Generalist advisers jobs

Salary: £37,775 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are delighted to be recruiting for a People & Culture Advisor to join our global People & Culture team here at Mary’s Meals International (MMI) on a 12-month FTC. This is a fantastic opportunity to thrive in a truly generalist role, within a diverse and dynamic global organisation.

Reporting to our People & Culture Lead and working as a key member of the People & Culture directorate, you will provide strong generalist support across the Mary’s Meals family, working across all People & Culture workstreams and providing professional HR advice and practical support for employees and managers, across a broad spectrum of HR topics and policy.

People are at the heart of everything we do at Mary’s Meals and in this key role, you will develop strong working relationships and work in partnership across our global network, to support the growth of our movement through the attraction, development, recognition, succession and retention of great talent.

Key priorities:

• Deliver high‑quality, practical HR advice and support to employees and managers across MMI and the wider global network.
• Manage and advise on a range of employee relations cases, supporting fair, consistent and values‑led outcomes.
• Support and develop HR policies, ensuring alignment with UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Champion employee wellbeing and support effective people management in a remote‑first environment.
• Contribute to People & Culture projects, performance processes, people reporting and delivery of HR training.
• Support end‑to‑end recruitment activity in partnership with the Head of Recruitment and hiring managers.

We are looking for:

• Robust experience as an HR Generalist with a positive, organised and pragmatic approach.
• Proven experience advising managers across a broad range of HR and employee relations matters.
• While the role requires strong working knowledge of UK employment law, you will work closely with colleagues across multiple countries and contexts.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with confidence to influence and challenge constructively.
• Experience managing HR projects or complex people issues from start to finish.
• A collaborative, flexible mindset and a genuine commitment to Mary’s Meals’ mission and values.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Our Benefits:

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension

Our ideal start date for this role is mid July 2026 onwards, although we are happy to discuss notice periods with the right candidate.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Citizens Advice Woking as part of a specialist partnership with i-access, Surrey’s drug and alcohol support service. As a Generalist Adviser, you will work directly with individuals in recovery, helping them navigate some of the most challenging issues they face - including welfare benefits, debt, and housing.

Working across a mix of in-person, remote, and outreach settings, you will provide tailored, practical advice that helps people overcome immediate crises and build longer-term stability. You’ll take time to understand each client’s situation in depth, explore their options, and where needed, actively support them - whether that’s completing applications, negotiating with third parties, or advocating on their behalf.

This role is about more than advice - it’s about empowering people at a critical point in their lives. You’ll work closely with i-access staff to ensure a joined-up approach, while also being part of the wider Citizens Advice Woking team, connecting clients to additional support where needed.

We’re looking for someone who is confident managing a varied and sometimes demanding caseload, with strong listening skills, sound judgement, and the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical guidance. Experience in advice work is essential, and knowledge of welfare benefits, debt, or housing would be a strong advantage.

In return, you’ll be part of a supportive and purpose-driven organisation, with opportunities for ongoing development and the chance to make a meaningful, day-to-day difference in people’s lives.

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.

We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

We work towards this by:

• Addressing poverty and injustice through advice and support and influencing systemic change.

• Shifting power to people and communities affected by injustice and inequality.

• Collaborating to end poverty and build fairer systems and institutions. What we want to see in the world starts with our community and our organisation.

This means:

• Working together to build a thriving local community where people have the resources they need, feel their voices are heard and are optimistic about the future.

• Being a good employer, where people are treated fairly, feel engaged and empowered, and work together to achieve our shared vision.

• Acknowledging the role Toynbee Hall has historically played in civic society while recognising that our role now is to shift power, to be an effective partner, and to amplify voices that are less likely to be heard.

What we learn from our work in east London we use to inform and influence wider policy – working to influence change in structures, systems and policies.

Department background

The Advice Services directorate at Toynbee Hall is central to our commitment to address and alleviate poverty in London and beyond. Specialising in debt, welfare benefits, legal support, and generalist advice, our directorate has proven instrumental in significantly enhancing the financial wellbeing of those we serve. Last year alone, our efforts helped individuals and families to be over £23 million better off, showcasing the direct impact of our work.

tional model combines direct service provision with a collaborative approach. We directly employ a number of advisors who deliver expert, impartial advice. Simultaneously, we lead a coalition of 15 partner charities—including local Citizens Advice Bureaus and law centres—where additional advisors are employed. This structure allows us to amplify our reach and effectiveness, ensuring that a comprehensive network of support is available to those in need.

By integrating direct support with strategic partnerships, the Advice Services directorate not only tackles immediate financial and legal challenges but also contributes to the broader goal of systemic change, enhancing economic security and community resilience across one of the most challenged demographics in the nation.

How we work

Our values are Inclusive, Courageous and Empowering and we expect everyone who works with us to work in a way that aligns with these values and to do their utmost to deliver our strategic objectives according to their role.

Job purpose

As a Customer Care Representative, you’ll be the first friendly face (or voice) people meet when they reach out for help with challenges like debt, housing, benefits, employment or consumer issues. You’ll play a key role in helping each person feel listened to, supported, and confident about their next steps.

You’ll handle a mix of face-to-face, phone, and digital enquiries, working with empathy, patience, and clear communication. With full training provided, you’ll gain the skills to manage sensitive conversations, complete initial assessments, book appointments, and connect people to the right support services quickly and smoothly.

Scope of role

· Provide friendly, professional, and high-quality customer service as the first point of contact for people seeking advice.

· Manage a range of enquiries via phone, email, web chat, WhatsApp, and in-person at our Triage Hub

· Conduct initial assessments and book appointments with our advice specialists.

· Maintain accurate and confidential client information using our CRM system, always following GDPR and data protection requirements.

· Identify when to signpost or refer people to other organisations to ensure they receive the right support.

· Handle feedback or complaints with empathy, professionalism, and a focus on finding solutions.

· Approach sensitive or challenging conversations calmly, using good communication and de-escalation skills.

· Apply safeguarding principles in everyday work - training and guidance will be provided.

· Collaborate with colleagues and project partners to improve how people access and experience our service.

· Contribute to team meetings, training sessions, and occasional events at our East London hub and other venues as required.

Key working relationships

· Internal: CCR Managers, frontline advisors, Communications and Marketing colleagues, Project Leads, Data and Insights teams, and wider Toynbee Hall staff.

· External: Advisors and Clients

What Success Looks Like in Your First Year

• You’ll complete your CMA Level 3 qualification and gain confidence in supporting people with financial and wellbeing issues.
• You’ll build strong communication and assessment skills, managing a variety of enquiries confidently.
• You’ll contribute ideas that help improve our service and client experience.
• You’ll be part of a team that trusts and supports one another and learns together.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Essential

· Experience in providing customer service in person, over the phone or online

· Clear and confident communicator with good spoken and written English

· Strong active listening and questioning skills

· Able to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds

· Calm and empathetic approach when supporting people in distress or dealing with sensitive or challenging situations

· Good emotional resilience and self-awareness, including recognising when to seek support

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail in a busy environment

· Strong attention to detail

· Ability to manage time in a busy service environment.

· Collaborative, solutions focused approach.

· Confident using Apple MacBook, including Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and CRM systems

· Understanding of safeguarding principles and a willingness to apply these confidently after training

Desirable

· Knowledge of community services in a London context.

· Experience working or volunteering in advice, support, housing, debt, benefits, or other community-facing services

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CA-SH) is an independent local charity and a company limited by guarantee.

We provide free, confidential, impartial, and independent advice and information for the benefit of the local community, to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and to ensure individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively.

The Role

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 Surrey Heath.

● Represents Citizens Advice Surrey Heath 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 Surrey Heath and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.

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

● Manage CA-SH’s external relationships, with our funders and the Surrey Heath community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects.

● Build on the current income base, in terms of increased existing project budgets, new projects, and diversifying the income base.

● Explore opportunities to potentially integrate with other local Citizens Advice in Surrey to ensure long-term sustainability and strengthen our impact, in line with the new Unitary Authority structure.

The role requires working closely with the Operations Manager, who will be responsible for staff, volunteers, and, generally, the internal CA-SH operation.

Person specification

Essential

1. Understanding of the voluntary sector and, in particular, knowledge of the strategic and policy environment in which the advice sector, and particularly Citizens Advice operates.
2. Proven ability to devise and implement strategic development and resource plans, particularly in the area of service development, staff development and the management of change.
3. Demonstrable track record of successful income generation and diversification, through promoting services, fundraising, and other activities.
4. Proven track record of devising funded projects, setting them up for delivery and delivering them against agreed targets.
5. Proven ability to lead, motivate and contribute to a team.
6. Demonstrable track record of financial management and budgetary control.
7. Effective communication and presentation skills in person and in writing, to include researching and interpreting complex information and producing clear verbal and written reports, both internally and externally.
8. Proven ability to earn and maintain the trust of stakeholders.
9. Track record in project management.

Desirable

1. Understanding of, and commitment to, Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies.
2. Broad understanding of the operation of local and national government, and the administration of public and legal services, including an understanding of commissioning.
3. Demonstrable ability in people management, particularly in the voluntary sector.
4. Ability to create a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are well managed, and staff are empowered and motivated to do their best.
5. Ability to communicate and work well with a governing body.
6. Track record of managing ICT in a working environment, including ICT business planning, managing information and supplier relations.
 

Staff Benefits

● 6% Employer Pension Contribution
● A company that is committed to its employees, valuing their knowledge, creativity, and flexibility
● Flexible, hybrid working
● Free parking
● Ongoing personal training and development
● The chance to work with amazing people and a nationally recognised charity.