Head of media and communications jobs in Canterbury, kent

Key responsibilities:

1. Main Purpose of the Job

• To ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and that where possible the panel is managed in line with our strategic plan.

• To manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel to include ensuring the qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date and reflect any important medical and legal developments.

• The assessment of panel applications and interviewing of Applicants. Convening meetings of the panel committee, drafting agendas for those meetings and identifying issues to be discussed.

• Identify ways for the AvMA panel application process to become more streamlined, efficient and supportive of lawyers making panel applications. To develop the process to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and continues to meet the needs of the public.

• Ensuring the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests is kept up to date. Giving informal advice to solicitors enquiring about panel membership requirements, liaising and meeting with firms as required.

• Travelling and attending key networking events, including AvMA’s three-day (2 overnight stays) annual conference and AvMA annual panel meeting (usually held end Nov, beginning December), engaging with potential AvMA panel applicants, promoting the benefits of accreditation and the junior scheme (Certificates Competence Scheme (CCS)), keeping up to date with medical and legal developments. Speaking at panel meetings and generally to promote the panel.

• Working with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.

• To improve on the current re-accreditation process to make it more streamlined and user friendly for applicants.

• To ensure relevant data from panel applications is captured on the CRM. Regular analysis of panel data, findings shared with AvMA senior leadership team and more widely where appropriate.

• To pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy by considering ways in which the panel can be developed to ensure panel members are as ethnically diverse as possible.

• To liaise with AvMA’s conference department to advise on any training which may be required to strengthen AvMA panel members knowledge and information base.

• To work with the Director Medico Legal services in assessing applications for Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors. To update and work on the Certificates Competence Scheme including organising applicant feedback to ensure this scheme continues to be fit for purpose. To inform and work with panel applicant mentors in strengthening the scheme.

• To deliver on administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees, working with AvMA’s Service Delivery Quality and Outreach Committee (SDQOC) as required to update on continued improvement of AvMA Panel Accreditation Scheme.

• Dealing with queries raised by AvMA Panel applicants and/or juniors who may have had their applications rejected.

• Ensuring AvMA panel template letters and documents are updated

• From time to time speaking publicly about requirements for AvMA panel membership, common pitfalls and how to overcome them as well as other matters relating to panel.

• To consider client complaints about panel members to determine whether the threshold for disciplinary action under AvMA’s Panel procedures is met.

• To manage disciplinary procedure for AvMA Panel members, identify and liaise with adjudicators, prepare documentation, set up the hearing.

• To manage appeals against rejection of an application for accreditation/reaccreditation, liaise with adjudicators.

• To keep on top of any government, regulatory or other policy changes which may affect the way in which patients can access justice, recover damages and seek redress for adverse clinical outcomes, as well as any improvements or impediments to lawyers undertaking this work.

• To develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and Certificates Competence scheme membership; to identify cost efficiencies and maximum engagement with AvMA accredited panel solicitors.

• Any other duties associated with the role.

2. Skills and Experience

Administration of the AvMA Panel

The bulk of the administration and management tasks do not require specialist skills; however, assistance is provided by the PA to the CEO when required.

AvMA has a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) driven computer system throughout the organisation, the introduction has been phased and the applicant should be confident enough with sufficient IT skills to onboard the new system. The CRM works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a data driven software solution which is intended to manage, track and store information. AvMA considers IT to be an ongoing commitment and the new panel accreditation manager should be willing to consider ways in which AvMA can maximise the impact of the CRM to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel related activities.

Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, the panel application interview process will involve discussions about topical medico legal issues and for this reason the post would suit someone who has a legal background, ideally qualified as a solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation. A a medical background would be helpful.

Assessment of new applications, interviews and dealing with correspondence

The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for the assessment of new panel accreditation applications.

The role of Panel Accreditation Manager would suit someone who has practised as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is looking to draw on their expertise and experience in a new role.The successful applicant should be confident in assessing former peers and colleagues in a fair and impartial way.

The nature of this work is such that the Panel Accreditation Manager can come into possession of sensitive information, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for this role. 

Reaccreditations

Reaccreditation assessments are done internally by the Panel Accreditation Manager, occasionally assistance can be provided by members of the internal panel assessment team.

AvMA aims to make reaccreditations more straightforward for practitioners and the new appointee will be expected to liaise with the profession to understand where they consider the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation lie and to consider how these can be overcome without compromising standards. 

AvMA receives a minimum of 15 applications for reaccreditation per annum, however numbers are usually considerably higher, up to 30 per annum.It is thought that the reaccreditation process could be designed to be more streamlined and user friendly for both the applicant and in house.

Other AvMA Panel assessments

In addition to assessing AvMA panel applications and reaccreditations the Panel Accreditation Manager will need to assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms.

Change of firm applications tend to be straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is going to a firm where there is another AvMA panel member but the process is more in depth for those going to a firm which does not have another AvMA panel member.  The Panel Application Manager needs to be confident that the new firm can meet the minimum standards and supervision requirements required of a first time panel application. 

There are about 5 applications for changes of firm rising to a maximum of 10 per annum. 

Interim Reviews

From time to time first time applicants may demonstrate that they largely meet the core criteria for AvMA Panel membership but there may be some areas that require improvement.In those cases, AvMA can award the applicant AvMA panel status subject to a review sometime later.The Panel Accreditation Manager is responsible for following up that review and examining progress made.The review is an opportunity to identify if the applicant has succeeded in strengthening the areas of weakness identified.If they have not, they risk losing their AvMA panel status entirely. 

There are about 3 interim reviews per annum, currently not exceeding 6. 

3. Other

• To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.

• To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.

• Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary 

Location: Home based- Please note that while the role is primarily remote, candidates must be based in the UK due to periodic travel requirements, including attendance at conferences and other in-person meetings. 

Hours: Part time - 18 hours 

Terms: One-year fixed term contract (with a possibility of extending the role funding allowing)

Salary: FTE £24,750 (actual £11,880)

Pension: NEST Scheme 

Annual Leave: 28 days pro rata (inclusive of bank holidays) 

Normal working week: 37.5 hours 

What we can offer you: 

• Flexible, remote working from home. 

• A positive and friendly staff culture. 

• Annual in-person meet-ups as a team. 

• Laptop and Phone as required. 

• Option to discuss and set your own regular working hours. 

• The opportunity to make a difference to a growing charity and a large, engaged 

community.

• Organisation wide shut down at Christmas in addition to your holiday entitlement 

ABOUT US

PANS and PANDAS are complex neuro-psychiatric conditions which are frequently 

misunderstood and misdiagnosed. PANS PANDAS UK are the only charity in the UK 

working to improve outcomes and ensure brighter futures for people affected by PANS and PANDAS. 

We provide support and information to families, and work tirelessly to inform medical 

practice, raise awareness, engage with medical, social work and educational 

professionals, and much more. 

We are a small team based at home in various UK locations. We keep in touch frequently online and have a warm, supportive and positive culture. 

OVERALL PURPOSE 

The Education Training Development Manager will lead the operational development, and delivery of the national education training programme, ensuring it aligns with organisational priorities and emerging national guidance. The role is responsible for the coordination, growth and quality assurance of PANS PANDAS UK’s national CPD training offer for teachers and educational psychologists (EPs), supporting the development and delivery of high‑quality training modules and strengthening partnerships.

The role reports to and works in close collaboration with the PANS PANDAS UK Education Lead, who retains overall ownership, strategic responsibility and final decision‑making authority for the training programme and the wider education strategy.

Central to this role is working collaboratively with the PANS and PANDAS community and the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to ensure all training is informed by lived experience.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Content Development

• Jointly review, update and refine existing CPD materials with the Education Lead, informed by national guidance and emerging research, with the Education Lead holding overall responsibility
• Support development of new training modules and associated materials.
• Explore future delivery models to expand national reach and scalability.
• Identify opportunities for integration of PANS or PANDAS training/materials within University/Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and other relevant programmes.
• Work collaboratively with the PANS PANDAS community and Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to ensure training reflects lived experience.

Trainer Recruitment & Capacity Building

• Recruit and induct additional trainers.
• Support trainer development.
• Maintain consistent quality standards.
• Deliver priority or pilot training sessions when needed to help support programme growth and maintain delivery capacity.

Strategic Programme Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction for the development and delivery of the national education training programme within the strategic framework set by the Education Lead.
• Ensure training content and delivery models align with organisational priorities and upcoming national guidance.
• Lead long-term programme planning, sustainability and continuous improvement.

Partnership Development & Sector Engagement

• Build relationships with MATs, LAs, Universities and other national relevant organisations.
• Work with the charity Communications and Engagement Officer to promote the training models across social media and education networks.
• Attend and present at education sector events and networks to raise awareness of training opportunities.

Commissioning & Income Support

• Develop commissioning packages tailored to MATs, LA’s and other relevant organisations.
• Support pricing structures.
• Identify sustainable income opportunities for the charity via the training.

Quality Assurance & Evaluation

• Oversee monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Prepare reports for the charity as required.

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate scheduling, setup and delivery logistics for all training sessions.
• Manage bookings, confirmations, resource distribution, attendance recording and data collection
• Lead regular training team meetings to support planning and quality assurance.
• Support management and storage of training assets.
• Maintain regular communication with the Education Lead.

Working Environment & Culture

• Remote and flexible working within a digitally enabled national team.
• Supportive work–life balance, flexible leave arrangements and an organisational shutdown during part of December.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with lived experience valued.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Relevant qualifications (teaching, SEND, adult learning, training design, project management).
• Ability to set priorities and align training with national guidance.
• Experience shaping or influencing SEND practice or programme development within an education context.
• Relationship building skills within the education sector.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the UK education sector.
• Familiarity with digital learning platforms.
• Willingness to gain an in depth understanding of PANS or PANDAS.
• Ability to work sensitively and confidently with the PANS and PANDAS community, including the YAB, creating safe and inclusive spaces.

Desirable

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
• Experience contributing to strategic planning within education, a charity or Local Authority.
• Experience with CPD
• Experience leading multiagency or cross sector initiatives.
• Lived experience of PANS and PANDAS

KSAAS (formerly East Kent Rape Crisis Centre) has provided sexual violence services in East Kent since 1981. We offer ongoing practical support and therapeutic services for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives, across Kent & Medway.

KSAAS holds UKAS accreditation through The Survivors Trust and is Professionally Approved by Rape Crisis England & Wales, demonstrating the consistent, high-quality services we provide.

KSAAS operates specialist Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) services, including joint ISVA and Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) provision for those experiencing sexual violence alongside domestic abuse.

We also offer trauma-focused therapeutic counselling for children, adolescents and adults, accessible through hubs across Kent & Medway.

Our Vision

KSAAS’s vision is a community where everyone is free from all forms of sexual violence. We work within a feminist, equalities and human rights framework, providing help, hope and healing to those impacted by sexual violence and helping to cultivate a safe, non-violent community.

Our Mission

It is our mission to:

• Respond to and promote the needs of those who have experienced sexual violence through a feminist empowerment model of work.
• Reduce the impact of sexual violence by supporting, educating, informing and advocating for all survivors.
• Challenge oppression in all forms.
• Challenge societal attitudes that condone and collude with sexual violence.

Please note that this post is restricted to women under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1). Your supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the candidate profile and should be no more than four A4 pages.

Role details

Salary: £24,133.20 (increasing to £26,133.20 once ISVA accredited).

• Base: Ashford / Canterbury
• Travel to other sites may be required.
• Hours: 35 hours per week (initial 1-year contract). Occasional out-of-hours meetings may be required.
• Benefits: 3% pension contribution; employee discounts scheme; 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays; employee assistance programme; flexible working negotiable.
• Requirements: right to work in the UK; enhanced DBS check (carried out through KSAAS); full UK driving licence and use of own car.
• Responsible to: Head of ISVA Services

Core functions

• Work as a committed member of the Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service (KSAAS) team.
• Support KSAAS’s aims, values and working principles, and work in line with KSAAS policies and procedures.
• Take all possible steps to ensure the safety and confidentiality of service users, staff, volunteers and KSAAS management.

Specific duties

• Provide support to children and young people, and their families, through a range of channels as appropriate, including face-to-face, video, text and telephone.
• Travel to schools and community venues to provide support as required by your caseload.
• Contact young people or the parents/carers of allocated child service users in a timely and professional manner.
• Work with children and young people who are survivors of sexual abuse to promote their emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Listen to service users’ needs and use a trauma-informed approach to develop an appropriate support plan.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments and provide ongoing support and advice on risk management.
• Support service users to report (if they choose to), and through each stage of the criminal justice process, explaining procedures and their rights and entitlements, including under the Victims’ Code.
• Support service users to make informed choices about their options.
• Support service users to access the services they need and to which they are entitled.
• Support service users to identify and work towards personal goals.
• Work in line with data protection legislation (including UK GDPR) and confidentiality requirements when working within multi-agency protocols.
• Identify and respond to child and adult safeguarding concerns, following relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Advocate and, where appropriate, challenge on behalf of service users.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with key partners including police, CPS, court services, education/schools, mental health and sexual health services, Victim Gateway, the Witness Service and other voluntary sector organisations.
• Highlight the needs of child survivors of sexual abuse and promote the service to partner agencies and local communities.
• Manage a caseload.
• Maintain accurate, timely notes and records for all service users, in line with UK GDPR and organisational requirements.
• Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within your area of practice, as required.
• Attend and contribute to supervision sessions.
• Work with a clear understanding of the myths and realities of sexual violence and trauma, including longer-term mental health impacts.
• Contribute accurate information, anonymised case studies and quantitative data to help monitor and evaluate service effectiveness.
• Complete ISVA/ChISVA training (if not already completed) and undertake ongoing training as directed throughout the role. 

General responsibilities

• Support the team to inform and educate the public, media, schools and other statutory agencies through networking, talks, training and presentations.
• Work flexibly to help KSAAS offer the best possible service to service users.
• Attend team and service meetings as required and collaborate with colleagues to achieve team and organisational objectives.
• Attend relevant training, conferences and workshops in line with identified professional objectives.

Performance will be monitored through regular line-management supervision and reviewed at the annual appraisal.

Due to the nature of work at KSAAS, tasks and responsibilities can be unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work flexibly when required, including undertaking additional duties not specifically covered in this job description. These duties will normally be in response to unforeseen circumstances or changes in work and will be compatible with the post holder’s usual role.

Please note that you will be required to undertake a DBS check and may also be required to complete additional security checks to work in some settings.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good standard of education (graduate level or equivalent experience)

• ISVA trained, or willing to attend training

• Child-related qualification

• Trauma-informed training

• Safeguarding training

• ISVA training

• Domestic abuse training

• Sexual abuse training

Experience

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of sexual violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual coercion

• Experience of working with a range of statutory, non-statutory and voluntary agencies

• Experience of working with vulnerable adults or children

• Experience of working within the violence against women and girls’ sector

Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge of adult and child safeguarding issues, legislation and best practice

• Ability to maintain professional notes and records of interactions and interventions with service users

• Understanding of the effects of abuse on children

• Proficient IT skills (Windows, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, email and internet)

• Understanding of professional confidentiality and its boundaries in relation to service delivery, legal, ethical and safeguarding issues

• Specialist knowledge of the immediate and longer-term impacts of sexual violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual coercion

• Understanding of the need for accurate monitoring

• Knowledge of the Victims’ Code of Practice

Skills

• Able to prioritise own workload and manage competing demands

• Ability to use line management and supervision effectively

• Good communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written)

• Ability to keep the service user at the centre of all processes

• Understanding of inequality and commitment to anti-oppressive practice

• Willingness to be creative in approach when working with children and young people

• Ability to work on own initiative, in partnership, and as part of a team

• Experience of proactive advocacy, representing the voices and needs of service users

Other

• Required to work flexibly to meet service users’ needs

• Expected to travel to meet service user needs; a driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential

How to Apply

To apply, please email a detailed CV along with a supporting statement explaining your suitability for the role, to the Head of ISVA Services, Caroline Carter.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 20 May 2026.

Release Counselling and Therapy for Women is entering an exciting new chapter. 

Founded in Brighton and Hove in 2013, Release has grown from a small local charity into a financially robust organisation with a growing national reach. Under the leadership of our outgoing CEO, the charity has been transformed—moving from a challenging financial position to one with strong reserves, clear sustainability, and ambitious plans for growth. 

We now provide affordable 1:1 online counselling to women across the UK, alongside specialist group programmes supporting maternal mental health and key life transitions. One-to-one counselling is a core offer and a vital income stream, enabling us to extend our reach while staying true to our values. 

This period has also seen Release grow to working with over 20 dedicated volunteer counsellors, strengthening our capacity and community impact. 

As our CEO steps down, Release is ready for its next phase—building on strong foundations, amplifying our national impact, and remaining firmly rooted in our purpose: being a charity that supports women’s mental health, run by women, for women.