Housing specialist advisor jobs

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy House Manager/Deputy Clinical Lead to join our Nursing and Care Team. This role will require the successful candidate to support the House Manager in leading and managing a dedicated team of nurses and care staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to children and young people.

Staff benefits include London weighting, shuttle bus, and more… Read more below

Role Requirements

You will play a vital role in coordinating care and supporting the management of the House, serving as a key contact for families and the multidisciplinary team. Collaborating with the House Manager and Placement Managers, you will help ensure that care is effectively planned, resourced, and delivered safely at all times.

You will support the house manager to ensure that the care on house or houses enables the children to access their education and/or rehabilitation sessions, clinics, and leisure activities in their timetable.

You will work as part of a leadership team comprising of a house manager, deputy house manager / deputy clinical lead and a clinical lead (per house) responsible for one or two houses within a rotational model. You will individually (not as a team) rotate at a house level on a twelve-monthly basis.

With experience of working in a complex environment, across a large and diverse workforce, you will be exceptionally organised with a high-level of attention to detail. You will naturally possess excellent inter-personal skills, and an ability to consult and positively engage with key stakeholders across the organisation.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected. The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

Job Purpose

This role sits within our crisis alternative service, Safe Space, which is a core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis.

The objectives of the service include:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH.
• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA)
• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients
• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service
• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service.
• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.

The Role

The role of the support workers will be to support the rest of the team in delivering interventions on a one-to-one. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, signposting and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Understanding of safety planning
• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Good time keeping skills – Essential
• To attend all mandatory training including safeguarding and GDPR
• To work autonomously in a fast-paced environment and under pressure
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Providing administrative support to the team
• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision
• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies
• Follow workplans and actively participate in training and development
• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisis
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and willingness to travel to locations would be desirable.
• Ability to work out of hours and on weekends

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most 

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections. 

We are now seeking a dynamic Impact and Operations Manager to join our passionate team and shape the future of our services.

About the Role 

This is a unique opportunity to lead our impact and operations strategy, ensuring we have the insight, tools, and systems to deliver high-quality support to families. You’ll play a pivotal role in measuring and communicating our impact, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage data collection, evaluation, and reporting across all family support services 

• Develop tailored reports and insights for internal and external stakeholders 

• Collaborate on funding applications with the CEO and Head of Marketing & Fundraising 

• Oversee administrative systems and policies, including GDPR compliance and HR processes 

• Manage office operations, including tech support, premises, and general administration 

• Contribute to strategic planning and service innovation using data and insight 

• Strengthen our presence across local and national networks in partnership with the Senior Management Team 

What You’ll Bring 

• Strong experience in managing and interpreting data to drive impact and inform strategy 

• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results 

• Confident with technology and quick to learn new tools and systems 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships 

• A curious, analytical mindset and a passion for telling the story of our work 

Why Join Us? 

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team 

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families 

• Excellent pension and generous annual leave 

Salary - Grade 3 - £31,133 plus £5,023 London Weighting per annum pro rata

Contract - Fixed term until March 2026

Part Time - 30 hours per week over four days

Location - London Hub, based in Hackney

Closing date:  Wednesday 9th July 2025 at 11:30pm

Are you compassionate, proactive and collaborative with experience, knowledge of and/or proven ability in housing and homelessness advice and advocacy? If you’re looking for an exciting new career opportunity join Shelter as a Housing Rights Worker you could soon be playing your part in standing up to the housing emergency.

About the role

This role sits in the STAR Partnership which stands for Supporting Tenancies, Accommodation and Reconnections. We work in collaboration with Thames Reach, Stonewall Housing and Praxis, to support 4000 Londoners a year who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, as well as working to improve Londoners’ ability to sustain a safe and secure home.

You will deliver high quality housing advice and advocacy in line with the hub’s local community priorities and the STAR Partnership framework and work with people who are experiencing homelessness and bad housing to identify issues facing local communities.  You will plan and deliver casework to individuals and communities to resolve their housing situation and engage with community groups, local organisations and individuals to understand local housing issues and raise awareness of people’s rights.

You will also work in local community settings and with community groups to deliver advice and rights awareness workshops and make sure that people with lived experience of homelessness have opportunities to share their story, give their opinions and participate in the design and delivery of Shelter services. Offering day to day support to volunteers, providing learning, shadowing and mentoring and being a consistent role model for our values are also key aspects of the role.

About you

You are able to listen to, engage and work with individuals and communities and with all stakeholders, including people with lived experience of homelessness. You will have experience, knowledge of and/or proven ability in housing and homelessness advice and advocacy and are able to progress to specialist level knowledge, as well as the ability to carry out casework related interviews, maintain detailed case records, advise and support clients to make informed decisions. A proven record of delivering group workshops and presentations is essential, as is a collaborative, flexible and professional approach to your work.

Benefits

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

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

About the team

Our London hub specialises in providing housing advice and emergency homelessness work, intensive support to families, people experiencing domestic abuse and people experiencing multiple disadvantages. With 50 staff, we provide front line support to over 5,000 people a year and work to bring about systemic change with the ultimate aim of people being able to live securely in suitable, safe, affordable homes. London Hub’s priorities are improving the practice of local authorities and Registered Social Landlords and focussing on households disproportionately affected by the housing emergency.

There are currently around 60 individuals working in the Hub, including the Strategic Lead, Lead Solicitor, Service Managers, Team Leaders, Solicitors, Legal Advisors, Housing Rights Workers and Support Workers, Family Support Workers, DIY Skills Advisors, Administrators and Receptionist. We also have a range of volunteers.

About Shelter

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

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

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

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

Safeguarding Statement

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

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting

statement with responses to the below bullet points. Please limit your word count to 350 words per point. Ensure your answer is a specific example related to your own experience:

• Your knowledge and experience of housing and homelessness advice and advocacy and the ability to progress to specialist level knowledge
• Your ability to listen to, engage and work with individuals and communities
• Your experience of delivering and/or ability to deliver group workshops and presentations

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

Group Senior HR Advisor

Location: Trigate Business Centre, Oldbury B68

Hours: 28-hours per week (4 days) hybrid working

Salary £45,000 per annum (£36,000 per annum pro rata)

Are you interested in a Group Senior HR Advisor position where you have the chance to make your mark with an employer who isn’t afraid to let people try new things, and to innovate? This could be the ideal opportunity to move to a business specialising in housing, care and support for people with visual impairments, and other specialist needs.

As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we take pride in our approach in investing in our people and are looking for a highly competent and motivated Senior HR Advisor to join us. From our recent staff survey, our staff have told us that they are really engaged and feel proud to work for us and the people we support.

This business is keen to recruit someone who wants to excel in their role and play a key part in our People Strategy. Now is a particularly exciting time to join us as we have an ambitious but realistic plan for further business development and growth.

As the Group Senior HR Advisor, you will:

• Be responsible for a case management of ER cases as well as provide day to day advice to managers.
• Develop excellent working relationships with managers and help empower them to become great people managers.
• Provide risk-based advice, guidance and coaching to managers on following best practice, policies and procedures.
• Play a lead role in managing key HR projects, business change projects such as restructures, through to supporting on the implementation of organisation wide people initiatives, such as wellbeing projects. This will include undertaking relevant research, and making proposals and recommendations that will enable effective and progressive change in our culture and ways of working.
• Need to have a full UK Driving Licence and use of a car for business purposes.
• Need to be able to apply for enhanced DBS clearance.
• Need to provide evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

New Outlook Housing Association and Vision Homes Association are well-respected organisations and have joined forces in supporting and caring for people with visual impairment and complex needs.

We are proud of the work we do for the people we support, so if you can help us build on our successes, enjoy being part of a small team, and have a positive outlook, then we would like to hear from you.

The role is hybrid and based in Oldbury, with typically two days in the office and two at home. We operate from a modern well-furnished office, and apply a flexible approach to working patterns to ensure a better work-life balance for staff. 

Benefits:

23 days Annual Leave (After your second year of service one additional day, subject to a maximum of five additional days) + 8 Bank Holidays

Employer pension contribution

Staff discount scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Birthday leave

Long service awards

About Us:

Vision Homes has been providing support to vulnerable adults for over 30 years, specialising in providing support to people with complex needs. VHA is a charity, registered with the Charity Commission and its care provision is regulated by Care Quality Commission.

New Outlook has been providing services to visually impaired people for over 170 years. Starting out in 1846 as part of the Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind (BRIB), becoming a standalone housing association in 1997.  Since then, New Outlook Housing Association (NOHA) has gone through several changes to become the organisation it is today.

How to Apply:

For more information and Job Description please visit our website for contact details.

Please apply by sending your CV and a covering letter to us stating ‘what qualities and experience you can bring to the role’.

Closing Date: 11/07/25. Please note, we are actively reviewing applications and may close this advert early if a successful candidate is found.

Interviews:  Telephone interviews will take place on 17/07/25 & 18/07/25.

If successful, a follow-up in-person interview will be arranged on 23/07/25 or 28/07/25 at our Head Offices in Oldbury. 

Vision Homes Association and New Outlook Housing Association are Equal Opportunity Employers

No agencies.

BACKGROUND

For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum in the UK. Our welfare advice team provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing, asylum support and related issues to Westminster residents with refugee and migrant backgrounds who do not have English as a first language and who would otherwise be unable to access vital advice which enables them to avoid destitution, homelessness and food poverty. We deliver this advice as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership through a drop in and outreach at local community venues, and supported by local volunteers many of whom speak community languages.

The post of Appeals Support Advisor is a new post established with the benefit of a grant from Westminster City Council. The post holder will support clients with appeals and reconsideration requests in relation to welfare benefits and housing. This will allow us to provide a more comprehensive service for our clients, many of whom struggle to lodge appeals and reconsideration requests, and to gather evidence in support of their appeals without advice, due to language barriers.  The post holder will deliver advice in community languages, including with the assistance of interpreters, to local residents as part of our partnership work. Most of our clients are refugees, people seeking asylum and others with a refugee or migrant background. The Appeals Support Advisor will work with clients referred from Asylum Aid’s Information and Advice Service (including our weekly drop in) and from other partners in the local community. They will also provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and our volunteers. External supervision will be arranged for the post holder.

The ideal candidate will be resident in or near to the City of Westminster and fluent in one or more community languages. In particular, fluency in one or more of the following is highly desirable: Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya.

As this is a new post delivering a specialist appeals and casework service from within our generalist advice team, it offers an exciting opportunity to set up and establish systems for the delivery of this service during the six month fixed term contract, including ensuring that case management processes are established which meet the requirements of our Lexcel quality mark and that clear referral procedures are established with the drop in service and our partners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post-holder will:

• Be part of a generalist advice service, with special emphasis on language support, as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), a collaboration of advice agencies Asylum Aid, Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, and Deaf PLUS Westminster Advice Service.
• Provide specialist appeals casework and support to clients who do not speak English as a first language and need to challenge decisions, request  mandatory reconsiderations, internal housing reviews, lodge appeals in relation to welfare benefits and housing.
• Provide ongoing casework support up to the Tribunal stage, including helping clients to gather evidence in support of their mandatory reconsiderations and appeals and preparing for hearings (but not including representation at hearings)
• Where capacity allows, help to deliver generalist face to face and telephone advice and information, in a community language and English, to migrants and asylum seekers on issues related to welfare benefits, housing and asylum support in accordance with Asylum Aid’s contract within the WASP partnership, and taking responsibility for the quality of advice given.
• Provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and to volunteers, supporting the development of their advice skills and ensuring the quality of advice delivered throughout the advice service.
• Maintain a high standard of electronic case records (using AdvicePro) for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and evaluation of the service, and to help identify issues to be raised through policy advocacy.
• Ensure that all casework is conducted in accordance with the Lexcel quality standard, including by establishing case management procedures for the delivery of specialist advice which meet the Lexcel standard, and participate as required in annual Lexcel quality mark audits
• Attend external and in-house training organised by Asylum Aid and regular supervision sessions to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge required to help deliver a quality advice service, and to keep up to date with changes in welfare benefits, housing and asylum support law
• Cascade information, changes,  and developments in social welfare law, including learning from external training, to other staff and volunteers who assist with the delivery of the welfare advice service
• Work effectively with partners to provide a seamless service for clients, making and receiving referrals and maintain up to date information about other service providers for the purposes of referrals and signposting. 
• Be responsible for achieving relevant targets for quality and quantity set by the WASP coordinator
• Provide case studies and other information from the work of the advice service to support policy advocacy and strategic legal work in support of Asylum Aid’s vision of fair and dignified treatment of people seeking asylum, refugees and other vulnerable migrants 
• Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.

The post holder will need to be able to travel to and within Westminster to deliver advice at outreach locations as well as at a drop-in in or around the Church Street Estate. Travel expenses will be paid to attend locations away from Asylum Aid’s office(s) and the main location of our drop-in service (currently the Church Street library).

Other duties:

• Respect for client confidentiality at all times in line with Asylum Aid’s confidentiality agreements and consent forms. 
• To attend staff meetings as required.
• To undertake other duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.
• To comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety, diversity, equity & inclusion, confidentiality and security, as set out in the Office Manual as well the policies of other relevant partner organisations.

Person Specification

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• At least 12 months’ experience of supporting benefits appeals through to Tribunal stage and Housing Reviews
• At least 5 years’ experience of working face to face with clients to deliver generalist advice in different areas of law including welfare benefits and housing
• Knowledge on a range of issues on which advice may be sought including health and social care, housing and welfare benefits, including a thorough and up to date understanding of social security and welfare benefits legislation and policy  
• Experience of managing a case load
• Knowledge or ability to understand and use relevant legislation
• Have completed Advice UK’s Learning to Advise training or hold the Citizens Advice Generalist Adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification
• Be fluent in written and spoken English as well as a second language spoken by a substantial proportion of the Westminster population, ideally Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya (to a standard that enables accurate advice to be given in the language)
• Experience of working with interpreters in the delivery of advice
• Able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, meet performance targets and take responsibility for their work, while working flexibly within a team environment
• Able to relate to a wide cross section of clients in a non-judgmental way.
• Able to use a range of IT systems and packages confidently and competently to be able to support and encourage others in using online systems and resources to enable them to self-help.
• Able and willing to learn and assimilate new knowledge in a working environment.
• Able to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.
• Able and willing to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Asylum Aid service and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Good understanding of the needs of migrants and asylum seekers and the issues and barriers that affect them in UK.

Desirable:

• Experience of specialist advice work, including appeals and mandatory reconsiderations
• Friendly, polite, and patient
• Experience of working under a relevant quality mark such as the Advice Quality Standard or Lexcel
• Understanding of the housing and other support available to people seeking asylum who do not have the right to work in the UK
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experience of supervising other advisers, including volunteers  
• Demonstrable understanding of issues facing vulnerable clients whose English is not the first language and many with mental health problems.
• Lived or learned experience of the difficulties that migrants and refugee communities face when they have to deal with the UK welfare system
• Personal experience and/or Knowledge of the advice process and experience in the areas of either benefits, housing or debt.
• Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening, and questioning skills to understand the needs of others,
• Ability to communicate with other organisations, housing, and welfare departments.

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 7th July 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1. Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your

relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2. Upload your current CV

3. Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial 15-minute online screening meeting week commencing 16 June 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview week commencing 23 June 2025. We will also ask you to complete a short written task on the day.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

About the Role

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provide court representation for clients, including emergency actions, by attending hearings at Liverpool Civil and Family Court.
• Prepare and present cases ready for court hearings by checking time limits, adherence to pre action protocols by creditors, completing relevant court forms and checking fees/remissions.
• Negotiate with and signpost/refer to third parties as appropriate.
• Assist client with alternative dispute resolution cases e.g. Financial Ombudsman Service.
• Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.
• Provide advice and assistance to other staff across a range of debt issues.
• Ensure that all work meets the quality standards of the AQS Debt Advice Services, the Citizens Advice quality assurance scheme and the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) quality framework.
• Meet the individual performance targets and engage positively in discussions with the Line Manager to maintain required levels.
• Provide regular reports and feedback to the Line Manager as required.
• Assist with social policy work by providing information about clients' circumstances through the appropriate channel.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies, Liverpool Civil and Family Court user groups, local authority and other local statutory and voluntary organisations to increase access to the service and to the range of support and advice needed according to individual circumstances.
• Work as part of the CAL Money Advice Team and contribute to effective service provision.
• Work independently in the Liverpool Civil and Family Court with clients as well as working from home and at different sites within Liverpool according to client appointment need.

General

• Ensure achievement of MaPS accreditation to Court Representation level within 3 months of starting the role, if not already achieved.
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the Line Manager.
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge of all new relevant legislation through reading monthly subscriptions including relevant case law.
• Keep up to date with Citizens Advice aims, policies and procedures and ensure these are followed.
• Ensure that work reflects and supports the Citizens Advice service's equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy.
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own health and safety and that of colleagues.
• Identify own learning and development needs and take steps to address these with your Line Manager, including engaging in team meetings and supervision sessions.
• Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.

Requirements

1. Knowledge and experience of court representation, complex debt casework, covering priority and non-priority debt advice, options and insolvency solutions.
2. Experience of achieving performance and quality targets/KPIs.
3. Ability and willingness to undertake training and development to comply with MaPS Caseworker accreditation to court representation level, and Citizens Advice quality standards.
4. Effective oral and written communication skills.
5. Numerate to the level required by the tasks.
6. Ability to prioritise own work, meet deadlines, manage workload and targets in a pressured environment.
7. Ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures.
8. IT literate with an ability to use software packages including Microsoft Office products in the provision of advice and preparation of formal written materials.
9. Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.
10. Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
11. Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equalities and diversity policy

Desirable

1. Citizens Advice Generalist Advice learning/certificate.
2. Institute of Money Advisers Certificate in Money Advice Practice or MaPS accreditation to court representation equivalent.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button.

About us

The Court Specialist (Housing) Debt Adviser is responsible for providing a quality court representation service for clients facing court proceedings for housing and personal debt, including mortgages, secured and unsecured loans, who are not eligible for housing legal aid.

The project joins a programme funded by the Access to Justice Foundation that aims to sustain and improve access to early social welfare and family legal support and advice, to enable people to resolve these problems as early as possible and avoid the need for court or tribunal proceedings where possible. Where court or tribunal proceedings are needed, the project will provide the support needed to help people navigate the process effectively, including where support to prepare for court and at court is required. The focus of this project will be to provide housing debt court/tribunal support and representation to increase homelessness prevention.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be confident, motivated and willing to try new things, have excellent communication skills with an ability to work under pressure to achieve targets and outcomes with minimum supervision. You will need to have knowledge and experience of complex debt casework, and (county) court money claim, and possession proceedings as well as priority and non-priority debt advice, options and insolvency solutions.

Role: Trainee Debt Advisor
Duration: 6 months fixed term contract
Salary: £28,000
Hours: 35 per week, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
Location: London (Hybrid)

We are delighted to be working with a debt advice and education charity to recruit a Trainee Debt Advisor.

About the role:

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact millions of people across the UK, we are recruiting new team members to help meet the growing demand for debt advice and support. You will help prevent homelessness, reduce food and fuel poverty and ensure clients are supported through vulnerable circumstances with empathy and dignity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver a professional, impartial, pragmatic and outcome focused advice service to all clients.
• Give advice on the following areas:
o Income maximisation
o Budgeting
o Priority debts
o Unsecured debts
o Debt solutions
• Identify client vulnerabilities and prioritise household emergencies.
• Provide comprehensive advice, next steps and actions in a way that the client can easily understand.
• Signpost or refer to the appropriate party at the earliest opportunity.
• Maintain punctual, accurate and compliant records using our case management system.
You will be provided with training, which will enable you to meet the needs of the role and progress to accredited advisor standard, Training will be ongoing and by a variety of methods including in-house, courses, webinars and e-learning.

You will have:

• Strong, proven customer service skills
• The proven ability to build rapport and empathise with clients from a variety of circumstances.
• The proven ability to deal calmly and professionally with difficult situations, e.g., Supporting clients at risk of imminent enforcement action, facing emotional distress and or suffering from mental health or physical health challenges
• A positive, resilient and pragmatic attitude
• Consistent attention to detail and ability to adhere to necessary guidance and rules

The above do not need to be gained in a financial advice role, we welcome applications from candidates who have been in client facing roles and have a genuine desire to assist others.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Overview 

Students’ Unions are amazing membership organisations with unique structures and ever-changing leadership. The student advisor role will be to deliver a high quality, professional advice service to students at the University of Gloucestershire Students' Union which is independent of the institution, confidential, non-judgemental and impartial. 

To all our members and stakeholders, we promise to be:

• Inclusive
• Democratic
• Courageous
• Sustainable 

Key Details

Closing Date: Monday 7th July
Interview Dates: Tuesday 22nd July
Start Date: August/September 2025

Applications are to be made by submitting a CV and supporting statement of no more than 2 pages. We advise that you look through the person specification in the job pack available on our website.

Candidates are able to arrange an informal conversation with Lou Fensome, Chief Operating Officer in advance of submitting an application. To arrange an informal conversation please contact find contact details in the job pack via our website. 

Job Details

• Job Title: Student Advisor
• Location: Across all of the main UoGSU sites, with a flexible working policy.
• Department: Student Voice & Advocacy
• Reports to: Advocacy & Campaigns Manager
• Salary: £21,436 pro-rata
• Contract Type: 0.8FTE - Part Time
• Hours: Full time, normally 9am-5pm. Some flexible hours required to meet demands of the Students’ Union.
• Working Days: Monday- Friday - to be negotiated with the successful candidate
• Benefits: 25 days holiday pro rata, contributory pension scheme available, excellent flexible working policy including some home working when appropriate

About the role

The main focus of the advice centre will be academic advice and appeals but it may need to adapt to the changing needs of students and will likely involve working with individuals who have complex situations who require support to navigate what steps to take. 

Advice and Support

• To provide specialist advice and information directly to students via physical and digital mediums as appropriate on academic matters
• To support students when referring them to appropriate internal & external agencies
• To advise and inform students of their rights and responsibilities as students of the University of Gloucestershire
• To support students at meetings, appeals and hearings within the University
• Maintain generalist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the advice service
• To be able to understand and explore the issues students present with a focus on expert advice to enable students to make informed decisions
• Take referrals from with partner providers i.e University, self-referrals and those from voluntary and statutory agencies

Case Work and Procedures

• Maintain accurate records of all advice cases at the SU via the case management system
• Ensure adherence to the requirements of data
• Promote the service and outreach where necessary
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people
• Have the ability to work with autonomy and use own initiative

Reporting and Policies

• Work alongside colleagues to support the development and success of the SU enhancement projects and campaigns
• To collate key information for the Student-led projects and feed into campaigns
• To monitor the matters raised via individual student cases to identify commen trends that could inform policy

A full job pack including more details about the role and the person specification we'll be shortlisting against is available via our website. 

Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Hospital IDVA (HIDVA) will be part of our dynamic, responsive and highly regarded HIDVA team, providing crisis intervention, advocacy and support to survivors in hospitals, both patients and staff.

Survivors are often in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, such as physical assault, drug/alcohol medical need, attempted suicide or self-harm and the HIDVA will work with hospital staff to provide high quality support focussing on a strengths based, needs led approach. The HIDVA will offer initial advice and crisis safety planning to the survivor, carry out assessments of needs and risks. They will also advise on criminal justice, civil remedies, housing and any other relevant matters.

We provide a visible and proactive presence in the hospitals and work in partnership with hospital staff to identify, contact and support survivors. The HIDVA team attend safeguarding meetings, ward/nurse handover meetings, deliver training and provide advice and support to staff around domestic abuse.

We offer an out of hours service (Friday evenings and weekend days) at William Harvey Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital on an alternating basis. The post holder will be expected to participate in an out of hours rota, working on average one weekend in four.

The Hospital IDVA will be based part-time in the William Harvey Hospital and part-time in Darent Valley hospital. There is also flexibility to work from the Rising Sun main office from time to time to attend team meetings, supervision and training.

We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, who has supported survivors with varying experiences and needs. You will be supported by our Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Manager and receive training and an induction into both the hospital work and Rising Sun’s wider services. If unqualified, we will support you to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification on passing your probation.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Be present in the hospitals daily to respond to referrals or requests for domestic abuse advice and to meet with survivors. 
• Ensure that survivors are aware of their rights and options and explain the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available to them.
• Produce safety plans with the client, enabling them to assess and manage their own safety.
• Carry out needs assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence) risk assessment, to effectively deliver holistic, survivor centred support.
• Work in partnership with hospital staff, safeguarding departments and other services e.g. the police, housing, social services, mental health (amongst others) to advocate for survivors and complete referrals to ongoing support services where appropriate.
• Attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and refer service users to MARAC when appropriate.
• Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, benefits agencies, housing departments, education, medical treatment, counselling, support networks, community groups, employment support etc.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of survivors who face particular barriers when seeking access to services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics
• Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within safeguarding policies, Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk.
• Maintain accurate client records, outcome and monitoring data. Prepare information or reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
• Complete daily ward rounds to raise awareness and identify any potential DA support needs for staff or patients.
• Participate in an out of hours rota, providing an on-call phone support service to hospital staff on Friday evenings and weekend days as timetabled.

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the HIDVA service in the hospitals and build positive relationships with hospital staff, in particular safeguarding teams and clinicians.
• Attend safeguarding, mental health and frequent attenders meetings to screen patients for potential domestic abuse and provide advice to staff.  Together with any other helpful meetings that may arise.
• Deliver training to staff in various health settings across Kent to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriate responding.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times, represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)
   

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / health setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to netork face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Safeguarding Statement

Rising Sun is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, a ‘right to work check’ in accordance with UK government Home Office guidelines, and to provide two references.

Benefits

We offer a number of benefits to team members including:

• 25 days annual leave per year
• A bonus day of leave for your birthday
• 3% matched pension contribution
• Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) and also discounts in shops and attractions
• Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)

How to apply

For further information about both Rising Sun and this role, please visit our website. Please fill out an application form if you feel this role would be a good fit for your skills and experience, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.

The post holder will work within our team of specialist welfare benefits advisers, as a specialist welfare benefits adviser providing information, advice, and guidance to clients in our Macmillan-funded Welfare Benefits Project, providing a welfare rights advice service to people affected by cancer to maximise their income.

Scope of role

The post holder will undertake casework, assisting clients to access their entitlements to welfare benefits and other sources of financial help. Advice will be delivered through a range of channels, including face-to-face, telephone, email, and other means, provide Welfare Benefits advice and information to people living with cancer and their families.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Case work

• Provide a full welfare benefits casework service for people affected by cancer. This includes disability benefits and other sources of financial support, such as grants and help with health and travel costs.

Welfare Benefit Appeals

• Assist clients to prepare for benefits appeals, research, and the draft was written legal submissions, and provide representation at tribunals as required.

Outreach

• Alongside other team members provide advice sessions through outreach, including at hospitals - currently St Bartholomews, Homerton, Royal London, Newham, and Whipps Cross; and at Toynbee Hall through telephone, email, and any other channel

Targets

• Meet targets as set with the line manager, which will change regularly depending on the needs of the services.

Quality Standard

• Ensure consistent quality assured advice, to AQS standard, monitored by checking casework and observations
• Maintain thorough and detailed case records for continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation
• Use all relevant case management systems, such as Advice Pro, as well as Microsoft Office applications, for statistical recording, record keeping, and document production. Ensure all work conforms to Toynbee Hall’s systems and procedures.
• Along with the rest of the team ensure stocks of leaflets, posters, and stationary, are ordered from suppliers and distributed to outreach locations
• Gather statistics and feedback to monitor and evaluate the service, providing reports as required to the steering group, funders, and partners.

Social Policy

• Support Macmillan Toynbee Hall Welfare Rights Advice Service’s social policy work by providing case studies and feedback on issues of concern to people affected by cancer; including attending internal and appropriate external meetings, and identifying and acting upon social policy issues

Essential Criteria:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Recent Welfare Benefits advice work experience, particularly in the areas of health and disability, with at least one year’s specialist welfare benefits casework experience.
• Ability to write detailed accurate case records and drafts, letters reports, and statements in plain English.
• Recent experiences of working in a performance-driven environment and evidence of meeting targets set.
• An ordered and disciplined approach to managing a challenging caseload, meeting targets; planning and prioritising work in the face of competing demands on your time.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with clients suffering from health problems in a professional but empathetic manner, and the ability to respond sensitively to clients.
• An understanding of the issues facing people affected by long-term illness and disability, including cancer.
• Ability to research, understand and explain complex information both orally and in writing.
• Good knowledge of IT including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, e.g. Word, Outlook, or equivalents, and case management systems.
• Knowledge of or willingness to gain an understanding of Macmillan Cancer Support’s services and policies relevant to people affected by cancer.
• An ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow set procedures concerning casework and file management etc.
• Ability and willingness to support volunteer advisers.
• Numeracy to the levels required in the tasks.
• Alignment with Toynbee Hall’s mission and strategy
• Alignment and willingness to work in line to our values:
  - Inclusive - open-minded, transparent, convening and collaborative; seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
  - Courageous – principled, ambitious and acting with integrity.
  - Empowering – shifting power, sharing our knowledge, enabling people to take action for themselves
• An understanding of safeguarding and willingness to develop understanding further

Please download the full Job Description for more details.

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave, plus the 3-day Christmas shutdown.

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking

We’re committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, because when our team thrives, we all succeed!

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

We work towards this by:

• Addressing poverty and injustice through advice and support and influencing systemic change.
• Shifting power to people and communities affected by injustice and inequality.
• Collaborating to end poverty and build fairer systems and institutions. What we want to see in the world starts with our community and our organisation.

This means:

• Working together to build a thriving local community where people have the resources they need, feel their voices are heard and are optimistic about the future.
• Being a good employer, where people are treated fairly, feel engaged and empowered, and work together to achieve our shared vision.
• Acknowledging the role Toynbee Hall has historically played in civic society while recognising that our role now is to shift power, to be an effective partner, and to amplify voices that are less likely to be heard.

What we learn from our work in east London we use to inform and influence wider policy – working to influence change in structures, systems and policies.

Job Title: Helpline Contact Centre Manager

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London)
Salary: £49,538 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours rota that includes evenings, weekends and night shifts.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Helpline Contact Centre Manager for the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, the role is designed to provide high quality practical and emotional support to Deputy Managers across the NDAH, the postholder is also responsible for the ongoing management of our contact centre, the platform that survivors use to contact the NDAH.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides a national gateway to services and survivors across the UK fleeing domestic abuse, working in consultation with the Senior Operations Manager. The post holder is required to be a strategic leader, a versatile individual with excellent people management and interpersonal skills along with knowledge of domestic abuse, housing, welfare and legislation. The post-holder will be responsible for the ongoing management of our contact centre Genesys, a platform that helps us support our survivors and professionals contacting the NDAH.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours rota that includes evenings, weekends and night shifts.

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

Closing Date: 09:00am 8 July 2025

Interview Date: 15 July 2025

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Lead a transformative project to expand vital healthcare support services across the Southwest.

Hearts Together is a much-loved Plymouth-based charity supporting thousands of families each year with a safe and compassionate place to stay near Derriford Hospital.

We’re searching for a visionary Chief Executive to lead our charity into its next chapter of purposeful growth—including supporting the ongoing £6M capital build project that will ultimately double our capacity and ensure no family is ever turned away for lack of space.

If you're an empathetic, values-led leader with a passion for social impact—committed to driving organisational success through focused investment in people, capability, and leadership at all levels—this is your moment.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in strategic leadership, income generation and organisational development
• A strong connection to our mission and values
• Exceptional relationship-building and ambassadorial skills
• Confidence leading capital projects and working with professional advisors
• A passion for social impact, innovation, and compassionate service

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a well-established charity and lead the delivery of life-changing services across Devon, Cornwall and beyond.

To apply:

Download the full candidate brief and for a confidential conversation with our recruitment partners Public Leaders Appointments, please contact Melissa Stewart (details in the attached)

Apply by sending your CV and a cover letter (each max 3 pages) outlining your motivation and suitability (applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered)

Deadline: Midday, Friday 18 July 2025
Interview date: TBC August. Plymouth

Robertson Bell is exclusively partnering with Social Interest Group (SIG) to recruit an Interim Finance Director on a 9-month fixed-term contract. This is a pivotal senior leadership role within a dynamic, mission-driven organisation delivering life-changing support services across housing, mental health, addiction recovery, and complex needs.

With the Group’s new five-year strategy recently launched, this role will play a vital part in shaping and delivering the organisation’s financial approach to support its long-term ambitions. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with both the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board, the Interim Finance Director will provide visible, robust financial leadership while safeguarding the long-term financial sustainability of the Group.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Providing robust, strategic financial advice to the CEO, SLT, and Board, ensuring sound financial insight underpins all key decisions.
• Driving the development and implementation of short, medium, and long-term financial strategies aligned to the Group’s new five-year strategic plan.
• Ensuring effective management of corporate risks, working through the Director of Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit, and reporting to the Board as required.
• Acting as the SLT lead for contract oversight and procurement, ensuring appropriate financial governance, pricing models, and value-for-money outcomes.
• Providing clear leadership to the finance team, working closely with the Head of Finance (direct report), and supporting the ongoing development of a high-performing finance function.
• Taking ownership of finance system optimisation, budgeting, scenario planning, and overseeing both internal and external audits.
• Managing legal, insurance, and risk arrangements, including acting as the lead for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning.
• Supporting the implementation and delivery of SIG’s environmental strategy, embedding sustainable practices across the Group’s operations.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Proven experience in leading organisational change within the charity (ideally social care) or housing sectors, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Strong cashflow management expertise, ideally gained in environments with high staffing costs and low margins.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with and influence Boards and committees, with a clear articulation of financial risks and strategy.
• A balance of strategic vision and hands-on financial leadership, with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and fostering cross-functional engagement.
• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).

This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation and make a lasting impact at a critical time. Based at SIG’s Head Office in Highbury & Islington, the role offers the opportunity to lead a key finance function at the heart of an ambitious and growing Group.