Health policy jobs

Job Description: Head of Services

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Woking, Surrey

Hours of Work: Full time, 37.5hrs per week

Salary: £42,000 - £45,000 (DOE, pro rata)

About Us:

At York Road Project, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in Woking. We believe in harnessing the unique strengths and potential of each individual to create a pathway towards stability and independence.

The Role:

We are looking for a proactive and organised Head of Services,  providing full operational leadership across our Accommodation Services and Day Centre Services, ensuring safe, consistent and effective delivery across all frontline provision.

This includes:

• Direct Access Accommodation (10 beds)
• Move-on properties (14 beds)
• Day Centre Services
• Frontline staff across both services

The role holds full responsibility for day-to-day operational delivery and decision-making within services, ensuring they run safely and effectively, with only critical or strategic issues escalated to the Chief Executive.

The role also provides management oversight of property, compliance and health and safety functions delivered by the Facilities Manager and wider staff teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Service Oversight

• Provide operational leadership across both services, ensuring safe, consistent and effective delivery.
• Support and enable staff delivering day-to-day services, providing clear leadership, guidance and appropriate autonomy within agreed standards.
• Maintain service quality, structure and consistency, stepping in where required to resolve operational issues.
• Promote a collaborative, trauma-informed working culture where staff are empowered to deliver services effectively.
• Use service delivery data, client feedback and staff insight to support continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate recording of service activity and outcomes is maintained.

Accommodation & Day Centre Services

• Provide management oversight of Direct Access Accommodation and move-on properties, ensuring safe and effective delivery.
• Ensure occupancy levels, allocations and housing processes are effectively managed by operational staff and administrative support functions.
• Maintain operational oversight of property standards, compliance systems, inspections, maintenance reporting and fire safety processes delivered by the Facilities Manager and wider staff teams.
• Ensure compliance with HMO requirements, supported housing standards and organisational procedures through monitoring and escalation where required.
• Provide leadership and support to staff responsible for housing management functions, ensuring systems are followed consistently.

Safeguarding & Risk Management

• Provide oversight of safeguarding across all services, ensuring procedures are followed consistently.
• Ensure safeguarding systems, risk assessments and incident management processes are implemented effectively.
• Monitor safeguarding activity and ensure appropriate action and escalation.
• Support staff in managing safeguarding concerns, complex needs and high-risk incidents.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are escalated in line with organisational and statutory requirements.

Health & Safety

• Provide management oversight of health and safety across all services, ensuring safe and compliant working environments.
• Work alongside the Facilities Manager to ensure health and safety policies, risk assessments, inspections and safe systems of work are effectively implemented and maintained.
• Monitor operational health and safety activity within services, ensuring hazards, incidents and safety concerns are identified, recorded and escalated appropriately.
• Ensure safe systems of work are followed across services, including lone working procedures and site safety processes.
• Escalate serious health and safety concerns in line with organisational procedures.

Staff Leadership & Management

• Provide supportive leadership across both services, fostering a stable and positive working environment.
• Lead supervision, reflective practice and performance management conversations.
• Promote a trauma-informed approach across the team.
• Build a culture of accountability, openness and professionalism.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, training and development.
• Manage rotas and staffing levels to support service delivery and wellbeing.
• Ensure staff are supported in managing complex and challenging situations.

Reporting, Service Development & Operational Oversight

• Oversee referrals, allocations and engagement pathways across services.
• Maintain oversight of operational data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Monitor service performance, demand, outcomes and operational pressures.
• Produce regular reports for the CEO covering activity, performance, risks and outcomes.
• Analyse data and feedback to identify trends and service improvement opportunities.
• Support development of effective client progression pathways.

On-Call & Operational Cover

• Participate in a Monday–Friday on-call rota.
• Respond to urgent operational incidents and staffing issues.

Professional Standards & Ways of Working

• Work in a trauma-informed, person-centred and non-judgemental way across all service delivery.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to support positive outcomes for clients
• Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff and external partners.
• Manage workload independently, prioritising competing demands effectively.

Knowledge and Skills:

Essential

• Significant experience leading frontline or community-based services delivering high‑quality, trauma‑informed emotional and practical support.
• Strong track record of supervising, developing, and supporting staff and volunteers, including performance management and professional growth.
• Demonstrable experience of safeguarding adults and/or children at risk, with confident use of safeguarding processes.
• Proven ability to oversee operational service delivery in complex or high‑pressure environments and make sound, independent decisions.
• Experience setting service aims, outcome objectives, and KPIs, and reporting performance to senior leadership, commissioners, or governance boards.
• Ability to reach, engage, and develop services for vulnerable or underserved groups.
• Experience working collaboratively with partner agencies and external stakeholders to deliver integrated support.
• Skilled in managing competing priorities while maintaining service quality and compliance.

Desirable

• Working within homelessness, supported housing or related sectors.
• Delivery of trauma-informed services.
• Involvement in service development, redesign or improvement projects
• Setting and monitoring KPIs or outcome frameworks
• Managing budgets or operational resources.
• Working with volunteers in service delivery.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Resilient and confident working in complex environments.
• Commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness.
• Positive attitude, maintains a positive attitude even in challenging situations.
• Future-orientated, has a forward-thinking perspective, anticipates future needs or issues and plans accordingly.
• Team worker, demonstrates a commitment to strong collaborative work by actively engaging with colleagues, volunteers, external partners and to be accountable for the outcome.
• Ownership, a willingness to take ownership of tasks and projects and to be accountable for the outcomes.
• Aligned with the values and mission of York Road Project.

Benefits:

• Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays (pro-rata) 
• Pension Scheme.
• Birthday day off.
• Medicash healthcare plan,
• Flexible working and hybrid working opportunities. 

About the role:

Young people need more than a service that reacts when things go wrong. They need skilled, steady adults who can stay curious, hold hope and help others see the person behind the risk. As Senior Practitioner, you’ll help shape the quality of frontline practice in Camden Young Person’s High Support Accommodation Service, making sure young people are met with support that is thoughtful, consistent and ambitious for their future.

This is a practice leadership role, not a line management role. You’ll work alongside colleagues and young people where support feels stuck, helping the team think through safeguarding, risk, barriers to engagement, support planning, move-on and partnership responses. You’ll hold a caseload where required, contribute to reflective practice and case discussions, and model trauma informed, psychologically informed and strengths-based ways of working.

You’ll also help young people access the right support at the right time, working with partners across social care, CAMHS, youth offending, health, substance use and accommodation pathways. At SHP, you’ll be part of a learning culture that values development, training and career growth — with space to deepen your practice, share your expertise and keep growing while helping young people build trust, independence and a life that feels more their own.

About you:

• You bring strong experience of complex casework with young people, and you know how to balance risk, compassion, boundaries and hope.
• You can coach and guide colleagues without needing formal line management authority, helping people feel clearer, steadier and more confident in their practice.
• You understand trauma, safeguarding, non-engagement, exploitation, mental health and the realities young people may face in high support accommodation.
• You are a strong communicator who can record clearly, share information safely and work well with partners to move things forward.
• You are reflective, organised and solution focused, with the confidence to spot gaps, strengthen practice and keep young people’s progress at the heart of the work.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 26th July at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 5th August in person at a Young Person's Service

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead IRMO’s Advice programme. As our Senior Advice Programme Manager, you’ll manage a dedicated team and oversee a range of initiatives that provide high-quality information and advice services to respond to the changing needs of our community.

The Advice programme provides trusted information, resources, advice and casework in Spanish and Portuguese on key areas of need, including immigration, welfare entitlements, housing and homelessness prevention. IRMO is accredited by the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 3. We are also members of Advice UK and receive second-tier support from Southwark Law Centre.

Alongside this, the programme works with local health boards to run initiatives designed to improve access to health services, such as HIV testing, sexual health and family planning advice and Chagas disease testing. You will also oversee IRMO’s Community Support service, which manages community enquiries daily at our Brixton centre and through our helpline, provides emergency crisis support and coordinates our Community Interpreting service, as well as connects service users with internal or external support.

These initiatives support people facing difficulties and help them build the skills and confidence to navigate complex systems. All of our work is shaped by the views of our beneficiaries, keeping our services relevant and responsive.

As Senior Advice Programme Manager, you’ll lead the strategic development of the Advice programme, ensuring our work is high-quality, impactful and responsive to the needs of our community. You’ll help grow the programme by strengthening existing partnerships and developing new ones.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring solid experience as both a project and line manager, with a track record of overseeing multiple initiatives, delivering against KPIs and communicating impact clearly. You’ll be confident in managing people and priorities, with a leadership style that brings out the best in your team.

You’ll also have a strong understanding of the barriers Latin Americans face in accessing immigration, welfare, housing, health and other essential services in the UK, and a genuine passion for advancing the rights and welfare of migrants and refugees.

For more information please find the Job Description on our website

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We are recruiting two Policy and Public Affairs Officers to join our Policy and Influencing team at Blood Cancer UK. One role will be based in London and focus on policy and public affairs activity across England and Wales, while the other will be based in Edinburgh and lead our work in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Both roles will play a vital part in ensuring that the voices of people affected by blood cancer are heard by decision-makers and that evidence-based solutions influence governments, health systems and policymakers across the UK.

Working as part of a collaborative UK-wide team, you will develop evidence-based policy positions, build and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and health stakeholders, and produce high-quality briefings and consultation responses. You will also represent Blood Cancer UK at meetings, events and stakeholder forums, helping to influence policy and drive meaningful change for people affected by blood cancer.

This role will require regular travel within your respective nations (England and Wales or Scotland and Northern Ireland) to attend meetings, events and stakeholder engagement activities. In addition, there will be occasional travel across the UK, including to London, Cardiff, or Edinburgh, Belfast and other locations, to support cross-UK influencing activity, team meetings and organisational events.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Expected interview dates: 

England & Wales

Thursday 30 July – first stage, online

Thursday 6 August – second stage, in person in our London office

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Tuesday 11 August – first stage, online

Tuesday 18 August – second stage, in person in our Edinburgh office

Closing Date: England and Wales: 9am on Thursday 23 July 2026; Scotland & Northern Ireland: 9am on Thursday 30 July 2026.

At Bluesci, we believe that everyone deserves good mental health and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced our services, collaborate with individuals and their communities to help them achieve their aspirations and wellness.   

Bluesci operates across the borough of Trafford from four Wellbeing Centres, offering arts, cultural and volunteering opportunities, social prescribing, talking therapies, and group support. We partner with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) to deliver Trafford Neighbourhood Mental Health Service and with Trafford Libraries to co-deliver library services from two of our centres. Bluesci at Night offers a safe, welcoming space for people 365 nights a year, and we also provide Smoking Cessation Support.   

Peer support Workers hold a key position in the Trafford Living Well service, working with individuals and groups, to help people to reach their individual recovery goals.

Peer support workers support individuals to establish greater control over their lives, helping to identify aspects of life that give meaning, hope, value and purpose whilst recognising that everyone’s recovery is a uniquely personal process.

As an integral and valued member of the multi-agency team, the post holder will support team members by role modelling and using lived experience of mental health services to shape the service's quality.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges. It is important that applicants are at a stage in their recovery where they feel able to use their experiences safely and appropriately to support others.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Registered Care Home. 

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Support Worker to join our team, supporting individuals with a range of complex health and support needs to live independently and achieve their personal goals. Working under the guidance of the Team Manager, you will manage a caseload of service users, providing person-centred care and support that promotes wellbeing, independence, and choice. You will assist with the development, implementation, and review of support plans, support service users to access educational, leisure, and health-related activities, and help them build on their strengths and aspirations. The role includes supporting with medication administration, encouraging service users to manage their own medication where appropriate, monitoring health, wellbeing, safety, and safeguarding concerns, and working closely with carers, colleagues, subcontractors, and external agencies to deliver high-quality support. You will also contribute to the smooth running of the service by assisting with housing management responsibilities, domestic tasks where required, and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, risk assessments, and Hestia's policies and procedures.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

We are looking for someone with a good understanding of mental health, including the signs, symptoms, and treatments associated with mental illness, and the ability to recognise when a service user's mental health may be deteriorating and take appropriate action. The successful candidate will have an awareness of health and safety responsibilities, a commitment to safeguarding, and a strong understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion. You will be confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and electronic support planning and risk assessment systems, with good literacy and numeracy skills. This role requires a flexible and person-centred approach, including a willingness to support service users with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care, while encouraging independence and helping individuals work towards their goals. You will be able to build positive relationships, work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies, and remain focused on delivering support that is tailored to the needs of each service user. Flexibility is essential, as the role involves working evenings, weekends, and sleep-in shifts on a rota basis, as well as travelling and working across Hestia services when required.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Support those who Care

This is an exciting opportunity to join our service supporting Carers across City of London to improve their health and wellbeing, and access support that meets their needs. We are working with Carers from a range of cultures, and it would be an advantage to speak Bengali.

The team work holistically with Carers to understand their individual circumstances and level of need. You’ll carry out home visits and community-based meetings, co-produce support plans, and develop effective relationships with Carers, families, and professionals. You will also support Carers to complete written forms and applications, draft letters, and advocate with third parties.

You’ll build on your local knowledge to signpost and facilitate access for Carers to support services, including financial and benefit advice, housing, health and safety home systems, and leisure and social activities. The role also requires you to support the development of escalation plans so that Carers are prepared for unforeseen circumstances that would impact negatively on ability to care.

Together with colleagues, you will plan and deliver the service’s activity package, including coffee mornings, drop-in sessions, activities, online and face to face groups, and peer support forums. There will also be opportunities to promote the service by attending meetings and forums, and to deliver training sessions to professionals and community organisations so that they have the skills to identify Carers.

Applicants should have relevant personal or professional experience of working with Carers and/or vulnerable adults or children in a social care, health, education or voluntary and community sector.

This is a full-time position, and you should be an excellent communicator and able to motivate and empower others. You’ll need a practical understanding of barriers faced by Carers, and an awareness of cultural differences and access to services.

Do a job where you make a difference.

We offer our employees:

· Inclusive values-based environment

· Competitive remuneration package

· Workplace pension scheme

· Generous 31 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

· Opportunities for hybrid working

· Benenden Health Care

· Death in Service Benefit

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme

· Development opportunities

· and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

About the role:

Join us at Single Homeless Project (SHP) as part of our Lewisham Vulnerable Adults Accommodation Service (LVAAS), delivering accommodation-based support across our properties in Brockley and New Cross. This is hands-on, day-to-day work alongside people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage, where no two days are the same. You’ll build real relationships with clients, supporting them to stabilise, develop life skills and move towards greater independence, while navigating the challenges that can come with housing, health and wider support needs.

As a Project Worker, you’ll be at the centre of the service; working closely with colleagues and partner agencies to coordinate support that genuinely moves people forward. Alongside your client work, you’ll play a key role in keeping the service running safely and smoothly, from maintaining a secure, welcoming environment to staying on top of health and fire safety standards across the properties.

At SHP, this role is a starting point for growth. You’ll gain exposure to complex work, build confidence in your practice and be supported to develop your career in a way that works for you. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a tangible difference every day while growing your skills, you’ll find that here.

About you:

• You build trust quickly and genuinely, working alongside people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage with warmth, consistency and clear boundaries
• You stay calm and practical in busy or challenging moments, able to balance competing demands without losing sight of what matters for clients
• You’re confident working in a property-based service, taking responsibility for creating a safe, well-run environment for both clients and colleagues
• You work well with others, whether that’s your immediate team or external partners, and know how to keep things moving forward
• You’re open to learning, reflective in your approach and motivated to grow your skills in a role that will stretch you

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 19th July at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 28th July online via Microsoft Teams

A second stage interview will be arranged for suitable candidates in service in Lewisham. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

Everyone deserves good mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK's leading charity focused on the prevention of poor mental health. For more than 75 years, we have combined research, policy, campaigning and public engagement to challenge the causes of poor mental health and drive lasting change.

Today, mental health outcomes across the UK are worsening, particularly for children and young people. While services remain focused on responding to crisis, we believe prevention must become the foundation of the UK's approach to mental health. Our new five-year strategy, ‘A Call to Act: Fighting for Prevention in Mental Health’ sets out an ambitious vision to achieve that change.

Why we are recruiting

After eight successful years, our current Chief Executive will be stepping down, creating an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the Foundation through its next phase of growth and impact.

The organisation enters this transition from a position of strength: a clear and ambitious strategy, a talented and committed team of around 70 staff across the UK, strong finances, a respected national profile, a supportive Board and committed Chair.

The opportunity

As Chief Executive, you will be the chief ambassador of the Foundation. You will lead the delivery of our new strategy, strengthen our influence with governments, policymakers and partners, and ensure we continue to grow our impact and income.

Working closely with the Board, a highly capable Senior Leadership Team, supporters and partners, you will champion prevention as the solution to the UK's mental health crisis, helping to shape policy, public understanding and systemic change across our priority areas:

· Championing prevention: so that we can prevent mental health problems before they take root, tackling the causes instead of waiting to treat the symptoms.

· Online worlds: so that people are protected from harm and are more mentally healthy in their online activity.

· Bullying and discrimination: so that children and young people are protected from the life-long harms these can lead to.

· Working lives: so that young people can thrive in mentally-healthy workplaces that support their wellbeing.

This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected charities and improve the lives of millions of people.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an inspiring, values-driven leader with the credibility, ambition and vision to take the Foundation forward.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience as a CEO, Executive Director or similar SLT role
• A proven track record of leading organisational growth, impact and fundraising success
• Outstanding communication and strategic partnership-building skills
• Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, policymakers, funders and the media, to effect change
• Strong strategic, financial and organisational leadership capability
• A collaborative leadership style that empowers and develops others
• A commitment to equity, inclusion and the Foundation's values

Knowledge of mental health, public health, prevention, related research, or campaigning would be highly advantageous, though we welcome applications from candidates with transferable leadership experience and relevant insights from closely adjacent or intersecting sectors.

Join us

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected organisation at a pivotal moment for mental health in the UK. If you are passionate about creating long-term social change and have the leadership skills to inspire people, influence systems and deliver impact at scale, we would love to hear from you.

To read more about the organisation and role, please download the full appointment brief.

Together, we can build a future where everyone can live with the good mental health they deserve.

Closing date: 16 August 2026

People Beyond Profit Conversations: 20-31 August 2026

Mental Health Foundation Interviews:

• First Stage: 7 September 2026 (in-Person)
• Second Stage: 14 September 2026 (In-Person)

Title:  Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager

Salary:  From £45,000 - £55,000 per annum 

Contract:  Permanent

Hours:  37.5 per week (Monday to Friday) 

Holiday:     25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:  Home based with regular travel within / to London and across the UK

Probationary Period:  3 months

Reports to:  Head of Department 

Benefits:  An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution

Title and salary to be commensurate with experience.

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue UK rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution and water shortages. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, take legal actions and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end river pollution and secure freshwater. 

We are building a talented team of positive disrupters and stakeholder mobilisers to deliver our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of communities, rivers and wildlife.

Britain’s rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

We are expanding our political influence by introducing this new position, which will work closely with our existing Policy and Advocacy Manager to bolster our strategic reach particularly in the areas of water scarcity, security and justice, sewage and chemical pollution, and water sector reform.

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual who shares our passion for protecting rivers and securing our nation’s water, food, health, jobs and economy to join our team to drive forward our policy and advocacy work. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong policy insights capable of blending analytical problem-solving with intelligent advocacy to drive meaningful change. This role requires someone to have excellent writing skills and the ability to draft complex policy documents as well as top line arguments for wider communication. 

The ideal person will bring a combination of expertise, energy and ideas to amplify our impact, holding decision-makers and polluters accountable with a professional and diplomatic approach. They will engage with influential people across the sector, government, industry and media. 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to be at the forefront of environmental policy and advocacy across multiple campaigns, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

As a Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, you  will lead the development and drafting of River Action’s overall policy strategy as well as leading on specific policy areas. You will play a leading role in shaping and advancing River Action’s political and policy influence, working closely with the Senior Management Team, Chief Executive and wider organisation to develop and execute an impactful policy and advocacy strategy.

River Action is the Co-Secretariat for the APPG on Water Pollution, offering our Policy and Advocacy Manager a unique opportunity to shape the policy direction for River Action and also to influence policy development across Parliament. 

You will also work closely with our public affairs agency who manage our daily Westminster activities. 

You will:

• Lead River Action’s development and delivery of our policy and advocacy strategy on sewage, industrial water pollution, and water scarcity 

• Collaborate with River Action’s team and external partners to ensure our collective work is underpinned by robust and forward-thinking policy analysis and evidence.

• Develop policy analysis to support campaign, communications and policy strategies, based on a strong evidence base and a sound understanding of the relevant legal and policy frameworks.

• Translate complex policy and evidence into concise documents with clear messages and compelling campaigns to engage political and policy stakeholders.

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments, interpreting their implications and opportunities for River Action and its supporters.

• Generate analysis to enable participation in public consultation processes, including drafting high-quality and persuasive consultation responses and briefings for Westminster and Whitehall audiences.

• Increase our political influence with exciting policy interventions, ensuring River Action’s voice is heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, civil servants, industry experts and partner organisations.

• Support grassroots community groups and third-sector partners in engaging with their local representatives for effective advocacy.

• Organise and attend key political meetings and events, including the Water Pollution APPG, stakeholder roundtables and parliamentary events.

• Manage strategic policy partnerships, including our relationship with Wildlife and Countryside Link and other third-sector organisations.

• Ensure River Action’s policy and advocacy efforts align with our creative campaigns, by making sure colleagues and spokespeople are well-briefed and communications content is well-informed to maximise reach and impact.

You will also:

• Actively engage in professional development and training.

• Adhere to health and safety policies while working in different locations.

• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of work at River Action.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across River Action to collectively deliver our mission while being true to our values. 

UK travel will be required and regular trips to London. Training and operational activities may require overnight stays away from home, in which case costs will be covered and standard River Action procedures will apply.

What you’ll bring

The position will suit a self-motivated, strategic and determined person. You will be an excellent communicator, with exceptional writing skills and comfortable representing River Action and engaging with diverse stakeholders in positions of responsibility. You will have a passion to protect and restore our waterways and to hold decision-makers and polluters to account.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience in a senior policy and advocacy role, ideally within the environmental sector and including experience of water policy. 

• Policy and/or legislative experience, with a good understanding of the workings of the UK government and Parliamentary procedure.

• A good understanding of the UK water industry, the key UK water-related policies and the issues that are impacting our rivers, land and wildlife.

• Knowledge of the challenge of water scarcity.

• Excellent communication and writing skills with close attention to detail and the ability to produce concise and persuasive briefings, reports and consultation responses.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working creatively and at a fast pace with colleagues, stakeholders and partners. 

• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to proactively plan and prioritise work and to report your progress and impact.

• Ability to work flexible hours and travel as necessary.

• A good and supportive team player with a willingness to muck in as and when required.

Why join us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation working to restore and protect the UK’s rivers.

• Work at the heart of political and environmental change, influencing decision-makers at the highest levels.

• Work in an agile, supportive and happy work environment where your ideas and expertise will have real impact.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organisation.

Diversity and inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager’:

• your CV (2 pages), 

• a cover letter (2 pages) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

Please prepare a 2 page policy briefing for Parliamentarians on the issue of water scarcity and water justice and how it affects UK rivers and our security.  Your briefing should be written in a clear, persuasive style suitable for a Parliamentary and government audience and:

• Identify causes of water scarcity and injustice.

• Provide a concise analysis of the impact on rivers, biodiversity and our economy.

• Summarise and assess gaps in relevant UK Government policies, legislation and plans.

• Propose two or three practical policy recommendations for decision-makers.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 5pm on Wednesday 15th July.

Should your application be selected during sift, the next stage will involve an initial 15-minute interview. You may then be invited to attend a second interview with a panel. 

Interviews will be held in the weeks commencing 19th July and 26th July via video conference. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for interviews.

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

Re-Instate Role Description

Service: Re-Instate Early Intervention Service

Job Title: Early Intervention Manager

Hours and salary: 28 hours per week across 4 days (plus unpaid lunch)

Fixed Term Contract until 15th June 2029.

£29,000 - £31,000 (depending on experience)

Base: 43/44 Riverside Shopping Centre, Erith, DA8 1RG 

Reports to: CEO

Purpose of Job

Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference? Can you offer creative solutions to problems? Could you help individuals meet their work and life goals?

Re-Instate’s Early Intervention Employment Service supports local people struggling with their mental health at the earliest possible stage through a range of employment related services. In addition, we are looking to deliver a range of training workshops to support clients of the service and local organisations.

The post holder will:

• Be responsible for managing, monitoring, delivering and evaluating employment activities to ensure that contract outcome targets are met.
• Support the implementation of organisational initiatives of Re-Instate.
• Take an active role in the delivery, management, monitoring and evaluation of any initiatives developed as part of the Early Intervention Service.
• Support clients to retain paid and voluntary work through employer engagement.
• Provide information to assist in strategic decision making.
• Represent Re-Instate within the London borough of Bexley.
• Work with the Training and Outreach Co-ordinator to promote the Early Intervention Service.

The post-holder will need project development experience and a working, knowledge of models of supported employment. They will be an effective networker, able to develop and sustain partnerships with a range of stakeholders.

 Key Activities:

• Promote and deliver the vision for the Early Intervention Service that supports sustainable recovery for people experiencing mental ill health, including job retention, job searching, preparation for work and signposting.
• Lead, supervise and support the Early Intervention team through regular supervision, appraisals and performance reviews.
• Manage a caseload of clients, supporting people experiencing mental ill health to meet their work goals.
• Manage workshops, as well as individual and group sessions, to support clients in their job search. Provide expert guidance on crafting compelling CVs, completing job applications, mastering interview strategies, and enhancing overall job-seeking effectiveness.
• Generate and establish new bespoke sector specific or employer specific pathways.
• Maintain and develop excellent communication with all key contacts including colleagues, commissioners and partner providers of specialist and non-specialist services, Service User and Carer Groups.
• As part of job retention, consider reasonable adjustments and support services for clients with disabilities or other barriers to employment, ensuring their successful integration into the workplace.
• Monitor and report on the employment status of client to effectively measure the impact of the service.
• Conduct regular performance reviews with the Early Intervention team to adherence of quality standards.
• Conduct supervision, appraisals and monitor individual objectives in line with Re-Instate policy and practice.
• Ensure that all data requirements are met within defined deadlines and work with the CEO to ensure that outcomes are being achieved.
• Ensure all administrative duties associated with the delivery of the specific employment service activity – including computerised systems, record keeping and information governance are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of recovery focused employment models (Case Management).

General terms of reference:

In carrying out the above duties the post holder will:

• Work flexibly across Bexley as required.
• Work flexibly within an agreed number of hours of work to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision.
• Seek to improve personal performance, contribution, knowledge and skills.
• Participate in appraisal, training and supervision processes.
• Keep abreast of developments in services, legislation and practice relevant to the client group and share information with the colleagues.
• Ensure the implementation of all Re-Instate policies and procedures.
• Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

• Track record of developing, overseeing and monitoring effective case management within a project
• Experience of working with or supporting people with mental health needs
• Experience of coordinating and monitoring a project
• Evidence of a commitment to Service User involvement, development and co-production.
• Experience of evaluating project results
• Experience of working within contracts, service agreements and service delivery systems.
• Experience of risk assessment and risk management procedures.
• Experience of working effectively with external agencies and building networks.
• Demonstrable administrative and IT skills.

And the ability to:

• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Solve problems quickly and effectively in a collaborative way.
• Communicate confidently and effectively and adapt communication style and content to meet the needs of the audience.
• Respond flexibly to the demands of the post.
• Manage frustration and the challenges of change management.
• Work as a member of the overall team.
• Demonstrate a capacity to work alone effectively and the ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Understand and have a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.
• Develop an understanding of the needs and lived experiences of people experiencing mental ill health.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of local services, businesses, health care and geography in Bexley.
• Driving License and own car.

This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level. Amendments: This description accurately reflects the present position; it may be amended and reviewed.  Any change will be made following a proper period of consultation.

About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is an independent membership organisation dedicated to the education, training and advancement of surgeons, dental surgeons, doctors, and various individuals throughout healthcare who are involved in the surgical care of patients. The College has a current membership approaching 32,000 and growing, with members spanning over 100 countries around the world.

From our founding in 1505, the College has been committed to the advancement of surgery and driving patient safety standards worldwide. In our 515-year history, there has never been a better time to join the College than now.

Working with us

At the College we aim to embrace views from across the organisation, sharing common goals and values for the betterment of healthcare through the advancement of surgical and dental professionals. We aim to develop teams that are reflective of the needs of our members and maximise the potential of every employee.

To reflect the varying needs across the organisation, we offer a range of policies and benefits for our workforce including a generous 42 days annual leave, flexible working practices, enhanced employer pensions contribution and various discounts throughout the College including the Ten Hill Place Hotel, 1505 Café and free entry to Surgeons’ Hall Museums.

About the Role

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer is a strategic role that offers an exciting opportunity to make an impact on healthcare policy on a national scale.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, the post holder will develop and communicate the College’s core policy messages and engage with governments, NHS organisations and other healthcare bodies across all four nations. They will also oversee responses to policy consultations and prepare policy reports, statements and conduct research that helps the College understand and influence the shape of the surgical and dental workforce.

This role can be based in either our Edinburgh or Birmingham offices, with candidates expected to be on site two days per week. There may be requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours and travel for work occasionally. 

Experience/Qualifications/Key Skills

This is a superb opportunity for an individual who is confident, methodical, organised and conscientious.

Educated to a minimum level of degree level you will have proven policy and analytical experience as well as excellent communication and strong team working skills. A self-starter, you will have the ability to manage your workload with minimum supervision and develop your own strategies and campaigns. 

A high level of professionalism and diplomacy is required for the role as is a willingness to take on new challenges and be receptive to change.

Please note that we do not accept CV’s and agencies need not apply.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The administrative coordinator will play a key role in providing administrative, coordination and financial support across AHS. The role focuses on managing core systems, inboxes and documents, ensuring information is accurate, accessible and compliant. Acting as a central point for organisation, the postholder will coordinate meetings, support teams with routine administrative tasks, and contribute to smooth financial processes. They will help maintain effective workflows in a virtual environment, escalating issues as needed to keep daily operations running efficiently.

Main responsibilities

 Administration and systems management

• Manage AHS central inbox(es) and escalate matters to the business administrator and business operations team as appropriate
• Provide day-to-day administrative support including preparing, filing, archiving and retrieving documents
• Manage and update shared digital platforms, databases and documents to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Manage administrative functions such as task tracking in a fully virtual environment

Team coordination and support

• Coordinate in-person, hybrid and virtual meetings and workshops, including scheduling and logistics, for AHS team members and external parties as required
• Provide key administrative support during meetings, including business and study meeting minutes as required

Finance delivery and support

• Support invoice processing, including maintaining accurate records
• Prepare payment requests and documentation in line with internal processes
• Maintain up-to-date financial administration files across shared systems

Operational delivery and implementation

• Provide hands-on support to teams and managers in rolling out new tools, systems and operational processes that are critical for the success of the longitudinal study
• Support the smooth, day-to-day running of business operations, ensuring tasks and processes are completed efficiently
• Identify operational issues or bottlenecks, propose practical solutions where appropriate, and escalate matters to the relevant members of the AHS team

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

• Qualified to A level or vocational qualifications, or equivalent, plus some experience in a relevant role
• Experience of working in an administrative role for a hybrid or virtual organisation, preferably a charity or small-to-medium (SME) organisation
• Experience of planning and delivering the logistics to in-person, hybrid and virtual meetings for 10+ team members across the UK
• Experience of financial administration
• Able to manage information electronically through databases and spreadsheets
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the proven ability to prioritise, at times under pressure, produce accurate work to deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to take ownership of problems and find solutions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of software

 Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in a health and/or data research environment
• Understanding and experience of using project management tools and techniques

Dimensions

• This is expected to be a full-time post
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK
• Primarily home working, with flexibility to travel across several geographical locations in the UK

Application Process

All candidates are required to complete the application form which can be found when clicking 'Apply Now' via Charity Job. 

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section of the downloadable application form.

Please note that only applications submitted directly to Gravitate HR will be accepted for this position.

The closing date for this position is 11pm Sunday 26 July 2026.  

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 24 August 2026.

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 in 2025. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Key Worker
Salary: £26,630 – £31,490 per annum depending on experience 
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent 
Location: HMP Birmingham 
Job reference number: 1739 

Cranstoun is an independent charity and leading provider of specialist treatment, harm reduction and recovery services to those affected by drug and alcohol use. This is an exciting opportunity to become a Key Worker within our high performing psychosocial drug and alcohol service in HMP Birmingham. 

We provide a range of services for those affected by drugs and alcohol. Our skilled and compassionate team work closely with people who use our services to change and save lives. We combine proven expertise in treatment and recovery with innovative approaches and actively involve those we help in improving the design of the services we provide. 

You will be based in our psychosocial team working with adult males (over 18 years old). You will be responsible for delivering a range of elements of our substance use work including case management, assessments, care planning, the delivery of one-to-one interventions to include harm reduction and motivational work, group work, and engagement support as well as other associated duties. You need to be committed to supporting people who use our services to make positive changes to prepare them for release into the community, and you will arrange continuity of care. You will work in collaboration with the clinical team and integrated working is a key element of this role. You will work within the prison setting and contribute towards the wider prison drug strategy.

Having experience of supporting people with complex health needs including substance use, you will bring knowledge and commitment to deliver drug and alcohol treatment. You will have a non-judgemental attitude and a desire to support the lives of people who use our services to be healthier and safer by delivering a high-quality service. 

Experience of working with drug and alcohol use is essential. You will be a competent communicator, with the ability to work independently and be comfortable and enthusiastic, both with the highlighted client group and working in partnership with other service providers. Previous experience or knowledge of working with individuals on opiate replacement treatment, and/or involved in the criminal justice system will be advantageous.

All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the link.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage. 

Closing date: 2nd August 2026.