Head of strategic communications jobs in dartford, kent

Support. Without Judgment.

At Prisoners Abroad, we support British citizens imprisoned overseas, their families at home, and people returning to the UK after prison. We are a small but powerful charity, providing life-saving support through some of the most isolating and traumatic experiences imaginable.

We’re looking for a Resettlement Officer to join our frontline team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract, working at the intersection of criminal justice, homelessness prevention and social reintegration. You’ll manage a caseload of people returning to the UK after prison abroad, providing essential support and advice around housing, benefits, mental health, and advocacy for this overlooked group, and co-facilitate support groups.

You’ll need frontline experience supporting people with multiple needs, strong advocacy and communication skills, and a non-judgemental, person-centred approach. 

What we offer:

• £35,509 per annum
• 30 days' annual leave + bank holidays
• Generous pension (6.5% employer contribution)
• Flexible working (1–2 days a week from home after induction)

For further details, click 'redirect to recruiter' to be taken to our jobs page where you will find the job pack containing all the information and details of how to apply.

This is a new role within the Bereavement Support Service proactively engaging bereaved families with the support service, respond to bereavement support digital enquiries, working in a team to deliver and ensure anyone seeking advice and support on bereavement is given a high-quality service in a timely way.

The aim of this post is to provide consistent, high-quality emotional support via digital channels to bereaved families who seek support from the Lullaby Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Proactively engage bereaved families with the support service, respond to bereavement support digital enquiries, working in a team to deliver and ensure anyone seeking advice and support on bereavement is given a high-quality service in a timely way.

· Assist with the setting up of new digital channels to be used by the Lullaby Trust to answer and respond to bereaved families.

· To be the primary contact for the bereavement support digital services including WhatsApp, text, webchat and other social media channels.

· Proactively engage with bereaved families through social media and other online platforms.

· Ensure any safeguarding concerns are actioned in accordance with the organisations Safeguarding policy.

· Send materials to bereaved contacts, including bereavement packs and follow up emails and ensure all documents and databases are updated with each contact in line with the department guidelines, including Raiser’s Edge, Excel databases.

· Cover and answer the bereavement support helpline and online enquiries responding within the set guidelines and KPIs for the department.

· Ensure any messages on Bereavement Support Facebook Groups are monitored and advice is given via befrienders where appropriate.

· Attend face to face events for bereaved families including family days and memorial events when needed.

· Work with Income and Engagement Team around social media bereavement support content/posts.

2. Deliver and run live bereavement themed sessions on social media

· Run monthly live sessions on social media on bereavement topics/themes, responding to comments and messages during and after the sessions, ensuring anyone seeking ongoing support is responded to and referred to relevant services .

· Work with the Engagement Team to promote live session.

· Facilitate monthly remembrance sessions.

3. Ensure the bereavement support services are promoted to those bereaved and to professionals working with bereaved families

· Assist with the recruitment and facilitation of Bereaved Families’ Panel.

· Keep up to date with the bereavement support world including joining National Bereavement Alliance, Child Bereavement Network and research around grief and bereavement.

· Attend events as required to represent the Lullaby Trust’s bereavement support services.

4. Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements

Maintain ongoing knowledge and training on the Lullaby Trust’s advice and the scientific knowledge behind this advice.

Collate statistics, as required on areas of work within the support services team.

Assist with the services’ evaluation and impact processes.

Provide other administrative support to the team as required.

Other:

Attend and participate with external supervision sessions, managerial supervision and team and organisational meetings.

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

• Salary: £54,281 FTE (Outside London); £58,195 FTE (London)
• Hours: 35
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Location: Homebased with some travel
• Closing Date: 3 June 2025
• Interview Dates: 12 & 13 June 2025

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we have our own unique role to play in reaching the North Star. We know our strengths and where we can have the most impact to best support children and young people with cancer. Within our new strategy ‘The Time is Now’ we set out four strategic ambitions, the first stating we will continue to be a major service delivery provider: offering high quality, impactful services. We are proud to lead the way in delivering high-level, psychosocial support and accommodation services throughout cancer treatment, end-of-life, and bereavement and we want to ensure our investment in this area is optimised to make sure we always provide the tailored support that children, young people and families need and that our services remain relevant.

You will be joining an established operational leadership team who are committed to continuous service improvement. Service Managers play a key leadership role in the management and development of a region, which is made up of three social work teams located alongside Principal Treatment Centres which are Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield. Your responsibilities will include delivering service standards, and compliance. You will interface with NHS stakeholder colleagues to promote effective governance and multi-disciplinary relationships with a focus on smooth referral pathways. The team meets weekly to discuss management of the overall service-this effectively allows all team members to play an active role. In addition, to your designated region you will have a lead area of responsibility-this will be Deputy Safeguarding Lead. This role works closely with the Head of Safeguarding to ensure effective management of safeguarding across the charity as well as spanning workforce development and the promotion of best practice.

This position has four direct reports, 3 Team Managers and one Regional Service Coordinator, the latter provides support to the Service Manager and regional teams.

We actively invest in your development and set clear expectations about deliverables and culture. We are looking for someone who is committed to best practice and responsiveness to the needs of children and young people. You will need to be a confident relationship builder, with a track record in social work management. This post requires registration with a professional social work body and criminal record checks.  

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• Senior operational leadership, implementation of service objectives with responsibility for managing practice, people, budgets compliance and DEIB in a designated area. 
• Ensuring the safety of children and young people, staff, volunteers and services. 
• Managing and developing stakeholder relationships particularly with NHS colleagues. 
• Developing team culture in line with organisational values ensuring staff are motivated, supported and developed. 
• Have the Lead Service Manager role for Safeguarding.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Qualified and registered Social Worker with management experience in social care services for children young people and families.
• Experience of working in partnership with young people and their families.
• Evidence of experience of collaborative interagency working and managing strategic stakeholder relationships
• Understanding of oppression and the barriers that marginalised people face, and strong commitment to deliver anti-oppressive practices 
• Current knowledge of relevant legislation, national policy and guidance in health and social care 
• Highly skilled communicator with professionals and partner organisations; young people and their families with evidence of collaborative working.
• Ability to develop, motivate and empower staff and develop high performing teams whilst offering skilled support and management of performance.
• You will be expected to role model behaviour by caring deeply about your staff’s wellbeing, encouraging feedback and challenging constructively  
• Proven ability to be innovative and solutions-focused in the face of challenges.
• You take ownership of your personal development, and that of your direct reports .

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

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Job purpose

The Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s Healthcare Services with the Operations Director, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.

At present, the Healthcare Services is a small team with two doctors (GPs) and two physios. Our counsellors are overseen by a Counselling Lead Supervisor and our multi-faith Chaplains are supported by our Lead Chaplain.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in driving the strategy for our Healthcare Services with the Director of Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.

• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.

• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.

• Designated safeguarding officer for Healthcare Services.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.

• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.

• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.

• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting staff with clinical decision-making.

• Represent Action for M.E. at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.

Person specification

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance.

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.

• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.

• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.

• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.

• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.

• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.

• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.