Counsellor jobs

Summary

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

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.

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia is a professionally approved member of Rape Crisis England and Wales; an umbrella organisation supporting Rape Crisis Centres across the country. Rape Crisis is completely independent of the government and the criminal justice system.

East London Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for women and girls aged 11 years old+ who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives, regardless of whether or not they have reported to the police. We offer confidential and independent support. Services include advocacy, emotional and practical support, one-to-one counselling and group work. The service is provided across Barking & Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Redbridge, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

We form part of the London Sexual Violence Alliance. The Alliance brings together 225 years of expertise and experience and represents a bold, visionary and survivor-centred resource. The Alliance consists of eight members. Seven are organisations that have historically, and or currently, provide support for victims/survivors. MOPAC is the eighth member, primarily sitting at the oversight and leadership governance level. 

Note: each organisation continues to be an independent charity, so the Alliance is not a legal entity.

Hours: 28hours per week including 1 evening per week

Salary: £25,200 -£28,000 (FTE £31,500 - £35,000 depending on experience

Location: East London (Current office locations include Islington, Dagenham Heathway and Waltham Forest. We have further satellite counselling hubs across East London. We offer a hybrid working approach combined of office, outreach and home working)

In the role of ELRC Women and Girls Counsellor, you will provide one to one counselling and group therapy to female survivors of sexual violence. You will work as part of a growing feminist Rape Crisis service that is developing to meet the needs of women and girls. Counselling is delivered face to face, online and via the phone.

We are looking for a counsellor who can provide a commitment of 28 hours a week of counselling services, including one evening per week.

We are looking for highly organised and self-motivated women who are passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You will have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s feminist approach to supporting women and their children to be safer and well.

Closing date: 10am, 11 February 2026

Interview period: 23 – 24 February 2026

CV’s will not be accepted. 

This post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

Summary

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

Summary

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

The CYP Link Counsellor role makes a real difference by providing children and young people who have experienced Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or other forms of sexual violence and abuse with timely, appropriate, trauma-informed, and compassionate specialist support as part of our wider CYP Services.

• Deliver specialist, boundaried, relational, and trauma-informed counselling for children and young people aged 5–17 who have been subjected to or are at risk of CSE.
• Actively engage children and young people to rebuild trust and encourage participation in Counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) services.
• Provide counselling in safe, secure environments where young people feel supported.
• Tailor counselling and therapy to individual needs and abilities, including conducting assessments and creating therapeutic plans.
• Maintain awareness of contextual safeguarding issues and respond promptly and professionally to any concerns.

As the leading specialist mental health charity for women who have experienced domestic abuse, Woman’s Trust’s mission is to help survivors to overcome the devastating mental health impact of domestic abuse.

We are seeking an experienced Counsellor to deliver high-quality clinical assessments as part of our therapeutic services. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled therapeutic practitioner to focus on assessment work, contributing to safeguarding, clinical decision-making, and effective service delivery within a trauma-informed framework.

If you are looking to make a real impact on women and children’s lives, then please do get in touch. 

Location: Based at Woman’s Trust Offices (currently at Edgware Road, London). Limited travel across London is required. Hybrid working offered (after successful completion of 6-month probation) with at least 50% of working days office-based.

Hours: Part-time, 18 hours per week.

About Woman's Trust

The charity, established almost thirty years ago to meet the gap in specialist mental health services, is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About you and how to apply

As a skilled and compassionate counsellor, aligned with our feminist ethos and the needs of our service users, you will bring experience in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed assessments for women affected by domestic abuse. You will have a strong understanding of risk assessment, safeguarding, and clinical decision-making, and be confident in assessing suitability for counselling and group work services.

In this role, you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive initial assessments, identifying client needs, assessing risk, and making appropriate recommendations or referrals. You will work closely with the Therapeutic Services team to ensure assessments are timely, consistent, and aligned with best practice, while maintaining accurate records and contributing to service monitoring and reporting.

If you are an experienced counsellor looking to apply your clinical skills in an assessment-focused role and make a meaningful impact on women’s lives, we would welcome your application.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining your experience, skills, and knowledge, relevant to this post.

Closing date for applications: To be considered on a rolling basis.

Interviews: To be held on a rolling basis.

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with the Equality Act 100 pursuant to Schedule, 9 Part 1 applies. We particularly welcome applications from women from black and minoritised, and disability communities.