Family mentor jobs in Bristol

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Development Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £27, 526 per annum, with annual salary increments for the first three years
Location: Homebased – however NCB and RiP has offices in Sheffield, Newton Abbot, London and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

We are looking for a talented Research and Development Officer to join our children and families team at Research in Practice. In this role you will develop and deliver accessible content and learning activities that promote evidence-informed practice and policy across child and family social care, youth and family justice as part of our annual delivery programme for our partners. You will also be involved in the delivery of commissioned project work.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering resources, workshops, webinars, and events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong written and editorial skills, excellent facilitation skills and who is confident distilling complex information into accessible learning materials. While the position requires engagement with and understanding of research, it is not a primary research role.

Key responsibilities are:

• Producing evidence-informed practice and policy resources in a range of formats (e.g. publications, videos, podcasts, animations). This includes evidence scoping, content development, commissioning, project management, editing, writing and quality assuring resources from inception to publication.
• Leading the development and delivery of concise, accessible content and learning activities to enable the development of evidence-informed practice and policy in the sector.
• Developing and facilitating learning sessions and events with a range of participants, including senior leaders across the sector.
• Working on a range of commissioned project work, from development/design through to analysis; presenting findings on completion and representing Research in Practice in project teams with academic and practice partners.
• Building strong relationships with sector experts and effectively managing relationships with authors, facilitators, people with lived experience and those working in research, policy and practice.

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Wednesday 8th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Development Officer
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Part Time, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £27,526 per annum, with annual salary increments for the first three years
Location: Homebased – however NCB and RiP has offices in Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose.

The Vacancy

For over 20 years, Research in Practice has been at the forefront of supporting evidence-informed practice in adult social care. We are now looking for a passionate and experienced Research and Development Officer to join our adults’ team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled facilitator with strong experience in adult social care (or a related sector, e.g. housing, homelessness, mental health or criminal justice) who is motivated to make a real impact. While the role requires a solid understanding of research and its application, it is not a primary research post—instead, the focus is on translating evidence into meaningful learning and development opportunities.

You will play a key role in designing and delivering high-quality learning experiences, including programmes, full-day workshops, webinars, and events, working with diverse audiences such as senior leaders and practitioners.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and delivering engaging learning and development activities for a range of audiences
• Translating complex research, policy, and legal frameworks into accessible, practical learning
• Developing high-quality outputs (e.g. publications, tools, and learning resources)
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and supporting collaborative projects
• Managing multiple projects effectively in a varied and fast-paced environment

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• In-depth knowledge of adult social care, or related sectors such as criminal justice, housing and homelessness, or mental health
• Experience in facilitation and delivering learning, including workshops and webinars
• A strong understanding of research, policy, and practice frameworks
• Skills in knowledge mobilisation, with a passion for co-production and evidence implementation
• Proven experience in relationship management
• Excellent communication skills, including confident public speaking
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly (including occasional travel and overnight stays)

Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across the adults and children’s social care, health and criminal justice sectors, supporting them to develop an evidence-informed approach to their work. Our focus is on using evidence from research, practice and lived experience, to provide resources that improve policy and services, in order to achieve positive outcomes for people of all ages.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break

Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Friday 10th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible .

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Inspire mission and discipleship of children and young people  

We are looking for a dynamic team player who is passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in faith, and who can inspire and equip others to do the same.    

Location: Home-based– predominantly covering the areas of Newcastle, Byker, Felton and Cramlington.  This Scripture Union role will be working alongside St Thomas Church, Newcastle and working ecumenically alongside other churches to grow mission in the local area. 

Important things to note before you apply.     

1. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from people, regardless of their background. 
2. We take Safeguarding seriously. This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and has an occupational requirement to be filled by a committed Christian, active in church life. Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9 applies.    
3. Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship arrangements so applicants will need to have the right to live and be employed in a permanent job in the UK.   

Who we’re looking for    

You are someone who loves variety in your work and the fact that no two days are the same. You thrive on building relationships adopting a facilitating approach, coaching, mentoring, equipping, training, and motivating others.  You value a blend of face-to-face and online interactions.    

You’re a connector with experience in teamwork with diverse groups of people. Your creative mindset, combined with excellent organisational skills, enables you to spot and create opportunities for impact. You love Jesus and are filled with energy and passion for sharing the gospel. You excel with people. You are a confident communicator with experience in training and empowering others.  You have the qualities to be an excellent coach and mentor.   

If this describes you and you would like to join an organisation with a passion for Christ, sharing the gospel, making disciples and the emerging generation, provides a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and other valuable benefits, then read on.     

About Scripture Union     

You might have heard of us before if you're one of the 1.5 million+ who have attended one of our Christian holidays or missions over the years, or maybe you're one of the 40,000+ subscribers to have used our brilliant devotionals or been stirred by our exceptional bible resources. We've been at this for a fair few years... over 150 to be precise. Over this time, we’ve remained passionate about helping children and young people develop a vibrant faith in Jesus. As our name describes, the radical power of God's word has always been central to our approach.       

We still do all the great stuff with resources and holidays, but in the last few years, we have sharpened our vision with a renewed focus to help the ‘95%’ of young people (primary and secondary school age) across the UK who don’t go to church, and had opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. We do this through equipping and resourcing the local church, training up volunteers and paid workers from local churches (we call them ‘Faith Guides’) and collaborating with local and national partners across the UK to connect with children and young people and support them on a journey of exploring faith in a way that is relevant and meaningful.     

In the last few years we’ve developed a brand new approach to how we do this, it’s simple and incredibly effective, we call it Revealing Jesus, and its making a massive difference. We have staff organised into four regional teams, and alongside our local and national partners, we’re playing our part in a network of organisations that seeks to reach children and young people in every context, across every town and city across England and Wales. The journey ahead is significant, and we invite you to be a part of it!

Invest in our mission, as we invest in you: Our Benefits:   

• 23 days holiday (pro rata) + bank holidays + 5 volunteering days 

• Up to 12% pension contribution 

• Life insurance 

• Free Bible Reading Guides 

• Enhanced family leave 

• A supportive, faith-filled environment where your work has eternal impact   

About our team    

Like many jobs, you will work with lots of different teams in different contexts. With this role, you will have the benefit of being part of a regionally focused team that is part of our wider movement.    

The successful candidate will be a part of our North Regional team of 9 other workers who between us work across the North region.

Job description: Revealing Jesus Pioneer Scripture Union    

You will work ecumenically in and around Newcastle multiplying your impact through equipping, empowering and mobilising others in outreach work. You’ll add energy, expertise, direction, and skill to the mix. You’ll recruit, motivate, train, equip, coach and support Faith Guides; you’ll work in partnership with this group as well as leading by example, you will model excellent mission delivery to children and young people aligned with SU’s mission.     

Who We're Looking For: Our Ideal Candidate    

We're seeking someone who is not just good at what they do, but also deeply passionate about our mission. Here's what we envision in the right person:    

• A thoughtful individual who can see the big picture and make smart decisions that genuinely impact our ministry.     

• A Champion for Children and Young People: You'll bring a wealth of understanding about working with young people, be a passionate advocate for their faith journey, be excellent at delivering ministry, and be someone who can clearly articulate your vision.     

• Inspirational: You'll have a natural ability to connect with people, listen deeply, ask great questions, influence discussions, gently challenge the status quo, and spark new, creative ideas within our networks.     

• Self-Motivated Organised and Effective: You're someone who thrives on managing their own work, setting priorities effectively, and skilfully juggling multiple projects.  

• A Team Player: You will work effectively as part of the North Team and also teams across Regional Mission and the movement as a whole.     

• Forward-Thinking: You're able to imagine and pursue ambitious, long-term goals with determination.     

• Spiritually Open and Grounded: You'll be comfortable and accepting of various Christian traditions, worship styles, and expressions of faith. Crucially, you'll have a growing love and understanding of the Bible.     

• Deeply Committed to Faith: You'll have a strong personal commitment to God and live as an active Christian disciple.     

As with all our team members, you will also:    

• Be a committed Christian who resonates with SU's mission and values, actively participating in a local church community.     

• Strive for a strong understanding of the Bible, applying its teachings to your daily life and inspiring others to do the same.     

Skills You'll Need:    

• You'll be confident and capable in using digital tools including email and Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel etc.). 
• Presentation/training skills     
• It is also essential that you live in the Newcastle area, have a good understanding of the local area and hold a current driving license.  

Interview Date: 16th July 2026

Interview Location: St Thomas' Church, Newcastle

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

About the role

The Trusts & Statutory Fundraising Manager will play a key role in delivering Sands’ ambitious income growth plans and strengthening long-term philanthropic partnerships that support Sands’ work to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families. 

Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy Manager and sitting within the Partnerships & Philanthropy Team, the role will lead the development and growth of a strategic portfolio of trusts, foundations and statutory funders, securing significant multi-year income and building long-term relationships with supporters and partners. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and relationship-driven fundraiser to help shape and grow a high-potential area of fundraising at Sands. The postholder will work closely with senior colleagues across research, training, bereavement support and engagement teams to develop compelling funding propositions aligned to Sands’ strategic priorities. 

The role combines strategic planning, relationship management and high-quality bid writing, alongside leadership of the trusts pipeline, stewardship activity, cross-team collaboration and line management of a Trusts Fundraiser. 

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and strategic thinker with experience securing five and six-figure grants, developing funder relationships and translating complex programmes into compelling, impact-led cases for support. 

Includes line management of one Trusts Fundraiser. 

Main Responsibilities

The overall aims of this role are to: 

• lead and grow Sands’ trusts, foundations and statutory fundraising programme, securing significant multi-year income in support of Sands’ strategic priorities

• build and manage a sustainable pipeline of trust, foundation and statutory prospects, developing long-term relationships and identifying opportunities for growth

• lead the development of Sands' corporate grant and corporate foundation fundraising programme, bringing experience of securing corporate grant funding to establish an expanded area of income growth

• develop compelling, evidence-led funding propositions that translate Sands’ work into clear, engaging and donor-focused cases for support

• collaborate closely with colleagues across Research, Bereavement Support, Training, Communications and Engagement teams to shape strategic funding opportunities

• strengthen organisational understanding of trusts and statutory fundraising, bringing insight, innovation and strategic thinking to funding approaches

• provide supportive line management and development to the Trusts Fundraiser, fostering strong performance and collaboration

• ensure excellent stewardship, compliance, reporting and grant management across all trusts and statutory activity

• contribute to a culture of ambitious, relationship-led and insight-driven fundraising across Partnerships & Philanthropy

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Management & Income Growth 

• Develop and deliver Sands’ trusts and statutory fundraising strategy, aligned to organisational priorities and long-term income growth ambitions.

• Manage and grow a strategic portfolio of charitable trusts, foundations, lottery and statutory funders, securing five- and six-figure grants and multi-year partnerships.

• Lead trust-funded matched giving appeals (including Big Give), coordinating cross-organisational campaign activity across Philanthropy & Partnerships and Individual Giving teams, while collaborating with Engagement & Communications to develop compelling campaign assets and drive income growth. 

• Lead pipeline development and prospecting activity, identifying new funding opportunities and prioritising prospects with the highest strategic potential.

• Work collaboratively across the organisation to shape compelling propositions and articulate clear, evidence-led cases for support.

• Develop thematic and strategic funding propositions aligned to Sands’ work across research, training, bereavement support, inequalities and systems-change activity.

• Contribute insight and sector knowledge to strengthen organisational understanding of trusts and statutory fundraising opportunities and trends.

• Support the diversification of income through innovative approaches to partnership development, restricted and unrestricted funding, and strategic engagement opportunities.

Trusts, Foundations & Statutory Fundraising 

• Lead the development of high-quality funding applications, proposals, bids and reports for charitable trusts, foundations and statutory bodies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective funders, ensuring excellent stewardship and long-term engagement.

• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans that strengthen funder relationships and maximise opportunities for renewal and multi-year support, including leading and contributing to cross-charity stewardship initiatives and engagement campaigns involving trust funders, such as donor thankathons, impact events and bespoke recognition activities. 

• Work with internal stakeholders to identify fundable projects and package work into compelling donor-focused narratives and propositions 

• Manage the trusts and statutory funding pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting, reporting and tracking of opportunities and deadlines.

• Maintain oversight of trust or statutory restricted funding, ensuring compliance with grant conditions and timely reporting on impact and outcomes.

• Represent Sands confidently in meetings, presentations and funder discussions, acting as an ambassador for the organisation and its work. 

Team Management 

• Line manage the Trusts Fundraiser, providing coaching, support, professional development and clear strategic direction.

• Foster a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team culture.

• Conduct regular line management responsibilities including 121s, supervision and performance check-ins, and contribute to annual appraisal and development processes.

• Support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the Partnerships & Philanthropy team.

Governance, Insight & Performance 

• Lead forecasting, budgeting and KPI management for trusts and statutory income streams.

• Use CRM systems, fundraising data and prospect research to support strategic decision-making, pipeline management and stewardship planning.

• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation, GDPR, grant conditions and ethical fundraising standards.

• Develop and maintain robust systems and processes to support efficient grant management, reporting and donor stewardship.

• Monitor sector trends, funding opportunities and emerging areas of interest relevant to Sands’ strategic priorities.

General 

• To undertake other duties as required by the Senior Philanthropy Manager and Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy

• To work flexibly and proactively with other members of the team.

• To maintain confidentiality over personal information relating to staff.

• Abide by all Sands Policies and Procedures.

• Undertake all mandatory training as required.

• Participate in annual appraisal and personal development review.

• The post holder must familiarise themselves with matters relating to Health & Safety Management, as affecting themselves, their department and the organisation as a whole.

• Promote the Sands vision and values at all times. 

Personal Specification: Skills & Experience

Fundraising Expertise 

• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure grants from charitable trusts, foundations and statutory funders.

• Strong experience developing and managing sustainable fundraising pipelines and securing multi-year funding partnerships.

• Experience identifying corporate foundation prospects and securing funding from corporate foundations. 

• Experience developing compelling, evidence-led and donor-focused cases for support.

• Experience of developing funding applications involving multiple stakeholders and complex programme areas.

• Strong understanding of trusts and statutory fundraising landscapes, trends and opportunities.

Strategic & Relationship Skills 

• Excellent relationship-builder, confident engaging with funders, senior stakeholders, clinicians, researchers and external partners.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling and accessible narratives.

• Strategic thinker with strong judgement, able to identify opportunities and balance long-term relationship building with day-to-day delivery.

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence stakeholders to support fundraising priorities and opportunities.

Management & Operational Capability 

• Experience managing, mentoring or supporting colleagues to achieve strong performance and professional development.

• Strong planning, forecasting, organisational and project management skills.

• Experience using CRM systems and fundraising data to support pipeline management and decision-making.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and perform effectively within a fast-paced environment.

Personal Specification: Core Competencies 

• Builds collaborative and credible relationships internally and externally, acting with professionalism and integrity.

• Communicates clearly and persuasively, adapting style for different audiences and translating complex information into compelling narratives.

• Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound judgement, balancing ambition with practicality and delivery.

• Uses insight, evidence and data to inform planning, prioritisation and fundraising approaches.

• Demonstrates resilience, adaptability and a solutions-focused mindset when managing competing priorities or challenges.

• Works collaboratively across teams to strengthen organisational impact and supporter experience.

• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusive and equitable fundraising practices aligned to Sands’ values and strategic priorities. 

We are looking for a Weekenders Journey Guide to support prospective Weekend Foster Carers from their first conversations with Now Foster through to the next stages of the recruitment and assessment journey.

This is a highly relational, candidate-facing role. You will be one of the main people helping applicants understand what Weekenders is, explore whether it is right for them, stay motivated through the process, and feel supported to take the next step.

Introductory conversations (our ‘intro chats’) will be a core part of the role. You will speak with people who are curious about fostering, but who may also feel unsure, nervous or are still working out whether they can foster. Your role will be to bring warmth, clarity and momentum: helping people feel welcomed, informed and confident, while also making sure the right people progress at the right pace.

You will use Now Foster’s digital platform (a bespoke CRM system) to manage the candidate journey, track progress, record key information and help the team understand where applicants are getting stuck or moving forward. You will play an important role in making sure we are attracting the right leads, supporting them well, and learning how to improve the journey as we grow.

This role would particularly suit someone with experience of fostering or working in fostering. It could also suit someone from a related background who is deeply motivated by innovation in this area and excited by what fostering could look like if it were designed around children, carers and relationships.

You do not need to be a qualified social worker, but you do need to be emotionally mature, reflective, organised and comfortable working closely with a social work-led team. You will need to understand safeguarding, and be confident holding thoughtful conversations with prospective carers.

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting candidates through the journey

• Acting as a consistent, warm and encouraging point of contact for prospective Weekend Foster Carers.

• Carrying out intro chats with people who have expressed interest in the Weekenders programme.

• Helping candidates understand the Weekenders programme, what the role involves, and what the journey looks like.

• Supporting candidates to reflect on whether Weekenders is right for them.

• Keeping candidates engaged, informed and motivated as they move through the process.

• Helping people overcome practical barriers where appropriate, while being honest and clear about expectations.

• Making sure candidate communication feels relational, timely and values-led.

Helping the right people progress

• Helping identify candidates who are ready to move forward, as well as those who may need more time, more information or a different route.

• Support candidates to progress, pause or close, as advised by our fostering service colleagues.

• Using strengths-based and motivational approaches to help candidates reflect on their motivations, support networks and capacity.

• Working closely with social work colleagues to escalate questions, concerns or safeguarding issues appropriately.

• Supporting candidates to prepare for training, home visits and assessment stages.

• Helping ensure the process is clear, efficient and supportive.

Supporting groups, events and community activity

• Supporting information events, training sessions and candidate-facing events.

• Co-delivering sessions with social workers and other colleagues.

• Helping create a welcoming community for people exploring Weekenders.

• Supporting socials and community-building activity for applicants and approved Weekend Foster Carers.

• Helping candidates connect with the mission and feel part of something meaningful.

Administration, data and follow-up

• Keeping candidate records, notes and next steps up to date on Now Foster’s digital platform.

• Using Google Workspace, Trello and other tools to access key documents and manage your workload. 

• Making sure no candidate falls through the cracks.

• Supporting data capture so the team can understand what is working and where candidates are getting stuck.

• Helping improve templates, messages, prompts and workflows for the candidate journey.

• Supporting home visit admin and logistics where needed.

Contributing to innovation and learning

• Gathering feedback from candidates to help improve the journey and bringing this insight from candidate conversations into team discussions.

• Helping the team understand what motivates people to become Weekend Foster Carers, what worries them, and what helps them move forward.

• Supporting testing and iteration of new candidate journey approaches.

• Helping us build a process that is warm, efficient, inclusive and effective.

• Contributing to a new model of fostering that is relational, ambitious and designed around children and young people.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are

• Warm and relational – able to build trust quickly and make people feel welcome.

• Emotionally mature – able to have thoughtful conversations about motivation, care, family life and uncertainty.

• A strong communicator – clear, encouraging and confident across phone, video calls, emails and written updates.

• Motivational and strengths-based – skilled at helping people see their potential while also being honest about what fostering involves.

• Organised and proactive – able to manage a busy candidate journey, track next steps and keep people moving.

• Tech-savvy – comfortable using digital platforms, Google Workspace and Trello.

• Confident in your judgement – able to decide when someone should progress, pause or close, while knowing when to seek advice.

• Safeguarding-aware – able to recognise when something needs to be escalated and comfortable working within clear safeguarding processes.

• Reflective and curious – interested in learning what works and improving the candidate journey over time.

• Comfortable with ambiguity – happy working in a small, growing charity where things are evolving.

• Committed to better outcomes for children and young people – motivated by Now Foster’s mission and the potential of Weekenders.

Experience We’re Looking For

Fostering experience would be highly beneficial. For example, this could include experience as a foster carer, working in fostering, supporting foster carers, working with fostering services, or working in a closely related part of children’s social care.

We are also interested in people with experience in:

• Volunteer management

• Children’s social care or youth work

• Community work

• Social prescribing

• Mentoring or coaching

• Recruitment, onboarding or candidate support

• Relationship-based support roles

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who understands the importance of relationships, can guide people through a meaningful decision-making process, and is excited by the possibility of building a different kind of fostering journey.

Bonus Points For

• Lived experience of the care system or fostering.

• Experience working directly with prospective or approved foster carers.

• Experience using motivational interviewing, coaching or strengths-based approaches.

• Experience supporting people through an application, recruitment, assessment or onboarding journey.

• Experience delivering or supporting information sessions, preparation groups, training or community events.

• Experience working remotely or in a flexible, fast-moving team.

An interest in innovation, service design or changing how fostering works.
 

About Us

Now Foster is a team of innovative social workers, designers, and entrepreneurs on a mission to change fostering in the UK.

We bring together social work, service design, public sector transformation and lived experience to create better outcomes for children and young people. Our overarching vision is to transform the fostering system by bringing many more wonderful people into it as foster carers, so that children and young people have the relationships, stability and support they need to thrive.

You will be joining a small, ambitious and passionate team, alongside our trustees, freelancers and advisors, all of whom play an active part in shaping our work. We partner with local authorities and not-for-profits who share our values and are ready to embrace change. As a registered charity, everything we do is driven by purpose, not profit.

About Weekenders

Weekenders is Now Foster’s flagship programme. It pairs children and young people in foster care with inspiring adults who can offer guidance, stability and encouragement on a regular basis. It is about showing up, making a difference, and being that person a young person can count on.

The programme is growing quickly. We are scaling Weekenders across London and beyond, testing new ways to support applicants, local authorities and independent social workers, and building the operational foundations needed for long-term growth.

A core part of this growth is making sure that people who are interested in becoming Weekend Foster Carers receive the right balance of warmth, encouragement, information and challenge as they move through the journey. That is where the Journey Guide comes in.

Working Pattern and Location

This role is offered at 4 to 5 days per week, with a salary of £34,000 pro rata.

The role can be based anywhere in England, with occasional travel to our Weekender delivery areas. Our Weekenders team is currently based across London and Manchester, and our wider organisational team is based in Oxford. Most work will be home-based, but there will be some in-person meetings, events, training sessions or bi-monthly co-working days.

The role will involve some work outside standard office hours. This is likely to include:

• Around one weekend day per month, which you would take back as time off during the previous or following week.

• Some evening work, for example around one information event per month.

• Some evening intro chats with prospective foster carers, where this helps people engage with the process.

We work flexibly and will support the successful candidate to manage their time in a sustainable way.

Safeguarding

Now Foster is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

This role will involve contact with prospective carers, rather than direct work with children and young people. However, you will need to understand safeguarding, work within Now Foster’s safeguarding processes, and escalate any concerns appropriately.

This role will require an enhanced DBS check.

What’s In It For You

Joining Now Foster means being part of something different. We are small, ambitious and innovative, and you will play a key role in helping Weekenders grow.

You will be close to the people exploring whether they could become Weekend Foster Carers, and your work will directly shape whether they feel supported, confident and ready to take the next step.

You will join a supportive, collaborative and values-led team. We work hard, care deeply about what we do, and are building something bold and lasting: a new way of fostering that blends social work, design, technology and relational practice.

We will provide the tools and technology you need, cover agreed travel and expenses, and support you to work flexibly within the rhythm of the programme.

How to Apply

Please send us your CV and a short cover letter explaining:

1. Why you are interested in Now Foster and the Weekenders programme.

2. The experience you would bring in supporting, guiding or motivating people.

3. Any experience you have of fostering, working in fostering, children’s social care, community work, volunteer management or similar.

4. What excites you about innovation in fostering and what fostering could look like.

5. Your availability, including whether you are looking for 4 or 5 days per week and when you could start.

You must have the right to work in the UK.

We recognise that some candidates may use generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to support the preparation of their application. While this is acceptable, applications must remain an authentic reflection of your own experiences and motivations. We ask candidates to let us know if and how they used AI as part of the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Equality

Now Foster is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

Recruitment and selection decisions are made on the basis of fair, objective and transparent criteria. We will also make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure accessibility for all candidates.

Please Note: We are hoping to appoint as soon as possible and will close recruitment once we find the right person so candidates are advised to submit an application as soon as they are able.