Independent mental capacity advocate jobs

DRIVE Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Location: Preston & Lancaster Community Services

Salary: £30,200.00PA FTE

Contract Type: Permanent

Please note, this is an on-site role only. Due to the nature of our Refuges and Outreach services, it is essential that our teams are present and accessible, enabling us to provide safe, responsive and high-quality support to those who need us most.

This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 

About Safenet

We provide domestic abuse services across the Northwest of England, including refuges for women and children, safe houses for men, community support, and extra support for those facing addiction, mental health, or other issues.

We understand the serious impact domestic abuse can have, especially on health and wellbeing, and provide support and guidance to help survivors live safely and securely.

Safenet is part of the Calico Group. Here’s what makes The Calico Group unique: each of our specialist companies collaborates and innovates together to have a greater impact than they could alone.

Our shared vision, flexible group structure, and expanding range of services help us adapt to the fast-changing environment and times in which we work.

“A future where everyone can live safe, happy and healthy lives free from abuse, violence and exploitation in their homes, streets and communities.”

About the role

An exciting oppurtunity has arisen within Safenet Lancashire Community Outreach team for a DRIVE Independent Domestic violence Advisor supporting High risk victims of domestic abuse in the community.

Using your experience of delivering support to victim of domestic abuse, you will provide high quality and pro-active front line service helping to keep survivors safe. You will be assessing risk, completing safety and support plans, and ensuring the service offer is accessible and inclusive to all.

We are looking for high calibre, passionate, caring individuals who are excellent team players and are committed to providing high quality, trauma informed services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. 

For further details about the roles, please refer to the relevant role profile.

What we are looking for

We welcome applicants from a range of relevant backgrounds; direct refuge experience is not essential, but you do need to bring credibility, confidence and compassion from related fields.

You might come from:

• Substance misuse or addiction recovery services
• Trauma‑informed women’s services
• Mental health or psychologically informed environments (PIE)
• Housing or supported accommodation with complex needs

You will bring

We believe in recruiting for potential as well as experience. Our ideal candidate will have:

Essential:

• Twelve months experience of working with adults experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
• Have a good understanding of the impacts of the abuse on adults and children.
• Experience of working with adults in a crisis situation.
• Strong Communication skills.
• Experience of key working, completing risk assessments and safety plans, creating support plans, delivering support, in a person-centred and trauma informed approach.
• Proven experience of providing direct emotional, practical and welfare support to women, men and children.
• Ability to build effective relationships, liaising and with agencies and being an advocate.
• To have excellent time management and organisational skills working on own initiative and within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• An in depth Understanding of safeguarding adults and children.

Essential Core Skills  

Health & Safety Awareness 

All our employees are required to work in a safe way, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and keep themselves, other colleagues and customers safe.  You will be expected to update your knowledge and skills on Health & Safety if successful in your application.  

Safeguarding 

We work with adults and children who may be ‘at risk’ and expect colleagues to work in a way which protects the people we support from harm.  Our colleagues are expected to identify people ‘at risk’ and confidently report any Safeguarding concerns as appropriate within the service. 

Digital 

Across our services, we use a range of technology and systems and expect colleagues to use them effectively and safely following cybersecurity and data protection principles (UK GDPR).  Full training on specific systems is provided but a willingness to learn and develop is essential. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) 

The Calico Group welcomes diversity and champions the rights of those in society who may be marginalised.  Our employees are expected to be inclusive, embracing those from different backgrounds to develop a fairer society. 

If you share our values and are ready to grow through continuous learning, development, and the support of a dedicated team, we want to hear from you! 

What’s in It for You?

At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits:

• Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants.
• Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.
• Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active.
• Pension Options – with employer pension contributions.
• Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances.
• Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs.
• Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.
• Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access.
• One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings.
• Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career.

And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now to complete your application online.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

SafeNet is working towards Equal Opportunities for all and actively encourages applications from disabled, ethnic minority and LBGTQI+ women who are under-represented.  SafeNet is a Registered Charity No. 1091544 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3860803. 

Inclusive Hiring at Calico 

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies. 

Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with Maudsley Charity to recruit an External Affairs and Influencing Manager.

A hugely exciting new role within the Communications team at the charity, the postholder will work across media, external affairs and influencing to engage with key stakeholders, boost the charity's profile, and promote learning and adoption of the solutions the organisation funds. You will be responsible for sharing evidence and learning in order to influence the people who fund, adopt and commission mental health care and services, and will work closely with the CEO to increase engagement with policy work which the Maudsley Charity undertakes through it's work in coalitions.

External Affairs and Influencing Manager
Contract: Full time, permanent role
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid role between home and London office, with two days per week in the Denmark Hill office
Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 28th July

First round interviews will be held remotely on: Thursday 13th August
Second round interviews will be held in person on: Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August

About Maudsley Charity

Maudsley Charity funds and supports clinical, academic, and community partners to ensure that everyone experiencing mental illness can access the right care, while using insights from their work to drive wider improvements across the UK.

Recognising the profound impact of mental illness and the inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes - particularly those linked to social deprivation and racism - the organisation focusses on addressing gaps in care.

With an approach that combines evidence, lived experience, and a commitment to equity, the organisation backs impactful, evidence-based solutions, ensuring services are shaped by real-world insight, and prioritising support for those most underserved to drive improvements that benefit all.

About the role

This is a core role within the organisation's influencing strategy, and your primary responsibilities will include:

External Affairs & Influencing:

• Develop and deliver influencing plans to promote adoption of effective mental health care initiatives being funded by the charity
• Develop productive relationships with key stakeholders (journalists, NHS trust leaders, ICBs, ICSs, VCSE orgs) to gather intelligence and shape strategy to inform the charity's positioning
• Lead the charity's thought leadership development providing strategic advice to senior leadership on political, NHS and mental health policy developments
• Strengthen the charity's role in mental health policy and advocacy coalitions, by contributing to collaborative advocacy, media and communications outputs
• Lead the charity's response to government mental health care consultations and calls for evidence
• Monitor funder sector trends and conversations, and actively seek out opportunities for the charity to strategically engage and influence by sharing learning from its grant making practice

Media management

• Develop and implement integrated external affairs campaigns that support the charity's influencing work
• Create persuasive materials, including press releases, op-eds, spokespeople briefings, comment pieces, and digital content and pitch to relevant outlets
• Maintain and grow relationships with journalists, broadcasters and sector media to secure relevant high-quality coverage of the charity's activities, grant holders and their projects
• Act as first point of contact for media enquiries, managing proactive and reactive press activity
• This role is expected to grow and develop and the postholder will be fully supported from across the organisation as the position evolves, within an organisation that offers a friendly, values led culture.

We would love to hear from individuals with the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable track record of developing and implementing successful influencing strategies in the mental health sector
• Experience of stakeholder management within mental health care, including NHS Trust leaders, Integrated Care Boards, commissioners and senior clinicians, and with academics and researchers
• Strong experience in media relations, including briefing senior spokespeople, drafting press releases, media handling, and securing media coverage with a good understanding of the needs and expectations of different outlets and publications
• Keen understanding of the NHS, mental health policy landscape, and the related environment, key stakeholders and sector drivers
• Understanding of the key components and considerations of successful external affairs media and influencing
• Understanding of the sensitivities around mental illness, including working in an empathetic manner with people with lived experience
• Understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles and a commitment to apply them in your work and as an organisation
• Influencing skills including confidence and credibility in working with stakeholders,
• Communication skills and the ability to produce clear and effective communications and the ability to confidently and accurately represent the organisation externally
• Written and editorial skills including the ability to craft narratives for different external audiences and communicate the charity's work in press releases, articles, policy briefs

How to apply

Maudsley Charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds. We welcome applications from non-graduates.

Applications are managed via Charity People and involve a structured, anonymised process focusing on your experience and potential. Please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance.

Please see full job pack and job description attached.

We held an 'Ask Us Anything' Webinar via Zoom on Thursday 16th July where the Maudsley staff answered some questions. Please contact us to receive the recording link if you think you might find this helpful.

Equal Opportunities monitoring

We ask that applicants complete our DEI monitoring form when submitting their CV for this role.

Maudsley Charity is an equal opportunities employer, and makes no discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sex. Specifically, we will also oppose unfair discrimination of those with mental health issues.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Community Builder (Community Development) – Leeds 

People-focused community engagement role supporting the armed forces community to connect, collaborate and lead local change

Salary: Up to £33,995 per annum   

Location: Remote in Leeds with travel within the UK. See the “Please Note” section below for further details.

Contract Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a COMMUNITY BUILDER to join our Community Development team, working to support local veterans to take an active role in their communities. 

This is a hands-on, relationship-led role focused on bringing people together, building trust, and enabling community-led action. You will work with veterans, local residents, community groups and organisations to strengthen connections and create opportunities for people to participate, contribute and thrive. 

If you are passionate about community engagement, relationship building, and supporting people to create positive local change, we would love to hear from you. 

About The Role  

As a Community Builder, you will work with members of the Armed Forces Community, particularly those who may face barriers to participation or engagement. 

This role may also be described in other organisations as a Community Development Officer or Community Engagement Officer. 

A Community Builder is a relationship-led professional who brings people together, builds trust, strengthens local networks and supports communities to take action on the things that matter most to them. 

In this role, you will be actively visible and present within your local community, building trusted relationships and supporting conversations that help people connect and collaborate. 

You will facilitate conversations with veterans, local residents and community groups to understand local strengths, interests and priorities. You will connect people with shared interests and ideas, helping to build collaboration and encourage community-led action. You will support community ideas to develop into practical activities, projects and opportunities, and you will work with local organisations and partners to strengthen community networks. 

This role brings together community engagement, facilitation and partnership working to create meaningful, long-term impact. 

What a Typical Two Weeks Might Look Like 

Community Development is a flexible role shaped by the needs of local people and communities, with some evening and weekend working required. 

To help you understand how the role operates in practice, we’ve included an example two-week working pattern attached. 

Please note this is for illustration only and will vary depending on community needs and priorities. 

About You  

We are looking for someone who is motivated by working with people and passionate about helping communities connect and thrive. 

You may already have experience in community development, or come from a background such as housing, social care, education, youth work or the wider charity sector. What matters most is your ability to build trusted relationships, engage people effectively and support collaboration that leads to positive change. 

You will be an excellent communicator, able to build trust, inspire action and work effectively with a wide range of people and organisations. You will also be comfortable working independently, managing a varied workload and developing strong working relationships across different groups.

We are looking for someone with:  

• A Community Development qualification and/or transferable Community Development skills and experience.

• An awareness of (or willingness to learn) Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) – an approach focused on building on the strengths, skills and connections already present in communities. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships that drive action.  

• A track record of successful collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders.  

• Effective and efficient organisational and IT skills. 

PLEASE NOTE:  

• The successful candidate will need to be based within a 30-minute commute of their allocated locality and there is a requirement to travel regularly across the wider area (travel expenses covered).  The successful candidate must possess a valid full UK driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle with business insurance for work purposes.  

• There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to other UK locations for meetings and events depending on the charity’s needs such as our annual all colleagues in person event.   

• The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week over 5 days, Monday - Sunday. Core working days will be Monday to Friday; however, flexibility is essential, as regular evening and weekend work will also be required to meet the needs of the role. Working hours will vary to ensure a total of 70 hours is covered over a two-week period, so please take this into consideration before applying.  

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check   

About the Team  

You’ll be joining a supportive and collaborative team of Community Development professionals working across local communities to build relationships, develop partnerships and support community-led activity. Community Development Managers and Community Builders work closely together, sharing learning and supporting each other to deliver meaningful local impact. 

Please see the job description for more details.  

In return we can offer you: 

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service -plus your birthday off to celebrate! 

• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year. 

• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade. 

• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.

• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member. 

Closing date: 23rd July 2026 

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Key Worker
Salary: £26,630 – £31,490 per annum depending on experience 
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent 
Location: HMP Birmingham 
Job reference number: 1739 

Cranstoun is an independent charity and leading provider of specialist treatment, harm reduction and recovery services to those affected by drug and alcohol use. This is an exciting opportunity to become a Key Worker within our high performing psychosocial drug and alcohol service in HMP Birmingham. 

We provide a range of services for those affected by drugs and alcohol. Our skilled and compassionate team work closely with people who use our services to change and save lives. We combine proven expertise in treatment and recovery with innovative approaches and actively involve those we help in improving the design of the services we provide. 

You will be based in our psychosocial team working with adult males (over 18 years old). You will be responsible for delivering a range of elements of our substance use work including case management, assessments, care planning, the delivery of one-to-one interventions to include harm reduction and motivational work, group work, and engagement support as well as other associated duties. You need to be committed to supporting people who use our services to make positive changes to prepare them for release into the community, and you will arrange continuity of care. You will work in collaboration with the clinical team and integrated working is a key element of this role. You will work within the prison setting and contribute towards the wider prison drug strategy.

Having experience of supporting people with complex health needs including substance use, you will bring knowledge and commitment to deliver drug and alcohol treatment. You will have a non-judgemental attitude and a desire to support the lives of people who use our services to be healthier and safer by delivering a high-quality service. 

Experience of working with drug and alcohol use is essential. You will be a competent communicator, with the ability to work independently and be comfortable and enthusiastic, both with the highlighted client group and working in partnership with other service providers. Previous experience or knowledge of working with individuals on opiate replacement treatment, and/or involved in the criminal justice system will be advantageous.

All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the link.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage. 

Closing date: 2nd August 2026.

Housing Management Worker (Floating)

This is an opportunity for someone compassionate and driven to make a real impact, supported by training and reflective practice.

Location: Middlesbrough (NE)

Salary: £26,436 per annum

Closing Date: 26 July, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Are you looking for a role where you can make a lasting impact? Join us and support people with complex needs to maintain their tenancies, build independence, and achieve the goals that matter most to them. You'll manage a caseload of clients, provide practical aand emotional support, and connect people with the services and opportunities they need to thrive.

We're looking for a proactive, relationship-focused professional with experience supporting vulnerable people, strong safeguarding awareness, and the confidence to manage both housing and support responsibilities. You'll work collaboratively with partners, promote positive outcomes, and help ensure safe, well-managed accommodation for our clients.

In return, you'll join an inclusive, values-driven organisation that believes in people's potential and invests in your development through training, support, and career growth opportunities.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role.

In this role, you will:

• To interview and assess clients to help sustain their settled accommodation.

• Following initial assessment to go through a programme of work with clients accepted to cover accommodation needs, independent living skills, support with work and learning and social and emotional issues.

• Support clients through a programme of regular visits. These may include support and advice, or more structured life-skills training as required.

• To be available to deal with clients who need help or advice, either by phone or on a drop-in basis.

• To create a package of support around the client, signposting where appropriate.

• To be available to represent Depaul UK at meetings concerning move-on accommodation and to provide updates to all professionals involved with the client.

• To co-ordinate and ensure a smooth transition when supported or alternative accommodation has been found.

• To keep clear and relevant records and statistics, and to ensure good communication with the project workers and project evaluators.

• To make a positive contribution to team meetings, case management meetings and contribute to any policy reviews and consultations.

• You will ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients in the service, including using Safeguarding and emergency alert procedures as applicable.

• You will advise all prospective or new tenants/residents of their rights and responsibilities under their tenancy/license agreement.

• You will be responsible for ensuring that repairs are undertaken to a high standard, within an appropriate time frame and represent value for money.

• You will be responsible for ensuring that accommodation units are well maintained.

• You will prepare short reports on arrears, voids and repairs for the service manager, DePaul’s central services and commissioner meetings as required.

• You will be responsible for ensuring that all common parts and grounds of Depaul managed properties are in good maintenance order and adhere to Depaul Health and Safety requirements.

• You will be responsible for maintain Health and Safety standards in the premises and a point of information for clients regarding Health and Safety.

• You will facilitate the fair allocation of letting accommodation in accordance with DePaul’s Policy and Procedures.

• You will maximize collections of rents and service charges and hold responsibility for the accurate reporting of rental income, voids, and allocations to DePaul’s finance team.

• You will consult with local Housing Benefit Teams, Social Service Departments, or other authorities regarding individual rental income claims.

• You will work proactively with keyworkers and clients to develop personal payment plans to support clients not to incur rental debt.

• You will be the first point of contact for landlord queries and contractors.

• You will support the resolution of disputes between occupants and/or neighbours.

• You will be responsible for the maintenance of records which support the efficient housing management e.g. repairs and maintenance, lettings, ASB etc.

• To work in a manner that promotes positive teamwork.

• To take part in a rota of staff cover for drop in and programmed sessions as required.

• Demonstrate a commitment to client involvement by advocating client involvement opportunities, for example by actively promoting the Voice of Depaul to clients and holding residents’ meetings.

About You

To conduct this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of experience, skills and competencies.

• A commitment to the ethos and values of Depaul including the organisation’s values, policies, and procedures.

• Able to work on own initiative but at same time able to exercise sound judgement in knowing when to consult with peers and clients to meet the service KPI’s.

• A clear understanding and ability to implement risk management, information sharing and data security arrangements.

• Awareness of and commitment to equal opportunity and diversity practise.

• Demonstrate ability to use IT to a level which will enable high quality reporting to be conducted.

• Experience of working with people who are categorized as high risk or have high needs or have complex needs such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence and offending behavior. (this list is not exhaustive)

• Knowledge of, or capacity and willingness to learn about housing management.

• Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and professional boundaries.

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

We're looking for an experienced and motivated fundraiser to build on our strong foundations, develop new opportunities, and help ensure that The Gatehouse can continue providing life-changing support to adults experiencing homelessness, poverty and exclusion. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a successful appointment is made.