Homelessness jobs

Location: Sheffield

Contract: 12-month Fixed Term 

Salary: Grade 1.1 - £26,227 per annum pro-rata

Part-time: 17.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Flexible – to be discussed at interview. Home-based but must be able to work in the Sheffield office one day per week

Closing date: Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 11.30pm

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a professional telephone manner to join us as Tele-Fundraising Intern. You will help promote Shelter and enhance our ability to retain our supporters. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in standing up to the housing emergency.

About the role

You will be the first point of contact for supporters seeking information about Shelter’s work, so will need excellent communication and administrative skills, a real interest in housing issues, as well as an understanding of how the Outbound Supporter Services Team impacts supporter retention. Your day to day work will include calling supporters to welcome them to the organisation and thank them for choosing to support us, undertaking quality control surveys and ensuring supporter data is accurate.

You will promote Shelter, raise awareness of housing and homelessness issues and enhance our ability to retain our supporters. You will respond to enquiries about Shelter’s work and action supporter requests. You will maintain accurate supporter records and liaise with other departments to ensure changes are actioned, as well as handling complaints about services and fundraising activity.

There will be on the job training, support and supervision and you will have access to Shelter’s Employee Assistance Programme. We can also offer flexible hours, with some office working.

About you

The role is open to anyone who has have lived experience of disadvantage, such as homelessness, housing issues, the criminal justice system, mental ill-health, money and debt issues or other disadvantages. You will have good customer service skills, are able to communicate effectively on the telephone and have good attention to detail, with the ability to capture data accurately. You also have an understanding of Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the Team

The Outbound Supporter Services team is based in Sheffield, in the same office as our free national housing advice helpline. We do vital work engaging new and existing supporters and informing them about Shelter’s fight against social injustice. We are responsible for promoting Shelter’s work, raising awareness of housing and homelessness issues and enhancing the organisation’s ability to both recruit and retain supporters.

About Shelter 

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. Please provide specific examples of how you meet the criteria in the 'About you' section of this advert, following the STAR format, and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing, and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Senior Corporate Fundraiser

Location: Primarily office‑based in Hemel Hempstead; however, hybrid working can be offered where appropriate and agreed.

Salary:IRO £36,000 (FTE) depending on experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent, 30 – 37.5 hours per week

Access to a car is essential for this role

We are searching for an experienced corporate fundraiser to join our dynamic and high-performing Fundraising Team. 

You will be an excellent communicator, confident in networking and presenting a compelling case for support, target driven and have a background and successful record in securing high value (5/6 figures) gifts, business sales or similar.

You will be responsible for developing our DENS Business Partnership Programme, building a pipeline of high-value prospects, increasing engagement, and influencing the involvement of local businesses to support DENS ambitious growth plans.

You will represent DENS at regular networking events, business forums and external meetings to build visibility, grow networks and generate new corporate opportunities.

Why join DENS?

You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team of fundraisers who foster a collaborative "One Team, One Goal" culture. We value and celebrate every member's contribution, ensuring you thrive in our positive working environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, along with ongoing training and development to enhance your skills. Your fundraising efforts will directly contribute to creating positive change and making a lasting impact in our community.

Overall Purpose: 

• Develop DENS Corporate Income Stream, creating and implementing an effective corporate fundraising plan to meet agreed targets and increase sustainable income for the charity, whilst supporting DENS ambitious growth plans.
• Build strong and influential external relationships through existing and new networks and deliver first-class donor stewardship to build a pipeline of high-value business prospects, secure new partners, and nurture existing partners – with the objective of building ongoing regular income and long-term support.
• Develop the DENS Business Partnership Programme as a framework to deliver an engaging and mutually beneficial programme of activity and network of partners, to encourage and inspire support.
• Actively represent DENS at regular networking events, business forums and external meetings to build visibility, grow networks and generate new corporate opportunities.
• Develop, manage and present a range of reporting tools to ensure efficient prospect stewardship, activity planning and income forecasting - to be used to manage and plan progress with Line Manager and Senior Leadership Team.

Skills & Qualifications

• A good standard of Education
• Experience securing partnerships in a Corporate Fundraising or Sales environment
• Experience developing and delivering a corporate fundraising or sales strategy
• Successful track record of building relationships and successfully influencing business stakeholders
• Experience managing and monitoring income and expenditure budgets
• Demonstrable track record of consistently exceeding targets
• Skilled in negotiating, pitching and winning partnerships 
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to manage multiple projects, identifying conflicting demands and establishing clear priorities to meet objectives and improve results
• Good written, verbal interpersonal and numeracy skills
• Diplomacy and ability to work in confidence
• Administratively self-sufficient, IT literate and knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Professional, confident, and well-presented
• The gravitas and drive to gain maximum impact, add value, and increase corporate income
• Self-starter, motivated to set and achieve goals and take own initiative in the role
• Persuasive, Can-do attitude
• People-focused and cross-team worker
• Tact and diplomacy
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential for regular travel to meetings, networking events and partner sites
• Available to attend regular early morning breakfast meetings and other networking events outside of normal working hours
• Available to work flexible hours including, on occasions, weekends, andevenings to support the wider Fundraising Team at events and fundraising activities.

Benefits include:

• 25 days or equivalent annual leave, excluding Bank and Public Holidays
• One additional day of annual leave after each 5 years’ service, up to 3 days.
• Flexible working environment
• Medicash plan, including Virtual GP, some dental and optical cover
• Employee assistance programme – 24/7 mental health support helpline
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Professional development and training, including on-going access to e-learning platform
• Staff Networks, Wellbeing Days and whole team events
• One day to volunteer for DENS or another organisation
• NEST pension scheme

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for DENS, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Service Manager - (South Manchester)

Be the difference for young people facing homelessness.

Location: Safestop Manchester

Salary: £37,380 per annum

Closing date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

We are looking for an inspiring Service Manager to lead our supported accommodation for young people in South Manchester. You’ll oversee a skilled team delivering safe, high‑quality support to clients—helping them stabilise, build independence and progress confidently through the Manchester pathway. Your leadership will shape a service where young people feel secure, respected and empowered.

In this hands‑on role, you’ll drive operational excellence, ensuring strong safeguarding practice, effective partnership working and consistent contract compliance. You’ll manage budgets, performance, reporting and health & safety while strengthening relationships with the commissioners, and community stakeholders. If you’re a proactive problem‑solver who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment, this is an opportunity to lead a service that makes a tangible impact every day.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality support across two accommodation sites.

• Ensure strong safeguarding practice, risk management and safe environments for young people.

• Oversee day‑to‑day service delivery, ensuring KPI achievement, contract compliance and continuous performance improvement.

• Work collaboratively with commissioners and specialist partners to coordinate client‑centred support.

• Manage budgets, expenditure, reporting and building/IT resources in line with financial and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain strong community and neighbour relations across dispersed accommodation sites.

• Promote an inclusive, values‑led culture aligned with Depaul’s ethos, equality commitments and health & safety standards.

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

Essential

• Experiencing of supervising the work of others

• Experience of using Risk Assessments and Support Planning.

• Experience of managing a service, preferably in a residential care or support setting

• Demonstrable experience of working with people with a range of support needs

• Experience managing partnerships with other professionals using a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach

• Experience of managing buildings, budgets and expenditures

• Experience of operating safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others

• Experience of working with young people who have complex needs, including mental health and substance use

• Ability to use logical processes for solving problems and making decisions in a complex environment

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity and equality ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one, suffers from discrimination.

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners.

Desirable

• Experience of managing a staff team across dispersed sites.

• Initiating a new service

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development

• Flexible working options where suitable

• 26 days annual leave, rising with service

• Family‑friendly leave policies

• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7

• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

• Cash health plan for you and your family

• Death‑in‑service benefit

• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Bring your energy, creativity and expertise - and help us impact young people positively.

Location: Sherborne House, London (hybrid)

Salary: £52,535 per annum

Closing Date: 29 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Step into a role where your policy expertise drives real change. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you’ll lead an ambitious strategy to influence national decision‑makers, shape legislation and ensure the voices of people affected by homelessness are impossible to ignore. You’ll turn insight into impact, championing our values while strengthening our political presence and public profile

You’ll build powerful relationships across Westminster, Whitehall and the wider sector, producing sharp briefings, commissioning research and delivering high‑profile events that elevate Depaul’s influence. Confident in the media and skilled at simplifying complex issues, you’ll work across teams to anticipate policy change, spark innovation and help drive forward our mission to end homelessness. If you’re driven, strategic and ready to make national change happen, this is your platform.

Key deliverables:

• Develop organisational policy positions on key strategic issues for Depaul UK, focusing on policy areas that matter for our client group including homelessness, housing, welfare, health and care leavers.

• Working with the Director of Development and External Affairs to deliver a multi-year policy and public affairs strategy, you will own its delivery, having demonstrable impact on policy through influencing legislation, as well as securing funding and commitments from the government .

• Work with the Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and their team to improve Depaul’s public profile by giving us a louder political voice.

• Work with the Executive Director of Operations and their team to ensure Depaul is well positioned to respond to changes in policy and regulation.

• Work in partnership with Depaul UK’s Head of Data and Insights on research projects designed to influence policy.

• Monitor, analyse and report on policy developments which may impact on the work of Depaul UK.

• Provide high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.

• Work with senior colleagues to develop positive relationships for Depaul UK with ministers, senior officials, elected Mayors, Parliamentarians and with other policy influencers including our peers in the homeless sector.

• Ensure that the voices and experiences of clients are heard and understood to improve and change services delivered by Depaul, commissioners and policy makers.

• Give interviews to the media.

• Organise and coordinate events and meetings.

• Strengthen Depaul’s links with other voluntary sector organisations in the homelessness, youth and faith sectors.

• Contribute to Depaul International’s global influencing work.

What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.

To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas.

Experience and skills

• Having had demonstrable impact on government policy.

• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with Parliamentarians and officials

• Organising or helping to organise events, it is desirable but not essential that you have organised events in Parliament

• Leading projects with colleagues from different internal or external teams

• Delivering high quality verbal and written policy briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders

• Working with colleagues to secure media coverage

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work on own initiative and with low levels of supervision

• Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage conflicting priorities

• Ability to deliver to deadlines, sometimes at short notice

• Desirable - drafting and delivering policy and/or public affairs plans/strategies

• Desirable - representing organisations in the media and at events

You will need to be able to travel throughout the UK and on occasions work out of hours.

You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

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

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm 

Work Base: Office Based

We have an exciting opportunity available within our Warwickshire Young People Services for the role of Service Manager.

In this role, you will lead and oversee our accommodation sites based in Rugby and Nuneaton, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with complex needs.

Our accommodation supports young people providing short‑term, accommodation‑related support that helps them build independence and move forward positively.

As Service Manager, you will champion best practice, provide effective leadership and supervision to colleagues, and build strong, collaborative partnerships with local authorities and housing providers. You will ensure that services consistently meet contractual requirements, performance targets, and organisational standards.

The role will also involve maintaining positive working relationships with partner agencies and producing accurate, timely reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

P3 reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the stated closing date.

P3 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to combating all forms of discrimination.

P3 have committed to achieving ‘Net Zero’ Carbon emissions by 2050. Our Carbon Reduction Plan is available via the P3 website.

In partnership with Treeapp, for every new employee, we plant a tree at one of their planting sites worldwide.

Our Charity

Established in 1972, P3 Charity is a modern, forward-thinking organisation providing support services to people facing social exclusion across the UK.

We offer a wide range of services, including homelessness prevention, supported housing, mental health support, community advice, hoarding support and services for young people.

We’re a person-centred organisation who works alongside people to improve lives. We do this by strengthening communities, unlocking potential and creating new possibilities. We tackle challenges others won’t and we go the extra mile. We believe in collaboration – both within our teams and with the local community – to achieve the best outcomes. Our values-driven approach means we recruit for values and train for skills.

What We Offer

Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement – 27 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.

Commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing – people are at the heart of what we do; you’ll also have access to our National Wellbeing Lead and Regional Wellbeing Champions.

EDI Focus - an opportunity to join other colleagues to raise awareness and steer initiatives, contributing to our inclusive culture. 

Paycare Health Cash Plan – you can claim back costs for a wide range of everyday health expenses, including optical, dental, physiotherapy, and more, within an annual limit.

Employee Assistance Program – access to 24/7 GP appointments, 1-1 counselling and health assessments.

Bike2WorkScheme - the Bike2Work Scheme is part of the Government’s Green Transport Plan, designed to encourage healthier, more sustainable travel.

Discounts – access to Paycare Perks and Tickets for Good.

Reward and Recognition  – such as team away days, P3's Annual conference and Colleague Awards Ceremony.

Personal Development Opportunities – including mentoring, training, secondments, job shadowing, and more.

Colleague Volunteering Programme –one day paid leave per year to volunteer in the community

Enhanced Sickness Pay – based on your length of service.

Earning Potential – optional overtime and refer a friend bonus scheme. 

Additional Equipment Provision – some employees may be provided with additional equipment including workwear, tools and use of a company van or car.

Deputy Service Manager

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager

Location: Based within a non-residential service in Wembley, working within communities, homes, and other residentials. This service does have step free access however we are unable to guarantee this at some of the other locations where the role is based such as homes and community based locations.

Salary: £31,700

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday on a rota working 09:00 - 17:00, hours may be extended 08:00 - 18:00. You may also be required to work outside these hours as per service/participant requirements. You will also take part in our out of hours on call rota for managers.

About the Role

This is a great opportunity for a Deputy Service Manager to join our team based in Wembley. You will support the Service Manager to ensure high quality service delivery, being a key contact for staff, helping them feel supported, skilled, and empowered within their roles. In this role you will be based within a service which is at the heart of delivering person-centred support to vulnerable adults who have been, or are at risk of homelessness. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Line Management and Leadership, supporting your team providing advice, guidance and support throughout their employment lifecycle
• Support the Service Manager in leading the day to day operational delivery of the service
• Risk Management ownership, ensuring processes and policies are followed
• Financial Management, including petty cash and budget management
• Contract management and Internal auditing, admin, and general other duties as required. 

About You

We are seeking a passionate, driven and motivated colleague to help lead our service in a trauma informed and inclusive way. Someone who is knowledgeable in the needs of our residents, particularly around homelessness and complex needs, able to support the team in delivering their daily duties. You will be driven with passion for what we do, and be able to work flexibly to meet service needs, providing new ideas and opportunities to develop the service further to continue to achieve excellence!

• Understanding of homelessness and complex needs of people from different backgrounds
• Ability to provide high quality support and line management to staff.
• Ability to support the Service Manager and help manage staff with daily tasks, caseloads and overall day to day running of the service.
• Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve KPI's
• Ability to provide advice, guidance, and support to the team on all aspects of service delivery including resident related queries
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Location: Doncaster - linked to Sheffield Hub

This can be a hybrid role based on service demands

Salary: Grade 5 - £37,739 or Grade 6 - £43,338 depending on experience

Hours: Full time - 35 per week

Contract: Permanent 

Closing date: Thursday 26th March 2026 at 11.30 pm

Join Shelter as a Housing Solicitor, in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for Justice.

If you are a dedicated Solicitor with a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis we welcome you to apply for this role.

At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission as a Solicitor to defend the right to a safe, and secure home.

Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your legal skills don’t just change lives—they shape a fairer housing system.

About the role

Based in with our partner organisation, Housing for Young People in Doncaster, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.

You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Managing Solicitor and the Hub.

About You

In this role, you will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor - we are open to newly qualified candidates with a demonstrable interest in social justice, as well as those who have 3+ years PQE and a strong track record in housing law and Legal Aid work
• Deliver high-quality legal advice and representation under our work as part of the Housing Loss Prevention Service, which provides free legal advice and court representation to anyone at risk of losing their home.
• Challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation
• Work closely with our Sheffield team to strengthen housing rights awareness across the
• Support Trainee Solicitors and Legal Advisers, ensuring high professional standards and compliance.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About The Team

Our legal Teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based throughout the England hubs, we are currently based in London, Plymouth, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Our teams are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting the housing injustice.  Our teams whilst generating an income also address the housing crisis.

You will be part of an existing multi-disciplinary team that offers housing and homelessness advice and support across South Yorkshire. It consists of a solicitor led legal team providing advice and representation, and an advice service providing advice, support and guided self-help to people with housing, debt or welfare benefit issues. There is also a committed and skilled team of volunteers that offer peer support, mentoring and more general volunteering adding significant value to our core service offer.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-7 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Recruitment Agencies

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Reconnect Worker (London)

Apply for this role if you want to make a real, immediate impact by helping young people and families rebuild relationships, reduce conflict and prevent homelessness before it begins.

Location: Sherborne House, London

Salary: £11,896.80  per annum pro rata (FTE £29,742 per annum – ILW)

Closing Date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: Part time, 15 hours per week

About the Role

Join us as a Reconnect Worker and help prevent youth homelessness by supporting young people and families experiencing conflict or crisis. You’ll deliver focused mediation and personalised family support across London—working with young people aged 11–25 in schools, emergency placements, and Depaul services to strengthen relationships, improve communication and reduce the risk of homelessness. Your work will be grounded in detailed assessments, collaborative support planning and strengths‑based interventions that help families rebuild stability and stay connected.

In this flexible, fast‑paced role, you’ll manage a small caseload, work independently across multiple locations and build strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, Nightstop hosts and colleagues across Depaul. You’ll maintain clear, accurate records, contribute to safeguarding processes and advocate for young people when needed. Your creativity, impartiality and ability to engage families in challenging moments will be key as you help define and strengthen Depaul’s national approach to family mediation and homelessness prevention.

Please note that this role is offered as a part time (15 hours per week) permanent basis.

In this role, you will:

• Provide focused family support and mediation to young people aged 11–25 and their families experiencing conflict or breakdown.

• Manage a small caseload, completing risk assessments, needs assessments and structured support plans that drive measurable outcomes.

• Work across schools, Nightstop placements and Depaul services to stabilise situations and reduce the risk of homelessness.

• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, schools and external agencies to strengthen referral pathways and holistic support.

• Maintain clear, accurate case records and follow all safeguarding, EDI, health and safety and lone‑working procedures.

• Advocate for young people and families when safeguarding concerns arise, ensuring safety and appropriate escalation.

• Work independently across multiple London locations, prioritising tasks and managing time effectively.

• Contribute to Depaul’s national prevention approach through peer learning, reflective practice and continuous service development.

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

Essential

• Significant experience working with young people and families in crisis; reflective, creative and solution focused in your approach and committed to working in an assets based way.

• To hold or complete a Level 4 Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate (IMPC). Training will be provided if candidate doesn’t hold the qualification but training will have to be completed before the end of the probation period.

• Experience of working independently and managing own caseload; self-motivated and able to prioritize tasks and carry out efficient organisation and administration.

• Experience of carrying out risk and needs assessments and support planning for clients.

• Ability to develop strong, collaborative and productive relationships with colleagues and key external agencies, promoting the value of our work and its impact on families.

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain impartiality

• Willingness and ability to travel independently and work from a number of different locations across the London region.

• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity and equality ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one, suffers from discrimination.

Desirable

In order to attract the higher salary banding you will need:

• Demonstrable experience providing effective mediation services to families experiencing conflict

• Hold an accredited Interpersonal Mediation Certificate

• An in-depth understanding of issues relating to youth homelessness

• Independently manage and maintain a full caseload of families (15-20 families per FTE, or as identified by the service manager).

• Evidence through case recording, support planning and outcome monitoring that families are being supported effectively to make progress against the relevant national outcomes and that mediation is being used confidently and effectively to support this, when appropriate.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Young People Support Worker (Stockport)

We promise you that no day will be the same, and you will get so much out of working with our residents as you ensure that they are well-cared for, and empowered to make progress in their recovery.

Location: Stockport Pathway

Salary: £27,136 per annum

Closing Date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Make a real impact in the lives of young people at risk of homelessness as a Young People Support Worker. You’ll deliver strengths‑based, psychologically informed support that builds confidence and independence, creating safe and empowering spaces where young people can thrive. From shaping personalised plans to running meaningful activities, your work will help each person move closer to a stable, positive future.

Working a rotating shift pattern, you’ll build trusted relationships, champion safeguarding and collaborate with local partners to ensure every young person receives consistent, high‑quality support. Your creativity, communication skills and professional integrity will help clients engage in education, training, employment or volunteering opportunities—supporting them to take the next step towards independence.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strengths‑based, trauma‑informed support to young people at risk of homelessness

• Complete high‑quality risk assessments, SMART support plans and accurate case records

• Deliver one‑to‑one sessions and group activities that build resilience and independence

• Support young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering

• Maintain a safe, welcoming accommodation environment with regular health and safety checks

• Work collaboratively with partners and follow safeguarding procedures across a rotating shift pattern

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

• Experience of working with young people or those who have experienced homelessness

• An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or the care system

• A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to working in a manner which promotes diversity and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one suffers from discrimination

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others

• Personal and professional integrity

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

• Effective collaborative working

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Senior Young People Support Worker (Islington)

Join us to lead meaningful change, empower young people to thrive, and shape a service where your leadership, compassion and creativity make a real and lasting impact every day.

Location: Islington

Salary: £31,203 per annum

Closing Date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Step into a key leadership role as a Senior Young People Support Worker, where you’ll drive high‑impact, psychologically informed support for young people at risk of homelessness. You’ll lead a team of professionals, guide high‑quality assessments and support plans, and create safe, empowering environments that build confidence, resilience and independence. Every day, you’ll use an asset‑based approach to help clients develop skills and move positively towards sustainable futures.

You’ll take ownership of day‑to‑day service delivery—managing risk, maintaining high safety standards, strengthening partnerships with local agencies and ensuring the accommodation remains welcoming and well maintained. With your inclusive leadership and creative problem‑solving, you’ll connect clients to education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities, while also supporting staff development, supervising volunteers and contributing to the smooth running of the wider Islington pathway. This role is ideal for someone who leads with integrity, collaborates confidently and is motivated by achieving meaningful outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Lead high‑quality, psychologically informed support for young people, delivering tailored one‑to‑one and group interventions that build resilience and independence.

• Oversee day‑to‑day service delivery, ensuring strong safeguarding practice, effective risk management and a safe, well‑maintained environment.

• Supervise and develop Progression Coaches, volunteers and placements, providing guidance, performance oversight and positive role modelling.

• Build effective partnerships with local agencies and internal teams to strengthen client support pathways and meet contractual outcomes.

• Support clients to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities aligned to their goals and strengths.

• Manage key operational tasks including casework quality, financial recording, health and safety checks and participation in the on‑call rota.

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

• Experiencing of supervising the work of others.

• An understanding and commitment to working in an assets-based way

• Experience of working with people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance use or have a history of living in care.

• Experience of using Risk Assessments and Support Planning.

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Experience of operating safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to working in a manner which promotes diversity and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one suffers from discrimination.

• Commitment to promoting an environment which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others.

• Personal and professional integrity

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain boundaries

• Effective collaborative working

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Do you have a strong background in property management, including good landlord & tenant experience and an excellent understanding and knowledge of property law? Then join Shelter as an Estates Surveyor and you could soon be playing a vital role at the heart of our Property and Facilities team.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the team

Our Property and Facilities team is responsible for ensuring Shelter’s estate is fit for purpose and fully compliant for its staff, volunteers and clients. We provide a full range of professional services, including acquisitions, disposals, rent and lease negotiations, rating, estates management, building surveying, strategic planning, budgeting, compliance, health & safety and facilities management. We also support all office and shop relocations, refurbishments and planned maintenance projects, while our portfolio comprises one freehold head office property in London, 24 leasehold offices and around 90 leasehold shops across England and Scotland.

About the role

You will be responsible for all property related matters across Scotland and England for our diverse portfolio. That will involve making regular site visits, with occasional overnight stays. As well as ensuring all lease events are managed and actioned and properties are safe, maintained and fully compliant, we’ll also rely on you to assist with the development and implementation of robust policies, processes and systems to help manage the estate in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In short, it’s an incredibly varied role that will see you make a real difference in how Shelter’s commercial estate is managed.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

Role Specifics

You’ll need a degree level qualification in a surveying/property related discipline and full RICS membership. You’ll also need a good understanding of the planning process and building regulations approval system. The confidence to lead and manage multiple projects effectively and ensure they’re delivered on time and on budget, from inception to completion, is important too. Self-motivated, capable of working both unsupervised and as part of a team, and with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, providing solutions, giving sound property advice and negotiating effectively with a variety of key stakeholders comes naturally to you. What’s more, you have good computer literacy skills and are comfortable working with spreadsheets and data.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Location: Rochdale, linked to Manchester Hub – This can be a hybrid role based on service demands

Salary: Grade 5 - £37,739 or Grade 6 - £43,338 depending on experience

Hours: Full time - 35 per week

Contract: Permanent 

Closing date: Thursday 26th March 2026 at 11.30 pm

Join Shelter as a Housing Solicitor, in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for Justice.

If you are a dedicated Solicitor with a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis we welcome you to apply for this role.

At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission as a Solicitor to defend the right to a safe, and secure home.

Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your legal skills don’t just change lives—they shape a fairer housing system.

About the role

Based in with one of our partner organisations in Rochdale, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.

You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Managing Solicitor and the Hub.

About You

In this role, you will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor - we are open to newly qualified candidates with a demonstrable interest in social justice, as well as those who have 3+ years PQE and a strong track record in housing law and Legal Aid work
• Deliver high-quality legal advice and representation under our work as part of the Housing Loss Prevention Service, which provides free legal advice and court representation to anyone at risk of losing their home.
• Challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation
• Work closely with our Greater Manchester team to strengthen housing rights awareness across the
• Support Trainee Solicitors and Legal Advisers, ensuring high professional standards and compliance.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About The Team

Our legal Teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based throughout the England hubs, we are currently based in London, Plymouth, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Our teams are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting the housing injustice.  Our teams whilst generating an income also address the housing crisis.

You will be part of an existing multi-disciplinary team that offers housing and homelessness advice and support across Greater Manchester. It consists of a solicitor led legal team providing advice and representation, and an advice service providing advice, support and guided self-help to people with housing, debt or welfare benefit issues. There is also a committed and skilled team of volunteers that offer peer support, mentoring and more general volunteering adding significant value to our core service offer.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-7 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Recruitment Agencies

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

The salary will be in the range of £36,000 to £42,000.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

This role represents an opportunity to make a real difference to anti-poverty work at QSA and in the UK more broadly. Communications are increasingly central to developing our impact, and our intention is to generate more high quality, moving content that showcases:

• The deep impact of the support provided by QSA to people living on a low income or experiencing homelessness. Our services are created to fill ‘niches’ – the support people tell us that they need and is not being provided elsewhere. We aim to help people find dignity, comfort, connection and peace.

• The support provided by 4in10, London’s child poverty network hosted by QSA, and the impact of its collective action.

• Our campaigning and research work – and the changes it can bring about in policy and practice, with the goal of reducing poverty and alleviating its effects.

You will be helping thousands of people to access QSA’s life-changing services; to find resonance and community in our communications; to support life-changing anti-poverty work; to get involved in campaigns that move the needle; and more.

At QSA our values guide us to deliver services with compassion and dignity, and they also guide us in our workplace. Our small team is mutually supportive, conscientious and deeply committed to the aims of our work.

This role will involve building relationships with an extremely broad range of people, with a very strong focus on the people who participate in our services. An ethical storytelling approach is at the heart of QSA’s communications. Putting this into practice will involve bringing stories forward in deep collaboration with storytellers; with empathy, integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to amplifying voices that can go unheard. We want people to feel in control of how their stories are shared, as much as we want people to be moved by content that engages and inspires.

The communications officer role also involves many of the ‘bread and butter’ tasks of an effective communications function: content production, analytics, social media management and so on. We are currently in the midst of a full-scale overhaul of the QSA website.

More important than coming with experience in every part of these duties, however, is a curiosity and enthusiasm to learn and take on healthy challenges (in which we aim to give you the support you need); as well as a flair for getting to the heart of the story – not only in the content itself, but also in understanding the bigger picture of our communications and our direction of travel together.

Purpose of role

To develop the communications output of QSA across all platforms, supporting delivery of the aims of QSA’s organisational and fundraising & communications strategies. To centre QSA’s communications work in an ethical storytelling approach.

Duties & responsibilities

1. To contribute to a plan and timetable for QSA’s communications work. 
2. To uphold clear protocols on how we gather and share stories and impact, to hold ourselves to the highest standards around ethics and wellbeing.
3. To work in the community and across all QSA’s services, to get to know the people who access them, sensitively inviting people to share their stories or consent to photos. 
4. To compile and share ethical and compelling storytelling content across a range of media. 
5. To co-manage all of QSA’s communications platforms including social media (including community management), email marketing and website. 
6. To generate and publish regular digital communications and fundraising content (including video, audio and copy), across our owned and shared platforms, and printed materials. 
7. To pull together content into regular email briefings for QSA’s supporters and donors. 
8. To provide communications support to the wider QSA team. 
9. To engage with other QSA teams about website content, being responsible for adding in this content, liaising with our web agency as required.
10. To follow a GEO-first approach to QSA’s web development, to promote growth in traffic and engagement. 
11. To actively drive growth and engagement across QSA’s social media, website and email marketing. 
12. To work within QSA brand guidelines to provide recognisable and reliable content, while also keeping content fresh and engaging.
13. To work with third party suppliers or freelancers as required, eg. for graphic design or other communications assets.
14. To undertake event marketing of QSA’s fundraising events. 
15. To track analytics to evaluate the impact of the content we produce and promote across all our platforms. 
16. To plan and create content for individual giving campaigns and digital fundraising. 
17. To maintain an up-to-date awareness of best and emerging practice in non-profit communications, and to share new ideas for growth. 
18. To work within, and actively promote, the policies and procedures of QSA. 
19. Any other duties, as appropriate to the role, as agreed by the QSA director. 

Person specification

Experience 

1. Experience of working for or volunteering for a charity, especially if UK-based and community focussed, is highly desirable. 
2. Experience of communications work, in a paid or voluntary capacity, is highly desirable. 

Ability 

1. Excellent people-facing skills, able to confidently build rapport with people, and sensitively approach difficult topics.
2. Ability to build collaborative working relationships across a wide range of people, including team members, colleagues, and QSA donors.
3. Ability to confidently produce and share content online, such as stories, images, videos. 
4. Ability to produce engaging content for social media platforms, email marketing and web.
5. Ability to track and understand digital marketing analytics. 
6. Ability to be flexible and adapt and respond to new challenges/opportunities while maintaining attention to detail. 

Knowledge 

1. Knowledge of social media platforms and their different audiences, and how to tailor content appropriate to each.
2. Knowledge of poverty on families, households and communities in the UK and an understanding of/empathy for the impact of living on a low income.

Other 

1. Curiosity and enthusiasm for digital and offline communications.
2. Commitment to and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 
3. A willingness to work within a Quaker ethos, as per the mission of QSA.

N.B. Please refer to the attached job pack for full details of this role.

Thank you for your interest.