298 Employment support officer jobs

We are looking for a Supporter Experience Officer to deliver an exceptional experience to all supporters across the organisation, by implementing a diverse range of personalised communication journeys across a range of channels and audiences to retain support and increase engagement with Battersea.

The ideal candidate will:

• have proven experience in planning, delivering and evaluating direct marketing campaigns across multiple channels, with strong knowledge of direct marketing principles.
• be highly organised and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple complex projects, competing priorities and tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• have excellent relationship-management and communication skills, with experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers, developing clear campaign briefs and effectively communicating objectives, messaging and requirements.
• be proactive and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and a track record of successfully introducing new and improved ways of working.
• be accountable for achieving results and managing income and expenditure within their remit, with strong reporting and analytical skills. They will have excellent written English, strong numerical ability and advanced IT/MS Office skills.
• be an excellent communicator and influencer, able to present, negotiate, build credibility and develop positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. They will also demonstrate empathy and resilience when handling sensitive issues and be comfortable working effectively in a changing, high-pressure environment.

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.

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: Tuesday 15th September 2026, 11.59pm

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):

First round (Online, via MS Teams) - Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September 2026

Second round (In person) - Week commencing 5th October 2026

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

Opoka is a subsidiary of Chrysalis Group and provides emotional support and guidance to women and children escaping domestic violence. Our services are delivered by specially trained bilingual IDVA’s, DV Outreach workers, Counsellors and Helpline & Crisis Response workers as well as a team of volunteers, peer-mentors, and community champions across the region.

We are seeking a Support Worker who will provide high quality practical and emotional support to women and children escaping domestic violence seeking refuge in our safe houses. You will oversee the smooth running of our safe houses and work alongside our Housing Team to provide an intensive housing management in our safe houses.

You will be bilingual in Polish and English and be able to converse fluently as organisational and communication skills are a key element to this role. You will have an understanding of safeguarding and domestic violence whilst bringing a trauma informed and a non-judgemental approach to this highly sensitive and confidential role.

High levels of time management skills and the ability to accurately enter highly confidential information into our databases so that your fellow team members can follow individual’s caseloads are essential.

As this role is working with women and children in extremely vulnerable situations, the post is only open to women applicants and as this role provides regulated activities under the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) candidate are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

You will hold a full UK driving licence as you will be visiting our safe houses daily.

We are looking for an inspirational new CEO to lead our dedicated team and continue to develop SLRA’s outstanding services and impact. You may be an experienced CEO or have the skills and determination needed to step up into the role. We are looking for someone who will ensure the continued exceptional impact of our work with local migrant individuals and communities and who will continue to develop our campaigning and policy influencing work at a time when the hostility of the external environment and government policies is more challenging than ever. If you think you might be the right person for this role, feel that you could bring the best out in those you lead and have the capability to define SLRA’s direction over the coming years, then we would love to hear from you.

SLRA is a well-established local migrant support organisation working with and for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants who are at risk or in crisis because of immigration issues. We provide specialist immigration advice as well as a broad range of practical, social and therapeutic support services. We also campaign for a fairer immigration system, involving local people with lived experience in influencing local and national policy and practice.   

For all roles, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the hostile immigration system. We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system. As part of this network, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach in our employment practices, and respect personal circumstances and needs of people with lived experience. Please feel free to use information and resources on their website which may help in preparing your job application. 

We're looking for a highly organised and relationship-focused Partnership Officer to join our Partnerships Team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, coordinating complex activities and making a tangible difference to the lives of vulnerable communities around the world. You'll play a key role in helping life-saving medicines reach those who need them most.

IHP’s vision is to see a world in which all suffering due to lack of healthcare is eradicated. Our Christian faith underpins all that we do. It motivates us to care for those in need, and give our best in all circumstances, as an expression of God's love. We serve the poor in health without regard for ethnic or religious background, focusing on where the need is greatest.

The Role

Partnerships are at the heart of IHP's work. As Partnership Officer, you'll help build and maintain productive relationships with both corporate and NGO partners, ensuring donated medicines and healthcare products move efficiently from offer through to delivery.

Working across the partnership lifecycle, you'll coordinate activities, manage information and support programmes that deliver real impact for people around the world.

This is a varied role that combines:

• Partnership and relationship management
• Project and programme coordination
• Product donation administration
• Data and CRM management
• Income generation support
• Cross-team collaboration

About You

You’ll be a highly organised and relationship-focused person with experience in a coordination, partnership, fundraising or operations role.

We’re looking for someone with:

Essential

✅ Experienced in coordination, partnerships, relationship management, fundraising, operations, or a similar role

✅ Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail

✅ Confident and effective in both written and verbal communication

✅ Experienced in using CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office

✅ Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

✅ Proactive, with a solutions-focused approach

✅ Committed to supporting and upholding IHP's Christian ethos

Desirable

➕ Experience supporting fundraising, donor reporting or proposal development

➕ Knowledge of the healthcare, humanitarian, pharmaceutical or supply chain sectors

➕ Experience working across multiple stakeholders or cross-functional teams

For further details regarding responsibilities and person specification, please see the job description.

Why join IHP?

This is an opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a genuine difference. You will join a passionate and collaborative team committed to ensuring more people can access the medicines they need, regardless of circumstance.

Our Christian faith inspires our mission and values, and we are committed to demonstrating compassion, integrity and excellence in everything we do. Staff regularly spend time together in prayer and, as such, there is an occupational requirement for the successful candidate to have a personal commitment to the Christian faith.

We value our people and offer a supportive and flexible working environment, alongside a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time hours)
• Health and wellbeing support through Unum help@hand
• Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover 
• Hybrid and flexible working options in a modern office near Chancery Lane Tube Station

IHP is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to working and embedding diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including recruitment and selection. We actively encourage applicants to inform us of any specific support or reasonable adjustments we can make in the recruitment process (eg for disability or neurodivergence) and will continue this conversation into employment, as appropriate. 

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Join a supportive and inclusive team where your skills are valued, your voice is heard, and you have the space to work independently and develop.

Recruitment Consultant

Location

Preston

Length of contract

Full time and permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

To be worked between 8am and 6pm (inc 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak)

Pay Scale

£28,000 - £34,000 per annum plus on target bonus

Responsible to     

Director

Holiday entitlement

Paid holiday entitlement of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays (both calculated pro rata for part time employees)

Plus a day’s leave on your birthday, plus a wellbeing day’s leave (not calculated pro rata)

The role                     

To place ex-offender candidates into sustainable paid employment with local employers

Purpose

We place people with convictions into paid work, so they can build purposeful lives and see their families thrive

Mission

We do this by providing practical employment support, linking them to companies with good jobs

Vision

A  society  where  people’s  past  convictions  don’t  define  their  employment future

Duties and Tasks

There are three main areas of work, all of which are vital to achieving the key positive outcome for the individuals we support: sustained meaningful employment.

1. Job Finder Support

Interviewing ex-offenders, offering one-to-one job coaching to help them into work, and providing ongoing mentoring for the first 12 months in employment.

Ours is a face-to-face, holistic and wraparound service that culminates in our candidates finding good jobs that last, with a wide array of socially inclusive employers on our books. Our job finder support can begin in custody and continue through the gate into the community, or start in the community. Typically, we will work with a person for between one and three months to establish work readiness and will continue to support them for up to a year once they find employment. Many people stay in touch and return to us for their second or third job over a period of years, and we consider our door to be open for as long as support is needed.

You will:

• Conduct one-to-one assessments with job-seeking candidates and, using your professional judgement, accept them directly into our paid-work search services or refer them to partner organisations for pre-employability support where issues such as substance misuse or homelessness remain significant barriers.
• Work with candidates over several weeks and months as a job mentor, meeting regularly to assist in all aspects of their job search.
• Help craft strong CVs and disclosure letters, ensuring candidates understand the facts and disclosure obligations relating to spent and unspent convictions.
• Check that candidates have the correct Right to Work documentation and arrange replacement birth certificates and National Insurance letters where required.
• Book candidates onto relevant training courses with third-party providers, including CSCS cards, HGV driver training and renewable energy qualifications.
• Encourage and support candidates in their own job search activity, including teaching them how to use online job boards and complete application forms.
• Submit candidates for vacancies with our inclusive employer partners and proactively identify additional opportunities on their behalf.
• Organise interviews, ensuring candidates have suitable interview clothing and the financial means to travel to interviews where required.
• Follow up immediately after interviews, helping candidates process outcomes, manage expectations and rebuild confidence if unsuccessful.
• Confirm job starts with both candidate and employer, ensuring candidates have access to any required workwear and travel-to-work support.
• Offer practical assistance as needed, including food parcels, hygiene packs, pre-loaded SIM cards, clothing and utility top-ups.

2. New Employer Engagement

Expanding our network of employers to generate a regular flow of job opportunities and enable more candidates to move into work.

This requires new business development and excellent relationship management. You will identify the roles most sought after by our candidates and focus on employers who demonstrate agility and responsiveness in their hiring processes. Contacts are likely to include business owners, divisional managers and site supervisors rather than social value or EDI teams.

You will:

• Proactively approach local employers advertising roles that match the skills and experience of current candidates, with the aim of securing interviews and recruitment instructions.
• Approach organisations that are not currently recruiting but are likely to offer suitable opportunities in the future.
• Maintain and develop a database of active and prospective employers.
• Take ownership of specific sectors or geographical areas in consultation with colleagues to maximise reach and avoid duplication.
• Visit employers to explain our services, answer questions about employing people with convictions and gain a thorough understanding of the workplace environment.
• Select and submit suitable candidates, advocating for each individual based on your knowledge of their strengths, achievements and progress.
• Positively challenge employer concerns where appropriate and advocate for fair consideration of candidates.
• Disclose offending history and risk profiles appropriately, highlighting personal attributes and workplace strengths while guiding employers through the recruitment process in partnership with the candidate.

3. In-Work Support

Supporting candidates to sustain employment for up to one year after starting work.

Maintaining employment is a key part of the journey. Newly employed candidates, particularly recent prison leavers, can face a range of practical, emotional and lifestyle challenges. The strongest chance of successfully supporting both candidate and employer comes from strong relationships built on trust, honesty and confidence.

You will:

• Advise employers on successfully onboarding new employees during their first weeks and months in work.
• Help employers understand and accommodate any additional support needs, such as housing transitions, medical appointments or probation requirements.
• Be aware of and proactively manage issues relating to media attention around previous convictions, including advising on measures to protect privacy and reputation where appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with candidates during their first 12 months in employment through phone calls, meetings and ongoing mentoring support.
• Record all candidate and employer interactions, progress and outcomes on the Itris recruitment CRM database.

This is a non-exhaustive list of tasks and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the charity.

Our Interview Process

This vacancy will close on 6th September, with applications being shortlisted on 7th September.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the first stage of our interview process on Wednesday 9th September, between 4:30pm and 7pm, at our new offices in Preston.

We want our recruitment process to give you the opportunity to get to know The Recruitment Junction (TRJ) just as much as it allows us to get to know you.

The evening will begin with an introduction to TRJ from our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to hear more about who we are, our values. the work we do and what it is like to be part of our team. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions in an open audience environment, allowing you to find out more about TRJ, our work and our organisation. Refreshments will also be provided.

You will then have a short, informal, face-to-face conversation with one of our hiring managers. This is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for us to learn a little more about you, while also giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether TRJ is somewhere you would like to continue pursuing a career.

Following the first-stage event, we will invite successful candidates for a formal final interview.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 6th September
• Shortlisting: 7th September
• Stage One – Recruitment Evening: Wednesday 9th September, 4:30-7pm
• Stage Two – Formal Final Interview: TBC within two weeks

We hope this approach creates a welcoming and informal first stage, giving you a genuine opportunity to learn more about TRJ, meet members of our team and decide whether we are a fit for each other.

With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.

About the Innovation and Project Officer role

Supporting innovation across the organisation, you will help to develop and deliver programmes that grow our membership, reach and influence. You will lead the day-to-day management of pilot projects that test new initiatives and engagement opportunities with new audiences, monitoring and evaluating outcomes to capture insights and valuable learning that helps shape the direction of the organisation. This role will involve developing project plans, timelines and key deliverables to monitor project progress and ensure success. You will carry out qualitative and quantitative research to identify the current and changing needs of women to support organisational decision-making and drive innovation in everything that we do.

Location: Hybrid working, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.

About you

You should be experienced in supporting organisational development within membership settings, and skilled in project design and delivery. You will have strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to communicate your findings to diverse audiences. You should have a methodical approach to project management, and be able to confidently engage and build relationships with stakeholders and different audiences. Familiarity in overseeing budgets would be beneficial, as would some knowledge of the trends affecting the voluntary sector, but above all a passion for supporting initiatives that contribute to organisational growth and change will be key to your success in the role.

How to apply

For further information about this Innovation and Project Officer role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.

To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.

Closing date: 15 September 2026.

First-round interview (virtual): w/c 21 September 2026.

Second-round interview (in-person): w/c 28 September 2026.

No other media or agencies, please.

The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.

Age International's vision is a world where every older person is included and valued. Its mission is to inspire and channel UK and international support so that older people in challenging situations across the world can improve their lives.

The CEO of Age International provides leadership to a committed and dynamic charity which champions the rights, and improves the lives, of older people in low- and middle-income countries.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead Age International at a pivotal moment for the rights and wellbeing of older people globally. As CEO you will provide inspirational leadership to an organisation with a strong reputation, deep expertise and a clear purpose: to ensure that older people everywhere can live with dignity, security and choice.

While the current strategy is defined, you will deliver this and then shape a new, ambitious strategy in years to come, working to influence policy, mobilise resources and nurture powerful partnerships that bring about lasting change.

With credibility, compassion and determination, you will champion the voices of older people internationally and lead Age International into its next chapter of impact and influence.

Please view the attached role description for full details.

Person specification:

Essential:

* Strategic vision, forward-looking, clear-thinking strategist able to read the environment and lead strategy processes.

* Passionate, values-based leader, committed to advancing the rights of older people.

* Senior leadership and governance experience in a complex organisation, preferably in the charitable / NGO sector.

* Strong experience of international development and humanitarian programme development and management, and related policy issues.

* Experienced income generator with financial acumen.

* Collaborative, relational team builder and manager committed to diversity equality and inclusion, able to use soft-power to build support.

* Partnership-builder creating impact greater than the sum of the parts.

* Confident external affairs representative, manager of stakeholder engagement and spokesperson, including for the media.

* Advocate and confident influencer able to drive policy change

* Engaging and effective communicator and campaigner, able to explain impact, inspire support and grow profile.

* Calm manager of change who is both agile and pragmatic.

* Thrives working in a small team on a big mission.

* Willing to travel internationally on programme monitoring visits and for conferences.

Desirable:

* Understanding of UN processes, health system strengthening, income security and social pensions, able to articulate the impact of gender discrimination and climate change on older people internationally.

* Experience as a CEO or of overseeing organisational management, policies and compliance.

* Technology and digital skills.

* Experience of leading public change campaigning.

* Experience as a Trustee.

What we offer in return:

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

The closing date for applications is 14th September, 2026.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Anonymisation

Please submit your CV as a Word document. It will be anonymised by our recruitment system.

Please provide a supporting statement that explains how you meet the competencies in the job description. Age UK acknowledges that AI may be used to support applications, however we expect candidates to personalise their experience, knowledge and skills. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.

Please do not include your name, or any other personal information in your supporting statement, to assist our inclusive recruitment process.

Please do not use heavy formatting for either your CV or supporting statement, as the system is unable to anonymise these.

All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if you are invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments

Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Safeguarding

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website.

Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals? We are seeking an Employment Support Officer to support people experiencing homelessness, or those with a history of rough sleeping, to progress towards sustainable employment through training, volunteering and work experience.

You will work with our residents to create personalised pathways towards employment. You will also work closely with employers, training providers and partner organisations to create new opportunities for our clients.

22.5 hours per week | fixed-term contract (This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility to extend after this time)

Salary: £17, 282 per annum (pro rata based on a 22.5 hour week)

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct one-to-one assessments to identify clients’ employment aspirations, skills, experience and support needs.
• Develop and review personalised employment action plans with realistic and achievable goals.
• Provide or sourcing practical employability support, including CV writing, job applications, interview preparation and job search techniques.
• Deliver or source confidence-building and workplace skills development activities.
• Build positive relationships with local employers to create work placements, work experience and employment opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with training providers, support agencies and partner organisations to maximise client support.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to help clients sustain employment and successfully transition into the workplace.
• Maintain accurate client records and monitor outcomes against agreed targets and reporting requirements.

What we are looking for…

We are looking for someone who is motivated by making a positive difference and who can build trusting relationships with individuals facing complex challenges.

You will have:

• Experience of providing employment, careers, welfare, coaching or support services.
• Excellent communication, active listening and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to motivate, empower and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of building effective relationships with employers, stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and database/client management systems.
• An understanding of the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or social exclusion (desirable).
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Requirements and Benefits

Reporting to: Client Services Manager

Location: Harrogate

Benefits include:

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• 33 days (pro rata) annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata plus birthday leave.
• Healthcare package.
• Travel benefits.
• Workplace pension scheme.

About us

Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.

We work with partners to give people facing disadvantage hope of a different future; we empower people to change their lives.

Harrogate Homeless Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Iain McLeod. 

Closing Date: 7 September 2026

We will assess applications as they are received and interview suitable candidates on a rolling basis. Therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.

About you

You will be organised, resourceful and confident at turning stories and evidence into compelling fundraising content.

Fundraising experience is welcome, but transferable skills in communications, marketing, business development or supporter care are also valued.

• Experience in fundraising, communications, marketing or business development.
• Strong, audience-focused writing skills.

• Understanding of donor stewardship and supporter journeys.

• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.

• CRM or database experience is helpful.

• Collaborative approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Lead a charity changing lives through confidence, opportunity and inclusion

Could you lead a respected charity through an important period of change while continuing to create opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities to thrive?
About Talkback
Talkback is an ambitious autism and learning disability charity supporting people of all ages to build confidence, develop skills, access employment, create meaningful relationships and live fulfilling lives. Every year, our programmes help autistic people and people with learning disabilities overcome barriers, discover their potential and achieve outcomes that matter to them.

We are proud of our person-centred approach, our committed staff team and the positive difference we make across Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.

Following a change in leadership, we are seeking an experienced Interim CEO to provide stability, maintain momentum and help prepare the organisation for its next permanent leader.

Interim CEO role at Talkback

The Interim Chief Executive Officer will lead Talkback through an important phase in our development. This is an opportunity for an experienced, values-driven leader to make a lasting impact by supporting our people, strengthening our organisation and helping shape the foundations for our next chapter.

Working closely with the Board, leadership team and staff, you will provide confident leadership, maintain strong organisational performance and help position Talkback for long-term success. You will strengthen stakeholder relationships, oversee financial sustainability and support the organisation through an important period of change.

This role would suit an experienced senior leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and who can quickly build trust with trustees, staff, funders, commissioners and partners.

We are looking for someone who has:
 

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, public or social impact sectors.
• Experience of leading organisations through periods of transition, change or organisational development.
• A track record of strengthening organisational performance, culture and sustainability.
• An ability to build trust quickly, listen well and bring people with you through change.

Most importantly, you will believe in Talkback's mission and share our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and empowering people to reach their full potential.
Why join Talkback?
This is an opportunity to lead a well-established charity with:

• A strong reputation and a clear social purpose.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
• A skilled and committed team of around 70 colleagues.
• Strong relationships with commissioners, partners and local communities.
• The chance to help shape the organisation's future at a pivotal moment.

As Interim CEO, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives of autistic people and people with learning disabilities while helping shape the future direction of a highly respected organisation.

Safeguarding

Talkback is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

How to apply

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Talkback.

Eastside People is supporting Talkback in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in the interim Chief Executive Officer role at Talkback?
• What recent experience do you have which is relevant for the role?
• Your availability, notice period and any information you would like us to take into account during the recruitment process.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application/interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 September, with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the advertising period and the week after. Interviews with Talkback will take place on the 21st or 22nd September. The role is due to start at the beginning of October.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity. We work closely with our clients to recruit inclusively and widen representation in leadership roles.

Finally

We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool, but please use it with care and ensure your application is accurate, personal, and genuinely reflects you. We do not use AI in our sifting or selection process - a human reviews every application!

REF-230662

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for delivering high-quality operational safeguarding across RABI, ensuring safeguarding concerns involving beneficiaries are managed consistently, professionally and in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and organisational policy.

Working as one of two Safeguarding Officers, the postholder provides specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and support to colleagues across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The role manages safeguarding concerns from initial notification through to resolution, undertakes safeguarding risk assessments, coordinates safeguarding activity, maintains accurate safeguarding records, supports multi-agency working and contributes to achieving safe outcomes for beneficiaries.

Working closely with the Safeguarding Manager, the second Safeguarding Officer and the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder contributes to the continuous improvement of safeguarding practice, supports organisational safeguarding awareness and helps maintain a resilient safeguarding service through collaborative working and continuity of operational delivery.

Key Accountabilities

1. Operational Safeguarding

• Work alongside the Safeguarding Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead to support the continuous development and implementation of safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Act as an operational point of contact for staff, volunteers and external partners regarding safeguarding concerns and queries, providing advice and guidance whilst escalating complex or high-risk matters appropriately.
• Manage safeguarding concerns from initial notification through to resolution, ensuring concerns are assessed, risk managed, recorded and progressed in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and RABI policies and procedures.
• Undertake safeguarding risk assessments, exercising professional judgement to support proportionate, person-centred and defensible safeguarding decision-making.
• Promote professional curiosity, reflective practice and consistent safeguarding approaches across the organisation.
• Provide delegated Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead cover in the absence of both the Designated Safeguarding Lead and both Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, in accordance with RABI policies, procedures and delegated authority.

2. Professional Advice and Guidance

• Provide specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and practical support to Regional Support Officers, managers, staff and volunteers to support the effective management of safeguarding concerns and increase confidence in safeguarding practice.
• Support colleagues to recognise safeguarding concerns, understand safeguarding responsibilities and apply safeguarding procedures consistently.
• Support the Safeguarding Manager in developing and delivering safeguarding training, awareness sessions and operational guidance for staff and volunteers.
• Effectively engage with staff and volunteers across RABI to promote safeguarding awareness, encourage good practice and embed a positive safeguarding culture.

3. Case Management, Recording and Information Management

• Maintain day-to-day administration, quality assurance and oversight of safeguarding records within RABI's case management system, ensuring information is accurate, timely, complete and compliant with organisational standards.
• Follow up safeguarding recording queries and support colleagues in maintaining high-quality safeguarding records.
• Prepare and provide operational safeguarding information, data, trends and case information to support the Safeguarding Manager in producing monthly, quarterly and annual safeguarding reports.
• Produce clear, evidence-based safeguarding documentation and maintain confidentiality in accordance with information governance requirements.
• Identify emerging safeguarding themes, trends and learning to support continuous improvement of safeguarding practice.
• Monitor safeguarding activity to ensure agreed actions are completed appropriately and within agreed timescales.
• Maintain confidentiality and information governance standards in accordance with organisational policy and legislation.

4. Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Adult and Children's Social Care, Police, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Domestic Abuse Services, counselling providers and other statutory and voluntary sector partners.
• Coordinate safeguarding referrals and information sharing, ensuring referrals are timely, appropriate and well evidenced.
• Represent RABI appropriately within multi-agency safeguarding discussions and maintain effective working relationships that support positive outcomes for beneficiaries.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance and referral pathways across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

5. Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement

• Promote and champion safeguarding practice across all departments, supporting compliance, increasing staff awareness and embedding safeguarding within everyday practice.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, including Volunteering, Partnerships, Fundraising, Campaigns and other departments, providing safeguarding advice on new initiatives and emerging projects.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice, proactively engaging with professional networks and partner organisations to ensure RABI continues to deliver high-quality safeguarding practice.
• Manage referrals into RABI's counselling provision, ensuring agreed service standards and referral processes are maintained.
• Facilitate safeguarding supervision sessions with Regional Support Officers and Regional Support Managers where agreed by the Safeguarding Manager.
• Support the management and monitoring of RABI's StaySafe lone working system.
• Work collaboratively with the Safeguarding Manager and second Safeguarding Officer to ensure continuity of safeguarding provision during periods of leave, absence or increased operational demand.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities and grading of the role.

Decision Making and Autonomy

The Safeguarding Officer manages a varied operational safeguarding caseload, exercising professional judgement within legislation, statutory guidance and organisational policy.

The postholder independently assesses safeguarding concerns, determines appropriate safeguarding actions and coordinates operational safeguarding interventions. Complex safeguarding concerns involving significant organisational, legal or reputational risk are escalated to the Safeguarding Manager.

Strategic safeguarding leadership, policy development, organisational assurance, resource management and line management remain the responsibility of the Safeguarding Manager. 

Key Working Relationships

Internal

• Safeguarding Manager
• Second Safeguarding Officer
• Regional Support Officers
• Service Delivery colleagues
• Managers, staff and volunteers

External

• Adult and Children's Social Care
• Police
• Health Services
• Mental Health Services
• Domestic Abuse Services
• Counselling Providers
• Voluntary and Community Organisations
• Other safeguarding partners 

Person Specification

Qualifications and Professional Development

Essential

• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience gained through professional practice.
• A recognised safeguarding qualification or evidence of substantial safeguarding training relevant to the role.
• Commitment to maintaining continuing professional development and keeping knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance and best practice up to date.
• Willingness to undertake further training appropriate to the requirements of the role.

Desirable

• Specialist safeguarding qualifications or accredited safeguarding training.
• Mental Capacity Act, Domestic Abuse, MARAC, Prevent, suicide prevention or trauma-informed practice training.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

Knowledge

Essential

• Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice relating to adults.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles, risk assessment, information sharing and multi-agency working.
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of statutory safeguarding partners.
• Understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality, consent and information governance.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practice within complex family situations, domestic abuse, mental ill health, self-neglect, exploitation, substance misuse and other safeguarding risks.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and the impact of discrimination and disadvantage on vulnerability.

Desirable

• Knowledge of safeguarding arrangements across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice relating to children.
• Understanding of safeguarding within charities or community-based services.
• Awareness of issues affecting farming and rural communities.

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience of managing safeguarding concerns relating to adults.
• Experience of managing safeguarding concerns within a professional setting.
• Experience of undertaking safeguarding risk assessments and making defensible safeguarding decisions.
• Experience of providing safeguarding advice and guidance to colleagues.
• Experience of working collaboratively with statutory agencies and partner organisations.
• Experience of maintaining accurate, confidential and legally compliant case records.
• Experience of managing competing priorities within a busy operational environment.

Desirable

• Experience within the voluntary or charity sector.
• Experience of coordinating safeguarding referrals.
• Experience of contributing to safeguarding training or awareness programmes.
• Experience of using electronic case management or customer relationship management systems.
• Experience of supporting organisational service improvement.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds.
• Ability to build positive and credible working relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess complex information, identify risk and exercise sound professional judgement.
• Ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions while balancing risk, professional guidance and organisational responsibilities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and manage a varied workload.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate and professional records and reports.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems.

Desirable

• Experience of delivering presentations or training.
• Ability to analyse safeguarding data and identify emerging themes.
• Experience of contributing to policy or procedural development.

Personal Attributes

The successful postholder will demonstrate:

• Integrity, professionalism and sound ethical judgement.
• Empathy, compassion and respect for the dignity and individuality of beneficiaries.
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm when managing complex or emotionally demanding situations.
• Professional curiosity and a commitment to understanding the wider context of safeguarding concerns.
• Confidence to provide constructive challenge where safeguarding practice requires improvement.
• Commitment to collaborative working and continuous learning.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and service improvement.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing organisational and operational priorities.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Ability to travel throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Flexible approach to occasional travel and operational requirements.
• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and professional standards. 

This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the postholder, as per future developments at RABI. 

Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline.

BENEFITS:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (based on full-time working).
• Enrolment to Nest on commencement of employment and then opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%. 
• Life assurance from day one. 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Support with personal and professional development.
• On site parking.

RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. It aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI because of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure that individuals are selected based solely on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities. 

10–12 hours per week | £10,582–£12,698 per annum pro rata (£37,037 FTE) | Fixed term for 5 years to July 2031 | 3% pension

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is looking for an experienced and motivated Disability Employment Coach to support disabled people to move towards employment, volunteering, education and training, while developing the confidence, skills and practical strategies needed for sustainable employment.

You will provide one-to-one employment coaching, helping participants identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and develop personalised action plans. You will support people to overcome barriers to employment through practical coaching, encouragement, problem-solving and appropriate signposting.

You will also help plan and deliver CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s Job Club, creating accessible and engaging sessions that encourage confidence, peer learning and mutual support. Alongside this, you will develop relationships with employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and partner organisations to create opportunities for disabled people.

The role recognises that employment can take different forms. You will support participants to explore volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships, self-employment, social enterprise and entrepreneurship where appropriate. You will also provide suitable in-work support to promote job retention, workplace integration and career progression.

An important part of the post will be maintaining contact with programme alumni, monitoring longer-term employment, training and wellbeing outcomes and contributing to an active alumni network offering Job Club activities, peer support, mentoring and employer engagement.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting disabled people into employment, education or training, together with experience of employment coaching, careers guidance, employability support or vocational rehabilitation. You will need excellent coaching and motivational skills, an understanding of disability and barriers to employment, and knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusive recruitment.

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is a Disabled People’s Organisation committed to the Social Model of Disability, equality, inclusion and independent living, and welcomes applications from disabled people and people with lived experience.

Join London Legal Support Trust and use your communications skills to champion access to justice. Create engaging content, manage our website and social channels, and promote our programmes and fundraising events. We are looking for an organised, creative communicator with strong writing, digital and content management skills. This permanent, full-time hybrid role is based in Holborn and offers flexible working, generous leave and development opportunities.

At The National Lottery Community Fund (The Fund), we are driven by our strategy ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our commitment to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage through an equity-based approach. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the UK Portfolio at an ambitious moment of shaping the next phase of our strategy. We are looking for four Funding Officers (2x 12 month FTC, 1 x FTC until March 2027 and 1x FTC until July 2027) to join us and form part of a team of around 40 in total. 

The UK Portfolio supports the ambitions and potential of communities across the UK.  We focus on scaling projects with a UK-wide benefit, through significant investments and partnerships, which enable systems-level change for communities. Our funding is intended to complement the work of other country portfolios: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Our Funding Officers are at the core of what we do in the UK Portfolio as we continue to develop in response to our strategy. Our team is spread across the UK, and we're looking for people from a variety of locations within the UK. 

Our current work includes: 

• TheUK Fund: offers long term funding to support organisations to scale proven work and approaches against two main themes: connected communities and youth voice. Funded projects consistently focus on systems change, community power and voice. 

• Climate Action Fund: supports UK-wide ambitious, partnership-led approaches to climate and environmental challenges, bringing together organisations to deliver long-term change at scale.

• Working in partnership with others: Examples include Communities for Children, focused on tackling child poverty, Together for Families, supporting early intervention for children and families. We are also developing new areas of work that explore the opportunities and implications of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence. 

Role Expectations 

Funding officers help amazing things to happen in communities. They play a vital role in ensuring we provide excellent service to communities all over the UK.

You will support organisations through the grant making process and use your knowledge and experience to make evidence informed judgements. You’ll manage key relationships with grant holders, responding to their needs, providing advice and considered feedback and be willing to have challenging but constructive conversations. 

You’ll be a great team player and play an active role in ensuring the effective running of team meetings. 

As a Funding Officer you will:  

• Support enquirers, applicants and grant holders through our funding processes, assessing and managing a caseload of applications and grants of varying value and complexity. 
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at different levels, including project visits and external events. 
• Produce and present clear reports which reflect sound judgement, sector knowledge and understanding of the Fund’s strategy, missions and policies 
• Identify, and manage risk, supporting organisations to deliver their projects and measure their impact. 
• Ensure our data is maintained, accurate and of high quality 
• Ensure  grant management and assessment contribute meaningfully to the Fund’s learning and impact.
• Demonstrate a commitment to, and ability to build understanding of the Fund’s ambition as an environmentally regenerative funder. 
• Contribute to projects including programme development, our equity based approach to funding, impact, continuous improvement and Fund wide initiatives. 

Skills & Requirements

You will use your critical thinking skills, curiosity, interest and understanding of our community-led missions to support and inform your approach to assessment and grant management. 

You’ll be joining a dynamic and welcoming geographically dispersed team, working with impactful and fascinating projects that are responding to and addressing a wide range of topics across the Fund’s four community-led missions.

We are looking for talented and proactive team players from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences who share our values and are passionate about making a difference through our funding.  

Whatever your background, the role would suit people who:  

• are passionate about achieving social change and have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• have skills and experience in presentation and report writing and basic accounting and budget management.
• can apply their research, data gathering, insight and critical analysis skills to learn quickly about a range of themes and issues. 
• can absorb a wide range of information and evidence and present it to others in a clear and concise manner. 
• can work flexibly at pace and to tight deadlines, using their initiative to manage their time working comfortably with competing priorities and deadlines. 
• are adept at building and maintaining relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• are strong team players committed to sharing learning with their colleagues and the wider Fund to improve our processes and practices. 
• are comfortable working with an online and geographically dispersed team.
• are comfortable learning and working with different systems and data.

You’ll report to one of our Portfolio Managers and work with other Funding Officers across different areas of the team.

The role requires occasional (once a month) travel across the UK to observe and critically analyse the work of applicants and grant holders.  

Interview details:

• Date:  W/C 12/10/2026 

• Format: Online – MS Teams 

• Location: UK-Wide 

We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us.

To ask any questions, please email us.

How to apply: 

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application. 

Essential Criteria: 

• Sector insight: Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and communities across the UK and a well-developed appreciation of how they can respond to our strategy and missions.   

• Communication skills: Strong listening, written and verbal communication skills including report writing and with the ability to communicate complex ideas in an engaging and clear manner, tailored to different audiences.  

• Analytical skills: Ability to absorb a wide range of information and evidence to reach judgement-based recommendations with confidence, offering appropriate challenge and managing risk throughout the grant making lifecycle.  

• Organisational skills: Ability to plan and manage a caseload of assessments and grant management, balancing competing priorities and deadlines and demonstrating strong organisation and prioritisation skills.

• Relational skills: Ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.   

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: A strong understanding of our vision, our commitmentand our funding products - and the ability to apply this throughout the grant making lifecycle.  

Desirable Criteria: 

• Continuous improvement: A learning mindset and curiosity about our work with the ability to identify opportunities for learning and improvement across the team and wider directorate through proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement.  

• Data and finance: Ability to understand and assess data and financial information including business plans and accounts, and present this in an accessible way.  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)