Counsellor jobs

General Counsel
Permanent 
Full time (34.5 hours),, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours 
Location: Split between home and our London Office (with at least 2 days based in the office each week)
Salary Range: £116,000 - £124,000

About us 
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions. 

About the role:

As Macmillan’s General Counsel, you will lead all legal, governance and regulatory activity across the organisation. You’ll act as our principal legal adviser, ensuring we operate with integrity and confidence while delivering maximum impact for people living with cancer.

Strategic Legal Leadership

• Advise the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board on legal, governance and risk matters

• Provide expert legal guidance across contracts, employment, IP, data protection and regulatory compliance

• Lead legal input into transformation, mergers, partnerships and major organisational initiatives

• Oversee safeguarding, serious incident reporting and regulatory investigations

• Apply commercial judgement to balance opportunity and risk

Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Design and embed Macmillan’s risk and information governance frameworks

• Maintain organisational risk appetite, reporting and assurance

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and ISO27001

• Oversee risk registers, business continuity and crisis management

• Lead whistleblowing, complaints, investigations, insurance and indemnities

Contract & Commercial Management

• Shape commercial models and partnership structures

• Draft, review and negotiate contracts, grants and partnership agreements

• Strengthen contract management systems and templates

Ethics, ESG & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead Macmillan’s ethics and integrity framework

• Provide oversight of data ethics and responsible technology use

• Support ESG priorities and represent Macmillan with regulators and sector bodies

Team Leadership & Organisational Impact

• Lead and develop the Legal and Governance team

• Build organisational legal literacy through training and guidance

• Manage departmental planning and budgets

• Ensure early legal involvement in organisational projects

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced senior lawyer with broad commercial, regulatory and governance expertise

• Has a strong track record advising Boards and Executive Teams

• Brings sound commercial judgement and a balanced approach to risk

• Understands data protection, compliance and sector‑specific regulation

• Has significant experience negotiating complex contracts and partnerships

• Demonstrates strong ethical judgement and commitment to integrity

• Is an inclusive, inspiring leader who develops high‑performing teams

• Communicates with clarity and influence at all levels

• Thrives in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment

Recruitment Process 
Application deadline: Sun 15th Feb 2026
First interview dates: Early - mid March 2026

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. 

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for the appointment of a bereavement counsellor in the award-winning Suicide Bereavement Service, delivered by Mind in Bexley together with partners South East London Mind and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The service offers a community resource with open access to adults and young people bereaved by suicide across South East London (Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark). The integrated team provides both one-to-one and group support, with the aim of reducing the risk of further deaths by suicide in this vulnerable group.

We are seeking an experienced bereavement counsellor who can work compassionately to deliver trauma-informed therapeutic support to people aged 13 and over bereaved by suicide. You will have evidence of post qualifying counselling experience, including of multidisciplinary working. You will be non-judgemental, caring, and resilient, with a good understanding of the issues presented by bereavement through suicide.

The ability to adapt your approach to a wide variety of people, being inclusive and sensitive to service users’ cultural and religious backgrounds, is essential. You will need to be able to work with sensitivity, respect other team members, and be open to learning. The role is demanding, so you will need to be emotionally intelligent and able to work within clear boundaries whilst being a reflective practitioner.

The team’s office is at the Bethlem Royal Hospital in West Wickham, Bromley. The successful candidate must be able to attend fortnightly team meetings at the office and be available to provide in-person counselling at least one day per week (either at the Bethlem Hospital or in the Lewisham/New Cross area).

This is a part time role, working days must include Thursdays, with the other days being flexible from Monday-Friday.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people able to work Mondays, Fridays or evenings to meet the needs of the serice.

The role may involve occasional evening and weekend working. You will be willing to work therapeutically face-to-face, by video call and by phone call, in response to client needs.

You will join a close, supportive team who share a passion for helping people cope with the impact of traumatic bereavement. You will have ownership over your work, while being well supported through regular supervision and reflective practice. For the right candidate, this unique role will be deeply rewarding.

Essential requirements for the post:

• · Experience of providing counselling to bereaved people
• · Experience of working with people at risk of suicide and managing client safety
• · Experience of working with and willingness to work with young people aged 13 and over
• · Experience of working in an agency setting
• · Accredited membership, or registered and working towards accreditation, with one of the following regulatory bodies: BACP / NCS / UKCP

Interviews will take place week commencing 16th Febraury 2026.

Join Our Legal Office

The Legal Office is the in-house provider of legal services to the national policy-making and governance institutions of the Church of England (the National Church Institutions, "NCIs"), which are some of the largest charities in the UK (including statutory corporations and a Royal Charter corporation), the largest of which are the Archbishops' Council, a national policy and strategic decision-making body, the Church Commissioners, a substantial endowment fund with assets valued at £11.1bn (2024) which has positioned itself at the forefront of Responsible Investment and which supports the mission of the Church, and the Church of England Pensions Board which stewards a £3.4bn fund. The Legal Office also advises the General Synod, which is a legislative assembly which makes primary and secondary legislation subject to the approval of Parliament.

We are a small, inclusive team which will comprise 17 legally qualified staff, with three paralegals and two support staff. Our professional backgrounds are diverse, with members coming to us from private practice in law firms, the Bar, from government, and from regulators.

Our work is firmly values led and requires the provision of advice on diverse and intellectually stimulating points of law at the intersection of public and private law. The work is high quality, groundbreaking, engaging, and rewarding. We are a collegiate and supportive team, and we are proud of the work we do.

About the role

As a member of the Legal Office Advisory Team, you will be providing legal services to the National Institutions of the Church of England, focused on giving legal advice across a diverse and interesting range of subjects which bear on the operations of the Church Commissioners and other parts of the national Church of England.

You will be joining us at an exciting time for the organisation and the role will offer you the opportunity for genuine career growth and development in a supportive environment, including interaction with some of the most senior stakeholders in the organisation. You will be able to take a leading and meaningful role in existing and new projects.

You will also be a member of the Legal Office's advisory team, undertaking as appropriate a wider range of duties as a legal adviser within the National Church Institutions.

This role will include:

• Working with senior counsel and other stakeholders in relation to drafting and reviewing contracts, and supporting effective legal compliance and due diligence.
• Providing timely, legally sound and pragmatic subject matter expertise into national projects including contractual risk reviews, and drafting and amending terms, and negotiating terms with counterparties (both standard and bespoke).
• Supporting the development and roll out of training and knowledge management in connection with contracts and other areas of professional practice.
• Provision of advice to the Church Commissioners, the Archbishops' Council, the Church of England Pensions Board, their boards, committees and staff on legal and procedural issues arising out of their work. Some of these activities are legislative or regulatory in nature.

Key role requirements

• This role requires hybrid working with some regular weekly travel to London.

About You

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have/be:

• Qualified barrister or solicitor (England & Wales)
• Strong experience in your chosen area (contracts, commercial, or advisory)
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex issues

Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.

What we offer

Your Salary

• A salary of circa £73,000 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.

• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.

• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 

• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role.

Applications via Pathways, our Career Platform, close on 16 February 2026

Join Our Legal Office

The Legal Office is the in-house provider of legal services to the national policy-making and governance institutions of the Church of England (the National Church Institutions, "NCIs"), which are some of the largest charities in the UK (including statutory corporations and a Royal Charter corporation), the largest of which are the Archbishops' Council, a national policy and strategic decision-making body, the Church Commissioners, a substantial endowment fund with assets valued at £11.1bn (2024) which has positioned itself at the forefront of Responsible Investment and which supports the mission of the Church, and the Church of England Pensions Board which stewards a £3.4bn fund. The Legal Office also advises the General Synod, which is a legislative assembly which makes primary and secondary legislation subject to the approval of Parliament.

We are a small, inclusive team which will comprise 17 legally qualified staff, with three paralegals and two support staff. Our professional backgrounds are diverse, with members coming to us from private practice in law firms, the Bar, from government, and from regulators.

Our work is firmly values led and requires the provision of advice on diverse and intellectually stimulating points of law at the intersection of public and private law. The work is high quality, groundbreaking, engaging, and rewarding. We are a collegiate and supportive team, and we are proud of the work we do.

The team works on a hybrid basis. Most team members work 1 - 2 days per week in the office depending on business need. You will need to be available in person for some items of committee and legislative business including two weeks each year for the sittings of the General Synod for which plenty of notice will be given.

About the role

As a member of the Legal Office Advisory Team, you will be providing legal services to the National Institutions of the Church of England, focused on giving legal advice across a diverse and interesting range of subjects which bear on the operations of the Church Commissioners and other parts of the national Church of England.

You will be joining us at an exciting time for the organisation and the role will offer you the opportunity for genuine career growth and development in a supportive environment, including interaction with some of the most senior stakeholders in the organisation. You will be able to take a leading and meaningful role in existing and new projects.

You will also be a member of the Legal Office's advisory team, undertaking as appropriate a wider range of duties as a legal adviser within the National Church Institutions.

In this role, you will:

• Working with senior colleagues and stakeholders to provide advice to the Church Commissioners, Archbishops' Council, and Church of England Pensions Board, their committees and departments on legal and procedural issues including constitutional and governance matters, legal powers, and statutory interpretation.
• Working with colleagues to support the work of the Church of England's legislative and deliberative assembly, the General Synod, including the passage of legislation.
• Supporting senior colleagues and stakeholders to support the work of a national board level committee which adjudicates on proposals for the re-organisation of the Church of England and the future of its historic and unique buildings (similar in nature to a planning committee), including advising on legal questions, drafting statements of reasons, and appeals.
• Supporting senior colleagues and stakeholders to support the Church Commissioners' co-regulation of cathedrals along with the Charity Commission.
• Working with stakeholders and senior colleagues to support several national change management programmes including the establishment of a national redress scheme
• Supporting the development and roll out of training and knowledge management across the national Church of England.

Key role requirements

• The team works on a hybrid basis. Most team members work 1 - 2 days per week in the office depending on business need. You will need to be available in person for some items of committee and legislative business including two weeks each year for the sittings of the General Synod for which plenty of notice will be given.

About You

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have/be:

• Qualified barrister or solicitor (England & Wales)
• Strong experience in your chosen area (contracts, commercial, or advisory)
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex issues

Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.

What we offer

Your Salary

• A salary of circa £73,000 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.

• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.

• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role.

Applications via Pathways, our Career Platform, close on 16 February 2026

Closing Date: 18 February 2026

Ref 7292

Save the Children UK is looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join the team in a key role providing expert legal advice, supporting compliance, and managing legal risk across the organisation.

If you're a qualified lawyer with relevant experience looking to take on an exciting new challenge and create meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

About the role

As Legal Counsel, you will provide high-quality, pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of charity, commercial, contract and regulatory matters.

Working within an experienced legal team collaborating on complex and high-impact legal matters, you will support SCUK's legal and compliance obligations, assist with risk management, instruct external counsel when needed, and contribute to a culture of ethics, integrity and safeguarding. You will also support the development of legal tools and training to empower colleagues to operate with confidence and compliance.

In this role, you will:

• Provide pragmatic, risk-based legal advice across contract, commercial, charity law and regulatory compliance matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of contracts, including donation agreements, grant agreements, partnership agreements, service agreements and NDAs.
• Support compliance with legal obligations including data protection, safeguarding, anti-fraud, anti-bribery, sanctions, and charity law.
• Support external counsel management and liaise with SCUK and SCI legal teams.
• Deliver training and guidance to staff and volunteers to embed legal awareness and self-service across the organisation.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments relevant to the charitable sector, assess their impact on SCUK and ensure that staff are aware of and comply with changes and updates.

About you

To be successful, it is important that you demonstrate the following:

• Qualified lawyer in England and Wales (or equivalent jurisdiction) with post-qualification experience advising independently on a broad range of commercial, contract and/or charity law matters.
• Experience in at least 1 of the following areas: general corporate / commercial / contract, regulatory compliance, charity / not-for-profit.
• An understanding of:
  • the UK charity regulatory framework; and
  • the UK's bribery and anti-terrorism laws and practice, including the way in which they may impact an international NGO.
• Demonstrated ability to draft, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of contracts, plus experience of advising on compliance issues.
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, and to explain complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically to diverse audiences.
• Strong ethical judgment, flexibility and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Efficient, highly organised, self-motivated, and able to prioritise effectively under pressure.
• Commitment to Save the Children's vision, mission and values.

What we offer you:

Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is – a sense of purpose and reward for helping others. However, we understand the importance of giving back to our employees to ensure a happy and healthy working environment and work/life balance.

• We focus on flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, health and wellbeing both in and outside of work.
• We provide a wide range of benefits which will reward your hard work, motivate you, and inspire you to work to improve the lives of children every day. You can read more about our benefits here.

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Ways of Working: 

The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but there are likely to be times when you will be required to come to your contracted office (up to 2-4 days per month or 6-8 days per quarter).  This will be agreed with your Line Manager and team and is intended to be time spent on collaborating with colleagues and relationship building. 

Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense. 

Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. 

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

Join Our Legal Office

The Legal Office is the in-house provider of legal services to the national policy-making and governance institutions of the Church of England (the National Church Institutions, "NCIs"), which are some of the largest charities in the UK (including statutory corporations and a Royal Charter corporation), the largest of which are the Archbishops' Council, a national policy and strategic decision-making body, the Church Commissioners, a substantial endowment fund with assets valued at £11.1bn (2024) which has positioned itself at the forefront of Responsible Investment and which supports the mission of the Church, and the Church of England Pensions Board which stewards a £3.4bn fund. The Legal Office also advises the General Synod, which is a legislative assembly which makes primary and secondary legislation subject to the approval of Parliament.

We are a small, inclusive team which will comprise 17 legally qualified staff, with three paralegals and two support staff. Our professional backgrounds are diverse, with members coming to us from private practice in law firms, the Bar, from government, and from regulators.

Our work is firmly values led and requires the provision of advice on diverse and intellectually stimulating points of law at the intersection of public and private law. The work is high quality, groundbreaking, engaging, and rewarding. We are a collegiate and supportive team, and we are proud of the work we do.

About the role

As a member of the Legal Office Advisory Team, you will be providing legal services to the National Institutions of the Church of England, focused on giving legal advice across a diverse and interesting range of subjects which bear on the operations of the Church Commissioners and other parts of the national Church of England.

You will be joining us at an exciting time for the organisation and the role will offer you the opportunity for genuine career growth and development in a supportive environment, including interaction with some of the most senior stakeholders in the organisation. You will be able to take a leading and meaningful role in existing and new projects.

You will also be a member of the Legal Office's advisory team, undertaking as appropriate a wider range of duties as a legal adviser within the National Church Institutions.

This role will include:

• Working with senior counsel and other stakeholders in relation to drafting and reviewing contracts (including grant agreements), and supporting effective legal compliance and due diligence.
• Providing timely, legally sound and pragmatic subject matter expertise into national projects including contractual risk reviews, and drafting and amending terms, and negotiating terms with counterparties (both standard and bespoke).
• Supporting the development and roll out of training and knowledge management in connection with contracts and other areas of professional practice.
• Provision of advice to the Church Commissioners, the Archbishops' Council, the Church of England Pensions Board, their boards, committees and staff on legal and procedural issues arising out of their work. Some of these activities are legislative or regulatory in nature.

Key role requirements

• This role requires hybrid working with some regular weekly travel to London

About You

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have/be:

• Qualified barrister or solicitor (England & Wales)
• Strong experience in your chosen area (contracts, commercial, or advisory)
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex issues

Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.

What we offer

Your Salary

• A salary of circa £73,000 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.

• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.

• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role.

Applications via Pathways, our Career Platform, close on 16 February 2026

All counselling delivered through The Matthew Hackney Foundation is provided in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (or equivalent professional standards).

The Matthew Hackney Foundation is a small, registered charity (Charity No. 1208669) dedicated to improving access to emotional and mental health support for children and young people who would not otherwise be able to access counselling.

We currently provide funded, school-based counselling across 23 Surrey schools and support approximately 45 children, young people and their caregivers each week. We are proud of the strong, trusting relationships we have built with the schools we work with, all of whom provide appropriate, private spaces for counselling sessions. Session days and times are arranged collaboratively, with flexibility for our counsellors wherever possible.

The Role

This role is particularly well suited to newly qualified counsellors or therapists looking to build confidence, experience and regular school-based hours within a highly supportive charity setting.

We are delighted to invite one or more fully qualified Counsellors to join our small, passionate team on a self-employed basis, initially for the Summer Term 2025.

You will provide a minimum of 3 hours of counselling per week in one school. There is flexibility to take on additional paid hours, up to 6 hours per day and up to 5 days per week, delivered across different schools, depending on availability and funding. Placements typically run for up to 11 weeks, aligned with individual school terms.

You will need access to your own transport, as travel between schools may be required.

Should funding continue, there may be opportunities to extend this work into the next academic year.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

· Deliver high-quality, safe and confidential 1:1 counselling to children and young people

· Undertake assessments and agree appropriate therapeutic interventions

· Manage and maintain a clinical caseload, including regular reviews

· Work using an integrative therapeutic approach

· Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date clinical records

· Engage in monthly clinical supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor experienced in working with children and young people (external supervision is acceptable and expected)

Working with Schools

· Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with pupils and school staff

· Work closely with the school’s designated contact and the Foundation’s Clinical Lead

· Embed the counselling service within the ethos of each school

· Work autonomously and proactively within the school environment

· Identify and discuss potential referrals appropriately

· Promote positive mental health and share good practice where appropriate

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

· Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection

· Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and follow reporting procedures

· Work in line with KCSIE, statutory guidance and the Foundation’s safeguarding policies

· Maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct, punctuality and communication

· Promote the values, reputation and policies of The Matthew Hackney Foundation

Person Specification

We warmly welcome applications from newly qualified counsellors and therapists, as well as those with more established practice.

Essential Criteria

· A recognised post-graduate qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or Psychology

· BACP Accreditation, UKCP or BPC registration (or working towards), or equivalent

· Experience of working therapeutically with children and/or young people or relevant transferable experience and a clear interest in developing this specialism

· A sound understanding of child development and the emotional, social and educational needs of children and young people

· A clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

· Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice

· Ability to work independently while recognising when to seek support

Desirable Criteria

· Experience of working within a school setting

· Additional training in child and adolescent therapeutic approaches

· Knowledge of local CAMHS and mental health services

Personal Attributes

· A genuine passion for supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people

· Emotionally resilient, reflective and self-aware

· Friendly, approachable and professional

· Proactive, organised and reliable

· Creative and flexible in approach

What Support Will I Get?

We recognise that working in schools — particularly as a newly qualified counsellor — can feel both exciting and daunting. We are committed to providing a supportive, containing and ethical environment in which you can develop your practice.

You can expect: - A named Clinical Lead for guidance, consultation and professional support - Clear safeguarding procedures and support with decision-making - Well-established relationships with schools, reducing administrative burden - Flexibility around days and times where possible - Opportunities to gradually increase hours as your confidence and availability grow - A values-led organisation that prioritises ethical practice, reflection and care for practitioners

Additional Information

Employment Status

• This role can be offered on either a self-employed or employed basis
• Self-employed counsellors are responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, supervision and professional insurance
• Employed counsellors will receive statutory holiday pay and employer National Insurance contributions; the employed hourly rate has been calculated to reflect this difference
• You must be able to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week (term time only) for at least one school term (ideal for newly qualified counsellors building a portfolio of experience)
• You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check, provide evidence of safeguarding training, and supply three professional references
• Counsellors may also have the opportunity to be listed on our website for self-referrals and to receive referrals for part-funded work

If you share our values and are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children and young people’s mental health, we would love to hear from you.