Housing advice jobs

Location: Lambeth

Salary: Unqualified: £16,953 - £17,947.80 per annum (Pro-rated based on an FTE of £28,255 - £29,913 per annum) 

Qualified: £17,953.80 - £19,573.80 per annum (Pro-rated based on an FTE of £29,923 - £32,623 per annum)

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st March 2026)

Closing Date: Thursday 28th August 2025 

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Refuge Worker at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

We have two refuges in Lambeth and provide emergency accommodation to women and children fleeing domestic abuse and sexual violence.  We are there for women at a time of crisis and help families take their first steps to freedom and recovery.

About the Role

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no day is the same

This role requires using your initiative and proactive attitude than reactive.

You will also be working with women who are in trauma and can be in crisis requiring you to be empathetic but aspirational. You will provide advice and support to women who have experienced domestic abuse in a refuge setting, across the three sites.  You will carry out risk and needs assessments, develop support plans and carry out key work with women survivors. You will be expected to work in one of the three Refuges as part of your role

Some of the tasks you will be required.

• Support – Induction, Risk Assessments, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health, Benefits, Debt Advice, Move On, maintain accurate recording on Solace case management system and ensure regular reviews are carried out.
• Frontline delivery of support directly to service users
• Repairs Identification/reporting/meeting contractors
• Void inspections, basic void works – i.e. clean/clear, furniture, welcome packs 
• Service Users Arrears & HB Claims and benefits - Identify arrears of concern & raise to Service Manager
• Helping service users understand housing benefits/welfare benefits available to them 
• Initial Safeguarding Reports 
• Deliver Clear Outcomes – contractual deliverables or Solace standards 
• Multi agency working involved with Service Users
• Support service user to access other community services 
• ED&I Awareness-needs for SU’s including organising EDI activities.
• Promoting SU involvement activities.

Please note this list is not exhaustive and you will be required to carry out tasks delegated to you by your line manager.

About You

The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on women and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support to victims of domestic and sexual violence.  An in depth understanding of the needs of women and children from a diverse background is essential. 

• You will have experience of managing risk and following case management procedures to meet the needs of the client group, and the ability to work with women to help them to understand their needs, risk assess, develop safety plan and support them in linking with other agencies.
• You should have an understanding of the homelessness process, either professionally or personally. 
• You will have a working knowledge of the available legal remedies, housing and welfare benefits, as well as experience of providing workshops.

Outside of this, you will have excellent administrative and time management skills and the ability to effectively manage a caseload.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

Rainbow Migration is the longest-running charity in Europe dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and has been campaigning for their rights since 1993. We are recruiting a Casework Coordinator to deliver support services to people seeking asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

We now have an opportunity for a Casework Coordinator to join our team and play a key role in helping women seeking asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation improve their ability and resilience to cope with the challenges they face and build support networks.

This role will receive full training and support as required to deliver your responsibilities, including:

• Facilitating regular support group meetings of women who are seeking asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation
• Providing one-to-one emotional and practical support primarily to LBTQI+ women who are seeking asylum
• Assisting service users to access health services and accommodation
• Ensuring service users access quality legal representation
• Sharing your knowledge and experience by providing advice, guidance and training to other organisations working with LGBTQI+ people who are seeking asylum

This position requires that you are a lesbian or bisexual cisgender or trans woman and are comfortable discussing and disclosing your sexual orientation in a professional context with service users. Non-binary people are also welcome to apply for this role if you believe that your lived experience sufficiently closely aligns with that of women and girls.

It is important to be aware that your identity, including your sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status, may become known to external parties, such as service users’ friends, funders, and the general public through your association with Rainbow Migration and our work.

Rainbow Migration’s vision is that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives. Our values are: 

• Safety: We believe everyone should be safe from persecution and safe to be themselves. We strive to create a safe workplace culture, and we place importance on the wellbeing of everyone involved with Rainbow Migration. 
• Integrity: We are thorough and honest in everything we do, and we take responsibility for our actions. We want to be accountable to our communities and those who support us. 
• Belonging: We welcome and include all LGBTQI+ people, and we celebrate and value their range of experience in terms of gender, religion, race, age, disability status and class. We try to remove obstacles to participation, champion equality and promote a sense of family or home through our services. 
• Respect: We believe that every person is equal and deserves the same level of courtesy, care, and attention. We respect the rights, wishes and feelings of our service users, and campaign for their rights to be respected as they go through the asylum and immigration system. 

Diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We consider all qualified applicants, consistent with any legal requirements.

We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in and welcome applications from candidates who have been through the UK asylum system and people of colour, who are currently underrepresented among our staff in relation to our service users.

We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they meet all the necessary criteria in the person specification. If you wish to qualify under this scheme, please make this clear when applying.

We send a selection of questions in advance of job interviews to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to take notes in interviews to help process information. If your interview is online, we can also put questions in the meeting chat. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support your interview process.

Role overview

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week). Working part-time (minimum 21 hours a week) or job-sharing will be considered. Occasional work in the evenings and at weekends may be required but with plenty of notice. Rainbow Migration encourages staff to maintain a good work life balance and has a TOIL system in place.

Salary: Starting at £31,294 FTE with potential annual step increases up to £35,086 (pro rata if working part-time), plus statutory employer’s pension contribution. In addition to an annual step increase, the trustees consider giving a separate inflationary increase every April.

Location: Rainbow Migration’s wheelchair accessible offices are based between Vauxhall and the Oval, London. This role will have an office-based contract but the postholder can choose to work from home for part of the week in agreement with their line manager as per our hybrid working policy. You must be available to work from our offices in London when necessary. The successful candidate would also be welcome to work from the office full-time if that is their preference. At the time of posting this advert, staff mostly work from home. There might also be occasional travel outside London with plenty of notice. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Annual Leave: Initially 25 days per year. After two years of employment, this will increase by one day per year up to a maximum of 28 days (pro rata if working part-time).

Benefits:

• Two days of wellbeing leave to be taken at short notice in each calendar year (pro rata for part-time staff)
• Enhanced parental leave and pay
• Full pay for jury service (up to four weeks), compassionate leave (up to two weeks) and dependants’ leave (up to four days, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Separate salary step and inflationary increases considered every year
• TOIL system
• Hybrid working policy, including possibility of working abroad for 10 working days (pro rata for part-time staff) each year
• Policy on staff loans or salary advances for difficult times
• Work laptop and mobile phone
• Training and learning opportunities
• Occupational health assessments for disabled employees to understand how we can support and make reasonable adjustments
• Employee assistance programme which includes counselling service, wellness advice, legal and money advice, and other matters
• Clinical supervision for staff delivering services (a safe space with an independent therapist to offload and discuss feelings and challenges)

How to apply:

Closing date: 9am 01 September 2025

Interview dates: Initial interviews will be online on 11 and 12 September 2025. A second round of face-to-face interviews will follow in London later in September.

Please read the job description and person specification. If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, then you can contact the line manager via the email address in the application pack.

Please send to the email address in the application pack or on our website:

1. Your CV
2. A written statement (max 1,000 words). Instead of a written statement you may submit your statement by video or audio recording (max 8 minutes)

We’d also be grateful if you would complete this optional monitoring form - the link is in the application pack

In your statement, please:

1. Explain why you are interested in this role and give examples of how you meet the person specification. In addition to what is on your CV, we want to hear about any relevant skills and experience that demonstrate how you meet the necessary criteria for the role, and if you meet any of the advantageous criteria. Skills and experience could be from training, volunteering, interests or life experience
2. Confirm if you wish to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 (physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ effect on your ability to do normal daily activities)
3. State how many hours a week you wish to work and if you have a preferred pattern
4. Explain if you have used AI to help with your application in any way and the reason why. While AI can be a helpful tool, we expect all applications to reflect your own experiences, qualifications and style of writing. Transparency is valued, so applications that are obviously written with AI without explanation will not be considered

By submitting an application, you:

1. Confirm that you have the right to work in the UK and will produce the necessary documentation if you are offered this post
2. Declare that to the best of your knowledge and belief, the information provided with your application is true and correct and that you understand that any false information or statement given will justify the dismissal from Rainbow Migration if appointed
3. Accept that, if successful, you will be required to disclose all unspent criminal records at the point of conditional job and subsequently to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. See our website for more information.

We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system. As part of this network, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach in our employment practices and respect the personal circumstances and needs of people with lived experience.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please complete this form linked to in the application pack to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

Privacy notice

If you apply for this role, the information you provide will be processed according to Rainbow Migration's privacy policy. Rainbow Migration will not share your information with any third parties unless part of the recruitment process or are legally required to do so. By applying, you are permitting Rainbow Migration to access and use the information for recruitment purposes. Information is kept for the minimum period necessary, which for CVs, covering statements and/or audio or video submissions for unsuccessful applicants is 12 months after the conclusion of the recruitment campaign. Monitoring information is kept separately and is pseudonymised to avoid identification of applicants. It is amalgamated for statistical purposes and the original data is then deleted after six months.

Are you passionate about supporting young women and girls? Do you have experience working with people with learning disabilities and autism? Respond is looking for a Young Women’s Advocate (YWA) to join our trauma-informed team.  

About Us  

Respond is a specialist organisation dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities and autism who have experienced abuse, trauma, and complex life challenges. We provide psychotherapy, advocacy, and specialist interventions for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.  

About the Role  

As a YWA at Respond, you will provide high-quality, trauma-informed advocacy for young women and girls age 14-25, with complex needs experiencing multiple disadvantages. 

Ensuring their safety and empowering them to rebuild their lives by advocating for young women and girls to be represented and that their choices and needs are kept central in all activities and decisions.

You will conduct risk assessments (DASH) and work closely with agencies. Your role includes supporting young women and girls in building self-protective skills and resilience, such as self-esteem, confidence, and safety planning. You will also design sessions that help identify healthy and unhealthy relationships, working with social services, police, schools, and housing authorities. You will also play a key role in raising awareness and improving support for neurodivergent survivors.  

Why Join Us?  

Be part of a specialist, trauma-informed team making a real difference.  
Receive ongoing training and professional development.  
Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.  
Hybrid/flexible working options available.  

How to Apply  
If you’re ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Send your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria.

Join us in creating a safer, more inclusive world for young women and girls.   

"There's no place like home, but what happens if you don't have one?" Eden Brown Charities are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Shelter Cymru to recruit them a Fundraising Partnerships Manager to join an ambitious Fundraising team in Wales.

Shelter Cymru help thousands of people each year across Wales who are affected by the housing emergency by offering free, confidential and independent advice. When necessary they constructively challenge on behalf of people to ensure they are properly assisted and to improve practice and learning.

About the role

The Fundraising Partnerships role is a key role for the team at Shelter Cymru and is one of two management posts. As the Fundraising Partnerships Manager you will identify and secure new opportunities for fundraising growth, working with the Officers within the team to grow both core and restricted income. You will also manage a group of Fundraising Officers, and together, you will generate income from businesses and grant-giving organisations to fund charitable work.

You will work closely with the Head of Fundraising to oversee budget performance in key income areas and to deliver the fundraising strategy.

About you

As Fundraising Partnerships Manager you will ideally have had experience in income generation however we are also really keen to speak to candidates who have transferrable skills and are looking to get into the sector. Relationship Management and building relationships is key to this role. You will have had experience in leading and motivating a team as well as experience in working towards financial budgets. You will be an excellent communicator and be passionate about Shelter Cymru's mission.

Shelter Cymru are a flexible employer with one day per week spent in the office in one of the following locations Cardiff, Swansea, Rhyl, Felinheli and Wrexham. Please contact Laura Iliff on 07442607841 for more information. Please note that the closing date for this role is the 14th September.

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.

Eden Brown Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3643845. Our registered address is 5th floor 4 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AR, part of nGAGE Specialist Recruitment Limited T/A nGAGE Talent. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. We take reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email but cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage sustained as a result of computer viruses and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) are virus free.

We are looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) to join our friendly team of ISVAs at RASASC Guildford. This is a full time position - 5 days/week (35 hours), but we would consider 4 days/week (28 hours) for the right person. 

We are committed to equal opportunities, and we warmly encourage applications from all sections of the community particularly applicants from diverse groups.

RASASC is a registered charity which has been providing support to survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all genders (both recent and non-recent) and young people aged over 13, from across Surrey since 1992.

We provide an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service. ISVAs support survivors to help them overcome the abuse they have suffered and to rebuild their lives. This service also includes supporting the survivor to seek justice through the judicial system, should the survivor wish.

We also provide one-to-one counselling, group work, youth counselling, a support line, and a family support programme.

Volunteers are an important part of the work we do. Volunteers staff our support line  and many of our qualified counsellors work on a voluntary basis with survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

ISVA

ISVAs are survivor-focused advocates, who support survivors of recent and non-recent rape and sexual abuse to enable them to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse they have experienced. An ISVA provides individual support and this will vary from client to client.  

This role is based at the RASASC Guildford office and will work across Surrey. The ISVA must have a full driving licence and use of a car that can be used for work purposes.

You will be part of a dedicated, experienced, and friendly team. The ISVAs meet fortnightly for peer support and work collaboratively with each other to share knowledge. Each ISVA has a lead area of responsibility in addition to your caseload supporting a range of clients.

You will be provided with monthly clinical supervision and attend monthly one-to-one meetings with the ISVA team leader.

We welcome applications from all candidates but are particularly looking for those who can demonstrate the experience listed in the essential criteria of the person specification, and especially from those who can evidence the desirable skills and/or have an existing ISVA qualification.

Job Description

• To support survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
• It is the responsibility of the ISVA to impartially advise the client on all options open to them, such as the Criminal Justice System, SARC, sexual health clinic and other local services.
• The ISVAs are expected to balance a caseload that includes survivors progressing through the criminal justice process as well as survivors that have decided not to report, or who are no longer in the criminal justice process.
• The ISVA will be based at Guildford RASASC but will be expected to travel throughout Surrey.
• The ISVA is expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this document, as the job description cannot cover every issue which may arise within the post. 

Key Tasks

· The ISVA will provide a survivor-focused, independent service, distinct from the role of a crisis worker or counsellor.

· Undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with survivor and develop a support plan for the survivor.

· To provide advice and support across a wide range of issues, such as housing, health and education, that will help to support the survivor and ensure their ongoing safety in the aftermath of the abuse.

· Manage caseload and maintain necessary case files and records including monitoring information as required under funding conditions and by RASASC.

· To provide expert advice and support in relation to issues and the impact of rape and sexual abuse on this client group to other members of the ISVA team as well as the wider RASASC team. 

· The ISVA will be required to undertake accredited training specifically designed to support them in delivering this service. This training is currently delivered virtually but subject to change, possibly face to face in Rugby or Manchester over six modules. Each module is taught over two consecutive days to minimise the amount of time ISVAs are away.

· Fulfil relevant monitoring processes as requested by the ISVA Team Leader or the Fundraising Manager.

· to attend monthly one to one supervision with team leader and monthly clinical supervision 

Personal Specification

Experience:

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills and a proven ability to prioritise workload, including time management skills
• Experience of working with vulnerable people
• Knowledge and understanding of child and vulnerable adult protection procedures and information sharing protocols
• Handling confidential information
• Ability to work on your own and as part of a small team in a busy and challenging environment
• Full driving licence and car that can be utilised for work purposes.

Desirable

• Case Management skills – ability to accurately maintain records
• Crisis management skills – including risk management
• Knowledge and commitment to multi-agency partnership working.
• Experience of delivering presentation/training.
• Experience of working with survivors of rape and sexual abuse and an understanding of the variety of issues affecting survivors

In return, we can offer you 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part time hours, eight public holidays (pro rata for part time hours) contributory pension scheme and reimbursement of travel expenses at 45p per mile.

Application

We are committed to equal opportunities, and we warmly encourage applications from all sections of the community particularly applicants from diverse groups.

1st Interviews will be held on Tuesday 30th September, and should you be short listed you will be invited to interview on Tuesday 7th October at our offices in Guildford.   

If you are interested in joining our team or if you have any questions about the role, please do give us a call as we would love to hear from you, or please complete the application form.

This recruitment will close by Friday 12th September at 12 NOON 

How to Apply: Please download the application form from RASASC Guildford's website.

Senior Copywriting Officer
£34,300 - £37,300 per year
Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office 

What the job involves
We’re looking for a brilliant and proactive Senior Copywriting Officer to lead the creation of compelling written content that engages our audiences, strengthens our brand voice, and helps raise vital funds to support men with, or at risk of, prostate cancer.

As our in-house copywriting expert, you’ll help shape messaging and creative direction for products and campaigns and play a key role in shaping our tone of voice across all communication. You’ll review and edit content, support colleagues to build their confidence and capability, and ensure everything we publish is clear, consistent and impactful.

You’ll take the lead on developing content and writing for key long-form products – including our supporter magazine, impact report and direct marketing appeals – transforming briefs into emotionally resonant, insight-led copy that drives supporter action across both print and digital channels.

What we want from you
We’re looking for someone with expert copywriting skills, a sharp eye for detail, and a supportive, solutions-focused mindset. You’ll be passionate about using words to make a difference, and versatile in writing for a wide range of audiences and formats.

You’ll bring a strong track record in crafting persuasive, emotionally compelling long-form copy, particularly for fundraising and direct marketing, along with excellent editing skills and a deep understanding of tone of voice and audience needs.

Bringing a forward-thinking approach, you’re confident using AI to support creativity and curious about how it can strengthen human-led writing processes and scale impact.

You’ll be calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities with confidence and clarity. A natural communicator, you’ll collaborate effectively with colleagues across the organisation, explain complex ideas simply, and be comfortable coaching others to strengthen their writing skills. 

Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally. 

We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

Ways of working
Our hybrid working approach combines the best of flexible working – a positive work/life balance, inclusive and accessible platforms, and online information at our fingertips.

Next steps
More information on what we offer, as well as the role, can be found on our vacancies page, via the link. Please download our job profile document (job description) with our ‘How to apply’ section sharing the key points to refer to in your application and to apply.

The closing date is Sunday 31st August 2025.  Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.

Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for Thursday 11th and Monday 15th September.

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.

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 the residential service in West Ealing. Unfortunately this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £30,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rota working 09:00 - 17:00, you may also be required to work weekends, evenings, and bank holidays. 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 Ealing. You will support the Service Manager in leading a service which provides a recovery focused service to adults with long term mental health challenges. You will support the team to deliver person centred support to improve the lives of our residents, for them to gain greater independence to move onto lower support accommodation. You will do this through providing direct leadership and line management to the team so they feel empowered to perform within their roles. 

You will ensure a quality service is delivered in line with our contractual requirements, and will encourage the creation of a psychologically informed environment, which provides person centred support. Some of what the role includes:

• 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
• Property and Housing Management, ensuring the accommodation meets our requirements, and repairs and maintenance are regularly reported and completed
• 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 mental health and can 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!

You will have some knowledge and background in mental health, understanding the different complexities which can arise, and able to support others to support the residents to achieve their goals. You will be adaptable and flexible in your approach, and respect equity, diversity, and inclusion, able to create a compassionate, supportive and empowering environment within the service and in communication with others externally and throughout the organisation. 

• Direct experience working in a Health and Social care environment or similar, ideally within mental health
• Understanding of the needs that people who suffer with their mental health have
• Ability to lead a team to achieve service KPI's
• Ability to provide advice, support and guidance to a team on all aspects of the service such as resident related enquiries which can include housing, mental health support, signposting
• Ability to promote the service externally to enhance reputation in the area and with partner organisations
• IT proficiency, with the ability to navigate and learn new case management systems and other types of software
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the demands and needs of the service. For example, Provide an emergency on call service as and when required in case of emergency
• Passion for what we do as an organisation and alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency
• Understanding and/or practical knowledge of the social and societal marginalisation that can be attached to people with mental health issues, addiction, exploitation, homelessness and within the criminal justice system
• Budget Management Experience and/or willingness to learn financial management

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
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

 We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees. We're proud to mention that our staff Ambassadors career aspirations generally benefit from embracing this unique opportunity to develop their respective skill sets in spaces that exist outside of their daily roles. SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

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 (including people's own homes), probation settings, and hospitals awaiting discharge. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent. We believe in the power of well-planned, well-managed services to make a difference. We work with high standards and external and internal regulatory frameworks. Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

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.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

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

Deputy Manager | West London | Ealing | Wembley  | Harrow | Mental Health | Social Interest Group | Support | Recovery | Night | Day | Shifts |

"There's no place like home, but what happens if you don't have one?" Eden Brown Charities are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Shelter Cymru to recruit them a Fundraising Partnerships Manager to join an ambitious Fundraising team in Wales.

Shelter Cymru help thousands of people each year across Wales who are affected by the housing emergency by offering free, confidential and independent advice. When necessary they constructively challenge on behalf of people to ensure they are properly assisted and to improve practice and learning.

About the role

As part of the management team the Fundraising Operations Manager focuses on the operational aspects that enable the whole team to run successfully. In addition, the role manages a small group of posts specialising in income sources that generate predominantly core fundraised income. The Fundraising Operations Manager will support their direct reports in shaping and delivering operational plans and priorities, informed by the organisational strategy and the Fundraising & Income Generation Strategy.

This role will also be responsible for elements of the whole team's operations, overseeing Fundraising's use of the brand, the supporter CMS (Harlequin) and general day-to-day processes. In addition, they will provide joint support to the Head of Fundraising and will oversee budget performance in their income area(s).

About you

To be successful in this role you should have proven track record in success in income generation, with demonstrable knowledge and experience of a variety of income sources relevant or transferable to the Fundraising Team's work. You must be IT literate and be good at working collaboratively. Transferable experience will be considered if you have had experience in operations. Line Management experience is advantageous.

Shelter Cymru are a flexible employer with one day per week spent in the office in one of the following locations Cardiff, Swansea, Rhyl, Felinheli and Wrexham. Please contact Laura Iliff on 07442607841 for more information. Please note that the closing date for this role is the 14th September.

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.

Eden Brown Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3643845. Our registered address is 5th floor 4 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AR, part of nGAGE Specialist Recruitment Limited T/A nGAGE Talent. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. We take reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email but cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage sustained as a result of computer viruses and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) are virus free.

About the role 

Our passionate Regional Casework Coordinators are SSAFA’s front line of support for members of the armed forces community in need. They are the first point of contact for all beneficiaries into the Regional office, assessing needs and allocating the case to one of our volunteer caseworkers. 

You will sometimes handle complex problems from individuals who may be distressed, identifying the presenting and potential underlining needs to determine the best way to support the beneficiary. You will have ownership of cases from beginning to end, coordinating the casework process in a timely manner and ensure that the beneficiary journey is at the centre of the Service. You will have the opportunity to shape processes and procedures within the office which will lead to improvements in the service offered to clients.  

To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA. 

Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live in the West Midlands region, which includes:

Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Coventry, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire

There will be occasional travel around the West Midlands Region and you may be required to travel at short notice for face to face meetings.

About the team 

The team work remotely and pride themselves in maintaining a close working bond which ensures the smooth operation of the office. You will work closely with volunteers from the eight SSAFA branches in the West Midlands, supporting them to administer casework for SSAFA beneficiaries. The wider support team includes a Casework Manager and a Regional Operations Support Manager. 

About you 

To carry out this role successfully you will have a track record of providing welfare advice in key areas such as, housing benefits, debt, disability, mobility or immigration issues. You will have knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR and experience in dealing with sensitive information and people in vulnerable situations. You will be able to provide excellent customer service by telephone, e-mail and face to face. You will have used Microsoft Office 365 to a high standard. It is important that you have experience of planning and managing your own workload, with minimal supervision.

It would be advantageous if you have an understanding of the way of life for today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families and if you have experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers. An understanding of the voluntary sector and preferably the military charity sector landscape across the West Midlands would be valuable.

 About SSAFA 

 SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2023 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way, they need us. 

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA 

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business. 

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable. 

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 31 August 2025. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: TBC

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

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The role is designed as an integrated employment and mental health service to improve both mental health and employment outcomes. EAs are part of the employment team and work alongside clinicians to provide employment support to help  clients remain in work, return to work, or find employment. This takes the form of personalised support for the client backed up by an action plan detailing the client's employment goals and the actions that the client, the therapist, and the Employment Advisor agree to take to meet those goals.

What do I need to bring with me?

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

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience providing vocational support, including job search, CV development, interview coaching, and job retention, with a particular focus on supporting individuals with mental health conditions into, or in sustaining, employment.

They should have strong knowledge of employment law, the Equality Act, and reasonable adjustments, with the ability to advise on employer obligations and practical workplace solutions. Proven experience in building partnerships with employers, Jobcentre Plus, clinical teams, and community organisations is essential, along with strong networking skills to coordinate comprehensive support with wider agencies.

The role requires a person-centred approach, with experience in coaching and motivating service users while respecting their choices and aspirations. Strong case management and organisational skills are essential to manage varied caseloads, track outcomes, and maintain accurate reporting.

Knowledge of welfare benefits, including “better off” calculations, and the ability to signpost to additional support such as housing, financial advice, and legal services, is required. The candidate should also be confident liaising with external agencies such as Access to Work and Citizens Advice to enhance support for clients.

Interview Steps

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

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

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

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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

We are a disability confident employer

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

Safeguarding Statement

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

Important Information for Candidates

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

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

Finance Manager Job Description

Brent Mencap has been passionate about a healthier and fairer Brent since 1979. We’ve developed and run successful housing, employment, health, advice, wellbeing and self-advocacy services. During austerity and Covid we diversified, successfully taking on NHS work with people with long-term health conditions. We provide social prescribing support and health and wellbeing coaching to patients for Brent GPs. In 2024-25 we helped over 18000 people. We’re a leading partner on the Brent Health Educators Programme.

Our income has substantially  increased from £382k in 19/20 to £1.71 million in 23-24. We’ve had to adapt quickly, developing and retaining a much larger staff group, using our data better and improving our marketing.

Brent Mencap offers fantastic free creative and wellbeing activities for people with a learning disability, autism and long-term health conditions. These have flourished since Covid. People love yoga, poetry, singing, gardening, Breathe and Move, self-advocacy, campaigning, awareness raising, CREATE art activities for young people, external trips and parties. Small grants, donations and our reserves fund this while we get longer term funding. Our self-advocates want us to focus on paid employment, youth services and making Brent Council use accessible information properly.

Our current finance manager has been pivotal to Brent Mencap’s recent growth, adapting to paying more people, dealing with complicated invoices, making sure we get paid promptly, being as diligent about a project budget worth 5k as our overall budget and supportive with staff  wage queries. While there is lots of data input, reconciling, processing purchase orders, the role involves real involvement in project development, monitoring with other managers and face-to-face involvement with users and staff. It’s never boring and definitely not for the faint hearted!!

As Finance Manager for Brent Mencap, you will have a key leadership position. You will be responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of our finances, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements while ensuring our services are sustainable through sound financial planning. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustee Board to provide accurate insights and projections that support long-term growth and resilience.

You will play a pivotal role in reviewing and maintaining our robust finance and administrative system and procedures, managing risks and ensuring our charity finances can support delivery of our mission. You will also contribute to the development of funding applications, tenders, and financial strategies. You will play a key role in supporting funding applications, demonstrating impact through financial reporting, and building processes that enable future growth.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure

• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK

• Please note our office base is on the first floor of a Victorian building

To be shortlisted,

· Candidates must fully complete our application form, and show clearly how their previous experience and knowledge meets all aspects of the person specification with examples given of actual actions/experience relating to the person specification. Please go to our website to complete the application by 9.00am on 28th August. We do not accept CVs

Interview details

· A 2-part Interview with senior staff will take place at Brent Mencap on Monday 8th or 15th  September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be given a paper-based scenario to complete and print at Brent Mencap before the interview

· We anticipate the interviews will take 2.0 hours with a 15-minute break  between scenario and actual interview.

Full-time (35 hours pw) – working hours are 9-5 and this job does not require evening or weekend work. 

Closing date: 3rd September at 9am 

Ref: EDN-255

Are you a collaborative, compassionate and highly organised individual with a proven record of supporting children and young people, working in partnership with other agencies and the ability to work to a high standard?  Do you have experience of working with ‘high risk,’ vulnerable young people and have a flexible, empathetic approach to your work?

If so, St Giles is looking for an Emergency Department Specialist Caseworker to join us and work on a vital hospital-based service aimed at vulnerable 12 to 25-year-olds who attend the adult or paediatric A&E departments or Urgent Care Centres at Northwick Park Hospital.  Here, you will provide vital support for those young people admitted to emergency departments right through to their discharge back into the community.

About St Giles Trust 

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others. 

About this key role

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to identify and assess young victims of violence, you will also provide support, advice and advocacy for children, young people and their families as they plan to be discharged from hospital back into the community.  You will produce support and risk management plans based on your assessments and also deliver a holistic support service, working solo or with colleagues as the situation dictates, to each client.  This will include providing practical guidance with social and housing support, accompanying to appointments, ETE options, benefits work, debt advice, DIY work and cleaning.

We will also count on you to develop and maintain relationships with partner agencies, including community-based services such as police, children’s services and local authorities, while closing cases efficiently and positively, identifying a referral route for children and young people that will identify agencies that can be used for ongoing support and agencies that can be used if serious problems develop in the future is also an essential aspect of the role.

What we are looking for

• Personal experience of the criminal justice system, lived experience of the issues facing this client group and/or experience of working with ‘high risk’, vulnerable children, young people and/or families
• Substantial experience of providing support, advice and advocacy and of using support plans
• Substantial experience of assessing the needs of CYP who are at risk of significant harm
• Proven record of engaging successfully with ‘challenging’ young people
• A working knowledge of relevant services for young people and their families in the service provision area (mainly North and West London but potentially further
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• A flexible, collaborative and professional approach to your work

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will require an Enhanced Child and Adult with Child Barred DBS Check.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role. 

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Job Description

Brent Mencap has been passionate about a healthier and fairer Brent since 1979. We’ve developed and run successful housing, employment, health, advice, wellbeing and self-advocacy services. During austerity and Covid we diversified, successfully taking on NHS work with people with long-term health conditions. We provide social prescribing support and health and wellbeing coaching to patients for Brent GPs. In 2024-5 we helped over 18000 people. We’re a leading partner on the Brent Health Educators Programme. Recently we’ve focused on developing and retaining a much larger staff group, using our data better and improving our marketing.

Brent Mencap offers fantastic free creative and wellbeing activities for people with a learning disability, autism and long-term health conditions. These have flourished since Covid. People love yoga, poetry, singing, gardening, Breathe and Move, self-advocacy, campaigning, awareness raising, CREATE art activities for young people, external trips and parties. Small grants, donations and our reserves fund this while we get longer term funding. Our self-advocates want us to focus on paid employment, youth services and making Brent Council use accessible information properly. People with a learning disability, neurodiversity and their family carers are inclusively supported by social prescribers for advice and by health educators/coaches for health-related matters if needed.

Our current Executive Director, who has led Brent Mencap so well for 25 years wants to retire. The successful candidate will build on Brent Mencap’s history, current success and potential so our long-term passion for a healthier and fairer Brent can evolve and improve the lives of Brent People. Are you the amazing successor to lead and inspire our talented, committed team?

We are looking for someone who  

· Has the relevant voluntary sector experience, vision, determination and leadership skills

· Is committed to developing and supporting our diverse staff group

· Can see the bigger picture but also focuses on the important details

· Supports our ethos of person-centred service delivery and activities

· Can communicate well with users, partners, staff, trustees and funders

· Enjoys influencing and raising awareness

· Is entrepreneurial, savvy, confident and can maintain our current  financial stability and diversify our income streams

· Understands the lived experience of disability, long term health conditions and inequality  and wants to improve their lives

· Understands the importance of marketing and data to challenge inequality, promote positive change and attract new funds.

· Can prioritise reviewing and improving our data collection

· Can develop funding project plans that includes staffing for enhanced  wellbeing and creative activities, for  young people, employment  related support and other identified needs

In addition, they will have to:

· Work with the Board of Trustees and staff to develop our vision, implement strategic plans and  deliver agreed objectives

· Be able to ensure all aspects of our work are done safely, legally, in line with our articles/constitution  and able to assess risks and mitigate them

· Be responsible for staff development, management and all aspects of the administration of the organisation

· Be an ambassador for Brent Mencap, meeting and working with leaders with statutory and voluntary sector, Royal Mencap and local Mencaps

· Represent the lived experiences and voices of people with learning disabilities, neurodivergence, long term conditions and their families who inform our work and the work of others in Brent

· Work late occasionally, attend evening events, meetings and occasional weekends and undertake any other necessary tasks as required to ensure Brent Mencap functions safely.

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, from time to time to ensure it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure

• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK

• Please note: Our office base is on the first floor of a Victorian building with steep stairs.

To be shortlisted,

· Candidates must fully complete our application form, and show clearly how their previous experience and knowledge meets all aspects of the person specification with examples given of actual actions/experience relating to the person specification. Please go to our website to complete the application by 9.00am on 28th August. We do not accept CVs

· Be prepared to visit Brent Mencap so key staff and self-advocates can meet them informally before the interview day  or have a 60–90-minute Teams meeting with them. To arrange a face-to-face or Teams  meet up on a Wednesday only  please contact our office manager Simon via the website.

Interview details

· A 4-part Interview with senior staff, self-advocates, operational managers and trustees, will take place at Brent Mencap on Friday 5th or 12th September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be given a paper-based scenario to complete and send to us on the Thursday before the interview

· We anticipate the full interviews will take 2.5 hours with a 30-minute break at some point.

The role is responsible for ensuring the charity operates within a robust governance framework and complies with all relevant statutory, regulatory, and internal requirements. This role requires the ability to operate, and pivot, between subject matter expert, strategic partner, advisor and team member - with hands-on delivery, supporting the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and staff to embed a culture of good governance, risk awareness, and ethical practice across the charity.

The role line manages a small team (including two administrative assistants), and oversees the use of external experts to provide advice.