Independent mental capacity advocate jobs

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for Advocates to join our team in the Perth, Kinross and Angus area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join and shape this service covering Perth, Kinross and Angus.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 15 June 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We are looking for an Advocate to join our team in the Inverclyde area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join and shape this service covering Inverclyde Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Benefits  

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service  

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)  

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc  

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

Support with continuous professional development  

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development   

Personal Development Plans  

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.  

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).   

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.  

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options. 

How to apply 

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account on our website. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.  

Important Dates: 

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 22 June 2025 however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

1-1 Advocacy Team Leader

Brighton and Hove Speak Out is an innovative advocacy charity. We support people with learning disabilities to have a voice and choice and control over their lives by providing a range of advocacy services and community projects.

About the role

This is an opportunity to join our charity in the role of 1-1 Advocacy Team leader.

You will be responsible for leading our 1-1 advocacy team, supporting a small team of advocates to deliver a range of advocacy to adults and young people with learning disabilities.

You will oversee delivery of casework, referral management and monitoring, ensuring Speak Out advocates provide high quality support within a framework of good advocacy practice.

You will also hold a case load supporting people across the service to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

Our 1-1 advocacy service is tailored to meet individual needs, offering the following support:

· Community issue advocacy - advocacy cases cover a range of issues, including accessing social care and health services, housing issues, wellbeing and relationships.

· Specialist advocacy – support for parents with learning disabilities going through child protection proceedings and for young people with learning disabilities in transition to adulthood.

· Statutory advocacy – advocacy case work under the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act (RPPR)

· Drop-in advocacy service - immediate, short term 1-1 advocacy is available during weekly drop-in sessions at our central base in Brighton

For more information about Speak Out and the services we offer please visit our website 

Professional Development

You will have plenty of opportunities to develop in your role, through ongoing training opportunities, support and supervision. As Team leader you are expected to hold the Level 4 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with specialisms in suitable for the role undertaken.

Benefits to you

· Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance.

· Holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus bank holidays 

· Flexible hybrid working 

· 3% employer pension contribution 

· Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing support package) 

· Committed to training and learning opportunities for continuous development 

· A strong sense of purpose knowing your work makes a real impact 

Equality and Diversity

Speak Out is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes, values and celebrates diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community and treat all on a basis of equality. We support all staff to meet their potential in their role. 

How to Apply

An application pack and more information about Speak Out can be found on our website:

All successful applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications:  Monday 9th June, 12.00 noon

Interview date:  Friday 20th June 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Make a real difference in the lives of asylum seekers!
Join New Citizens’ Gateway as an Outreach Support Officer and help deliver vital frontline support to people living in London hotels. You’ll be part of a passionate team working to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and empower individuals on their journey toward integration and independence.

We offer a supportive working environment with excellent benefits including:

• 6% employer pension contribution

• 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

New Citizens’ Gateway (NCG) is an independent, registered charity working in partnership with individuals and agencies to improve the quality of life for refugees and asylum seekers. Our aim is to reduce health inequalities, combat social exclusion and poverty, and support integration and independence.

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Outreach Support Officer to join our small, friendly, and dedicated team. This role will focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred support to asylum seekers, particularly those currently accommodated in hotels across London.

This is a key position within NCG and will play a vital role in supporting our advice team to deliver an efficient, effective, and holistic support service tailored to the complex needs of asylum seekers and refugees.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Direct experience of supporting asylum seekers and refugees

• Strong knowledge of the asylum support system and the challenges faced by individuals in the asylum process

• An understanding of available resources and services that support asylum seekers and how to access them

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

• A flexible and proactive approach with the capacity to manage a varied workload

• Fluency in a community language is an advantage

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 16 June 2025 
First-round interviews: Wednesday 25 June 2025 (London) 

Be a part of a collective and supportive team by joining the London District.

Our Faith Rooted Community Organiser (FRCO) will help support existing churches and new Christian communities (NPNPs) across London, to make connections as part of their discipleship and core mission to be growing, inclusive, evangelistic and justice-seeking.

This is an exciting role working with our circuits, pioneers and local leaders to seed and ‘normalise’ an organising culture in London. We value independent thinkers, working on your own initiative, but also those who can work collaboratively with a team, to share, grow and develop ideas dynamically with others.

Why work with us?
A brilliant central office in Westminster, ability to work remotely, great (supportive) colleagues, flexible working, learning and development opportunities, pay, pensions and generous down time, committed to equality diversity and inclusion, and, did we mention the great colleagues?

Take a look at the job description. If this is for you, complete an application form, or give us a shout with any questions about the role.

We're also recruiting a New Places for New People (NPNP) District Lead to work alongside this role. Check out that role on Charity Jobs too.

Are you passionate about supporting refugees and asylum seekers through meaningful, holistic services? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team delivering frontline advice and support?

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Advice Team Manager to lead our advice services for refugees and asylum seekers. You will oversee our outreach activities, legal clinics, and practical support work across London, ensuring our clients receive high-quality, empowering services tailored to their needs.

We offer a supportive working environment with excellent benefits, including:

• 6% employer pension contribution
• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

You’ll need:

• Strong management experience in advice or support services
• A deep understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers
• Excellent communication, organisational, and case management skills
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality service provision

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, while shaping a vital service within a supportive and mission-driven organisation.

ABOUT INQUEST

Founded in 1981, INQUEST is the only charity providing expertise on state related deaths and their investigation to bereaved people, lawyers, advice and support agencies, the media and parliamentarians

Our specialist casework includes deaths in police and prison custody, immigration detention, mental health settings and deaths involving multi-agency failings or where wider issues of state and corporate accountability are in question, such as with Hillsborough and Grenfell.

INQUEST has a collaborative and integrated model of working, with opportunities for staff to engage in a range of work. We are a small organisation with a fast paced and engaging working environment. You can find more information on our website, particularly on our About Us, Campaigns, and Media Release webpages.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Casework Team provide specialist casework advice and support to bereaved families and individuals following a contentious death in custody and detention settings or through multi agency failings, requiring an inquest. You will be working alongside an experienced Casework Team, led by two Senior Caseworkers. You will have close contact with the Family Engagement Coordinator and with the Policy and Communications team.

The purpose of the role is to provide specialist advice to bereaved families facing an investigation and inquest process into a state related death; advising on the process immediately following a death, secure legal representation for families through the INQUEST Lawyers Group; liaise with external organisations, including lawyers, coroners and public bodies such as the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and the Independent Office for Police Conduct, work alongside the Communications Team on media engagement; and identify key cases and issues arising as part of INQUEST’s policy and campaigns work.

The successful candidate will have experience of casework and advice provision, preferably in inquest law and related investigations. They will be expected to identify themes and trends arising from cases and contribute to the organisations strategic work. In addition, they will be required to organise stakeholder meetings and represent INQUEST at external meetings.

They will possess outstanding communication and organisation skills, will enjoy working in a very fast paced environment, and will adhere to INQUEST’s values and commitment to social justice, as well as our commitment to tackling racism and discrimination.

INQUEST works with families from all sections of the community, including many families from Black, racialised and other underrepresented communities. We believe our staff team should reflect the makeup of the families we work with, and therefore actively encourage applications from people from these communities

Be a part of a collective and supportive team by joining the London District.

Our NPNP (New Places for New People) District Lead will help begin and grow new Christian communities (NPNPs) across London, especially with and among people experiencing poverty.

This is an exciting role working with our circuits, pioneers and local leaders to inspire vision, and discover New Places for New People. We value independent thinkers, working on your own initiative, but also those who can work collaboratively with a team, to share, grow and develop ideas dynamically with others.

Why work with us?

A brilliant central office in Westminster, ability to work remotely, great (supportive) colleagues, flexible working, learning and development opportunities, pay, pensions and generous down time, committed to equality diversity and inclusion, and, did we mention the great colleagues?

Take a look at the job description. If this is for you, complete an application form, or give us a shout with any questions about the role.

We're also recruiting a Faith-Rooted Community Organiser (FRCO) to work alongside this role. Check out that role on Charity Jobs too.

As our Befriending Service Coordinator, you will lead the further development and coordination of our befriending offer, working closely with volunteers and service users. Your work will help provide a supportive, connected service enabling those at risk of isolation to feel connected and engaged with others.

Our broader offer includes a range of services with tailored support through holistic understanding of those who seek our support. Please see our website for our range of services.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the delivery of our individually tailored befriending service, supporting clients to reconnect to community and reduce isolation.
• Work with the other teams to support your clients in accessing our wider services and support, including social activities.
• Build strong partnerships with local groups and services across health, social care and the voluntary sector.
• Use and support the team of existing befriending linked volunteers and develop further recruitment and training as needed.

Who you are:
You have experience working in older people services or the voluntary sector, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by older people. You’re proactive, organised, and passionate about delivering person-centred support that makes a real difference.

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, caring team committed to practical, person-centred support for older people both through groups and as individuals. This is a unique chance to shape a growing service and improve the quality of life for older people in your community.

Closing date for applications: 30 June 2025 at 9am. Interview dates: week beginning 30 June 2025. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in local communities? Are you committed to working with volunteers and offering compassionate support to people living with or affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?

As a Community Support Coordinator, you will play a key role in delivering and integrating our Community Support Volunteer service. You'll work closely with volunteers, health and social care professionals, and local partners to ensure people living with and affected by MND receive high-quality, accessible, and inclusive support.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Community Support Co-ordinator, you will:

• Lead a team of Community Support Volunteers, recruiting, supporting, and developing them to provide a high-quality service.
• Ensure that support is needs-led, inclusive, and enables personal choice and control.
• Offer guidance to volunteers handling complex care and support issues.
• Respond to enquiries and referrals, providing relevant information and signposting to appropriate services.
• Build strong relationships with care centres, networks, and local partners to integrate community support effectively.
• Support and develop volunteer branches and groups, ensuring they meet local needs and follow organisational policies.
• Identify gaps in care and support services and contribute to plans for improvement.
• Promote collaboration between volunteers, professionals, and people affected by MND to enhance service delivery.
• Facilitate learning and networking opportunities for volunteers.
• Support fundraising and awareness activities alongside colleagues.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service development.

About You:

In this role as a Community Support Co-ordinator, you will need experience in managing and supporting volunteers and an understanding of care and support services. You will be committed to delivering inclusive and person-centred support.

We're looking for someone with:

• Experience leading, managing, or coordinating volunteers, ideally in a not-for-profit setting.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• The ability to assess and respond to support needs in a person-centred way.
• Knowledge of care and support services across different sectors.
• Experience working with individuals at risk of harm and their families.
• An understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with individuals and partner organisations.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practices.
• The ability to prioritise tasks, plan effectively, and make autonomous decisions.
• Proficiency in using IT systems and applications.
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours when required.
• A full driving licence.

About Us:

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer:

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• Experience of leading, managing and/or coordinating self-managed groups of volunteers, ideally in a not-for-profit setting.
• Skills to identify, assess, and respond to support needs through a person-centred approach.
• Demonstrable understanding and delivery of care and support services in the statutory, private and/or voluntary sectors including value and challenges of volunteering.

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.
• We are happy to consider alternative application formats for those who find the online form challenging.

This is a home-based role covering the Thames Valley region. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact as a Community Support Coordinator and work with a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you!