Housing and welfare benefits advisor jobs

Leeds Citizens Advice & Law Centre has been providing free and independent advice for more than 80 years, offering access to justice for people experiencing disadvantage or discrimination. In November 2024, we joined the Law Centres Network and have secured funding to expand our legal advice service.

We’re looking for a Solicitor or CILEx to supervise our housing advice team and legal aid contract. The team offers complex casework and representation to clients facing possession, eviction, serious disrepair and housing issues related to DAV and to anti-social behaviour. You will have 3 years’ PQE in housing law and be able to manage a wide range of cases, as well as experience of working under a legal aid contract, supervising caseworkers, and meeting targets.

Leeds Citizens Advice & Law Centre offers family friendly employment policies, 6.5% pension contribution and an Employee Assistance Programme. Hybrid working is available but this role will require at least 3 days per week in the office. Our modern offices are located in the city centre close to the combined courts and with excellent transport links.

If you’d like to join our friendly team working in an organisation that’s committed to social justice, you can find more information and application details on our website via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: 6 June 2025

Interviews: Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and interviews may be conducted before the closing date. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

We are currently looking for dedicated Immigration Advisers (IAA Level 2) to join our growing team to provide immigration advice and casework to destitute migrants. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis for a number of upcoming roles, one of which is a woman only role, so we welcome applications from women. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.

Praxis Community Projects is a dynamic, award-winning human rights charity supporting migrants in crisis or at- risk, ensuring that their essential human needs are met and that they are able to overcome the barriers they face. We provide legal advice and a range of welfare support including group work. We build community, challenge exclusion and discrimination, influence policy, improve services and inspire solidarity with migrants.

The ideal candidates will have an in-depth knowledge of immigration and asylum law, as well as have a good understanding of the challenges faced by migrants with NRPF and those at risk of homelessness. They will be able to step immediately into a busy advice environment that includes independent outreach.

At Praxis, we work to build community, challenge exclusion and discrimination, influence policy and improve services. We played a leading role in exposing the Windrush scandal and advocate and campaign for lasting changes to policy and practice to address the root causes of the issues faced by at-risk migrants.

Praxis is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from those with lived experience of migration, and from diverse applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy/maternity leave status.

Please see our website to find out more about our work.

 

Our Attractive Benefits Package Includes 

· A 35 hour working week including flexible working hours

· A hybrid work model 

· 25 days annual leave, increasing annually to the maximum 30 days (plus paid Bank Holidays) 

· You can buy up to 5 days annual leave each year 

· A defined contribution pension scheme 

· Our employee assistance programme offers counselling and support for you 24/7. 

· A season ticket loan to help you spread the cost of your commute 

If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Recruitment team who will contact you to discuss how we can help.

For further details, please contact Maria Iglesias Head of Operations and Business Development

To apply, send us your CV and cover letter demonstrating your capabilities in relation to each of the points of the job description marked ‘A’. Where relevant use your answers to illustrate how your competencies have helped you to achieve positive results. This will give you the best possible chance to be shortlisted. Applications will only be accepted with a cover letter.

Interviews: Offered on a rolling basis

Start date: Ranging from immediate to TBD.

About the Role

Are you someone who thrives on helping others, solving problems, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for a committed and empathetic Student Advisor to join the Advice Service team at the University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU).

In this vital role, you’ll provide free, independent, and confidential advice to students across a range of key areas. Whether it’s supporting someone through an academic appeal, navigating complex housing issues, managing financial hardship, or dealing with personal challenges, your role is to ensure students feel heard, informed, and empowered to take the next steps.

You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team working in a busy, varied environment that puts student wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver One-to-One Support: Provide impartial, confidential advice on academic concerns (appeals, complaints, disciplinaries), housing issues, financial support, and personal or welfare-related challenges.
• Support in Crisis: Offer guidance and emotional support to students experiencing difficult or distressing circumstances, such as mental health issues, harassment, or financial insecurity.
• Create and Share Resources: Develop accessible self-help materials (articles, videos, workshops) to empower students and reduce reliance on one-to-one services.
• Promote the Service: Take part in outreach activities, including campaigns, events, and training, to raise awareness and improve access to advice and support.
• Track and Report Issues: Use our case management system to record casework clearly and securely, and help monitor trends in student issues to inform future campaigns.
• Collaborate and Contribute: Work closely with colleagues across UMSU to support key periods like Welcome Week and elections, contributing to a supportive and inclusive student experience.

See the full role profile including the person specification for more details. 

Doorway has operated across Warwickshire since 1997 providing a range of services for young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Our key objectives are:

· To prevent youth homelessness and the exclusion that embeds it.

· To increase access to safe and secure accommodation for young homeless people to alleviate homelessness and exclusion.

· To promote a personalised approach to young people’s housing and personal development needs.

· To influence policy that affects homelessness and excluded people.

We are proud to have worked with so many fantastic young people by listening to them and offering appropriate advice, support and wellbeing options as well as accommodation.

Doorway is seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader with the following:

· experience in successfully balancing the strategic and operational leadership responsibilities

· ability to manage high performing teams of staff and volunteers

· a good knowledge of housing and homelessness, local authorities and the charity sector

· able to develop strong and lasting relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including young people who are at the heart of our service delivery.

· senior experience in an organisation of similar scale and complexity

· sound financial and commercial acumen with a track record of identifying and securing funding

Above all else, you will be intrinsically values driven and aligned to our purpose and culture. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion along with a passion for tackling social injustice.

Title: Advice Services Manager

Responsible to: Operations Manager

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £36,000 - £42,000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications)

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR; Haringey borough (including Hornsey, N8 9LP) + other locations if required

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding)

Please Note: DBS check will be required

JOB OVERVIEW

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? This is an exciting opportunity for someone already working in an advice role and looking to take the next step in their career to join the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as Advice Services Manager.

The Advice Services Manager will take the lead on BIAS’s day-to-day advice services, managing a small team of welfare and housing advice specialists to ensure that we provide the highest-quality service to our clients. You will need to have experience of delivering front-line benefits and/or housing advice, strong people skills and the ability to build good working relationships with staff and clients, along with excellent organisational abilities to ensure that casework and projects are delivered on time.

In 2025, BIAS is expanding its successful Brent-based welfare and housing advice service into Haringey borough. The Advice Services Manager will work closely with the Operations Manager to build and develop the new advice service in Haringey, ensuring that we replicate our excellent quality of service, strong record of positive outcomes and loyal client base.

This role will also involve working with the leadership team to help identify areas for future development and support grant applications and reporting, which will give you the opportunity to have a direct impact on shaping the organisation’s future strategy and direction.

If you are an experienced advice specialist and are looking to step up but don’t have all the skills required, please consider applying as we are willing to consider appointing the right candidate as a training and development role.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

Staff management

• Managing a small advice team, ensuring the quality of the advice provided.
• Providing support, supervision and training to staff on the delivery of advice services, ensuring that appropriate advice is provided and casework deadlines are met.
• Ensuring good teamwork and lines of communication between staff and partner organisations.
• Creating a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are promoted and staff can do their best.

Quality and service delivery

• Leading the welfare advice services in both Brent and Haringey boroughs, and contributing to further expansion.
• Maintaining a small personal caseload (approximately one to two days’ work per week).
• Working with the Operations Manager to ensure that BIAS complies with Advice Quality Standard (AQS) requirements.
• Leading on monitoring service delivery, recording outcomes and ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Managing all aspects of risk relating to advice delivery, complaints handling, safeguarding and GDPR.

Operational support

• Working with the leadership team as required on operational matters, including planning, strategy for future development and grant applications and reporting.

These are the basic duties required of the Advice Services Manager. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based in our advice offices in Willesden and Haringey[1] but there may be some options for flexible working (i.e. one or two days per week).

ABOUT BIAS

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for over forty-five years. We deliver our support through our welfare advice drop-in service, our active ageing clubs and our Be-a-Friend volunteer scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable every year and have over 3000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has exciting plans for further expansion in 2025 and has a range of medium- to long-term grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role (detailed in the PDF job description), with supporting examples.

The deadline for applications is 6th June 2025 but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as interviews may be carried out on a rolling basis.

[1] BIAS is currently running its Haringey advice services from the Hornsey Vale Community Centre, with plans to establish a permanent office in Haringey later in 2025.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to join our growing team in Rochdale, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based in Rochdale Police station along with some hybrid working, you must be prepared to travel across the borough of Rochdale.

As a IDVA you will deliver specialist and enhanced support to victims/survivors who have experienced Domestic Violence Abuse. You will be responsible for providing high quality interventions through the development of individually tailored & risk assessed support and safety plans.

You will need:

• To conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments and ensure each victim/survivor receives an individual tailored support package that fully meets their identified needs, including safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• To Provide one to one support to victim/survivor who has been affected by domestic abuse.
• The ability to review the assessment of risk on an ongoing basis, ensuring appropriate and immediate action is taken in respect of any victim/survivor facing significant harm, making the necessary referrals to MARAC and local safeguarding processes as required given the legal framework relating to the protection of children and the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board.
• To establish links with relevant statutory partners in Social Care, Education, Health, Police and Housing, with the intention of supporting children and young people who have been impacted by domestic abuse. Attend meetings as required.
• Ideally a background in Social Worker, Police or Domestic Abuse would be advantageous

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Age UK is recruiting for a Regional Estates Manager to provide a professional comprehensive and cost-effective Regional Estate Management Service on all Age UK Properties.

In this role you will use your professional knowledge and experience to undertake significant problem solving and lateral thinking, providing advice to key stakeholders across the charity on complex estate and asset management issues. By ensuring best professional practice is always observed and complying with the RICS Code of Conduct, the successful post-holder will be responsible for assisting with the preparation of departmental budgets, negotiating rent reviews and lease renewals across Age UK's predominantly retail property portfolio and general day to day property management duties.

Whilst you will be home based, please note this role requires travel across our Age UK estate, so there is an expectation you can travel with some overnight stays; a company car will be provided.

The area this role covers will be dependent on the successful candidate's home location.

Please note: This salary includes a market supplement of £4K up to the maximum of £50K (inclusive). This market supplement reflects the current demand for professionals with skills in this area.

Age UK Internal Job Grade- 5N

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:
Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

• Significant post Chartered experience in either a retail property management department or an estate management department providing professional advice and influencing a range of stakeholders in respect of strategic property management. (A, I)
• Experience of working within a geographically diverse team (I)
• Experience of developing, and reviewing policies, procedures and guidance (I)
• In depth knowledge of Landlord and Tenant statute and Case Law in particular the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (A, I)
• Self-Motivated, work autonomously yet work as part of and lead a team.
• Good Organisational Skills (I)
• Ability to write concise letters and reports targeted to varying recipients both internally and externally of Age UK (I)
• Good Computer skills including proficiency in the use of excel, database and word (A, I)
• Able to manage multiple projects at all stages (I)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (I)
• Able to collate, analyse and report relevant management information (I)
• Comfortable with influencing a variety of stakeholders across the organisation. (I)
• Ability to work within a small flexible team of professional/technical staff. (I)
• Sound Knowledge of the Retail property market (A, I)
• Strong negotiating skills (A, I)
• BSc Estate Management degree (A)
• Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (A)

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an ‘A’ in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting  Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please see our website.

HR Manager

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to join the team here at Brixton House to provide expertise in employment related issues, and spearhead best practice and due process. If you are a clear and confident communicator with substantial experience in managing change, we'd love to hear from you.
 
Brixton House is more than just a cultural space; it is a vibrant community hub where creativity thrives, voices are heard, and everyone is welcomed and celebrated. We invite you to join us in our mission to enrich lives through the power of the arts.
 
Our vision is to empower the undervalued, unheard, and excluded communities through our creative and cultural spaces. We believe in creating a haven where every voice matters, where stories from all walks of life can be shared and celebrated. Our mission is rooted in the rich and influential history of Ovalhouse Theatre, from which Brixton House has emerged as a dynamic new cultural hub. We are dedicated to presenting and collaborating with voices and perspectives that are often marginalised in mainstream funded culture.

Our commitment to building a strong connection with our community is reflected in our core values:

• Always be welcoming to our international community
• Be radical and progressive in our thinking and activities
• Be collaborative in our ambitions – nurturing new relationships locally, and beyond Brixton
• Most importantly, always celebrate our unique identity and growing accomplishments

HR Manger Requirements:

• Level 5 CIPD qualified
• Proven HR generalist looking for their next big challenge.
• Computer literate including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Clear and confident communicator
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to plan, organise and manage own workload.
• Ability to support the implementation of equal opportunities, covering race, culture, religion, sexuality, gender and all other protected characteristics.
• Substantial experience in managing change and implementing new initiatives

Please upload your CV and Cover letter, no more than two sides of A4, addressing how you meet the Job Description and Person Specification by the closing date.

Closing Date: 14 May 2025
Interview Date: W/C 19 May 2025

Location: Brixton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part time, 32 hours per week
Salary: £40,000 (£32,000 pro rata)
Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working (minimum 3 days in the office)
• Edenred Staff Discounts,
• Eyetest Vouchers,
• Cycle2work Scheme,
• Employee Assistance Programme

You may also have experience in the following: HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, HR Manager, HRBP, HR Office, Human Resources, L&D Advisor, Learning & Development, Training Manager, Training Advisor, Recruitment, Retention, etc.
 
REF-221 246

Citizens Advice Wirral is a local charity assisting Wirral residents with a range of issues including benefits, debt, employment, housing and life challenges that affect their health and wellbeing.  We also actively work for change in the policies and practices of organisations that impact our clients.

Our values shape how we work with each other across all roles: Open and Honest, Professional, Empowering, Non-judgmental and Approachable. They apply to all areas of our advice-giving, our research and campaigns work and how we challenge discrimination and champion equality. 

We are recruiting for full and part time advisers to provide advice to clients in a variety of ways including face to face, telephone and email. The adviser's role is to explore the client's issue and then provide information and advice relating to the client's options.

Working for Citizens Advice Wirral has a range of benefits including:

• A generous holiday allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days) plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
• Agile working and both home and office-based days
• A contributory pension scheme 
• Employee Assistance Programme

To find out more and start your application please click the apply button

Diocesan Director of Ordinands

We are looking for a new Diocesan Director of Ordinands with the experience and strategic skills to release the considerable potential for licenced lay and ordained ministry across the Diocese.

Position: Diocesan Director of Ordinands

Location: Kidlington, Oxford. OX5 1GF

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £54,531.32 - £59,075.41 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 23:59

Interview Date: Friday 6 June 2025 in person at Church House Oxford

The Role

As Diocesan Director of Ordinands, you will play a pivotal role in nurturing and discerning vocations to ordained ministry within the Church of England. You will guide individuals through the national discernment process, ensuring they are supported spiritually, pastorally and practically. You will be leading a high-quality Vocations and DDO team of two full-time Area Directors of Ordinand (ADO), one full-time Administrator, and 7 part-time Volunteer Assistant Directors of Ordinands (VADO).

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the discernment and selection of candidates for ordained ministry.
• Providing pastoral and theological guidance to those exploring vocation.
• Collaborating with parish clergy, bishops and national church bodies to support candidates.
• Managing and developing pathways for diverse vocations, fostering inclusion across communities.
• Supporting the transition of candidates into theological education and formation.
• Maintaining accurate records and reporting on candidate progress.
• Leading and inspiring a team of Assistant Directors of Ordinands and Vocations Advisors.

About You

For this role there is a genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the appointed person to be an ordained member of the Church of England under Part 1, Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

It is expected that the post holder will have:

• Experience of parish ministry within the Church of England, with the ability to engage across its breadth.
• A lively, sustaining faith expressed through prayer, worship and scripture.
• Proven track record in vocational discernment, including knowledge of the Shared Discernment Process.
• Commitment to supporting male and female candidates with integrity, aligned with the Five Guiding Principles.
• Strong leadership, team management, organisational and communication skills.
• Experience of developing strategy, managing budgets, and writing reports within Church of England frameworks.
• Awareness of human development and discernment processes, with sensitivity and critical insight.
• Ability to travel widely across the Diocese, including rural areas, with good IT skills and adaptability.

Benefits and Rewards:

• 25 days holiday per annum, rising each year by one day to a maximum of 30 days
• In addition to the statutory UK public holidays, the Diocese offers three privilege days
• Hybrid working
• Free parking and subsidised on-site café
• Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5% which includes a death in service benefit (5% Employee Contribution)
• Electric car and cycle-to-work salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family-friendly policies and a generous sick pay provision
• Access to low-interest financial services from Churches Mutual Credit Union, including loans
• An attractive modern working environment

We want the Church of England’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in our staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented.

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. In the Diocese of Oxford we follow and are committed to the Church of England's House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance "Working together" to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount. This post is subject to an enhanced plus barred lists DBS check.

The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. #INDNFP

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

Project Background

Come and join our award-winning place-based volunteering programme that works with residents living across Hackney and the City of London.

You will be based out in the community - the programme is based at GP practices - to engage, support and enable local residents and patients to deliver local services for themselves, to meet local needs. We support residents to come together, to share their skills and experience for the benefit of each other, to deliver local groups and activities such as a book group, film club, exercise classes or cooking group. Residents from diverse backgrounds and demographics attend these activities together and make new connections, building strong local communities, all working together to make their area a better place to live. People, many of whom are isolated across all ages, and who have difficult life circumstances, are brought together, providing each other with mutual support and encouragement to develop new skills and pursue life goals, and to feel better able to voice their concerns to services.

You will be joining a nationally recognised project - having won an award from the Royal Society of Public Health in November 2024 - to support residents to fulfil their personal goals, make connections with others, and design activities and services that meet local needs. You will also be supporting people to improve their mental and physical health through signposting them to appropriate services and encouraging them to talk to their GP if they have concerns; and will be working in partnership with GP practice staff to co-create volunteer roles to make the practice more efficient and a better place to visit.

Who are we?

Volunteer Centre Hackney is a medium sized charity (currently 30 staff) based in the London borough of Hackney, working to support local residents to realise their skills and passions through volunteering and social action, and to share these for the benefit of others.

Our mission is to build and strengthen communities across Hackney through supporting residents of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer and build projects together.

In 2021, we were awarded the Freedom of the Borough Award by Hackney Council for our efforts to support residents during COVID, which included mobilising over 2000 volunteers to deliver food, prescriptions and essential items, provide emotional support to isolated residents and support the vaccine rollout. 

We work with hundreds of diverse community organisations and deliver various programmes to help residents share their skills and deliver their own social action projects to improve people’s lives. These include a befriending programme, volunteering brokerage matching local people to volunteer roles based on their skills, interests and goals, a specialist mental health programme, peer research and multiple resident engagement programmes at GP surgeries and estates across Hackney.

Post holders need to be enthusiastic and engaging, bringing energy to the role, be self-motivating and confident to work primarily alone, albeit with some support from the team members based at other sites.

To further develop, deliver and strengthen CSE’s Human Resources function, ensuring that the organisation complies with all relevant legislation and guidance while recruiting and retaining good quality staff. Instilling a collaborative culture of high performance where staff are encouraged and supported to perform at their best and we collectively achieve outstanding results.

Pay and conditions

• The role is full-time, permanent role (37.5 hours per week).

• The salary for the role will be £47,508 - £55,954 (starting salary is expected to be at the lower end of the range)

• You will be entitled to 25 days paid holiday (plus statutory holidays).

CSE offer a range of benefits including, subsidised bike purchase and Tech Scheme, Life Assurance, Health Cash plan, retail discounts and discounted breakdown cover and many more.

We will pay fees and expenses on relevant training courses.

Specific responsibilities

An applicant appointed to the role will be expected to:

• To deliver all aspects of CSE’s Human Resources function, from recruitment, staff welfare, wellbeing and associated support, staff records, training and professional development, oversight and advice on any conflicts or disciplinary matters; and to include the development and maintenance of all appropriate staff policies and processes, including performance management and staff appraisals, remuneration, role progression and all staff benefits.

• To ensure the Staff Handbook remains regularly updated, and to lead on all amendments / updates to this key document for staff. Additionally, working alongside the Director of Finance & Operations, the Chief Executive and other directors to ensure all HR-related policies and procedures across CSE are reviewed regularly and remain updated accordingly, supporting staff needs as effectively as possible while also reflecting the needs and strategic objectives of the whole organisation, its charitable status and mission.

• To maintain the organisation’s personnel records in accordance with appropriate data protection standards and recognised good practice (utilizing the Cezanne HR system). To provide overall ownership of this system – in terms of data contents, security and ongoing operations for the system. The postholder will also act as primary contact for the Cezanne software supplier, liaising with the Director of Finance & Operations and other interested parties where necessary.

• To maintain oversight of staff welfare and working with line managers and other relevant staff, provide and promote access to support and advice to sustain good staff mental and physical health and wellbeing.

• To play an integral role supporting both the Employee Voice (EV) group and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group and take a lead on related operational functions including administrating the 6-monthly Staff Survey and highlighting issues and trends in staff feedback.

• Provide oversight and guidance in respect of staff recruitment, onboarding, induction development and training, supporting and advising other relevant staff across all associated processes.

• To issue accurate and timely employment contracts, offer letters, job descriptions, pay review letters for all internal changes. Manage and oversee internal paperwork flows from relevant managers, relating to any changes to individual employee terms of employment. Support the SLT in reviewing and amending standard terms of employment contracts to ensure CSE’s practices reflect current best practice.

• To ensure that all payroll documents such as starter forms and payroll amendment forms are completed and saved in the correct location and sent to the payroll bureau where appropriate, and support the Finance team with the administration of our payroll and payroll records and pension scheme contributions and other employee benefits. To accurately track all staff absence and ensure that self-certification and return to work meetings are completed in a timely manner. Update the Bradford factor grid to monitor score against policy and, support line managers and employees in understanding how CSE uses this as a tool at all stages of process.

• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of applicable employment, equity and diversity, and Health and Safety laws (with support from professional advisors where appropriate), standards, guidance, and good practice, advising the SLT how these can best be reflected in the organisation’s policies and practices as they apply both to individual members of staff and to the organisation as a whole.

• To prepare accurate and accessible reports for the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees on relevant organisational, team, and individual staff HR matters to enable informed and timely monitoring and decision-making, principally on a set cycle to feed into a routine schedule of meetings and occasionally to meet an ad hoc need.

• To work with the Senior Leadership Team and other staff as appropriate to support change management processes. This may include reviewing remuneration policies, job evaluation and salary benchmarking, skills audits, EDI Practices and line management practices.

• To identify opportunities to improve CSE’s Human Resources processes and practices, informed by a sound understanding of our mission and strategic objectives and our operating context and by keeping up to date with advances in personnel management and human resources practices. To see a more detailed list of responsibilities please see the supporting documents attached. These documents are also available to download from our website.

Essential attributes for this role include:

• CIPD qualification (Level 5) or equivalent Human Resources qualification.

• At least 5 years’ post-qualification work experience, including at least 2 years’ proven experience in an advisory role.

• Experience of developing and implementing effective HR policies and practices across an organisation, including managing any associated change processes.

• Experience in supporting both the organisation as well as individual employees through challenging employee relation conflicts and issues.

• Applied knowledge of employment legislation and good HR practices.

• Experience in overseeing the maintenance of a live HR system.

• Experienced in developing and supporting line managers in managing challenging situations.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with well-honed listening skills and an empathetic manner.

• Ability to explain often complex HR matters in a clear and concise manner, to audiences at all levels of seniority and experience across the organisation.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion, tact and diplomacy.

• Ability to maintain and organise effective electronic and manual filing systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Good organisational and time management skills, with experience of working to tight deadlines and budgets.

Please note, the above is an overview of the skills required for this role. To see the full list of essential and desirable skills please see the attached job description.

How to apply

To apply, please download and complete the application form available from our website.

Your application should demonstrate your suitability for the role against the criteria outlined in the person specification.

To apply, please download and complete the application form available from our website and send it to our Jobs email address.

Your application should demonstrate your suitability for the role against the criteria outlined in the person specification and job description. To be considered for this role an application form must be sent directly to our Jobs email address. 

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place Tuesday 3 June and Tuesday 10 June 2025 though this is subject to change. If invited to interview, we will ask you to provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK

Join Our Team as Head of Finance

Are you a qualified accountant with a passion for making a difference? Do you have a knack for financial analysis and strategic development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

About Us:
We are a dynamic organisation dedicated to supporting community projects, retail initiatives, and national fundraising efforts. Our mission is to create a positive impact through strategic financial management and exceptional customer service. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about bringing their skills to advance our work tackling poverty in all its forms. This is a great opportunity to work for a flexible employer committed to its staff. The St Vincent de Paul Society is accredited IIP at Silver level and is proud to be a Living Wage Employer.

Working Hours: You will be contracted to 37.5 hours per week, Mondays to Fridays
Location: St Vincent’s Store, Allenby House, Rees Way, Bradford, BD3 0DZ. There is the potential for hybrid working.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum
Requirements: This role is subject to 2 satisfactory references

Benefits Package:

• 33 days holiday (pro rata) per year inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 38 days (pro rata) with service
• Employee assistance programme
• Retail discounts
• An extra day off on your birthday
• Buy/sell holiday scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free will writing
• 1x annual salary death in service benefit
• And lots more

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Financial Management: Oversee financial transactions for various projects, including retail, trading, and community support.
• Year-End Accounts: Lead the production and reporting of consolidated year-end accounts, ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
• Business Partnering: Collaborate with managers, budget holders, and the Director of Finance to provide financial insights and support.
• Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits and monitor financial activities to identify and report irregularities.
• Taxation and Compliance: Ensure VAT compliance, oversee Gift Aid schemes, and manage annual tax computations and returns.
• Payroll Oversight: Review monthly payrolls and ensure accurate processing.
• Fundraising Support: Partner with the Fundraising and Communications team to oversee financial aspects of fundraising initiatives.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate, timely management information and provide strategic insights for decision-making.
• Support and Cover: Assist in the overall management of the finance function, helping to embed a high-performance culture. Provide support and cover for the Director of Finance as required.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: CCAB recognised qualified accountant.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in senior finance roles, with experience in complex organisational structures and the charity, voluntary, or retail sectors. Experience liaising with auditors, business advisers, and board members.

Skills:

• Advanced IT and data manipulation skills, particularly in Excel (SUMIFS, VLOOKUPS, Pivot Tables).
• Impeccable attention to detail and dedication to accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and allocate tasks to ensure deadlines are met.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference in the community.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training, development, and career advancement.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a supportive team of professionals dedicated to excellence.

If you are a proactive, detail-oriented financial expert looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you!

How to apply: If you have the relevant skills and experience to fulfil this role successfully, please click apply. If you require any adjustments throughout your journey with us, please let us know.

Closing date: 15th May 2025
Interviews: 20th May 2025

Whilst we ask that staff have a connection to Christian values, religion is not considered in recruitment as we value people of all faiths or none.

Previous candidates need not apply. Unfortunately, if you have not received a response within four weeks of your application, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early once sufficient applicants have been received.

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) was established in England and Wales in 1844 and is part of a large and thriving Christian voluntary movement dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need in 153 countries. Our core value is one of service and we treat each person as a unique individual deserving of dignity and respect. Person-to-person contact is therefore at the heart of our work and spending time with people is our greatest gift. We offer non-judgemental support to anyone in need, regardless of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, background, or circumstances.

Join us in our Community Engagement role and help shape the future of self-funded home energy improvements in the West of England.

We’re seeking a dynamic and driven Community Development Project Officer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for engaging with and supporting the development of local community groups. This will include planning and attending events and playing an integral role in promoting the uptake of home energy efficiency measures in the area.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the fight against climate change and to help communities reduce carbon emissions in their homes.

The role offers a unique opportunity compared to similar positions in the sector. The ideal applicant should be prepared to handle a diverse range of tasks, ensuring variety in their work. They must be capable of managing multiple responsibilities efficiently and delivering results promptly.

The candidate should have a sound understanding of community engagement and development, be highly organised, and possess excellent communication skills. The role requires a proactive individual with a passion for working with communities and the ability to engage people effectively.

This role is Full-time contract ending June 2026 with the potential to be extended.

Main Duties

• Support a range of community groups, local authorities, town and parish councils, and voluntary sector organisations to help share information on energy-saving measures and available support through Retrofit West.
• Represent Retrofit West CIC as a key worker across a range of projects.
• Support the design and delivery of community engagement activities such as workshops and focus groups within communities across the region.
• Contribute to the promotion and marketing of projects to ensure effective engagement with the target audience.
• Identify potential groups to work with and attend ad hoc events to help publicise Retrofit West CIC’s services.
• Represent Retrofit West at external events and conferences as required.
• Liaise with other staff across the wider Retrofit team to ensure effective workload planning, project development, and delivery.

This is a summary of Main Duties, for more details please check the Job description.

General:

• Handle general administrative tasks, including data entry, scheduling, and liaising with external contacts.
• Assist in the preparation of reports.
• Collaborate with the team to identify gaps in the region and support the delivery of existing community-funded projects.
• Take personal responsibility for decisions in your work, seeking assistance and input from others as appropriate.
• Plan and prioritise your workload to achieve high standards and meet agreed deadlines, adjusting readily to changing circumstances.
• Provide data analysis to report to the wider team.
• Communicate clearly, confidently, and persuasively using appropriate language and style for different target audiences. Listen actively, check for understanding, and provide constructive challenge where appropriate.

This is a summary of General responsibilities, for more details please check the Job description.

Benefits

• Time off in lieu (TOIL).
• Hybrid working.
• 33 days of holiday (including bank holidays).
• Company sick pay.
• A generous ethical company pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Responsibilities for Employee

• Travel to community events across the regions of South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath and Northeast Somerset will be required
• Some evening and weekend work will be require to attend community events
• This post may be subject to a DBS check if the postholder’s responsibilities bring them into contact with children or vulnerable adults.
• There will be a six-month probationary review.

Logistics

• The closing date for applications is Midday Wednesday 28th May 2025.
• If you do not hear by this time, your application has been unsuccessful.

How to Apply

Send your CV and cover letter via email to jobs @cse .org .uk. Make sure to attach your documents in a format such as Word or PDF.

If you prefer to apply by post, print out your CV and cover letter and send it to the following address: Retrofit West, St James Court, St James Parade, Bristol, BS1 3LH.