Homelessness support worker jobs in east of england

We're looking for an organised, confident and resilient Senior Contact Centre Officer to join our Costumer Service Team located at our Head Office in Islington.

£28,500.00 - £29,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:
* To receive enquiries in all formats and be the first point of contact to resolve or action/escalate accordingly.
* Support the Customer Contact Centre Service Lead in creating a "first time resolution" team culture when handling enquiries, requests and complaints; linking customers with relevant departments, duty staff and undertaking the necessary administration and monitoring.
* First time resolution of informal complaints and transfer formal complaints relating to reactive repairs in accordance with Look Ahead's policy and procedure to the Senior Complaints and Feedback Officer
* To provide details on Look Ahead's Support function for customers or external agencies to include Support Worker or scheme contact details and referral process.
* Receive and action maintenance requests for owned, managed or leased properties to include responsive repairs, void/empty property repairs, insurance, rechargeable, planned, cyclical and servicing works. Monitoring the progress of works orders to including updating, varying, and completing work orders
* Ensure repairs and voids process are updated on CX housing management system at each stage accurately and efficiently.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Approachable and open behaviour. Works as part of a group or team.
* A strong approach and commitment to providing an excellent customer service.
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
* Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem.
* Is respectful, articulate, and sensitive in style of communication, remaining tactful and diplomatic when dealing with difficult situations, able to maintain confidentiality.

What you'll bring:

Essential:
* Supervisory experience including inducting and training other team members.
* Ability to manage and support others with complex cases and enquiries.
* Natural problem solver and self-motivated.
* Understanding of resource management including forward planning, business continuity and rota management

Desirable:
* Knowledge of the housing / repairs and maintenance sector

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds

Pleasee full job decription on our Website

We're looking for an organised, confident and resilient Head of Compliance and Building Safety to join our Property Services Team located at our Head Office in Islington.

£65,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Head of Compliance and Building Safety will lead the strategic management and operational delivery of Look Ahead's compliance functions, encompassing Building Safety, Fire Safety, Gas Safety, Water Hygiene, Lift Safety, Electrical Safety, and Asbestos Management.

The working pattern for this role is as follows:M7, T7, W7, T7, F7

What you'll do:
* Lead, develop and coach the Compliance and Building Safety team to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.
* Oversee statutory compliance across building safety, fire, gas, water hygiene, lifts, electrical systems, and asbestos.
* Manage service contracts and remedial works, ensuring value for money, regulatory compliance, and minimal disruption to residents.
* Act as the lead reporting officer to external bodies including the Regulator of Social Housing and MHCLG.
* Develop and implement policies and inspection programmes aligned with the Building Safety Act and other legislation.
* Monitor contractor performance, resolve disputes, and ensure health and safety standards are met across all sites, working in collaboration to manage the quality of all fire remedial works completed by external contractors.
* Manage budgets, procurement, and contract delivery, ensuring financial accountability risk management, and service excellence so programmes are delivered on time and within budget.
* Promote safeguarding, equality, and data protection across all compliance activities.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* High level of communication skills both written and verbal.
* Highly motivated.
* Well organised and the ability to manage multiply programmes concurrently.
* Ability to self manage and prioritise, demonstrating ability to reach sound evidence-based decisions.
* Good Customer service skills.
* Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

What you'll bring:

Essential:
* Extensive knowledge and expertise of Health and Safety Regulations and including in gas servicing, asbestos management, mechanical and electrical compliance requirements, and other relevant regulations and standards within housing portfolios and fire safety for compliance.
* In-depth understanding of the Building Safety Act and the Fire Safety Act and aware of all current regulations and legislation regards fire safety

Desirable:
* Recognised qualification building construction, Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH). A property/building related specialism MCIOB, MRICS, BIFM, MIFSM or Health & Safety. Building Related Degree is desirable.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our webiste for full Job description

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Training and Implementation to join our Central Social Care Service located at our Head Office in Islington.

£33,000 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:

• Oversee all induction and mandatory training, ensuring it meets organisational requirements
• Ensure induction material is up-to-date and engaging
• Ensure all training offered is innovative and engaging and uses technology where possible
• Host the first day of the induction programme 'Feel at Home'
• Deliver ad-hoc training as required
• Coordinate schedules and rotas for mandatory training and induction delivery
• Commission, market, and deliver the learning and development programme in line with organisational needs whilst ensuring value for money, professional training delivery and demonstrable outcomes
• Regularly review and improve the training offer in line with best practice

• Work with the Recruitment, Training and Talent Manager to review and, where required, develop a programme to meet the generic and specialist operational learning and development needs across the business in line with CQC, Ofsted, legislation, contract, policy and procedural requirements

• Ensure LMS is fit for purpose and used effectively so that staff and managers are clear on the training available to them and when they are going out of date with mandatory requirements

• Use the LMS system and work with the Performance team to produce management reports (including but not limited to safeguarding, attendance, non-attendance and operational induction monitoring)
• Use data and analytics to monitor training effectiveness, identify trends, and inform decision-making
• Evaluate effectiveness of training programmes to ensure that it demonstrates effective return on investment and meets initial training objectives
• Implement improvements based on feedback and outcomes
• Work with Recruitment, Training and Talent Manager to deliver training within budget, maintain the budget spreadsheet and ensure prompt payment to suppliers
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including managers, senior leaders, training providers and LMS provider

• Effectively manage and develop the Talent Partner with the Recruitment Team Leader
• Work collaboratively with the L&D and wider People team
• Work with Recruitment, Training and Talent Manager and Business Development on training costings and plans for new or proposed services

• Demonstrate the company values and establish a positive culture that aligns with the organisation's strategic objectives
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures across area of responsibility and for trainings being developed
• Keep up to date on any regulatory, legal or best practice changes in training for the Supported Housing sector
• Support staff and managers through change initiatives related to training and implementation, ensuring clear communication and engagement throughout transitions
• Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in all training and in the implementation of the LMS, ensuring content and delivery are inclusive and accessible
• Promote staff wellbeing through supportive training practices and by signposting to relevant resources
• Take ownership of mandatory training compliance, including monitoring, reporting, and driving achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) for mandatory training completion within specified timeframes across the organisation
• Provide regular updates to management and take proactive steps to address areas of non-compliance

• Lead and carry out internal quality assurance activities to maintain the integrity and consistency of assessment decisions across qualification programmes

• Sample assessment decisions, provide constructive feedback to assessors, and support continuous improvement in assessment practice
• Ensure all IQA processes fully meet the requirements of awarding bodies such as ILM and/or CPCAB
• Prepare for and support external quality assurance visits, maintaining accurate and compliant IQA records
• Contribute to standardisation meetings and support assessor development through guidance and training
• Work collaboratively with programme leads to ensure qualification delivery meets internal and external quality standards
• Any other duties as required

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Excellent relationship building skills with internal staff and managers and external stakeholders
• Customer outcome focused
• Effective verbal and written communication with staff at all levels
• Positive can-do approach
• Ability to learn new skills quickly
• Creative and innovative in ideas and approach
• High levels of initiative
• Flexible in approach
• Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills
• Intermediate to advanced IT skills on all Microsoft packages and IT systems
• Resilient able to manage self and maintain effective delivery
• Ability to cope with change in a fast paced and challenging environment
• Ability to analyse data and produce actionable insights
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Commitment to staying up to date with changes impacting training in the sector

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Quickly learns and confidently navigates new IT systems, using them to streamline and improve business processes
• Experience of training staff
• Experience of carrying out training needs analysis
• Experience in coaching and developing staff
• Track record of successfully implementing systems, processes, or programmes within a multi-site organisation
• Strong negotiation skills, with experience securing cost-effective training solutions and establishing clear deliverables
• Experienced in managing external partnerships and ensuring contractual obligations are met
• Knowledgeable about best practice and innovative approaches to training delivery, with a commitment to continuous improvement
• Proficient in using e-learning authoring tools, virtual classrooms, and blended learning methodologies
• Demonstrable experience in monitoring and reporting on training KPIs, particularly for mandatory training

Desirable:

• Knowledge of ILM and/or CPCAB frameworks
• Proven experience of internal verification and moderation within a regulated qualification framework
• Understanding of awarding body quality assurance requirements and best practice

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Overview

Believe in People?

The best people have one thing in common.

They care.

At Change Grow Live, our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who use our services is unwavering. We provide support, respect, and a safe environment, where we tailor our approach to each individual's needs to find the best treatment and support options.

Guided by our core values of being open, compassionate and bold, our team embodies these principles daily, striving to empower individuals to reshape their lives, foster personal growth, and embrace life to its fullest.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Opiate Recovery Coordinator to join our team who has the skills and experience to assess and engage with our service users, ensuring that they access the right intervention at the right time, in a way that best meets their needs. The role will also involve covering GP Shared Care within Camden, having a mixed caseload

This is a full time office based role

Location: Kilburn

Hours: full time, 37.5 per week

Full time Salary Range: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35 dependent on experience, (based on full time working hours, pro rata for part time hours)

Allowance: £4133.14 Inner London Weighting (based on full time working hours, pro rata for part time hours)

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Responsibilities

About the Role:

• Provide unwavering support to service users from their initial contact with our service throughout their treatment and recovery journey.
• Implement tailored interventions aimed at reducing the harm caused by opiate use, either through group sessions or one-on-one engagement.
• Ensure service users receive a comprehensive, recovery-focused detoxification plan, including pre-detox preparation and post-care support.
• Collaborate with other organisations and the community to enhance the recovery resources available to service users by referring them to mutual aid groups and other networks.
• Advocate for the involvement of family members, service users, and the community.
• Serve as a voice for service users in accessing partnership services.
• Work closely with service users to facilitate their social (re)integration, enabling them to lead fulfilling and purpose-driven lives. This includes promoting recovery, resilience, peer support, and self-determination.

About You:

• Possess knowledge and experience in delivering interventions for service users affected by opiate use.
• Excel in both verbal and written communication, with proficient IT skills.
• Demonstrate proactive qualities, working independently with excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Hold a strong understanding of mental health interventions, services, and best practices.
• Thrive as a supportive team player with exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, agencies, and internal/external stakeholders.
• Exhibit the ability to navigate change effectively, always prioritising the needs of service users.
• Recognise the significance of information governance processes and commit to adhering to all necessary safeguards.
• Pursue continuous learning opportunities to enhance your professional knowledge and skills, while also contributing to the growth and development of your colleagues.

What We Offer:

• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays. Additionally, you'll receive one extra day of annual leave for each year of service during your first five years, therefore you will enjoy 30 days of leave after five years with us.
• A dedicated 'Wellness' hour each week, access to a 'Wellness' hub, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Participation in a contributory pension scheme.
• A wide range of benefits, including discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, and more.
• A warm and supportive team environment.
• Extensive training, career development, and progression opportunities.
• Refer a Friend Scheme.

If this sounds like you and you would like to begin your journey with Change Grow Live, then we would love to talk to you. 

Please reflect the attached Job Description  and Person Specifications in your application.

Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

Inner London Weighting (£4,133.14)

Closing Date

23/11/2025

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Programme Manager

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to oversee the delivery of two innovative rehabilitation and employment initiatives supporting people leaving prison into meaningful, sustainable work.

Position: Programme Manager
Location: Hybrid. Ideally based in or around Birmingham, but applicants based in London will also be considered
Salary: £38,000 to £42,000
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 28th November 2025

About the Role

This is a hands-on delivery and coordination role working across the organisation’s two flagship programmes, Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time. You will ensure high quality and consistent delivery across prisons and in the community, supporting people with convictions into employment and purposeful lives.

The role is hybrid, with time split between home working, our Birmingham or London office, and planned visits to prisons and partners. Travel expenses are covered and visits are scheduled in advance. You must hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.

Working closely with the CEO and COO, you will coordinate delivery activity, support Community Consultants, maintain strong relationships with prisons and partners, and use data and insight to help improve outcomes. If you have experience in programme coordination, employability, rehabilitation or community services and want to work in a mission-driven environment, this could be a great fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the successful delivery of Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time across prisons and in the community
• Coordinate delivery activity, logistics, partner relationships and reporting
• Maintain positive working relationships with prisons, probation services, employers and community partners
• Support Community Consultants with resources, scheduling, communication and problem solving
• Monitor programme performance, gather data and help translate insights into improvements
• Work with the CEO and COO on planning, scheduling and programme development
• Represent the organisation at meetings, events or partner visits when required

About You

You will be proactive, organised and confident working with a wide range of people and partners. You do not need to have worked in a prison setting before. Training and guidance will be provided and the organisation will support you through the Ministry of Justice security vetting process.

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience coordinating or delivering programmes within justice, employability, rehabilitation, community, homelessness, youth or similar environments
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills
• Good communicator able to build relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders
• Data literate with the ability to track progress and update reports
• Empathetic, non judgemental and comfortable working with people with convictions
• Full driving licence and access to a car for prison visits

Desirable:

• Experience supporting or managing staff or volunteers
• Experience working within prisons, probation or other regulated environments
• Experience in employment support, coaching or case management

About the Programmes

Inside Job is the UK’s first peer-led employment initiative supporting people leaving prison into sustainable work. It empowers people with lived experience to support others, improving confidence and reducing reoffending.

Choirs Beating Time uses music to build confidence, communication and connection both in prison and in the community, helping people develop skills and a renewed sense of purpose.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working with flexibility between home, office and planned prison visits
• Training, professional development and sector networking opportunities
• Supportive team environment with a strong mission and values
• The chance to shape and grow two high impact programmes

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Programme Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, Employment Coach, Caseworker, Rehabilitation Worker or Project Manager. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy

At St Christopher`s we can provide more than just a care job. We can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.

When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website.

We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions.

About the role

As an Experienced Practitioner, you will provide direct support and care for our young people who have complex emotional and mental health difficulties (such as trauma and loss) and can struggle to regulate their emotions.

Working within a therapeutic framework, you will develop a direct programme of work aimed at developing authentic relationships with our children and young people (aged 12 – 17 years old), you will also have responsibility for making sure our residents are safe, providing support, liaison with other professionals and completion of support documents to record information.

If applying for the Waking Night role, you will have the additional support of an on-call manager should there be any emergencies. Further to this, you will be involved in monthly team meetings and receive monthly supervision.

Applicants should have

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent (i.e. Level 3 Diploma Children and Young People Workforce with the children's social care pathway) or be willing to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within 2 years as per Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 (England).
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience working and supporting children and Young People to achieve their full potential.
• Genuine commitment to working with and supporting children and Young People to achieve their full potential; with the ability to build and promote trusted relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• An understanding of the issues facing children and Young People and a basic understanding of safeguarding Regulations and Procedures.
• The ability to cope effectively with challenging behaviour.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Commitment to undertake any mandatory training (outside of working hours) and continuous learning to ensure a high level of service.
• Creativity, enthusiasm and energy to inspire and encourage young people to achieve their goals.

What you should expect from us

• Salary: £28,912 per annum. Overtime / bank holidays paid time-and-a-half and 2 weekends off per month.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

First Stage Interview 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at our Head Office

Second Stage

Successful candidates will then attend the second stage interview at the home they have applied for.

We advise you to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note:

• This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.
• It is illegal to apply for any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children.
• all shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

Job Title: Safeguarding Officer

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Professional Supervision: The Regional Safeguarding Lead

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £22,500 per annum (FTE £39,375)

Hours per week: 20 hours

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)

Role Description

The Safeguarding Officer will lead and oversee all aspects of safeguarding within St Edmundsbury Cathedral, ensuring that the Cathedral remains a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the Cathedral meets all statutory safeguarding obligations and complies fully with the Church of England’s national safeguarding policies, diocesan frameworks, and relevant legislation. This includes proactively identifying potential risks, responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and ensuring effective reporting and case management in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies.

Beyond compliance, this role is about embedding a culture of care, accountability, and transparency across the Cathedral community. You will support clergy, staff, and volunteers to understand their safeguarding responsibilities, ensure safer recruitment and training practices, and provide guidance and reassurance when safeguarding issues arise.

By acting as a source of expert advice, leadership, and advocacy, the Safeguarding Officer will help the Cathedral community uphold the highest standards of safety, dignity, and pastoral care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, can participate fully and confidently in Cathedral life.

The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer has operational authority within the Cathedral (subject to agreement with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer with respect to responding to concerns and allegations against Church officers) for the following responsibilities, arranged according to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards.

These four National Safeguarding Standards provide the framework for effective safeguarding practice across all Church settings:

1. Culture, Leadership, and Capacity – Promoting a culture where safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of Cathedral life, ensuring that leaders, clergy, staff, and volunteers model and champion best practice.
2. Prevention – Implementing robust safer recruitment, induction, and training processes, and proactively identifying and mitigating potential safeguarding risks.
3. Responding to Concerns – Ensuring that all concerns, disclosures, and allegations are taken seriously, responded to promptly, and managed in partnership with statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
4. Learning, Supervision, and Quality Assurance – Fostering continual improvement through regular review, reflection, and evaluation of safeguarding practice, ensuring accountability and transparency at all levels.

Together, these standards guide the Cathedral’s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment for all who engage with its worship, ministry, and community life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Act as the Cathedral’s primary safeguarding lead, providing authoritative advice and operational oversight to the Chapter, leadership team, clergy, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with national Church of England safeguarding guidance, diocesan requirements and all relevant statutory legislation.
• Develop, maintain and drive a measurable safeguarding action plan and improvement programme, ensuring policies and practice are implemented consistently across Cathedral activities.
• Produce clear, timely safeguarding reports and briefings for Chapter and committees translating case and compliance information into strategic recommendations.
• Actively promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, supporting leaders to embed safeguarding into planning, events, recruitment and everyday practice.
• Engaging in professional supervision and quality assurance provided by the relevant Regional Safeguarding Lead, and in continual professional development, including ensuring that the requirements of the National Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework for Safeguarding Officers are met.

Safer recruitment

• Lead and oversee safer recruitment processes for all paid roles and volunteer positions, ensuring job descriptions, interviews and selection processes assess safeguarding suitability.
• Support managers to make informed recruitment decisions and ensure all new starters receive safeguarding induction and appropriate supervision.

Case management

• Receive, triage and respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures quickly and sensitively, ensuring the safety and welfare of those involved.
• Undertake initial risk and needs assessments and make appropriate referrals to statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
• Support and co-ordinate multi-agency responses where required, and follow agreed safeguarding pathways.
• Provide pastoral support and signposting to victims/survivors while ensuring appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and access to specialist support services.
• Manage allegations involving staff or volunteers in line with diocesan procedures, ensuring safe working arrangements are put in place while enquiries proceed.
• Maintain accurate, secure and auditable case records, ensuring all documentation complies with data protection (GDPR) and Cathedral record-keeping protocols

Meetings & governance

• Attend safeguarding-related meetings, including the Safeguarding Committee, Guild Committee and Forum, providing briefings, presenting reports and highlighting risks and compliance matters.
• Prepare agendas, papers and minutes as required; maintain an action log and follow up to ensure agreed actions are completed.
• Escalate unresolved risks or urgent safeguarding matters to Chapter and senior leadership in a timely and constructive manner.
• Attend Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) Meetings.

Training & awareness

• Lead on Cathedral safeguarding training, coordinate and deliver induction and refresher training for staff, volunteers, and clergy.
• Maintain up-to-date records of safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers (showing completion and renewal dates).
• Create accessible safeguarding information and communications for the Cathedral community (e.g., weekly bulletin items, posters, webpages and event briefings) to raise awareness and reinforce good practice.
• Provide tailored briefings for high-risk roles and ongoing advice to managers and supervisors on safeguarding responsibilities.
• To evaluate training to ensure that learnings have been embedded.

Policy & risk management

• Review, update and implement the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies and procedures on a regular schedule (and sooner where guidance or case learning requires change).
• Lead safeguarding risk assessments for services, events, volunteer activities and external bookings; provide straightforward, action-focused mitigation plans for event organisers and hirers.
• Conduct audits and spot-checks to ensure practice aligns with policy and report findings with recommended improvements.
• Ensure contractors, partner organisations and hirers meet required safeguarding standards and that any safeguarding responsibilities are set out contractually where appropriate.

Additional duties and professional development

• Provide clear, timely advice within agreed working hours and support any out-of-hours arrangements for urgent safeguarding concerns as agreed with Chapter.
• Maintain your own professional development through training, supervision and membership of relevant safeguarding networks; ensure learning is shared across the Cathedral.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties that support the effective delivery of safeguarding across the Cathedral.
• Attend the East Anglia Regional Safeguarding Network meeting three times a year, with other DSOs and CSO in the region

Key Relationships

• In the Cathedral, the Dean provides leadership concerning safeguarding, supported by Chapter and senior leadership team requiring good working relationships with both clergy and lay colleagues.
• It is essential that the CSO forms excellent working relationships with key people in the Diocese, including: the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO), the safeguarding team and other relevant staff; the chair and membership of diocesan safeguarding governance structures e.g., the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) and relevant sub-groups; and the National Safeguarding Team.
• It is essential to have good connections with colleagues in relevant local third sector agencies, including those working in the fields of homelessness, poverty, domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, refugee support, language and learning support, etc. Adults and children who are using, have used or may use the services of the cathedral, particularly in relation to safeguarding.

Person Spesification 

Essential Qualities

Qualifications

• Relevant safeguarding qualification/training, or willingness to undertake

Experience

• Substantial experience working with safeguarding in roles involving children and/or adults at risk.
• Handling safeguarding referrals, disclosures, and case management.
• Liaising with statutory services such as police, social care, and health agencies.
• Delivering safeguarding training or workshops to diverse audiences.
• Producing reports, maintaining accurate records, and managing confidential data.

Knowledge

• Excellent understanding of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice for children and adults.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment principles and DBS requirements.
• Understanding of GDPR and secure data management in relation to safeguarding.
• Awareness of the Church of England’s safeguarding frameworks and National Safeguarding Standards (or willingness to learn).

Skills and Abilities

• Strong ability to assess risk and make clear, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately at all levels.
• Effective relationship-building skills, including working collaboratively with clergy, volunteers, statutory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
• Confident in designing and delivering safeguarding training and briefings.

Personal Qualities

• Integrity, resilience, and discretion when managing sensitive information.
• Empathy and pastoral sensitivity towards those impacted by abuse or allegations.
• A collaborative, approachable, and supportive leadership style.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Respect for the Cathedral’s Christian values and willingness to work within its ethos.

Desired Qualities

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, education, counselling, youth work, nursing, or safeguarding).
• Membership of a relevant safeguarding or professional network.

Experience

• Experience working in a Church of England context or other faith-based safeguarding setting.
• Experience of developing and implementing safeguarding policies and risk assessments.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches when supporting victims/survivors.
• Familiarity with Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) roles and procedures.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in facilitating safeguarding learning using innovative or digital approaches.
• Competence in using safeguarding case management systems or CRMs.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to undergo enhanced DBS checks, including barred lists.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.
• Commitment to completing all mandatory safeguarding and leadership training as required by the Cathedral and Diocese.

Closing Date: Wednesday 12 November 

The Organisation

This is a senior finance opportunity within a large, well-established not-for-profit organisation operating in the housing and community services sector. With a turnover in the hundreds of millions and a portfolio of over 60,000 homes, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting communities across London and the South East.

The Job

As Group Finance Manager, you'll lead on statutory accounts, financial reporting, and audits across multiple group entities. You'll ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls, support the Head of Financial Accounting and deputise as needed, and manage a small team. This is a key leadership role within the Financial Reporting and Control team, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and delivering high-quality financial insight.

The Person

You'll be a qualified accountant with significant experience in statutory reporting, ideally at group level. You'll bring a strong track record of managing audits, developing internal controls, and leading high-performing teams. Experience in the housing, public, or not-for-profit sectors is desirable. Strong technical knowledge, stakeholder engagement skills, and a proactive, improvement-focused mindset are essential.

What's in it for you?

• Salary: £72,864 - £80,960 per annum
• Pension: 10.8% employer contribution
• Annual Leave: 25 days + 3 days Christmas closure (+2 extra days after 2 years)
• Hybrid Working: 2-3 days in the office per week
• Location: Modern offices in central London

You'll join a values-led organisation with a clear social mission, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to professional development.

What to do now

If you're ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.

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