of their journey. Benefits include:

• Health insurance from WPA
• 3 X Life cover with company pension
• Paid massages
• 1-to-1 Support Sessions: Fully paid and tailored for your personal growth.
• Long Service Awards: Celebrate milestones with rewards.
• Annual staff awards evening
• Events for Staff & Families: Regular gatherings to foster connection and fun.
• Access to Blue Light card
• Free on-site car park
• · Free meals on shift as well as tea, coffee and water
• · Nearby station and buses for commuting.

The role will be hybrid with the option to work flexibly from home and The Cuttings, in Harrogate. To express your interest, or find out more, please apply directly or contact the team below. Please note that 1st stage interviews will be held on the 7th / 8th October and 2nd stage on Tuesday 14th October 2025.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Jen, Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

Head of Internal Audit

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the team as the internal auditor.

Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Position: SIT60 Head of Internal Audit

Location: Home-based. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Salary: Circa £33,500 (FTE circa £51k) (inner London weighting £2,595 pro rata or outer London weighting £1,495 pro rata may be applied in accordance with where you live)

Hours: Part-time, 23 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 10 October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Interview Date: 21 October 2025. Depending on the outcome a second interview may be arranged.

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

The role reports to the Associate Director of Legal and Governance, with an independent reporting line to the Chair of the Finance Committee.

The role will provide a comprehensive programme of internal audits into the activities of our charity and will report to our Finance Committee with recommendations for improvement. This is a crucial role in safeguarding the charity’s assets and reputation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• To establish effective and robust operational and strategic Internal Audit plans for the Charity and to report on progress of the plan
• To carry out the Internal Audits within the Internal Audit Plan, within the agreed timetable and budget shown in the Plan, to report on them, to present them to Board and Committee meetings and to monitor progress.
• To liaise with externally sourced providers of internal audit services in support of the role and for conducting internal audits into specialist areas of activity of the charity (such as IT arrangements).
• To maintain a strong working relationship with the Finance Committee, its Chair and the Chief Executive and to act as a Business Partner to all Executive Directors in relation to internal audit.
• To contribute to the Charity’s efforts to avoid fraud, including by advising on new policies and to lead on fraud investigations where appropriate
• To ensure a joined-up approach to both the external and internal audit work, minimising duplication and feeding into the external audit risk assessment.
• To liaise effectively with colleagues to ensure any potential new financial systems have adequate consideration of internal controls.
• To keep up to date with Internal Audit practice and developments and advise the Charity in relation to internal audit matters.

About You

You will have:

• A qualification in internal audit or accounting (e.g. CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA) as a minimum.
• A good knowledge of how charities operate and their main processes including Finance, HR, Fundraising and CRM systems.
• An in-depth knowledge of risk based internal auditing techniques, including testing and sampling methodologies.
• A good understanding of charity related compliance requirements, and appropriate counter-fraud measures and risk management processes
• An ability to act with authority and provide an independent voice on internal audit matters affecting the charity.

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role.

Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Auditor, Lead Auditor, Head Auditor, Head of Internal Audit, Head of Internal Auditing, Director of Internal Audit, Director of of Internal Audit, Internal Auditing Director, Internal Audit Director, Senior Auditor, CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Are you a social media whizz with a passion for telling powerful stories? Keen to progress in your career in public relations and digital communications while making a real impact in the charity sector? Join Dravet Syndrome UK as a Marketing and Communications Manager (home based,16 hours/week) and bring your creativity and energy to a role where you’ll help shape our online presence, generate meaningful media coverage, and connect communities through engaging content.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications and working with the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager in this varied position, you’ll drive DSUK’s social media activity, creating and scheduling posts across our social media channels. Alongside engaging online audiences, you’ll be instrumental in our proactive PR work—writing press releases, pitching stories to key media, responding to journalist enquiries, and helping develop compelling family case studies for campaigns. As part of a passionate and supportive team, you’ll collaborate to measure the impact of our communications and marketing work.

If you’re ready to grow your career in communications and want to make a difference for families affected by Dravet syndrome, we want to hear from you.

As part of DSUK’s commitment to safeguarding, the postholder is expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

About Dravet Syndrome UK

Dravet Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a small independent UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet Syndrome. Dravet Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.

The charity was founded in October 2008 by a small group of 30 families. Today, DSUK is a registered charity helping over 550 families with support, education, and research programmes, underpinned by a world-class Medical Advisory Board.

What you will bring

Essential

· Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering engaging and targeted social media content to build community, raise awareness and drive engagement.

· Hands-on experience managing websites (using WordPress), delivering e-marketing campaigns (e.g. Mailchimp or similar), and applying SEO principles and other techniques to optimise digital communications and online visibility.

· Demonstrable experience in media relations, including writing press releases, working with case studies and successfully pitching and responding to a range of media (online, press, radio, broadcast)

· Demonstrable experience of working in charity, patient advocacy or healthcare sectors

· Ability to deal with people at all levels with empathy, tact and credibility

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to distil large amounts of information and present it in engaging and innovative ways for a variety of audiences

· Demonstrable design skills and knowledge of desktop publishing software e.g. using Canva to create in-house designs for social media and our website

· Act as a brand guardian, ensuring external designers and agencies understand and apply our brand, visual identity, and corporate communications guidelines effectively

· Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise

· Be a self-starter and team player with experience of remote working, and able to work effectively with colleagues using remote technology (e.g. Zoom, Google meets, etc)

Desirable

· Membership of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations and/or a commitment to continuous professional development

 Why join Dravet Syndrome UK?

Join our dynamic and growing charity, where you'll thrive in an exciting and engaging environment. We are proud to be a family-oriented charity experiencing growth and fuelled by an ambitious plan for expansion. Our dedicated team is deeply connected to our core audience, and their motivation stems from witnessing our impact on people's lives. Join us today and contribute to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we support.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 24 September 2025, with shortlisting interviews taking place in early October with job to commence November 2025.

Our commitment to diversity

As part of our ambitions to improve equality and diversity, we welcome applications for this role from those who identify under any of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which include race, age, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

UK-based/ Colchester or Home-based with monthly travel to Colchester office. Overseas travel with trips lasting from 10-14 days. 

This post requires the candidates to have independent rights to live and work in the UK

Background

Lepra is dedicated to addressing leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) and their consequences through direct support, advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive communities. We work in Bangladesh and in India, through our sister organisation, LEPRA Society. We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy and LF to improve detection, ensure access to treatment and care, and promote inclusion and wellbeing. Last year we finalised our new Global Strategy for 2024-30, which will guide us in our efforts to accelerate progress towards global targets for leprosy and LF, and towards our vision of a world free from leprosy and LF.

Job Context

Our Global Strategy marks a significant evolution in our organisational direction, introducing innovative approaches and renewed priorities. This includes our first-ever global Theory of Change (ToC), our most comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework to date, a Research and Innovation strategy, and a dedicated Advocacy sub-strategy to guide our influencing efforts.

With the Lepra Advocacy Strategy, we will be working over the next 6 years to strengthen our approaches to our advocacy efforts. The post holder will play a key role in supporting the roll out of the Advocacy strategy working closely with the Director of Programmes and Advocacy, the Head of Research, the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Officer and the teams where we work.

Job Purpose

This role is an exciting role within the programmes team in response to evolving needs. The incoming post holder will work within the 5 person UK’s Programme and Advocacy team and will drive, advise and support the team in relation to Lepra’s advocacy profile. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, strategic and creative person who has outstanding skills to engage and work with a diverse team. We are looking for someone to work with a clear strategy and then develop, grow and successfully shape the future of Lepra’s advocacy efforts.

Working Relationships

Reports to Lepra UK’s Director of Programmes and Advocacy (DPA)

Works closely with the Programmes and Advocacy Team

Close working links with colleagues in India and in Bangladesh and the UK’s communications team

International travel as needed for programmes oversight and support, and external representation.

Key responsibilities

Advocacy Delivery (50%)

Under the supervision of the DPA implement Lepra’s global Advocacy strategy and coordinate advocacy initiatives.

Serve as the driver of advocacy efforts, facilitating the transitional year of implementation including coordinating the Advocacy Steering Group; advocacy toolkit development; action planning.

Represent Lepra in specific fora and advocacy networks and within the broader leprosy and NTD community in close coordination with the DPA.

Produce quarterly advocacy newsletters

Maintain quarterly reports on flagging areas of concern and actioning steering committee advice.

Assist in the preparation of policy documents and the presentation of papers for publication, conferences, or specific institutions and/or individuals - identifying and targeting the most appropriate audiences.

Support and contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives that foster an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment across organisational programmes, policies, and advocacy efforts.

Support and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion and equity, with a strong focus on developing the leadership and advocacy capacity of people with lived experience of leprosy, ensuring their voices are central in decision-making and programme design.

Knowledge management / Learning and Development (20%)

Support the preparation of Lepra advocacy and policy documents.

Disseminate knowledge so that it is integrated into Lepra’s portfolio to amplify the impact for target audiences and improve their outcomes.

Facilitate the new knowledge and learning hub and forge a clear path for its evolution.

Facilitate knowledge sharing through updating the communications team with relevant materials for the new programme folder on the website.

Organise and develop advocacy training.

Develop and take ownership of the new programme’ s team knowledge sharing approaches.

Develop a workplan of knowledge sharing events. 

Support annual review meetings.

Communications (10%)

Assist the programmes team with the documentation of Lepra examples and models of best practice, at the same time identifying and developing mechanisms and avenues for the effective dissemination of this knowledge – internally and externally.

Assist the programmes team, DPO, Chief Executive and Country Programme staff in the synthesis of complex technical/scientific information adapting it to language and formats easily used by target audiences.

Contribute to content development of community engagement materials (public information, brochures, leaflets) that help explain the operations and impact of Lepra’s work to LF and/or leprosy affected communities.

Maintain good working links with Lepra’s UK Fundraising and Communications Team, contributing towards UK facing communications materials as and when required.

Prepare updates, papers, and reports for trustee meetings, funding partners, and wherever else applicable.

External representation (10%)

Support the Chief Executive, DPA and programmes team to maintain and expand existing strategic relationships with key international stakeholders to further Lepra’s advocacy strategy and advance Lepra’s agenda.

Ensure Lepra’s external profile is raised and become the go-to organisation for the leprosy community in terms of advocacy and policy briefings.

Support the preparation of documents for presentation, publication or dissemination at international fora.

Develop/support the development of country specific briefing notes/press kits with the communications team.

Represent Lepra at key events, conferences, and meetings to enhance our visibility and opportunity for impact.

Safeguarding (5%)

Promote a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within Lepra’s implemented projects.

Ensuring that safeguarding mechanisms are in place and remain at the heart of all activities.

Support the integration of strong safeguarding and PSEA practices into project design and delivery.

Monitoring, evaluation, and impact (5%)

Ensure that all advocacy and knowledge transfer efforts are captured and embedded in appropriate results frameworks, objectives, outputs, indicators and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Provide inputs to Lepra’s reports, according to Lepra’s needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant degree level of education in Public Health, Social Sciences, Global Health, Human Rights, Political Sciences or equivalent experience.

Desirable

Relevant post-graduate qualification

Relevant professional health-related qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Minimum of 2 yrs experience of advocacy/campaigning/policy work with an overseas development organisation

Experience of working to advance the rights of excluded populations

Extensive knowledge of global health issues and an up-to-date familiarity with issues and practice in the international development sector

Experience in planning and implementing successful strategies/campaigns/advocacy in Asia.

Experience in programme/project planning, budgeting, M&E and reporting, within a non-governmental organisation, including the preparation of reports for institutional donors.

Ability to analyse and act on data.

Experience of working on issues in relation to disability, mental health, gender, human rights and social inclusion.

Experience in project coordination and management.

Desirable

At least two years’ experience as an advocacy manager, preferably gained with an overseas development organisation or in academia, in a similar health focused role.

Familiarity with data visualisation tools and packages.

Proficiency in one or more Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, etc.) is an asset.

Skills, Attitudes and Personal Qualities

Highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal to build strong relationships, negotiate and persuade a wide range of audiences, with confidence at presenting and representing.

Proven strength in both written and verbal communication

Able to reach, network with and communicate to a wide range of stakeholders and potential stakeholders.

Excellent attention to detail, and organisational and time management skills

Ability to manipulate and analyse data to draw useful conclusions to improve programme delivery.

Ability to use databases, Word, excel, PowerPoint and other Office packages

Ability to work independently, be flexible and prioritise workload.

Ability to travel within the UK and overseas.

The right to work in the UK.

We operate a non-bias recruitment process and run our job advertisements through anonymous recruitment methods.

We offer a lot of flexibility in working practices and there is free reserved parking available at our Colchester office. We also offer 26 days annual leave plus public holidays (pro-rated), pension, Employee Assistance Programme and support from an in-house well-being team.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interview. Please check your email inbox and spam/junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this vacancy.

If you require any reasonable considerations such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

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