Generalist advisers jobs

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. 

Team Background

The Debt Advice Team at Toynbee Hall provides crucial support to individuals and families struggling with financial burdens. Funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), this team delivers expert guidance and practical solutions to help clients manage and reduce their debt. 

Scope of Role

The Traineeship will last for 6 months. This role involves gaining practical experience by observing and participating in interviews to understand clients' financial problems, researching options, and helping clients make informed decisions. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Accurate, Effective, and Individually Tailored Advice

Work under supervision to observe and learn how to provide effective debt advice, including interviewing clients, researching options, and empowering clients to make informed decisions. 

2. Detailed Case Records

Assist in maintaining detailed case records, ensuring all work meets auditing and quality standards, and meets funder requirements. 

3. Training and Development

Complete a structured training programme within the six-month period, covering technical debt advice, client management, and financial regulations. . 

4. Teamwork

Be an active member of the team, identifying opportunities for your development and contributing to collective goals. 

5. Travel

Travel across London as required, with occasional travel across the UK. 

6. Other

Undertake additional tasks as delegated by Management.

Person Specification

1. Experience and Skills

• Willingness to work towards obtaining an accredited qualification in debt advice.
• Basic IT and telephone skills, and ability to use an online-based Client Management System (CMS) to deliver advice across multiple channels and maintain case records.
• Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be open to receiving feedback and learning from others.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with all staff members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence in handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to handle and support vulnerable clients with empathy and sensitivity, ensuring their needs are appropriately addressed.

2. Personal Attributes

• High level of professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to work independently and proactively without supervision.
• Capacity to remain calm and effective under pressure, adopting a “find a solution, no blame” attitude.
• Open-minded, inclusive, and collaborative approach, seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
• Commitment to empowering others by sharing knowledge and enabling action.
• Strong alignment with Toynbee Hall’s mission, strategy, and values.
• Willingness to participate in training and develop further understanding in areas such as safeguarding.
• Willingness to work from our advice locations to shadow experienced advisors in both face-to-face and call centre settings.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of giving advice (not necessarily debt advice).
• Ability to speak more than one language.

Please download the full Job Description for more details.

Our Benefits

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays)
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave, plus the 3-day Christmas shutdown.

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking
• Westfield Health Cash Plan to cover your healthcare needs specified in the Policy

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

Team background

The Debt Advice Team at Toynbee Hall provides crucial support to individuals and families struggling with financial burdens. Funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), this team delivers expert guidance and practical solutions to help clients manage and reduce their debt. The team's advisors are trained to navigate complex financial situations, offering tailored advice that empowers clients to regain control of their finances. Their work is vital in fostering financial resilience within the community, ensuring that individuals have the tools they need to achieve long-term financial stability.

Job purpose

To provide over-indebted Londoners with free, face-to-face advice that is accurate, effective, and tailored to individuals’ circumstances. To maintain detailed case records, and keep up to date with legislation, policies, and procedures; as well as undertaking appropriate training.

Scope of role

The Debt Advisor is responsible for providing comprehensive, face-to-face debt advice to over-indebted Londoners, tailored to their specific circumstances. This role involves conducting detailed interviews to understand clients’ financial problems, researching options, and helping clients make informed decisions. The advisor ensures income maximisation and provides ongoing casework support, acting on behalf of clients where necessary. Maintaining up-to-date case records and staying informed about relevant legislation, policies, and procedures are crucial aspects of the role. The Debt Advisor is also expected to complete continuous professional development and contribute to the team’s overall objectives by meeting targets, prioritising workloads, and demonstrating financial efficiency.

What We’re Looking For:

• Ability to give accurate, personalised advice and support clients to make informed decisions
• Experience carrying out detailed casework and acting on behalf of clients when needed
• Strong record keeping, with case notes completed to required standards and deadlines
• Commitment to keeping debt advice training up to date
• Good teamwork and the ability to manage your own workload while meeting targets
• Commitment to following organisational policies and procedures

• Commitment to working in line with Toynbee Hall’s values:
  • Inclusive – open-minded, transparent, collaborative; seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
  • Courageous – principled, ambitious, and acting with integrity.
  • Empowering – shifting power, sharing knowledge, and enabling people to take action for themselves.

Please download the full Job Description for more details.

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking
• Westfield Health Cash Plan to cover your healthcare needs specified in the policy

We’re committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, because when our team thrives, we all succeed!

How to Apply

Complete our online application for, attach your CV and a Cover Letter.

Application deadline is 25 January 2026

We're looking for an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, starting as soon as possible. This role is ideal for someone who is confident working independently, enjoys building strong relationships, and can provide high-quality HR support across a regional workforce.

As our HR Advisor, you'll provide practical, people-focused guidance to managers and employees across a variety of HR areas. You'll work primarily from home, with very occasional travel to sites within the region (typically in Kent and surrounding areas)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day HR advice on employee relations matters, policies, processes, and best practice
• Support managers with sickness, performance, conduct, and capability cases
• Guide and coach stakeholders to build confidence in managing people-related issues
• Coordinate and support HR processes including onboarding, contract changes, and employee lifecycle administration
• Work collaboratively with the wider HR team on projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure compliance with legislation and company policies

We're looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in an HR Advisor or similar generalist role
• Confident managing ER cases from start to finish
• Knowledgeable about UK employment law and HR best practice
• A strong communicator, able to build trust and credibility quickly
• Self-motivated, organised, and comfortable working remotely
• Ideally based in Kent or nearby for ad-hoc travel to local sites

CIPD qualification for this role is not essential.

Location: Hybrid (Weekly travel to West Division Centres & London for monthly team meetings)
Hours: 35 hours, Monday to Friday
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £30,321.51 - £36,689.03 (depending on location, experience and skills)

About the Role 
We’re looking for a proactive and professional HR Advisor to join our People team. In this role, you’ll provide expert advice and support on a wide range of HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, and compliance. You’ll focus on our stakeholders and work closely with managers and colleagues to ensure policies, procedures, and best practices are followed, while driving initiatives that add real value to our organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for HR advice on policies, processes, and employee relations.
• Support managers with complex ER issues such as absence, disciplinary, and grievance cases.
• Promote self-service for HR systems and processes, and coach managers where needed.
• Assist with annual appraisal and salary review processes.
• Oversee sickness reporting, occupational health referrals, and compliance checks.
• Provide HR system support, reporting, and payroll administration.
• Contribute to HR projects and policy development.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong ER and HR advisory experience, ideally in a multi-site environment.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Ability to manage complex ER cases with confidence and professionalism.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Organised, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.

Why Join Us? 

We offer a supportive, values-driven environment where your contribution is recognised and rewarded:

Financial Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Up to 5% employer pension contribution
• Fast expense reimbursement (within 10 days)

Work-Life Balance

• 25 days annual leave + your birthday off
• Family-friendly policies

Rewards & Perks

• Long service recognition
• Discounts at 4,000+ retailers via Blue Light Card

Health & Wellbeing

• 24/7 GP access
• Employee Assistance Programme

Career Development

• Paid training and development
• Accredited apprenticeships
• Clear progression pathways

We are actively recruiting for a permanent HR Advisor to join a prestigious and growing organisation based in South London. Working closely with the Head of HR and HR Business Partners, you will have responsibility for providing a high quality, first line generalist HR advisory service to a specific business area, providing up to date and informed HR guidance and support on HR policies, processes and systems.

You will support on complex cases and assist Employment tribunals where appropriate as well as supporting with end to end employee lifecycle processes, whilst providing a proactive and responsive recruitment service for managers and assisting with the development and implementation of Human Resources policies and procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a proactive and close knit team , where you will be given responsibility and autonomy within your role. Excellent interpersonal skills are required, as well as a flexible approach, some travel to other local sites will be required, however we do also provide hybrid working arrangements as well.

Are you an experienced HR professional looking for an exciting opportunity to lead and shape people strategies in a dynamic, fast-paced and values driven environment? ? We are seeking a Senior People Manager to join our People Team on a permanent basis for one of our non-profit clients based in central London.

As a Senior People Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality people solutions, operational excellence, and exceptional client service across the organisation. ? Reporting to the Head of Talent & People Operations, you will work closely with senior stakeholders to implement the People Strategy, drive employee engagement, and foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. ?

This role offers autonomy, creativity, and the opportunity to lead HR projects, manage employee relations, oversee recruitment and onboarding, and shape learning and development initiatives. You will also take ownership of payroll administration, employee benefits, and reward and recognition programs, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and best practices.
?
Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Head and Director of People to implement the People Strategy and lead HR projects. ?
• Provide expert advice and support to leaders and employees on HR policies, employee relations, and performance management. ?
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and induction processes to ensure a seamless employee experience. ?
• Oversee learning and development activities, including training programs and leadership development. ?
• Administer payroll and employee benefits, ensuring accuracy and compliance. ?
• Lead policy development and review to ensure progressive and inclusive practices. ?
• Manage employee relations issues, including discipline, grievances, and performance, with confidentiality and professionalism. ?
• Supervise and coach team members, including a People Advisor and People Officers. ?

You will bring:

• CIPD qualification ideally at Level 7 and extensive generalist HR experience. ?
• Strong knowledge of employment law, GDPR, and HR systems. ?
• Proven track record in policy development, employee relations, and people management. ?
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills. ?
• A positive attitude, commitment to quality, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. ?

This role offers a central London office location and hybrid working arrangements.

Chief Officer

Citizens Advice Woking (CAW) provides free, independent, and confidential advice and information to the residents of Woking, and anyone who works in the Borough, particularly the most vulnerable, to help with the problems they face.  We are the only organisation locally that can and does address client issues holistically, across areas such as debt, housing and welfare benefits, not just single issues, and this is increasingly important as client problems become more complex.

We are looking for a Senior Manager who will bring both innovation and experience to lead a valued local charity.

Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Officer

• Is responsible to the Trustee Board for the management and leadership of Citizens Advice Woking,
• Represents Citizens Advice Woking to funders, partners and stakeholders,
• Ensures the delivery of a high quality, impartial and confidential service, utilising both paid staff and volunteers,
• Is responsible for the continuing funding, planning and financial management of the service,
• Represents the organisation in Woking and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.

In particular, the priorities for the Chief Officer in 2026/27 will be to:

• Manage CAW’s external relationships with our funders and the Woking community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects, and their continuation,
• Collaborate closely with the other Surrey LCA Chief Officers to respond to the changing funding landscape. In parallel, continue to identify and deliver local projects for local funders,
• Ensure that suitable alternative premises are secured, and the transition is managed as smoothly as possible,
• Ensure the staff and volunteers are enabled to work effectively, particularly during this period of disruption,

The Chief Officer has an important leadership role, working closely with the Operations Manager, who has line responsibility for the staff and, generally, the internal CAW operation.  The volunteers are managed on a day-to-day basis by the Advice Session Supervisors, who are critical to ensuring the quality of advice to clients, and the smooth running of the office. 

How to apply

To apply for the role of Chief Officer at CAW, please see the Job Pack on our website.

You will need to send us your CV and a maximum 2 page supporting statement. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification and outline why you are interested in becoming the CO of Citizens Advice Woking.

Closing date for applications: Friday 6th Febraury

Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and we reserve the right to close earlier if applications from sufficient suitably qualified candidates have been received

We are supporting an organisation through a high-risk, delivery-critical period within its People function and are seeking an experienced Interim HR Manager to provide hands-on operational leadership across a range of complex HR activities.
This is a delivery-focused contract role, ideal for an experienced HR contractor who thrives in fast-paced environments and is confident leading sensitive people matters while working closely with senior stakeholders.
The opportunity
Job title: Interim HR Manager (Contract)
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
Hours: Part time – 3 days per week – at least one day per week office based
Day rate: £200 - £210 a day
The interim HR Manager will play a key role in protecting team capacity during a period of significant organisational change, supporting compliance-critical projects and ensuring continuity across core HR operations. You will take ownership of an organisation design and transformation project manage ongoing employee relations cases, support the launch and roll-out of a new competency framework, and handle any new casework that arises during the assignment.
The role reports directly to the Head of HR. Some on-site presence will be required for key meetings (ideally Wednesdays), with the remainder of the role delivered remotely.
Key Responsibilities
Restructure & change

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of a departmental transformation project
• Support and attend individual and group consultation meetings
• Advise senior leaders on feedback, risk and next steps throughout the process

Employee relations

• Provide expert HR guidance on ongoing ER casework, including documentation and process advice
• Support progression at formal stages where required

Competency framework launch

• Finalise and prepare launch materials
• Support internal communications and stakeholder engagement
• Upload and manage competency and role data within the HR system
• Facilitate workshops, drop-in sessions and manager support sessions
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers on embedding the framework into day-to-day practice

Casework & advisory

• Manage new absence, health and performance cases as they arise
• Provide pragmatic, empathetic advice to managers and employees
• Support continuity of service during planned team absences

About you

• Proven experience operating at HR Manager level in a generalist capacity
• Strong background in restructures, ER casework and organisational change
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law
• Confident advising and influencing senior leaders
• Highly organised, detail-driven and comfortable managing confidential matters
• Experienced with HR systems and MS365 tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
• Able to balance commercial pragmatism with empathy and professionalism

To apply for the position of Interim HR Manager please send your CV to [email protected]

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

At Tutors Green, we believe that every child deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our work supports schools, Local Authorities and communities to help young people overcome barriers, build confidence and reach their potential.

This is a hands-on, generalist role combining day-to-day HR operations with a genuine focus on people, wellbeing and culture. You’ll be the first point of contact for routine HR matters, working closely with both the Operations Manager and Director (Founder) to contribute to a positive, inclusive and values-led working environment.
 

Location: Hybrid (London) – 3 days in office (Clerkenwell)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: 1) Operations Manager 2) Director (Founder)

What You’ll Do

People and Culture

• Work closely with the Operations Manager and Director to help create a positive, healthy team culture that reflects our values and priorities.

• Turn people and culture plans into action, focusing on practical changes that improve day-to-day working life for our team.

• Stay up to date with UK employment practice, especially in education and purpose-led organisations, and use this knowledge where helpful.
   

• Run team satisfaction surveys and feedback activity, and help turn what we hear into clear, practical improvements.

• Support and promote equity, diversity and inclusion through everyday people processes and guidance.

• Work with external HR or legal advisers when needed to help ensure we follow employment law and best practice.

HR Operations

• Be the first point of contact for everyday HR questions from the team.

• Give clear, practical HR advice, knowing when to escalate complex or high-risk issues.

• Keep HR systems, records and documentation accurate and up to date.

• Support updates to HR policies and help ensure we meet employment law and GDPR requirements.

• Work with Finance on payroll changes and provide people data as needed.

Employee Lifecycle

• Manage recruitment administration, from advertising roles to coordinating interviews and preparing offers.

• Support safeguarding and safer recruitment by coordinating all required education-sector pre-appointment checks in line with KCSIE, and maintaining an accurate Single Central Record to ensure compliance before appointments are confirmed.

• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding, including contracts, inductions and exit interviews

• Support key people processes such as probation reviews, absence management and performance conversations.

• Help coordinate employee relations processes (such as disciplinary and grievance cases) with senior support.

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Has CIPD Level 5 (completed or working towards, with support to complete)

• Has 2+ years’ experience in a generalist HR, HR Officer or HR Advisor role

• Has a good working knowledge of UK employment law and ACAS best practice

• Has experience supporting employee relations cases using agreed processes and guidance

• Is highly organised, with strong attention to detail

• Is a confident, clear communicator able to build relationships at all levels

• Can handle sensitive issues with discretion, empathy and professionalism

• Has experience using HR systems and managing employee data accurately

Bonus if You Have

• Experience in the education, charity or purpose-led sector

• Experience supporting or improving HR processes, templates or documentation

What We Offer

• A friendly, supportive team that values collaboration and learning

• Clear support from senior leadership on complex or high-risk HR matters

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

• A generous benefits package, including:

  • 26 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

  • Private health insurance (including dental, physiotherapy and mental health support)

  • Discounted gym memberships

  • Enhanced family-friendly policies

  • Regular team socials, events and celebrations

  • Workplace pension

Salary

£32–38k - depending on experience and CIPD Level 5 completion status.

About Tutors Green

At Tutors Green, we believe every student deserves access to high-quality education — regardless of their background or circumstances. For over ten years, we’ve worked closely with schools, charities and Local Authorities to deliver personalised tuition programmes that help disadvantaged pupils build confidence, overcome barriers, and achieve their academic goals.

We partner with schools, Local Authorities and charities across the UK to support students with a wide range of needs, including SEND, SEMH and EHCPs. Our work is rooted in compassion and impact, ensuring support reaches the students who need it most.

We’re a hybrid organisation with an office-based team of around 18–20 colleagues who work closely together to deliver our programmes nationally. From our Angel office, our Education Programme Teams coordinate tuition across the country, while our Onboarding and Tutor Recruitment Team sources and supports the right tutors for each programme. Collaboration is central to how we work, helping us stay responsive, student-focused and effective.

Although many of our programmes are delivered in and around London, we support partners and students nationwide. You’d be joining a team of passionate educators from varied professional backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to education and a belief in making high-quality tuition more accessible.

It’s an exciting time to join Tutors Green. Demand for our services has grown rapidly, our internal team has expanded, and we’re supporting more students, schools and charities than ever before. As we continue to grow nationally, we’re looking for dedicated people to help us deliver life-changing education.

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role, in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures. If you do not currently hold one, we will process this as part of the pre-employment checks.

Applications close on 23rd January. First stage interviews will take place from 5th January, with final-stage interviews held in our Angel office from 12th January. Early applications are encouraged.

As part of our recruitment process, online checks of public profiles may be conducted in line with data protection legislation. All checks are fair, non-discriminatory and free from bias. By applying, you consent to Tutors Green securely storing your personal data for recruitment purposes in line with GDPR.
 

Contract:Permanent, full time 

Salary:circa £50,000 per annum 

Location: Burford, OX18 4PF on a hybrid basis 

Closing date:30 January 2026 

1st interviews:10 – 12 February 2026 

2nd stage:18 & 19 February 2026 

At Blue Cross, our people are central to everything we do to protect and improve animal welfare. We are recruiting a People and Culture Manager to lead the day-to-day delivery of compassionate, high-quality people support across the charity. This is a brand-new role, created to strengthen how we support managers and teams and to translate our People Strategy into practical, values led people practices. 

Sitting within the People and People Services directorate, the People and Culture Manager plays a key role in enabling confident, fair leadership across the organisation, particularly in emotionally demanding environments. The role also offers a valuable opportunity to build experience and capability towards senior People and Culture leadership. 

More about the role

As People and Culture Manager, you will provide expert, pragmatic advice across the full range of people matters, acting as a trusted business partner to the People & People Services directorate. You will lead on complex and sensitive casework, coach and develop People and Culture colleagues, and work closely with senior leaders to deliver positive people outcomes. 

As this is a new role, you will have the opportunity to help shape how people services are delivered day to day, contributing to the continuous improvement, credibility, and impact of the People and Culture function. 

You will also contribute to organisational development, culture change, wellbeing initiatives, and workforce planning, using insight and data to identify risks and opportunities. The role supports organisation wide change activity, ensuring that people processes are fair, transparent, and compassionate. 

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, based from our Burford office, with a minimum of two days a week working from the office. You will also be required to travel regularly to other Blue Cross sites to build relationships and provide effective, visible support to managers and teams.  

About you

You are a credible and empathetic professional who brings sound judgement, resilience, and a solutions focused approach. You are confident supporting managers through complex and emotionally sensitive situations and are comfortable balancing operational delivery with strategic contribution. 

You build strong, trusting relationships, communicate clearly at all levels, and enjoy coaching others to build their confidence and capability. You are committed to embedding Blue Cross values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity in everything you do. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• CIPD Level 5 or above, or equivalent professional experience 
• Substantial experience in a generalist HR or people role 
• Strong employee relations experience with sound knowledge of UK employment law 
• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive people issues with empathy and professionalism 
• Strong communication, influencing, coaching, and stakeholder management skills 
• Experience working in a values led, care focused, or emotionally demanding environment 
• The ability to demonstrate and apply Blue Cross values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• CIPD Level 7 qualification 
• Experience working in animal welfare, healthcare, social care, or frontline operational environments 
• Experience supporting managers and teams working in emotionally demanding roles 

How to apply  

Please click Apply to submit your application. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Our recruitment process for this role will take place in two stages. The first stage will be a competency-based interview, focused on experience, approach and alignment with our values. 

Candidates who progress to the second stage will be invited to attend a discovery session. This will be an informal and interactive session, designed to explore the role in more depth, share perspectives and give candidates the opportunity to meet colleagues and learn more about Blue Cross and our culture. 

Full details will be shared with candidates in advance. Both stages will be held in person at our Burford offices. 

We are committed to running a fair and inclusive recruitment process and will provide support or reasonable adjustments where needed. 

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.