Debt quality officer jobs

This is an exciting opportunity to lead CPAG’s strategic legal work at an important time in the organisation’s fight to end child poverty. As Head of Strategic Litigation, you will oversee and carry out CPAG’s work using legal cases for positive impact, to benefit families and children in poverty. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of CPAG’s legal work, in addition to managing CPAG’s legal practice and playing an active role in conducting high-profile litigation on a day-to-day basis.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about using the law to advocate for the rights of, and directly improve the lives of, families in poverty. The ideal candidate will be a solicitor (E&W qualified) with substantial post-qualification experience. You will have experience of conducting public law litigation and legal aid (publicly funded) work. You will be able to supervise the casework of colleagues, such as CPAG’s junior or trainee solicitor(s) and welfare benefit advisers, and support the professional development and wellbeing of your team. You may have experience of working with clients in vulnerable situations or with additional needs, for example, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, disabled people or children and young people.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack. 

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Strategic Litigation job pack and application form. 

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us.

To apply, please return to us the application form, taking particular care to provide full details of how you meet the person specification. 

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Interviews will be held at our London office: w/c 27 April 2026

This role is essential in supporting the delivery of Battersea’s commitment to robust compliance with all legal and best practice regulations governing fundraising, animal welfare and grant-making. The post holder will do this by providing support to the Compliance Monitoring Manager, helping to deliver advice, guidance, training, monitoring and reporting to the various internal teams and external agencies.

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. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

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.

Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 1st April 2026
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.

Interview date(s): 9-10th April 2026

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack from our Careers website.

We are seeking a forward‑thinking leader with a track record in changing organisations that have a good and loyal team in place with a commitment to our mission and values, and the imagination to explore new ways of meeting local needs. A track record of fundraising in the charity sector is needed. Whether you come with a background from the advice sector, the wider charity world, or another relevant field, if you have the vision and drive to steer CAEW into the future, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

The role will play a critical role to help deliver an effective and high performing rent collection and recovery service in accordance with legislation, the organisation’s policies, set performance targets and customer satisfaction requirements. In collaboration with the Resident Services Manager to ensure that the organisation is compliant with all regulations and using robust policy and procedures and ensuring the right systems are in place to effectively manage the revenue and income streams and arrears of the organisation. This role will also manage the impact of welfare reform provisions, ensuring an effective advice and support service to residents to manage risk on revenue and income levels.

We welcome applications from those with experience in supported housing and rent arrears management. 

Responsibilities

• The role also oversees the best payment methods for all residents at sign up and this includes the setting up of standing orders or direct debits in line with the direct debit guarantee where applicable. To liaise with the Assistant Accountant who will oversee the administration of this.

• Production of performance and management reports, setting collection targets in consultation with the Resident Services Manager and proactively monitoring and reporting in respect of service delivery, performance indicators and targets.

• Maximise the collection of arrears by having regular meetings with the Team Managers; being proactive in contacting Support Workers or residents, providing them with clear instructions on information requests and repayment options.

• To work closely with other members of the Revenue team to manage resident rent and accommodation charge accounts and other former resident debts, on a regular basis identifying trends and patterns on individual accounts and then liaise with Support Workers or residents to rectify income issues and address arrears in line with policies and procedures.

• To maximise rent collection in line with targets by making arrangements to recover rent arrears and to enforce related tenancy conditions, ensuring residents’ rent accounts are monitored and prompt actions taken to prevent the accumulation of debt, and to authorise any rent account adjustments and refunds.

• Work closely with the Assistant Accountant to ensure that all residents Personal Contributions (PC) and Housing Benefit (HB) are calculated correctly on sign up and when there has been a change of circumstance

• Liaising with local authorities’ benefits teams and Government agencies on new benefit claims and issues in liaison with the Assistant Accountant and regular meetings together.

• Acting as the main first point of contact on queries around revenue and income management, policies, procedures and systems.

• Ensuring team have Welfare benefits training and are up to date with regulation. Working with Support Workers to ensure residents maximise their incomes by claiming all benefits due them

• To assist vulnerable residents with prompt and appropriate action and advice, and liaise with other agencies and departments to ensure that their needs are met.

• To be responsible for preparing timely and accurate reports on arrears cases, to attend Court and represent the organisation on individual arrears and possession cases when relevant, to prepare eviction reports and represent the organisation at evictions to ensure the successful repossession of properties.

• To maintain appropriate and accurate records to comply with statutory and service-wide reporting requirements on performance issues.

• To contribute towards the continuous improvement of performance in line with the organisation’s service plan targets.

• To work with other agencies and departments such as the organisation’s Finance Department, Customer Services Team; Housing Benefits, The DWP, Advice agencies, Housing Officers, Solicitors and the Courts in delivering an efficient and effective service.

• To attend meetings internally as and when necessary, for example, Directorate, Management and planning meetings.

• Cover the lead person when required on daily cash reconciliations whilst following finance policies and procedures

• Cover the lead persons when required to organise banking with the Finance Department whilst working closely with colleagues within the Resident Services Department and other senior employees to carry out banking runs.

• To undertake such other duties within the competence of the post holder which may be required from time to time.

• Person specification

• Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working in a supported housing environment in a similar or related role

• Experience of supervising a person or team

• Qualifications

• GSCE (or equivalent) in English, Maths

• Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of supported housing sector and housing law

• Detailed knowledge of rent arrears issues and processes

• Detailed knowledge of housing and welfare benefits

• Understanding of trauma informed practice

• Abilities

• Capable of developing and maintaining constructive and positive working relationships both internally and externally

• Personal qualities

  • Be creative in problem solving and seek out practical solutions to complex problem

• Demonstrate a high degree of accountability and decision making

• Full driving licence held and maintained

• Desirable criteria

• Housing or a related qualification

•  

• Be able to meet deadlines and balance priorities

• Be able to delegate and allocate work effectively

• Be able to monitor operational and customer service performance and suggest and implement ways of improving performance

• Be able to manage change, introduce new initiatives, and revise systems and processes

• Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, with a systematic and consistent style including experience of report writing and drafting policies/procedures

• Interview process

  Interviews will be held during the week commencing 13 April 2026. The process will begin with a short pre‑screening interview. Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to an in‑person interview, which will include a practical test as part of the assessment.

  Before starting this position, you’ll need to undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. You must be entitled to work in the UK. Due to the customer‑focused nature of this role, working from home will be one day per week 

The role

As our Advice Session Supervision, you will play a pivotal role in leading and managing the delivery of advice services across both office-based and community outreach settings.

You will supervise, support, and develop a team of employed advisers, volunteers, and supervisors—ensuring our services are of the highest quality and delivered in line with Citizens Advice standards. 

This includes oversight of advice sessions, project coordination, case checking, and ensuring team members are up to date with training and development.

This is a key leadership role requiring strong people management skills, sound advice knowledge, and the ability to motivate and empower others. You will demonstrate a deep commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service, with a passion for achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

To succeed in this role, you will be:

• Resilient and calm under pressure

• A strong communicator and confident decision-maker

• Flexible and proactive in a fast-paced and evolving environment

• Organised, responsive, and capable of leading others through change
   

You’ll also bring experience of delivering advice and working with diverse client groups.

The role will involve regular travel between our central office and community venues across the City of Doncaster, so flexibility and a willingness to work in various locations is essential.

Role profile

Team Leadership & Line Management

• Supervise and support a team of advisers and volunteers in order to provide high quality accurate advice to service users and partners

• Conduct regular supervision, appraisals, and performance reviews.

• Support with recruitment, induction, and development for advisers and supervisors.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, learning, and inclusion.

Service Delivery Oversight

• Ensure smooth delivery of generalist and specialist advice services across all channels (in-person, phone, online, outreach).

• Monitor session flow and respond to operational pressures and safeguarding issues.

• Manage rota planning and resource allocation in response to demand.

Quality & Compliance

• Oversee quality assurance and ensure advice meets Citizens Advice standards.

• Conduct case checks, Independent file reviews, and support remedial action where needed.

• Promote continuous improvement and respond to client feedback or complaints.

• Ensure supervisors, advisers and volunteers complete tasks and remedial action in a timely manner.
   

 Technical Support & Guidance

• Act as a point of escalation for complex advice queries from supervisors, advisers and volunteers

• Ensure technical knowledge is shared and updated across the team.

• Contribute to internal training and CPD activities.

Training & Development

• Ensure all supervisors, advisers, and volunteers are up to date with mandatory and role-specific training.

• Monitor attendance at refresher events and promote a learning culture.

• Liaise with internal trainers to coordinate support and capacity building across teams.

• Ensure own training and professional development is kept up to date in line with role requirements.

 Service Development & Data Monitoring

• Use data, KPIs and trends to inform improvements and plan service delivery.
  Support the development and implementation of new projects and funding bids.

• Engage with partners and stakeholders to extend service reach and impact.

Research and campaigns

• Assist with research and campaigns by providing information on clients' circumstances and current issues faced 

• Provide statistical information on the number of clients and nature of cases and provide regular reports to management. 

• Monitor service provision to ensure that it reaches the widest possible client group. 

• Alert other staff to local and national issues and campaigns. 

  Person specification 

Essential: 

• At least 1 years’ experience supervising advice services or managing advice teams.

• Sound understanding of regulated advice delivery (e.g., debt, benefits, housing).

• Proven ability to manage people and deliver operational leadership.

• Experience conducting case checks and applying Citizens Advice quality standards.

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.. 

• Have access to a vehicle and be willing to travel to locations across Doncaster 

• An understanding of local and national issues that may affect those accessing the service provision 

Desirable:

• Experience of building relationships with partners and external organisations 

• Experience of working within a community setting

• Proven experience of working towards and achieving targets and running funded projects 

• Experience of providing advice 

• Familiarity with Citizens Advice systems and service models.

In accordance with Citizens Advice national policy we may require the successful candidate to be screened by the DBS. However, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to your being able to take up the job.

Terms and conditions

• Full time salary £28,000 -  £31,700 per annum depending on experience

• Hours - 37 hours per week with some requirement for out of usual office hours remote supervision

• A full-time post holder will be entitled to 28 days which are inclusive of the 8 normal bank holidays and 4 associated days. 

What we give our staff

We’re proud to be a National Living Wage employer, committed to ensuring all our staff are paid fairly and competitively.

At Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough, we value our people and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, wellbeing, and professional growth. This includes:

• Access to the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy, sustainable travel

• Membership of the Westfield Health Cash Plan, providing money back on everyday healthcare costs such as optical, dental, and physiotherapy

• A tailored induction and ongoing training, with opportunities for continuous professional development

• A collaborative, supportive team environment with regular peer support and knowledge sharing

The option to join our pension scheme through NEST, including employer contributions to support your financial future

Join us and be part of a friendly, purpose-driven team making a real difference in people’s lives across Doncaster.

Our values

We’re inventive. We’re not afraid of trying new things and learn by getting things wrong. We question every idea to make it better and we change when things aren’t working.

We’re generous. We work together, sharing knowledge and experience to solve problems. We tell it like it is and respect everyone.

We’re responsible. We do what we say we’ll do and keep our promises. We remember that we work for a charity and use our resources effectively.

3 things you should know about us

1. We’re local and we’re national. We have 6 national offices and offer direct support to people in around 300 independent local Citizens Advice services across England and Wales.

2. We’re here for everyone. Our advice helps people solve problems and our advocacy helps fix problems in society. Whatever the problem, we won’t turn people away.

3. We’re listened to - and we make a difference. Our trusted brand and the quality of our research mean we make a real impact on behalf of the people who rely on us.

How Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough works

We are an independent charity governed by our trustee board, and operating from 3 main offices, plus outreaches, across the borough of Doncaster. Our Chief Executive is James Woods.

We are a forward-looking and expanding organisation with a team of paid and volunteer advisers and admin staff.  Our team works across all our offices to deliver high quality generalist advice and casework in debt and benefits – and clients have access to our services through drop-in, appointment, telephone, email and web chat.

We are committed to Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies and equality and diversity standards are embedded throughout our organisation. It is essential that all our clients have an equal opportunity to access our services and all our staff work hard to put this into practice.

Overview of Citizens Advice

The Citizens Advice service is made up of Citizens Advice - the national charity - and a network of around 300 local Citizens Advice members.

This role sits our network of independent charities, delivering services from

• over 600 local Citizens Advice outlets

• over 1,800 community centres, GPs’ surgeries and prisons

They do this with:  

• 6,500 local staff

• over 23,000 trained volunteers