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Support Network Coordinator (London coverage)
Location: Home based within Greater London
Salary: £35,040 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week Monday to Friday

We are seeking a Support Network Coordinator to cover the London region.

About Us

The Spinal Injuries Association is committed to a singular vision: a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

Everyone has a right to live a fulfilled life and that means the life they choose, a life that has the same opportunities as everyone else. We are the expert guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury. 

About the role

Each of the Support Network Coordinators have the responsibility for delivering, maintaining, and expanding the support services available to spinal cord injured (SCI) people and their region of the UK.

The post coordinates two vital parallel strands:

1. In your region, to reach and support newly and long-term spinal cord injured people and their families developing a strong partnership with all available specialist services, charity and business partners; managing a dedicated team of volunteers as well as providing direct support to SCI people with more complex support needs.
2. Nationally, working to facilitate the link between SCI people and SIA and the network of services; referring SCI people and their families to our clinical / health expert support teams and advocacy services; working with the Digital Engagement team to build on-line links to regional partners in your area; supporting fundraising, campaigns and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is the job for your if you’re good at:

• Building strong relationships – you’ll be talking to everyone from people with SCI and their families, to healthcare professionals, solicitors and partners who deliver key services.
• Identifying opportunities – to expand SIA’s portfolio of services, we’ll need your knowledge of organisations and individuals that provide services to those affected by spinal cord injury.
• Engaging People – whether it’s service users or your team of volunteers, the success of our work relies on you being able to keep people engaged with what we’re doing.
• Being organised – managing your own diary, keeping in touch with your contacts, ensuring your volunteers are being utilised effectively, providing support to those in greatest need, referring to internal & external service providers and keeping records of the support SIA is delivering.
• Providing life-changing support to those that need it most – you’ll be facing up to the most difficult challenges our service users face.
• Making the ask – whether it’s growing the fundraising activities that underpin the charity, securing the use of a venue for a support group meeting, or ensuring healthcare professionals are promoting our services.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 28 days per holiday year plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after two years of service (pro-rated for part time employees)
• Access to Group pension scheme (6% employer contribution)
• Access to Group life assurance scheme
• Access to Healthcare cash plan
• Access to discounted gym membership
• Access to Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Employee volunteer days
• Free car parking at Milton Keynes, Head Office
• Investing in their people - all members of staff are encouraged to discuss their development plans and aspirations with their line manager. A budget is available for talent development.

Please note, for this role it is essential that an applicant has a personal lived experience of a spinal cord injury (SCI) or Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), and lives in the Greater London region.

This post will play a critical role in achieving our ambitions. We hope that the role inspires you and we look forward to receiving your application.

Closing date: 28 July 2025, 9am
Interview dates: 6 or 7 August 2025 at SIA House, Milton Keynes OR London area

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.

At SIA, we value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment as we believe diversity fosters a more innovative, creative, and caring culture.

We are striving to create a culture that fully represents all the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, family or parental status, or disability status.

Disabled candidates who meet the standard job criteria will be offered a guaranteed interview.

No agencies please.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  establishing and coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

Planning & strategy delivery

· Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy

· Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities

· Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)

· Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement

· Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

· Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups

· Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:

o Managing and supporting Youth Advisors

o Recruiting and running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)

o Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary

· Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK

· Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals

· Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers

· Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and CEI (Community Engagement & Involvement) impact across the research team.

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider CEI communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

· Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field

· Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)

· A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting

· Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice

· Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups

· Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.

· Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration

· Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately

· Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals

· Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing

· Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

· Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

· Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement

· Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience

· Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood

· Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks

· Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.

· Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

· This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.

· Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.

· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Reference Number: V550

Job Title: Communications Officer

Location: Remote with travel around the UK required   

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Salary: £30,000 

DBS/PVG: Basic 

Job Family: 4 

Line Manager: Head of Brand and Communications 

Closing Date:   12 August 2025

Start Date:        As soon as possible subject to notice periods  

Interview Dates: Week commencing 25 August 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications 

Volunteering Matters  

Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

 What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

 How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

· We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.

· We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.

· We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.

· We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.

· We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

 Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong. We’re looking for a creative and people-centred Communications Officer.

About the role

We are looking for a creative and proactive Communications Officer to join our small but dynamic Brand and Communications Team. This role requires a basic DBS/PGV check. Our team plays a key role in supporting the work of Volunteering Matters across the UK, ensuring that the impact of our projects, staff, and volunteers is shared widely with both internal and external audiences. This role is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys storytelling, engaging with diverse audiences, and amplifying the voices of communities and volunteers. 

A core focus of this role will be getting to know the incredible work happening across the UK, collecting updates from our projects, and sharing these stories with key stakeholders. As part of our friendly team, you will also have a specific focus on supporting internal communications and content creation to ensure our messaging is clear, inspiring, and reflective of our mission. Our volunteers and the people we support are at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for someone who shares our strong commitment to these values. A belief in the power of communities and a desire to champion volunteers of all ages and backgrounds is essential for this role. 

Key tasks include:

• Support the development and execution of a comprehensive internal communications strategy that drives colleague engagement and strengthens a unified organisational culture aligned with strategic objectives. 

• Develop and disseminate impactful, timely, and relevant internal communications content that resonates with colleagues across the organisation. 

• Provide operational and administrative support to the Brand and Communications Team to enhance our efficiency and reach. 

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications efforts through rigorous analysis of feedback, metrics, and data insights, leveraging findings to refine and optimise strategies at a national level. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure all internal communications initiatives reflect and reinforce the organisation’s core values, mission, and strategic vision. 

• Provide guidance, training and support to various departments in crafting effective internal communications materials, ensuring consistency in tone, style and branding.

• Create inspiring and straightforward stories with a focus on powerful imagery and video content. 

• Work closely with communications colleagues in the #iWill Movement to champion youth social action.

About you
You’ll be a creative and thoughtful communicator who enjoys working collaboratively and is passionate about people’s stories. You’ll bring a strong visual eye, great interpersonal skills, and a commitment to ethical storytelling.

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward. 

Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter. 

Benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work) 

· Unlimited Annual Leave 

· Employee Pension scheme 

· Life Assurance 

· Cycle to Work Scheme 

· Season Ticket Loan 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Enhanced sick and family leave.

· Lifestyle Discount Scheme

We are also open to discussing job share applications.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

Please note that all applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to progress applications that don’t meet this requirement.