Event manager jobs in Tonbridge and malling, kent

The overall purpose of the role is to lead and coordinate meaningful participation and engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults to shape services, influence decision-making and ensure the voices of lived experience are central to organisational development. The postholder will support in designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives that build trust, inclusion and empowerment.

Main Responsibilities

• To co-ordinate and provide safe spaces for children, young people and adults to participate in user- led activities and projects.
• To be a key link between children, young people and adults within our participation service and staff, making sure their voices and experiences are heard.
• To recruit and engage children, young people, and adults, to enable them to feel comfortable to join our Participation service.
• To support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement to develop opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be actively involved throughout the organisation.
• Lead and facilitate small scale participation projects.
• To maintain records of all interactions with stakeholders, using Salesforce.
• To be able to work flexibly, including regular evening and occasional weekend work in response to participants availability.
• Support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement in planning and facilitating forums.
• Work with people with lived experience of bereavement to create meaningful content and service recommendations.
• Work across the organisation sharing, promoting and training in best practice in participation.
• To assist in planning, organising and delivering participation events (virtually and in-person).
• Ensure that a range of voices are heard, with particular focus on EDI.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of members of the participation service through adherence to the organisation’s safeguarding policy and practice.
• Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements.

Communication and Relationships

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with children, young people, families, adults, and stakeholders to create safe and inclusive spaces for participation.
• Facilitate group and one-to-one engagement sessions using creative and accessible methods to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including service delivery, communication, marketing and fundraising to embed participation principles across all areas of work.
• Represent the organsiation externally at meetings, events and networks, sharing insight from lived experience to inform sector-wide learning.
• Translate feedback and participation outputs into clear reports, presentations or creative formats that inform decision-making.
• Demonstrate empathy, confidentiality and active listening when engaging with individuals or groups who may have experience loss and trauma.
• Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues.
• Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
• Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
• Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults.
• Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.

 Knowledge, training and experience

• Proven experience in youth participation, community engagement, co-production, or related areas, ideally within charity, education or health and social care sector.
• Understanding of participation frameworks, rights-based approached and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults.
• Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and creative engagement activities both in-person and online.
• Ability to translate engagement insight into practical feedback and recommendations
• Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery.
• Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.

Analytical and judgment skills

• Ability to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback and identify key themes, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Exercise sound judgement in managing sensitive information, ethical boundaries and participant confidentiality.
• Assess engagement risks and implement appropriate boundaries and referrals in line with safeguarding policies.
• Critically evaluate participation initiatives and contribute to evidence-based practice through reflection, evaluation tools and reporting.
• Balance organisation priorities with participant needs, ensuring representation remains authentic rather than tokenistic.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.

Planning and organisational skills

• Plan, coordinate and deliver participation activities, forums and events with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.
• Support the development of annual participation calendars or frameworks as needed.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple projects, ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain accurate records, consent forms and participation data using appropriate digital systems.
• Support logistical arrangements including venue booking, accessibility adjustments, transport and safeguarding measures.
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying emerging themes, opportunities for partnerships and areas for innovation.
• Provide cover and support for participation and engagement team members during periods of absence or high demand.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and young people or adults in health, social care, youth, community or education setting
• Experience of advocating for the interests of children, young people or vulnerable adults or individuals from ethnically diverse communities
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of tailoring these to a wide range of audience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
• Experience of facilitating participation groups both in person and online
• Knowledge of different facilitation approaches and methods
• Demonstratable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practice in a way that promotes this
• Experience of building trusting relationships with children, young people, and adults creating safe space
• Passion for the power of Voice and Lived Experience
• Understanding of the challenges that participation work can present, and experience of how to overcome this
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external organisations
• Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems

Desirable

• Experience of working in bereavement sector

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
• TOIL for our hours work.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance.
• Training loans.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As an Executive Assistant your responsibilities would include: -

· Manage the Chief Executive’s diary, meetings and priorities.

· Arrange meetings and prepare supporting papers and materials.

· Take clear, structured minutes and track actions.

· Follow up on actions and support progress across teams.

· Help co-ordinate projects, plans and organisational activity.

· Support Board and Committee administration.

· Assist with internal communications, meetings and staff events.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need:

· Experience in an Executive Assistant or similar role

· Strong organisational and administrative skills

· Experience coordinating work, projects or completing priorities.

· Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines

· Confident communicating with senior staff and stakeholders

· Proactive, reliable and comfortable taking initiative

· Keen to learn and take on new challenges

Why Join us

· Flexible, primarily home-based role

· Opportunity to work closely with the Chief Executive

· A varied role with real responsibility and exposure

· Supportive environment where you can develop and grow

· The chance to contribute to meaningful work in a charity setting

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.  

Carers First Can Offer You  

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, visit the Carers First website and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.

Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

· Closing date: Monday 29 June 2026- we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

· Shortlisting: Week commencing 29 June 2026- all successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams.

· Interview date: Friday 10 July 2026

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious

 

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is embedded in Clinks. It has a distinct network, identity and website as well as an advisory group, an independent chair and distinct funding for specific work.

The NCJAA aims to ensure that the arts are used within the criminal justice system as a springboard for positive change. The NCJAA represents a network of over 500 individuals and organisations that deliver creative interventions to support people in prison, on probation and in the community, with impressive results. We support this transformative work by providing a network and a voice to promote access to arts and culture for people in the criminal justice system, as a springboard to positive change.

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.

Job purpose

To develop and grow the NCJAA network and develop and maintain effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Job summary

The coordinator is responsible for overseeing all work and development of the NCJAA and sits within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate . The coordinator will work with a range of different stakeholders, including the NCJAA Advisory Group and the wider membership, to improve policy and practice in relation to arts-based work with people in prison, on probation and in the community. This includes maintaining and strengthening the NCJAA as the leading national network for arts organisations and individuals that work in the criminal justice system.

Reports to: Clinks Director of National Influencing & Networks

1. Duties and key responsibilities

 

Strategy and planning

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues and the NCJAA network to develop and deliver the NCJAA annual work plan which include a range of activities that will raise the profile and promote the work of the arts sector in the CJS, including events, publications, training, mentoring, research and networking opportunities

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues, the NCJAA advisory group, chair and wider network to help inform and shape the future direction of the NCJAA and its strategic goals, paying particular attention to its role, sustainability and emerging opportunities

· Coordinate the quarterly arts forum in collaboration with the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) arts seat holder and government representatives

NCJAA project management & delivery

· Provide leadership for the NCJAA in the arts and CJS sectors

· Deliver the projects set out in the NCJAA’s annual workplan

· Coordinate the functioning of the advisory group of the NCJAA, including its quarterly meetings, minutes and election

· Manage work as required by NCJAA’s role as an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation, including how we effectively capture and measure the NCJAA’s impact as the leading national arts and criminal justice network

· Provide regular and relevant reporting information as necessary to ensure all NCJAA projects and activity are working to the agreed timetable, budget and are achieving agreed outputs and outcomes, reporting any exceptions promptly to the Director of Support and Development

· Work collaboratively with various Clinks’ staff teams to deliver the NCJAA work plan and support the delivery of Clinks’ wider work plan

Stakeholder and external relations

· Work closely with HM Prison and Probation Service and other government departments and agencies to promote communication and partnership between Government and the arts in the criminal justice sector e.g. working with and supported by Clinks’ policy team, participate in meetings of the Reducing Re-offending Arts Forum convened jointly by Clinks and HM Prison and Probation Service

· Work within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate to ensure the experience and knowledge of arts and cultural organisations working in criminal justice is reflected in Clinks representation and influencing work with national government

· Assist colleagues working in the arts sector to interpret the emerging criminal justice environment and develop sustainable opportunities

· Maintain a wider view of criminal justice and arts policies and guide and support arts organisations to interpret these in a relevant and appropriate manner

· Identify and promote research and evidence in the field of arts and criminal justice

Income generation

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for income to identify funding sources, submit funding applications and monitoring reports when required, both for specific NCJAA projects and for the future funding of the work as a whole to ensure the sustainability and future development of the NCJAA

Budget

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for finance to maintain financial oversight of the overall NCJAA budget and all relevant project budgets to support the NCJAA work to progress effectively

2. General responsibilities 

 

· Represent and be an ambassador for NCJAA and Clinks

· Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks

· Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position

· Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace

· Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.

Person specification

Experience

· Experience of the arts and social inclusion sector is essential

· Experience of the criminal justice voluntary sector is desirable

· Experience in forming working relationships with opinion formers and key stakeholders to influence policy and practice.

· Experience in leading and monitoring complex projects and measuring impact with national strategic significance, preferably in the arts.

· Experienced in multiple funder and stakeholder management

· Proven track record of developing and delivering successful projects, including the development of project plans and budgets; implementation; evaluation; reporting and monitoring

· Working to deadlines singularly and as a part of a team responsibility

 

Skills and abilities

· Excellent interpersonal and strong spoken and written communication skills which engage audiences, encouraging understanding and participation

· Ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives, including voluntary sector agencies, arts organisations, government, private sector, service users and media

· The ability to lead, inspire and co-ordinate a complex network of organisations working  and supporting arts in criminal justice settings

· Influencing, negotiation and communication skills at a national level

· Facilitate and chair meetings at all levels of the organisations engagement – nationally, regionally, locally

· Highly organised with an ability to maintain effective record keeping systems

· Adopt a problem solving, solution-focused approach and make decisions effectively and timely

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Strategic thinking, planning and project management skills

· IT skills at a level that supports report writing, email, internet and databases

· Adaptability and flexibility in being able to take on new roles and manage a range of different internal and external relationships.

· Budget management and reporting skills

 

Knowledge

· Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system policy and operating environment in order to promote and support the arts within it.

· Understanding the value of different art forms in criminal justice settings

· Knowledge and experience of national policy, practice and membership organisations relating to arts and/or criminal justice sector

 

Education and training

· No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area with demonstrable relevance to the role

 

Personal attributes and other requirements

· Able to travel extensively nationally

· Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.

· Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work

· Personal resilience and the ability to stay focused in a rapidly changing environment

· Demonstrable passion for and commitment to the transformative role of the arts in criminal justice settings

· Demonstrable commitment to anti-racism, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work

· Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system

· Commitment to upholding the rights of people facing disadvantage and discrimination in the CJS

Transform Lives Through Dog Training
Train high quality assistance dogs by providing support and appropriate training throughout all stages of the dog's development using positive and reward-based training methods. 

Make a tangible difference and build meaningful partnerships in your community.

About Canine Partners
At Canine Partners, we breed, train, and support expert assistance dogs to create loving, life-changing partnerships with disabled people. Across the UK, we support people with a variety of physical disabilities and their families, carefully matching them with a dog that suits their needs, personality, and lifestyle.
Our dogs bring confidence and independence, love and companionship, reducing reliance on carers and giving people the freedom to live life their own way.

The Role
Position: Dog Trainer
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Location: Homebased covering West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, East Sussex and Kent
Travel: This role will involve regular travel within the geographical area which you will cover (Kent, London and parts of Surrey and East Sussex). Travel is usually by car however there may be some use of public transport (e.g., to London). Occasional regional travel and overnight stays. 

You'll play a vital role in training assistance dogs to a high standard whilst supporting volunteers, partners and the wider team to ensure the health, wellbeing and successful placement of the dogs throughout their working career. 

What You'll Be Doing

• Train Canine Partners dogs at all stages of their training, using positive and reward-based training.
• Tailor training programmes to suit individual partner needs during the matching process.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all dogs in training.
• Deliver partnership placement courses, supporting both the partner and dog through the transition. 
• Participate in volunteer recruitment activities, including events, social media campaigns and community outreach. 

About You

• Strong practical and theoretical experience in dog training and behaviour. 
• Ability to handle and train dogs at all ages, using positive and reward-based training methods.
• ABTC-ATI or similar qualification could be beneficial but not essential. If you do not have a qualification, the willingness to complete it.
• Good communication and coaching / teaching skills.
• Good self-motivation and initiative. 
• ICT skills, Microsoft Office, Salesforce (desirable but can offer training), email, internet etc.
• Full UK clean driving license and use of a vehicle for work that is suitable to safely transport a dog if required.
  
  

Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are excited about this role, don't hesitate to apply! We welcome applicants who bring unique perspectives and would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.

Please note if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.

Closing date: 5th July 2026

We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.

REF-229 052

Context and Background

Our award-winning Creative Team sits within the NSPCC's Communications directorate. We're made up of creatives with design, writing and film production expertise. We create campaign and marketing identities, concepts, and materials, across all channels and for all audiences. We mainly work across three brands -- NSPCC, Childline and NSPCC Learning.

Our team has a broad skillset, covering creative strategy, ideation and delivery. We provide consultancy, art direction, planning, tone of voice guidance and copywriting across print and digital. So whether our colleagues are promoting a fabulous new fundraising event, introducing one of our frontline services, or kickstarting a new national campaign, our team is on hand to offer expertise.

As our new Senior Writer, you'll play a fundamental role in making sure the work we put out is as engaging and impactful as possible to a wide range of audiences.

Job purpose

The Senior Writer will be a highly talented communicator with substantial expertise in creative copywriting, branding and communications, preferably with experience in the charity sector.

You'll work on a wide range of creative briefs that might see you writing copy for print, digital, film, social media or web, based on briefs that come in from teams across the NSPCC. You'll also share your knowledge and expertise through workshops and consultation with internal teams and external agencies.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Creative to drive the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of our marketing and communications, making sure we’re talking to our supporters and the people we help in the most effective way possible. A large part of this is continuing to increase the use of plain English across the organisation.Finally, you will develop and lead strategy relating to copywriting, core messaging and tone of voice for the organisation. And as a senior member of the team, you'll help guide and mentor more junior colleagues.

Key relationships - Internal

• Reports to the Head of Creative.

• Is a key part of the senior Creative team and the wider Brand and Marketing department.

• Works collaboratively with all teams across the organisation to ensure creative excellence and brand integrity.

• Proactively engages with NSPCC colleagues.

Key relationships - External

• Liaises with external professionals e.g. freelance writers, agencies, filmmakers.

• Develops links and shares best practice with peers within the UK charity sector.

• Establishes networks with industry opinion formers, media and other stakeholders.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop verbal brand identity – through copywriting, core messaging and tone of voice guidance – across the NSPCC and Childline.

• Work with the senior Creative team to agree and deliver client projects from initial concepts through to the finished product, in line with our department’s annual business plan.

• Explore and develop creative concepts and help push the boundaries of the creative direction and output of the NSPCC, working closely with the Head of Creative and senior team.

• Pitch concepts and finished copy to commissioning teams, in line with brief objectives and the NSPCC brand.

• Make sure creative collateral across NSPCC and Childline marketing and communications is consistent and of a high standard.

• Partner with teams across the charity that create content, offering expert advice and creative solutions relating to brand and tone of voice.• Work effectively with other Communications colleagues to make sure we complete projects on time and in budget.

• Support junior team members, and contribute to the growth and personal development of communications team staff through supervisory, coaching and mentoring activities.

• Identify and provide long-term strategic solutions to the NSPCC’s editorial and copywriting needs, and fulfil them by working with the Head of Creative and senior team.

• Develop high-quality writing standards for the NSPCC, including style guides and training, with a focus on increasing the use of plain English and inclusive language across our work.

Responsibilities for all staff within the Communications directorate

• Actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy discussions and decisions which will benefit the NSPCC’s communications activities.

• Maintain an awareness Health and Safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures.

• Take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with the NSPCC’s work to keep children safe.

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of babies, children, young people and adults at risk.

Person specification

1. Substantial experience in a copywriter role in either an agency or in-house team, with demonstrable ability of working across a broad range of briefs.

2. Proven ability to communicate and present confidently and clearly to senior stakeholders and clients.

3. Enthusiastic about embedding EDI principles across all areas of copywriting and in our wider communications work.

4. Experience working with and creating brand guidelines.

5. Experience guiding and mentoring junior team members.

6. In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of current trends and best practise in marketing, advertising and communications.

7. Highly collaborative and focused on creating a collaborative team spirit.8. Solid understanding of copywriting and editorial across environments including social, web, film and online advertising.

9. Ability to manage numerous complex projects for senior stakeholders, working to agreed deadlines often with conflicting priorities.

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

Our principles:

• Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.

• Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.

• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.

• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.

• As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.

• All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.