Independent advocate jobs in manchester

You will coordinate the Social Homes for Manchester campaign coalition and implement our strategy for strengthening the housing justice movement in Manchester and across GM. You will lead on organising community workshops and events raising awareness about campaign asks and the Manchester Local Plan consultation process.

You will convene workshops and events focused on building the capacity of a network of ward-based community coalitions to understand housing and planning policy and process. This might include how local development applications are compiled, submitted, decided on; and strategies for ensuring appropriate levels of Section 106 contributions and social rent homes are included in development applications.

You will work with the Social Homes for Manchester Steering Group and community leaders to provide coordination support to at least one neighbourhood planning process and efforts to encourage community-led housing innovations.

You will create a new set of webpages focused on provision of transparent and accessible information on housing need, upcoming developments, and performance against housing targets at ward and city scale.

About you

• You have excellent relationship building skills and experience of working with disadvantaged groups of people to take collective action to achieve positive outcomes for people and communities.
• You enjoy organising activities and events in response to community priorities, interests and needs.
• You have an organised and strategic mindset and the professionalism to foster positive working relationships between community, voluntary, and public sector organisations and representatives.
• You have a basic understanding of housing development and planning application and approval processes and a good understanding of the rationale for increased delivery of sustainable social rent homes.
• You have some experience of web development or website administration and editing combined with the ability to engage digitally excluded groups of people in understanding technical information.

About Social Homes for Manchester (SH4M)

• SH4M is a coalition of community associations, charities, think tanks, academics and social justice organisations focused on accelerating the number of social homes that are created in Manchester by 2030 and ensuring this is done in an environmentally sustainable way.
• Much of our work over the last two years has focused on generating an evidence base, influencing strategy, and set of relationships to facilitate influence, including through convening the Manchester Social Housing Commission which concludes in December 2025.
• SH4M is now focused on implementing a two-year strategy including building a network of citizen coalitions across the city of Manchester with the information and capacity to hold decision-makers and providers to account for accelerated delivery of sustainable social rent homes. This includes taking forward the findings of the Manchester Social Housing Commission.

About CLASS/Community Savers

• CLASS is the lead convening agency for Social Homes for Manchester. We are a Manchester-based registered charity that exists to support a network of place-based community associations called Community Savers.
• We build the strategic and financial capacity of tenant, resident, community groups and neighbourhood forums to achieve better outcomes for their local area. We support a range of community-catalysed and community-led initiatives and co-creation partnerships.
• CLASS values wellbeing, family life, and work-life balance. We offer attractive Terms and Conditions relating to flexitime, annual leave, and a NEST Pension scheme with 10% employer contribution.
• CLASS is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as part of an alliance focused on #CommunityPoweredPolitics and amplifying the voices and experiences of women experiencing intersecting inequalities, we particularly encourage applications from women from global majority backgrounds and women with disabilities who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

Job Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator

Service: Manchester and Stockport

Reporting to: Children’s Rights Manager

Salary: £24,293.53 per annum

Location: Home based (with travel across Manchester and Stockport)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Introduction

• Are you passionate about supporting and developing volunteers?

• Are you looking for an opportunity to help make positive differences to the lives of children and young people who are looked after or care leavers of the local authority?

• Do you want to work with a leading national independent children’s charity?

Then come join us here at Coram Voice. We have an exciting opportunity for you to become a co-ordinator of our independent visiting service in Manchester and Stockport.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services. We recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

Our work

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

We provide:

• Advocacy services direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with severe and complex mental health problems. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to advocate for young people as qualifying patients under the Mental Health Act, in order to fully support them to get their views heard in matters relating to their mental health.
• Independent Visitor services offers a child or young person in care an adult volunteer who provides independent, one-to-one visiting, advice and befriending support. Our independent visitors can become the only long-term, consistent source of support throughout a young person's time in care.
• Independent services provide independent person services for complaints by children and for reviewing whether children should be locked up in secure units on welfare grounds.
• Policy and campaigning to create a better system for all children and young people looked after by the state, for their care to be more child-centred and to give young people a greater say in decisions about their lives.
  • Participation services to ensure children and young people have a voice in the development and delivery of services and campaigns, and through the process, provide the opportunity to develop relevant skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives.
  • Training, development and information for young people, advocates and child care workers, offering courses in advocacy, children’s rights and child-centred practice across a range of areas including the National Advocacy Qualification.

About the Role

You will co-ordinate and deliver a statutory independent visitor service to children and young people in care or care leavers of Manchester and Stockport.

You will recruit, assess and train volunteers to become independent visitors, who are volunteer befrienders to children and young people looked after or care leavers. You will manage a cash flow to fund suitable activities for independent visitors to enjoy with the young person. You will manage data and reporting for this statutory service so that service leads and other stakeholders can understand the activity in the service.

We are a child led service, you will not act outside of the young person’s instructions (except in matters of child protection and safety.)You will build strong relationships with the child or young person, independent visitors and other significant adults, you will support Independent Visitors to develop long term, meaningful friendships with the young person.

You will work in partnership with other parts of the service, organisation and external agencies and professionals. This is to ensure there are pathways to attract and retain Independent Visitors in the area and sometimes out of area.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting will be undertaken by Emma Keen, Children’s Rights Manager and Martine McFadden, Children’s Rights Manager. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application:

• We cannot accept general CVs. When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
• Applications must be fully completed.
• If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.

Closing date: Monday 8th December 2025 at 9am

Interview date: Thursday 18th December 2025

Please return your application to: Human Resources via Blue Octopus.

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Libraries Connected is seeking a Research and Evaluation Manager to join our newly formed Policy, External Affairs, and Research Team. This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver impactful research and evaluation across the public library sector.

You’ll lead internal research and data projects, provide in-house evaluation for programmes, and manage external research partnerships—including with academic institutions. Your work will directly inform advocacy, communications, and strategic decision-making.

We’re looking for someone with strong research and analytical skills, experience in managing complex data, and the ability to translate findings into accessible outputs. You’ll be collaborative, detail-oriented, and confident working independently across multiple projects.

Job Purpose:

1. To lead the development and delivery of WIP’s housing programme in South London and Manchester, ensuring high quality, trauma responsive services.
2. Develop effective pathways with local housing teams and providers, including through co-design with women with lived experience, developing training and resources to improve the knowledge and understanding on women impacted by the CJS. 
3. Provide effective leadership to direct reports, fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
4. Work collaboratively with the external affairs team to provide programme insights to influence policy and systems change to prevent criminalisation of women due to homelessness and housing insecurity.

Emotional and Mental Health Wellbeing Worker – Cheshire East

Location: Cheshire East
Salary: £27,000 - £29,500 Pro Rata
Hours: 25 hours (over 4 days)
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent

Join Pure Insight and make a real difference to young care leavers’ lives.

At Pure Insight, we’re passionate about supporting young people leaving children’s homes and foster care (care leavers) aged 16–28. We help them develop the skills, connections, and sense of belonging they need to thrive as independent adults.

As we continue to grow across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, we are excited to recruit a part-time Emotional and Mental Health Wellbeing Worker to support our Cheshire East team.

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• Support young people aged 18–25 to understand and manage the emotional and mental health impacts of trauma.
• Deliver one-to-one and group interventions focusing on emotional safety, self-regulation, and resilience building.
• Develop individual emotional wellbeing plans and provide practical support to access health services.
• Provide trauma-informed training to upskill staff and volunteers within Pure Insight and wider social care services.
• Advocate for young people, liaising with other professionals and agencies to meet their mental health needs.
• Manage referrals into our Fast Track Trauma Counselling service.
• Create social spaces, including blog and social media contributions, to promote peer connection and mental health awareness.
• Safeguard and protect the wellbeing of the young people you support, following Pure Insight’s safeguarding policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Is experienced in working with young people affected by trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
• Has a trauma-informed approach to care and support.
• Can confidently deliver emotional wellbeing support both one-to-one and in groups.
• Can build trusting relationships with young people and professionals.
• Is organised and able to manage their own caseload.
• Understands the challenges facing young people in or leaving care.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young people.

What We Offer

• A friendly, supportive and fun working environment
• Flexible working options
• Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement:
• 24 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Increases to 26 days after 2 years, and 27 days after 5 years
• Additional day off for your birthday

REF-225 299

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that strengthens the capacity of the Global South to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that the Global South should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

This is a unique opportunity to inform conversations on SRM in Africa. Rather than lobbying for outcomes, Degrees aims to support informed, independent policymaking by fostering connections between researchers and policymakers and strengthening institutional expertise. Degrees promotes regional research, creates spaces for policy-science dialogue, and supports the dissemination of Global South research.

Responsibilities

The Policy and Engagement Manager, Africa will strengthen the voice of the Global South in discussions and potential negotiations on SRM research and governance with relevance to Africa by connecting experts to policy processes. Accordingly, the successful candidate will: 

• Identify and engage key policy actors (e.g. national delegates and legislators, scientific advisors, intergovernmental officials) in Africa, connecting them to local SRM experts and providing them with information, where appropriate, while remaining neutral regarding the potential use and governance of SRM;
• Work with SRM researchers from the region to support the ongoing development of a coordinated community of experts; 
• Build informal and formal partnerships with like-minded organisations, helping to inform discussions and counter misinformation about climate and SRM.
• Share expertise and experience gained from Africa with staff and researchers and participate, as appropriate, in activities in Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean to gain similar expertise;
• Identify the most impactful international forums and regional SRM discussions, and work to connect local experts into these; 
• Identify a core group of researchers interested in policy engagement, and facilitate and join their participation in governance fora such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNFCCC COP, UN Environment Assembly, and meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
• Support the execution and coordination of the Degrees policy engagement strategy in collaboration with other policy and programmatic staff; 
• Contribute to budgeting and alignment with programmes;
• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities by contributing to tracking, documentation, and reporting of policy engagement outcomes;
• In cooperation with the communications staff, ensure the development of clear, contextualised briefing materials for policy makers and other audiences. 

About the Foundation
We’re an independent charitable foundation funded by Lloyds Banking Group. We work in partnership with small and local charities, people and communities, changing lives and working towards a more just and compassionate society.

This is an exciting time to join Lloyds Bank Foundation. We are coming to the end of our strategy period and under the leadership of a new CEO, we are developing and rolling out our new strategy, brand and values. We believe this will enable us to turbocharge our work, allowing us to have an even bigger impact to create social change and cohesion and ensuring people in England and Wales are in a good place.

About the Programme
The Foundation has been awarded a £2.1m grant by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) to deliver a pilot as part of its Grant Holder Support programme. This pilot, Investing in the Power of Civil Society (IIPCS), will support up to 640 charities across the Northwest, Southwest of England and Yorkshire and Humber.

Delivered in partnership with eight organisations — IVAR, Groundwork UK and local trusts, CAST, The School for Social Entrepreneurs, NCVO, Voice4Change England, the AVOCADO Foundation and Access (advisory) — the pilot will offer diagnostic-led, tailored and relational support to help organisations strengthen their work.

Support will focus on resilience, environmental impact, readiness for AI and digital technology, enabling participating charities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. With a strong emphasis on equity and access, the pilot is designed to ensure organisations of all sizes and backgrounds can benefit.

We will be using a test-and-learn approach — trying out new ways of supporting charities, learning from what works and what doesn’t, and using those insights to improve future programmes. This approach will help shape NLCF’s future support for both grant holders and grant seekers, strengthen the Foundation and partners’ own development practice, and contribute to wider learning across the sector.

About the Role

As Programme Lead, you’ll have overall responsibility for the successful delivery of this ambitious and collaborative pilot. You’ll lead a multi-partner consortium, oversee a £2.1m budget, and ensure that up to 640 charities receive high-quality, equitable support.

You’ll manage delivery, governance, performance, and learning, while championing a test-and-learn approach that generates insights for the Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the wider sector. You’ll also lead a small team and play an active role in the Foundation’s leadership group.

This is a strategic and hands-on role for someone who thrives in complexity, values collaboration, and is passionate about strengthening small and local charities.

The Benefits

• Salary of £56,501 per annum (FTE)
• There is flexibility as to where this role is based; however, regular travel to London and across England will be required, with some overnight stays
• A further list of benefits can be found here on the Lloyds Bank Foundation website. 

About You
You are an experienced programme leader with a strong track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in the charity, social or funding sectors. You bring a deep understanding of the voluntary sector, particularly the needs of small and community-led organisations.

You are confident managing partnerships, budgets, and governance structures, and skilled at translating strategy into delivery.

You are a collaborative leader who can inspire and support a team, while championing equity, learning, and continuous improvement.

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• Proven experience leading complex programmes or partnerships with accountability for delivery, budget, risk, and reporting.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in programme design and delivery.
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborative delivery models.
• A solid understanding of how to support and develop small and community-led organisations.
• Excellent people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Confidence in representing programmes externally and influencing funders or decision-makers.

Experience with test-and-learn approaches, diagnostic tools, or equity-led programme design would be an advantage.

We are hoping for an immediate start for the position or as soon as possible thereafter.

So, if you’re looking to make a meaningful impact as a Programme lead, please apply via the button shown. 

• The deadline for applications is Sunday 7th December at 23:30
• Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held online on Friday 19th December.

Job Purpose:

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme in Manchester and Trafford, with a focus on women coming into contact with the police and women being released back into the community following a period on remand, providing trauma-informed specialist support to improve housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

About the Foundation

We’re an independent charitable foundation funded by Lloyds Banking Group. We work in partnership with small and local charities, people and communities, changing lives and working towards a more just and compassionate society.

This is an exciting time to join Lloyds Bank Foundation. We are coming to the end of our strategy period and under the leadership of a new CEO, we are developing and rolling out our new strategy, brand and values. We believe this will enable us to turbocharge our work, allowing us to have an even bigger impact to create social change and cohesion and ensuring people in England and Wales are in a good place. 

About the Programme

The Foundation has been awarded a £2.1m grant by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) to deliver a pilot as part of it's Grant Holder Support programme. This pilot, Investing in the Power of Civil Society (IIPCS), will support up to 640 charities across the Northwest, Southwest of England and Yorkshire and Humber . 

Delivered in partnership with eight organisations — IVAR, Groundwork UK and local trusts, CAST, The School for Social Entrepreneurs, NCVO, Voice4Change England, the AVOCADO Foundation and Access (advisory) — the pilot will offer diagnostic-led, tailored and relational support to help organisations strengthen their work.

Support will focus on resilience, environmental impact, readiness for AI and digital technology, enabling participating charities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. With a strong emphasis on equity and access, the pilot is designed to ensure organisations of all sizes and backgrounds can benefit.

We will be using a test-and-learn approach — trying out new ways of supporting charities, learning from what works and what doesn’t, and using those insights to improve future programmes. This approach will help shape NLCF’s future support for both grant holders and grant seekers, strengthen the Foundation and partners’ own development practice, and contribute to wider learning across the sector.

About the Role

As Relationship Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering this new, collaborative pilot programme. You’ll be the key point of contact for grant holders referred into the programme, guiding them through a diagnostic process, co-creating tailored development plans, and connecting them with the right support.

You’ll also work closely with National Lottery Community Fund Funding Officers, helping them make confident and effective referrals. Your work will ensure that learning from these relationships directly informs the future design of the programme and how the UK’s largest non-statutory community funder supports small charities.

This is a highly relational role that requires empathy, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the voluntary sector.

The Benefits 

• Salary of £48,240 per annum (FTE)
• There is flexibility as to where this role is based; however, regular travel to London and across England will be required, with some overnight stays
• A further list of benefits can be found on the Lloyds Bank Foundation website. 

About You

You are passionate about supporting small and local charities and have a strong understanding of the challenges they face. 

You bring experience of working directly with organisations to identify development goals, build capacity, and improve service delivery.

You are a confident relationship-builder, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders—from charity leaders to funders and delivery partners. You are organised, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• Strong knowledge of the voluntary sector, particularly small and local charities.
• Experience supporting organisations through capacity-building or development work.
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills, both in-person and virtually.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills.
• Confidence using CRM systems and digital tools.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Experience working in partnerships or consortia, or familiarity with test-and-learn approaches, would be a bonus.

So, if you’re ready to bring your expertise to a collaborative, test-and-learn programme as a Relationship Manager, please apply via the button shown. We are hoping for an immediate start for the position or as soon as possible thereafter. 

• The deadline for applications is Sunday 7th December at 23:30. 
• Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held online on Thursday 18th December.

We are seeking a passionate and committed Young People Support Worker to help young care leavers build confidence, independence and brighter futures.

Position: Young People Support Worker – Salford, Eccles

Salary: £27,136 per year plus pension and benefits

Location: Salford

Hours: 37.5 per week on average - varied shifts based on young people’s needs

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 14th December 2025

About the role

In this rewarding role, you will provide practical and emotional support to young people aged 16 and over as they move towards independent living. You’ll build trusted relationships, help them develop life skills, and guide them through key transitions including leaving care, managing a tenancy and accessing education, training or employment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a caseload of young people and delivering personalised support plans

• Carrying out risk assessments and maintaining accurate case records

• Supporting young people to build resilience, life skills and independence

• Providing one to one and group support sessions

• Encouraging engagement in education, training, volunteering or work

• Working closely with local partners and statutory services

• Ensuring safeguarding and emergency procedures are always followed

• Helping new residents settle into their accommodation

• Supporting meaningful activities and positive social opportunities

• Maintaining a safe environment for young people, staff and visitors

This is a varied role that may include daytime, evening, weekend or occasional night work depending on the needs of the young people you support.

About you

We’re looking for someone empathetic, reliable and genuinely motivated to help young people achieve their goals.

We are looking for:

• Experience of working with young care leavers

• An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse, those that are care experienced

• A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

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

• Personal and professional integrity

• Ability to prioritise and manage your own time

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

• Effective collaborative working

About the organisation

You’ll be joining a service dedicated to preventing homelessness and helping young people build the skills and resilience they need to live independently. The team provides structured support in the community and works closely with local partners to ensure young people have every opportunity to thrive. Full induction, ongoing training and regular reflective practice are provided to help you succeed in your role.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Leaving Care Worker, Young Persons Advisor, Youth Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Outreach Support Worker, Progression Coach, etc.

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with key stakeholders
• Has experience of supporting the wellbeing of caring professionals, ideally with those in Christian ministry
• Is familiar with the Anglican diocesan structures and culture
• Is a strategic thinker with experience in partnership development
• Shares our vision to see flouishing clergy

This newly created role within St Luke's is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Smith Foundation to develop our wellbeing programmes over the next three years. The Associate Director will engage with dioceses and individual clergy as they explore and embed our wellbeing programmes. 

The post holder will represent St Luke's and our Christian ethos within senior diocesan teams and help shape and deliver our strategic vision for flourishing clergy. This role will support the advancing clergy reflection programme and support dioceses, other networks and communities and Theological Educational Institutions in establishing wellbeing practices.

The role is home based with travel around the UK as required. There will be a requirement to be in London at least once a month for team meetings. 

This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practicing Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The role involves representing and upholding the Christian ethos of St Luke’s in both internal leadership and external engagement.

Please see job pack for more information.