Helpline information officer jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

This role can be worked either as a remote homebased role, or as a hybrid role based in our London office, with London-based colleagues attending the office a minimum of four days per month.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on ending financial hardship in later life. We want every older person to be able to afford to live well.

We stand with older people in financial hardship, offering urgent help today and shaping a fairer, more secure tomorrow. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. And we use the knowledge and insight gained from our services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

The Stories and Participation Officer is a fundamental cross-organisational role.  Working directly with older people in financial hardship, the role will source, capture and collaborate to share stories, advice and insights from older people, whilst maintaining the highest level of stewardship and safeguarding for this group and supporting organisation wide participation activity.

Reporting into the Participation Manager, you will work champion and deliver meaningful involvement and authentic storytelling to ensure that the experiences of older people are at the centre of Independent Age’s work. You will ensure that participation processes maintain and develop our storytelling expertise and follow good-practice in the sector. The role will recruit and induct older people on a low income to our Lived Experience Network, alert them to opportunities to get involved in shaping and informing Independent Age’s work, facilitate two-way engagement, and work with willing members of the network to share their lived experience and insights, including sharing their story on public and private platforms.

You will need exceptional organisational skills and the ability to proactively drive lived experience work and effective storytelling. Strong verbal and interpersonal skills are essential, along with knowledge of best practice in supporting and co-ordinating lived experience participation including online and offline events, groups and meetings to create listening spaces.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. 

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website,

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site.

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic Level DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August, 11:59pm

We’re looking for a collaborative, highly organised Youth Engagement Project Officer, who is passionate about building opportunities for children and young people in libraries.

You’ll have great communication skills and enthusiasm for platforming young people’s voices. You’ll also know how to manage priorities, keep projects within deadline and budget, and accurately collect and compile data. As a natural people-person, you’ll feel confident supporting library teams, partners and colleagues and be happy taking initiative.

We’d especially love to hear from you if you have created opportunities for children and young people to be heard and involved in decisions that affect them, and if you’ve been involved in supporting the delivery of projects. Experience of libraries is not required as you’ll have lots of opportunities to learn about our sector in this role.

About the work

Our focus is on creating libraries of tomorrow with children and young people today.

We want all children and young people to feel at home at the library, to be understood, empowered and inspired. Our collaborative national network is made up of members from library services, partners and supporters. We believe in the need for safe spaces and real-life connections to support the demands of modern life. Together, we’recreating change, and you can be a part of it.

We are an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation. Our members are leaders in children and young people’s public libraries and school library services.

Libraries Rising and The Reading Agency were recently successful in securing funding from the Arts Council to deliver a two-year programme, to place young people at the heart of shaping the future library reading experience. The two-year project forms part of the legacy of the National Year of Reading 2026 and will work with young people and library services across nine regions of England to co-create new approaches, resources and digital innovations that build on the strengths of libraries and inspire more young people to read for pleasure. 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who lives our values - progressive, collaborative, kind, aspirational and inclusive. 

What’s important to us needs to be important to you too. We want to focus on impact, to work openly, to collaborate with and learn from others, to take the time to care for ourselves and each other, and to have fun together. We are building an environmentally sustainable charity, and we want to be celebrated as an inclusion changemaker in the sector. 

Our application process is open to everyone and anyone with the experience we’re looking for. We have a diverse board of trustees, and we are developing the diversity of our staff team. We particularly welcome applications from people from racialised communities, trans or non-binary individuals, and those with hidden or visible disabilities. 

Please note - a Candidate Pack for this role is available on the application page. 

Job purpose 

As Youth Engagement Project Officer, you’ll work closely with the Programme Manager, the wider Libraries Rising team, The Reading Agency, library services and young people to support the delivery of this project, and to develop our wider support of libraries with their youth engagement work.

What you’ll bring to the role 

You’ll be: 

• A strong communicator, confident with building relationships and keeping everyone on track. 
• Experienced in working with young people and partner organisations. 
• Committed to platforming young people’s voices, especially those who are underserved by their communities, marginalised, or experiencing deprivation. 
• Committed to co-creative practice and working with, not doing to. 
• Experienced in creating, developing and implementing effective systems and procedures. 
• Experienced in providing operational, administrative and project support, with digital skills including use of Microsoft Office and supporting remote teams. 
• Experienced in providing in person and online event planning and support. 
• Aware of GDPR implications and requirements. 
• Committed to your own professional development. 

Employee benefits 

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays 
• 5% employer pension contribution 
• Employee Assist Programme – including 24/7 counselling, health support and legal helpline. 
• A range of discounts on retail, entertainment, travel and wellbeing. 

Additional information

If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch. 

All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK.

Please also note that appointment will be made subject to collection of two references and a satisfactory DBS check or evidence of a current DBS certificate. 

University Access Officer

We are looking for a University Access Officer based in Birmingham.

The University Access Officer works with school staff at all levels, volunteer tutors and coaches, and with the rest of the team to ensure that the delivery of our programmes is optimised.

Join an education charity that believes that every young person can make the most of education, unlocking their potential and creating a fairer society.

Position: University Access Officer

Location: Birmingham/Hybrid

Contract: 12 months Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension

Salary: £26,227.50 pro rata (£15,736 actual)

Hours: Part-time, 3 days a week. For two days of the week the University Access Officer is based in the school; the 3rd working day will be a Friday (based at home), which is a compulsory working day for training and team meetings.

Close Date: 9am Friday 21st August 2026

Interviews: Friday 28th August 2026 online.

Start date: September 2026.

About the Role

This vacancy is for a University Access Officer to work part time in one school, currently Waverley School. The University Access Officer works with school staff at all levels, volunteer tutors and coaches, and with the rest of the team to ensure that the delivery of the programmes is optimised to ensure that young people are fully supported and have the best possible chance of achieving social mobility and enhancing their future prospects. 

Role responsibilities include:

• Work directly with students, mentoring in an impactful, professional and safe manner.
• Engage with school staff, your Programme Manager, and students in school to ensure that you have fully enrolled cohorts across all programmes.
• Coordinate the delivery of the programmes across allocated schools, acting as the sole on site representative of charity.
• Assess student progress towards being able to make successful university applications.
• Upload information onto the Salesforce database in a timely manner (training is provided).
• Work proactively with school staff to ensure their cooperation and timely completion of activities, enabling effective communication to contribute to the smooth running of the programmes.
• Present at termly school meetings with Senior Management to report on the programmes progress.
• Support the wider team by attending university site visits which take place on occasional Saturdays and weekday evenings (paid time off is provided).

About You

You will also have:

• Skills in mentoring groups of students and 1:1.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Able to communicate and influence impactfully at all levels.
• Able to work towards and meet deadlines with a problem-solving mindset.
• Able to effectively time manage and actively prioritise.
• Able to work independently, in busy school environments, with an ownership mindset.
• Skilled in building and maintaining excellent relationships with young people and school staff/leaders
• Good sense of attention to detail 
• Can demonstrate an ability to take action to keep young people safe and raise concerns.

Training and Development 

You will be provided with regular training so that you can develop your skills and succeed in the role. There is support from your line manager (Programme Manager), as well as guidance from more senior University Access Officers and the wider University Access Officer tea . There are opportunities for progression, including several additional responsibility roles which are available for University Access Officers to apply for once they have completed their probationary period successfully.

About the Organisation

Join an organisations that believes that every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and make the most of their education. The team are passionate about reducing the educational barriers students face, helping them to pursue a career in their chosen field and follow their dreams. 

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave p.a. (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and 5 Winter closure days 
• PerkBox
• Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour helpline for staff.
• Online Medical assistance
• Interest-free travelcard loans and travel-allowance for expenses over £10 per day, where applicable.
• Cyclescheme loans.
• 2 paid Volunteering Days and 1 paid Wellbeing Day
• Employer’s pensions contributions (3%).
• Learning and Development opportunities.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a proud to be a Level 1 Disability Confident employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments please contact us. Please note, if you are selected for appointment to the role, you will be subject to a DBS check.

You also have experience in roles such as Teaching Assistant, Schools Officer, Mentor, Pupil Mentor, School Mentor, Teacher Support, University Office, Access Officer, School Access Officer, University Access Officer, Education Access Officer, Higher Education Access Officer.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £26,701.36per annum 
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence.

We are looking for a skilled, values driven IDVA who is committed to challenging inequality, reducing harm, and improving safety for adults and children affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong skills in assessment, engagement, safety planning and communication, and the ability to work safely in complex and high risk situations. We are seeking people who can hold clear boundaries and accountability while offering empathy, curiosity and respect. You will work in a trauma informed, survivor centred and strengths based way, recognising each survivor as the expert in their own life. You will understand how gendered power, oppression and structural barriers shape survivors’ experiences, and you will be confident applying these principles in your practice.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in our local Warwickshire domestic abuse helpline, on a rota basis.  This requires covering a later shift from 12:30 – 20:30, approximately twice per month.

Closing Date: 09:00am 24 August 2026

Interview Date: 2 September 2026

Community Fundraiser – East Midlands

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser – East Midlands, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Midlands region (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack attached below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 06th September 2026

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Community Fundraising Assistant – East

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - East, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Region (which includes Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 30th August 2026 

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.