Customer support officer jobs

Based within schools, we are looking for friendly and committed children and young people counsellors who are passionate in supporting in helping their clients to help them on their journey towards positive mental health and who will embed and share Beacon's values. You will deliver face to face counselling and within the role, be enthusiastic, caring, positive and committed to learning and developing to ensure we continue to provide the best service to our clients.

The main objectives of the role:

• To provide a confidential and ffective counselling service for children and young people 
• When working in a school, to work as Beacon’s main representative  and ambassador in the school and the community.
• To work with the manager, supervisor, and school’s counselling team to assist in the development of Beacon’s counselling service 
• To work flexibly and cover additional schools or areas at different locations if required. 
• To manage your caseload through working with your supervisor and maintain appropriate documentation of your work. 
• If required, to facilitate group sessions with children and young people to meet the needs of the school
• To establish and maintain excellent working relationships with key staff in schools and other partnership organisations, liaising, as appropriate, within BACP confidentiality guidelines 
• To work to a high professional standard and within the BACP’s Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy 

Battersea is entering an exciting phase of innovation and transformation during this first year of our new five-year strategy. With increased investment in income generation, we are strengthening our team to drive the growth necessary to achieve our organisational goals.bThis role sits within the Philanthropy, Partnerships & Commercial (PPC) team, made up of Philanthropy & Trusts, Corporate Partnerships & Commercial, Special Events & Stewardship, and Fundraising Operations.

The focus of the Philanthropy & Trusts team is to build a solid base of support through excellent stewardship of existing trusts and major donors alongside cultivation of new prospects, reached through prospect research and the networks of senior volunteers.
The key purpose of this Philanthropy Manager is to meet both financial and strategic KPIs, by managing a portfolio of key individual relationships and cultivating new prospects to support the long-term health of the Philanthropy pipeline. This role, together with Battersea’s other Philanthropy Manager, will also work closely with senior leadership, senior volunteers and other individuals to open up networks and introduce new major donors to Battersea.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Closing date: 3rd August 2025
Interview date(s): w/c 11th August 2025 (1st round), w/c 18th August 2025 (2nd round)

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

We are looking for someone to take an active lead in setting up the new Shed and working with our wider staff team and volunteers. You will be able to promote the project to encourage participation by giving talks, arranging taster sessions and using social media. You will also arrange short courses and training sessions and ensure new participants are briefed on health and safety. You will have good interpersonal skills and enjoy working a part of a team.

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.

A truly rewarding role…supporting local people facing food insecurity

Job Title: Culinary Chef and Trainer

Location: Birmingham

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £34540 per annum

About FareShare Midlands

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, tackling inequality, transforming lives and ensuring no good food goes to waste. We rescue surplus food and redistribute it to 650 local charities and community organisations, feeding 60,000 people every week. We also invest in communities, providing education, training and volunteering opportunities, helping over 700 individuals to date to build a better future. Together, we’re fighting hunger, reducing food waste and creating opportunities across the Midlands. Learn more here or read our latest Annual Report Snapshot here.

The Role

We’re looking for a Culinary Chef Trainer for our brand-new purpose built Commercial and Training Kitchen in The Coronation Food Project Hub, Birmingham, helping combat food insecurity by providing affordable, nutritious surplus food in a dignified and supportive environment for underserved communities. In addition to catering skills, you will need to demonstrate a passion for reducing food waste through innovation and creativity. 

Working closely with FareShare Midlands Head of Operations you will develop and mobilise the kitchen and catering service(s) for The Coronation Food Project, enabling significant increase in FSM’s reach, support and impact in tackling food insecurity. You will play a lead part in managing our flagship Kitchen, producing high quality meals from surplus food as well as catering for large corporate events. We are keen to grow a Catering skills programme in line with our Employability strategy and you will need to play a key role in informing and shaping the training programmes.  Like most charity roles, this is as much a “hands on” as well as management role.

Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation and Cooking

• Plan, prepare and cook high quality, innovative meals in a timely manner for staff, volunteers, visitors and the public as well as larger catering events, ensuring variety, nutritional balance, and high standards of taste and presentation.
• Ensure all food is made according to the recipe and portion control standards
• Adapt menus based on seasonality and availability of surplus food
• Address any feedback or special dietary requirements to ensure a high level of satisfaction, improving offerings

Menu Planning and Development

• Develop and create new recipes in collaboration with the staff, volunteers and local organisations
• Innovate dishes that align with the organisations concept and demand
• Monitor food trends and implement them in the menu, while maintaining FareShare’s brand and ethos
• Create and deliver menus for corporate events

Training

• Develop and coordinate the delivery of catering skills and cookery courses to individuals of all ages and abilities within The Coronation Food Project Hub Kitchen, ensuring equipment, resources and ingredients are appropriate to each class
• Supervise members of staff & volunteers supporting the delivery of cookery classes
• Participate in staff reviews, appraisal and personal development scheme
• Undertake further training as required

Kitchen Management

• Oversee kitchen team, including training, scheduling, and managing their daily tasks.
• Ensure proper stock control, including the procurement of ingredients, maintaining inventory, and minimising food waste. 
• Manage food costs, portion control, and kitchen meeting budgetary requirements.
• Work to guidelines from key stakeholders such funders, Public Health etc. keeping up to date with changes in food policy, strategy and dietary advice. 

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Implement, manage and monitor all food safety standards, policies and protocols including sanitation, food safety, storage and food handling and distribution.
• Oversee the cleanliness, organisation, and hygiene standards of the kitchen, ensuring compliance with HACCP, COSHH and food safety regulations, ensuring effective and timely liaison with Environmental Health Officers.
• Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, with specific responsibility for the health safety and welfare of all personnel within their control.  
• Reports all accidents and/or incidents and near misses in accordance with the organisations’ procedures.

People Management

•  Working closely with the Head of Operations and Food, provide effective leadership, management and supervision to kitchen staff, volunteers, setting clear priorities and targets.
• Ensuring that staff and volunteers understand their role responsibilities in line with FSM overall mission and have the resources, capacity and capability to effectively undertake their duties.
• Ensure and support adequate training and development of staff and volunteers within the team.
• Participate positively in FSM people management processes ensuring organisation and team development, undertaking all aspects of line management responsibility including supervision, development and appraisals for teams.
• Ensure the service is delivered by teams in accordance with FareShare Midlands Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Staff Wellbeing Policies and maintain the values and culture of the FSM.
• Recruit, support and manage volunteers and staff teams.

Person Specification

Essential Experience, Skills & Competencies

• Minimum of 3 -5 years in a Chef/Kitchen Manager/ CDP or similar role.
• Expertise in various cooking techniques and styles.
• Ability to engage with a diverse range of people including corporate guests with strong customer service skills.
• Strong leadership, time management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of kitchen safety, food hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Intermediate food hygiene level 3.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Able to travel and work weekends.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a charitable organisation
• Experience of working with volunteers in a charitable setting
• Experience of working with surplus food
• Culinary degree
• Mentoring/ Coaching experience

Competencies and behaviours

• Creativity and passion for food.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Team-oriented and a strong leader.
• An understanding of, and sympathy with FareShare’s mission.
• Flexibility of approach and ability to work in a team and across other internal teams.

 How to Apply

 To apply, please submit:

• A supporting statement demonstrating your suitability for the role and explaining your interest in FareShare Midlands.
• Your CV.

We continue to strive to ensure that the profile of our staff and volunteers reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Midlands. As such we encourage and welcome applications from all our communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds as they are currently under-represented within FareShare Midlands. 

“Right to Work” in the UK status is required.

Closing date: Monday 14th July 2025, 9 am
Interviews: As soon as possible and during week commencing 14th July 20